FAQ:Muting a QSI Decoder

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General information
DCC Categories	Multifunction Decoder
Related Articles: Multifunction Decoder Troubleshooting Functions
Manufacturers	QSI Solutions

Muting a QSI decoder requires several steps, using function F9 on the throttle.

Press F9 twice to sequentially enter the following modes:^[1]

Disconnect: Locomotive switches to Neutral. As in the prototype, where the traction motors are disconnected from their power source, the locomotive will not move with the prime mover idling. Changing the throttle causes a change in engine RPMs, but your model will not move. Diesels will switch to Low Idle sounds, steam locomotives and electric motors, they will appear to be completely inactive except for cab and number Board lighting, air compressor and blower / fan sounds.
Standby Mode:
1. All lights go out except number boards; engine goes to low idle speed. In Standby, the locomotive will not respond to the throttle or most function keys.^[2]
2. The three exceptions are
  1. F6, Start Up Function Key
  2. F8, Mute Key
  3. F10. Status Key
Total Shutdown
1. Various sounds will be heard, such as the handbrakes being applied, and the engine will shut down. The locomotive will be silent at this point. ^[3]

Double pressing F6 at any time will return the multifunction decoder to normal operation.

Note: When in total shutdown the locomotive will be taken offline. It will remember this state next time the layout is powered up. This is also true for Disconnect and Standby modes.

When using DCC, power is on the rails at all times, and the multifunction decoder will sit idle awaiting a command. In this state they do not require much power, especially if the audio is muted.

Modes such as neutral confuse operators at times. The decoder responds but the locomotive will not move until the decoder receives an instruction to change to normal mode. If this happens, consult the manual for details. Some decoders may have a "brake" that must be released first.

Pressing F10 while in Neutral provides audio prompts, reporting its current Primary or Extended Address, Consist address (if part of a consist)^[4] and Disconnect, Standby or Shutdown modes.

When in motion, F10 reports locomotive speed. This can be configured to report BEMF and PWM values too. ^[5]

(Quantum DCC Ref Manual Ver 5.2.0)

↑ Double-clicking ensures that Shut Down stages are not entered or exited accidentally. Doubling-pressing is defined as two F9 presses within two seconds. Note that the F9 key may have to be pressed three times the first time you use it due to the command station and locomotive having different initial states for F9.
↑ Pressing a function key will only produce a Short Air Let-off.
↑ Total Shutdown can be remapped to another function key if desired, bypassing the other two stages. A double keypress will still be required.
↑ In a consist, all locomotives will simultaneously report their status when the F10 key is pressed unless disabled in CV 22.
↑ See CV 55.178.0.

[1] Double-clicking ensures that Shut Down stages are not entered or exited accidentally. Doubling-pressing is defined as two F9 presses within two seconds. Note that the F9 key may have to be pressed three times the first time you use it due to the command station and locomotive having different initial states for F9.

[2] Pressing a function key will only produce a Short Air Let-off.

[3] Total Shutdown can be remapped to another function key if desired, bypassing the other two stages. A double keypress will still be required.

[4] In a consist, all locomotives will simultaneously report their status when the F10 key is pressed unless disabled in CV 22.

[5] See CV 55.178.0.

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