Helvest FleX HP100 User manual

Helvest FleX Motherboard HP100 - User Manual
Helvest® Flex HP100 user manual
1. GENERAL PRODUCT PRESENTAT ON
1.1 What is the Helvest Flex system?
The Helvest Flex system is designed to easily assemble electronic circuits for the
control of a model railroad. Decoders can be made to manage switches, signals and
other accessories, presence detectors, and other future developments.
The HP1 motherboard is the heart of the system. It manages a maximum of three
modules, automatically identifying them and activating their specific functions.
There are two types of modules:
- “net” module: it communicates with other units, with the digital control unit or with
the PC (e.g. it manages the DCC digital signal to control the switches, or
communication buses to report the presence of trains).
- “Layout" module: manages the devices present on the layout (for example it moves
the switches or receives the data from the sensors that detect the presence
of the trains).
The main advantages of the system are:
- You can configure it according to your needs by combining the additional modules
as you wish.
- It is extremely easy to make changes, modifications or updates to the modules.
- You can expand it with new modules that will be available in the future.
1.2 HP100 components
The main parts of the board are identified in Figure 2:
1) Area for " Layout " type module for connection to the layout.
2) Area for " Net " type module for communication with the digital
control panel, the PC or other boards.
3) Connectors for the insertion of
"Layout" modules
4) Connectors for the insertion of the
"Net" module.
5) Mounting holes
6) Power supply connector
8) Power LED.
2 HELVEST FLEX SYSTEM BAS C
OPERAT ONS
2.1 Mounting the board
The complete board must be mounted in such a way that it DOES NOT
touch anything during operation. In particular, it
must not come into contact with any metallic or
flammable materials.
For temporary installations, it can be placed on a
non-flammable insulating surface (plastic, glass,
ceramic floor, etc...).
For fixed layouts, it is recommended to mount it by
screwing the HP-1 onto the wooden structure with
the screws and spacers provided (fig. 3). This
operation must be done before inserting the
additional modules.
2.2 nstalling the additional modules
The installation of the additional modules must be carried out with the power supply
switched off.
You can install:
Fig. 1
Plastico
Layout HP100 Net
PC o centrale
digitale
Layout
Moduli Layout
Fig. 2
Power
Reset
1
12
layout module 1
layout module 2
net module
3
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
6
7
8
Fig. 3

Helvest FleX Motherboard HP100 - User Manual
- a single “Layout” module, in
any of the available slots;
- two identical “Layout” modules
with the same function
- two different “Layout” modules
with different functions.
It is possible to install only one
"net" module, which
communicates with the digital
control unit.
The system will automatically identify the inserted modules and their position,
activating the corresponding functions.
To insert the module, place it in the desired position being careful of the right
orientation, align the connectors and exert a slight pressure (fig. 4). To remove the
module, pull it out gently.
Check that all connectors are aligned with their respective sockets before inserting
them.
Never force the board connectors as this may damage them.
2.3 Electrical connections
The HP1 board can be powered by alternating or direct current between 7 and 16V
(commonly supplied by any transformer or power supply for model railway), or by
digital signal (DCC or other).
The power supply should be protected against short circuits. Protection is normally
included in all model railway power supplies.
If you want to use it as a decoder, the easiest thing is to supply it directly through
DCC.
To connect it to the power supply, loosen the screws in terminal no. 6 of figure 2,
strip the sheaths about .5 cm long and connect the two wires of the power supply to
the terminal as shown in figure 5. The two wires can be reversed without any
variation. Then tighten the screws firmly.
If the wire is very thin, fold it up as in figure 5 on the sleeve to ensure good contact.
Do all this with the power off.
Do not connect the board to voltages higher than those indicated or to
digital signals not expressly provided for model
railway! Connecting higher voltages can cause
irreversible damage to the card, serious risks to the
user and fire hazards.
Connecting auxiliary boards or circuits other than
those supplied officially may damage the product
and invalidate the warranty.
When the board is correctly powered, the green LED (no. 8 in fig. 2) lights up.
To connect the additional modules, refer to their manuals.
3 - TROUBLESHOOT NG
3.1 The most common problems
Problem Possible causes and solutions
The board does not light up (green LED
no. 8 does not light up)
Input cables (connector no. 6) are not
properly connected.
The board touches metal parts.
There is a short circuit in the rest of the
system (the control unit or power supply
have turned off).
There is a short circuit in the outputs of
the board (check the output of the layout
modules).
If the short circuit cannot be detected,
remove the layout modules one at a time,
and try again, to find out which module
the problem is in.
The Board does not perform the
functions of the installed modules.
The plug in of the modules is wrong.
Check the correct insertion.
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
+/- 5 mm
7 - 20 V C ~
7 - 16 V DC =
DCC/digital signal

Helvest FleX Motherboard HP100 - User Manual
The board touches some metal object.
4 F RMWARE UPGRADE AND SUPPORT
4.1 Firmware updates
The firmware version is shown on a
label on the bottom of the board (fig.6).
The add-on modules manuals contain
the firmware version required for its
operation. The firmware can be
updated if necessary.
4.2 Service and customer care
If you have any questions about the
products you can contact us via the form on the website www.helvest.ch, via email,
and via social networks.
In case of need for replacement or repair under warranty, please refer to the seller of
the product.
5. Technical Specifications
Power supply 7 - 16 V DC
1 - 2 V AC
Digital bus for model railroading
Max. current consumption (HP1 board only) 4 mA
Dimensions 1 x 8 mm
Operating temperature °C - 4 °C
User manual rev. 1. .1 (2 19).
All rights reserved. Copying, in whole or in part, of the contents of this manual is
only permitted with the express written consent of the manufacturer.
rmware version
1.2
Fig. 6