Helvest FleX EMW400 Turnout Coils Module User Manual
- June 9, 2024
- Helvest
Table of Contents
FleX Layout module EMW400
User manual
General product presentation
1.1 EMW400 module for turnout coils
The EMW400 board drives up to 4 electromagnetic coils (or solenoids) for model
railroading switches. Electromagnetically controlled coils are among the most
popular methods for turnout switching. The PL-10W motors from Peco, the from
Piko, the Roco-Line motors, the Fleischmann 640000 drives, and many others
move with this technology. The motors you use with this board must be
specifically designed for digital operation.
This is a “layout” module for the HP100 motherboard. It must be plugged into the specific “layout” connectors of the HP100 board and is automatically identified by it. To insert the module, turn off the HP100 card power, make sure the connectors are aligned and press lightly until the module is fully inserted into the slot.
1.2 Electrical Connections
All of the following operations must be carried out with the power supply
switched off.
The module automatically provides a DC voltage coming from the HP100 board and
suitable to drive most of the available turnout drives, as far as they are
designed to be powered by a digital decoder. With a few simple modifications
the module can be adapted for separate power supply (see DCC100 module
instructions).
The common pole (labeled with “1” in figure 2) is the same for all motors and
must be connected to terminal no. 1. Both inputs of the terminal can be used
for this connection.
The selection of movements depends on terminal block no. 2 in Fig. 2. The
wires relative to the two positions of the same turnout must be inserted in
the two outputs A and B. (e.g. 1A and 1B, or 2A and 2B and so on). To insert
the wire, strip it by about 5 mm, loosen the screw in the connector, insert it
into the housing and tighten the screw firmly.
Check the instructions of your motor/drive for the wires or contacts needed to
power it.
WARNING: NEVER supply accessories with other power sources when connected
to the EMW module, even when the EMW module is switched off!
1.3 Mounting the PCB on the layout
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 material.
For temporary installations, it can be placed on a non-flammable insulating
surface (plastic, glass, ceramic floor, etc…). For fixed layouts, mount it on
the structure by screwing the HP-100 onto a wooden surface with the screws and
spacers provided. (figure 3). This operation must be done before inserting the
EMW400 module (if additional cards have already been inserted, they can be
removed gently without any problems).
MODULE OPERATION
2.1 Normal operation
Once all connections have been made, power up the circuit board. Green LEDs 3
and 4 indicate that the power supply is correct.
The operation modes, switching time etc. are adjustable but they depend on the
installed “net” module, so check the instructions of your “net” module.
2.2 Current absorption and protection
The module supports actuators designed for digital operation. Older motors or
motors designed for other uses can absorb higher currents and therefore the
board does not drive them.
In any case, the module is equipped with protections against excessive current
consumption; if you use a motor that requires too much current, the module
does not get damaged but removes or reduces the power supply. After the
interruption, the module restores its normal functionality in a few seconds.
2.3 Sequence of motion of drives
The module executes the single commands in real time, i.e. as soon as they are
received. If several commands are sent simultaneously or in quick succession
to the same module, these are executed in sequence (ie it runs one motor at a
time in the order in which it received the commands).
On the one hand, this expedient increases realism (in reality, the exchanges
do not are operated at the same time) and on the other it avoids imbalances in
the absorption of current of the accessories avoiding that the electrical
system of the layout is subjected to overloads.
Drive Movement Sequence
The module executes the individual commands in real time, i.e. as soon as they
are received. If several commands are sent simultaneously or in rapid
succession to the same module, they are executed in sequence (i.e. it drives
one motor at a time in the order in which it received the commands).
On the one hand, this measure increases realism (in the real world, the
switches are not operated at the same time) and, on the other hand, it avoids
unbalances in the current absorption of the accessories, preventing the
electrical system of the layout from being overloaded.
Troubleshooting
To troubleshoot power/wiring issues, etc., please see troubleshooting of HP100 motherboard.
| Problem | Possible causes and solutions |
|---|
The module is plugged in but not
responding, and the power LEDs remain off.| If the HP100 board is powered
(green LED on the HP100), the module is inserted incorrectly. Check for
correct insertion.
The module is in contact with metal parts.
Module is plugged in, power LEDs are lit, but one or more motors do not move|
Check the correct connection of the motors and the insertion of the wires in
in the connectors.
There are problems with the address assigned to the board. See troubleshooting
the NET card.
The motor is not working properly. If necessary, try removing the contacts and
testing it with a separate power supply (battery, modeling AC transformer,
etc.). NEVER try the motor with an external power supply while this is
connected to the decoder!
For large installations, the power provided by DCC may not be sufficient. The
decoder must be powered by an external power source: see section 4.
The motor works but does not reach the end of its range| Check for mechanical
obstructions on the turnout blades or moving apparatus in general.
For large installations, the power provided by DCC may not be sufficient. The
decoder must be powered by an external power source: see section 4.
ADVANCED USE
(for experienced users)
4.1 External drive power supply
When the module is used with the DCC system, the turnouts draw power from
the DCC cables by default.
For large size layouts with a lot of accessories and thus many decoders, it
makes sense to supply the turnouts and signals with another power source.
For this purpose it is possible to modify the DCC100 module: The procedure is
explained in the DCC100 module manual in section 5.2.5. TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
Board Type:| Power module for solenoid model railroading motors,for HP100
motherboard
---|---
Power supply:| supplied by the motherboard.
Signalling LED:| presence of voltage, presence of accessory power supply.
Voltage supplied:| Voltage from DCC, rectified in double half-wave.
Max. rated current:| 2A for every actuator
Firmware HP100| >1.2
Instruction manual rev. 1.0 (2021).
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manual is only permitted with the express written consent of the manufacturer.
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