Product selection tutorial

Assembling a DCC decoder with Helvest products is very simple. Simply choose the necessary modules and insert them into the connectors.

For now, the available modules allow you to compose DCC decoders with different functions. Other modules with new functions will gradually be put on the market.

What do you need to assemble the DCC decoder?

1) HP100 motherboard

The HP100 is the “brain” that manages the whole system, so it is indispensable for any configuration.

2) DCC100 or DCC100-E modul

The DCC100 is also indispensable, as it picks up the DCC signal coming from your control unit. It is available in two versions:

DCC100: the decoder is powered by DCC: that is, you just connect the DCC wires to the HP100 and the decoder is ready.

DCC100-E: allows you to read the DCC signal but the power for the decoder comes from another source: this is the recommended solution for larger layouts.
Learn more about decoder power supply in this article!

These two parts (HP100 and DCC100) are required for any configuration. You need to add one or two “layout” modules selected according to your needs.

3) Layout modules

On an HP100 board, you can insert only one Layout Module, or two identical modules, or two different modules. The wide versatility allows you to adapt to what you want to drive.
With two Layout Modules you can, for example, drive up to 8 different switches, or 4 switches and 4 signals. If you have fewer devices, you can drive only four using one module and save money.
The available modules are:

EMW400

With this module you can control up to 4 coils (also known as solenoids) to operate the turnouts. The solenoids must be suitable for digital operation (usually labelled as “low power consumption” or “DC operation”). This is the case for all modern solenoids on the market, from Roco* to Piko*, Fleischmann* to Peco* (but only PL-10W). If you have any doubts about your coils, please contact us.
The module is very powerful and requires no additional power elements: just connect your turnouts and you’re ready to go.

ES400

This module can drive up to:

  • 4 signals with red/green lights;
  • 2 signals with red/green/yellow lights;
  • 4 12V on/off lights;
  • 4 12V on/off motors (like a water pump, various animations, etc.)

GAW400

This module can drive up to 4 turnout motors “with 3 wires”, i.e. with common anode and driven by a 12V DC current. Some examples are:

  • “MTB”* MP1
  • “MTB”* MP5

KB800

Connect this module to an HP100 in combination with one of the others on its side.
Connect up to 8 buttons to KB800. This allows you to control the accessories managed by the other module either via DCC or through buttons.

SM400

With this module you can control up to 4 servo motors. Servo motors were originally developed for model aircraft, but are also popular for moving points, level crossing barriers and much more on model railways. They all have the same operating voltage (5V) and the same connector, so this module can control all servo motors that comply with the standard norm.

 
 

UPW400

This module can drive up to 4 turnout motors ”with two wires”, i.e. with polarity inversion. Some examples are:

  • “Conrad”* motors
  • “Fulgurex”* motors
  • “MTB”* MP5
  • “Tortoise”* and “Cobalt”* motors

* The names marked with an asterisk are trademarks of third parties and are the property of their respective owners

Is everything clear?

 

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Are you looking for the user manuals?

 

Download page

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