Helvest
FleX Layout module AB400 - User Manual
WARNING:
It is imperative to connect on the same AB400 module wires coming
from the same control unit, or the same booster.
Connecting wires from different control units, or from different boosters, on the
same AB400 module may damage the control unit or the booster itself. This rule of
not connecting different digital sources together applies to any connection, even
without presence detection modules.
1.4 Mounting the board on the layout
ANext to the AB400 module, any other
layout module can be installed: e.g. a
module for switches, for signals, a second
AB400 module to control a total of 8
sections, etc. The complete board must be
mounted so that it does NOT touch any
element during operation. In particular, it
must not come into contact with any metal
material.
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 HP100 onto a wooden surface with the screws and spacers
provided. (figure). This must be done before inserting the AB400 module (if
additional boards have already been inserted, they can be removed gently without
any problems).
2. BOARD OPERATION
2.1 Normal operation
Once all connections have been made, power the board. The green LED no. (5) (fig.
3) indicates that the power supply is correct.
The LEDs at positions no. (3) and (4), numbered 1 to 4, indicate the presence in the
4 sections of the board. If there are no locomotives or vehicles drawing current, the
lights must be switched off.
By placing a locomotive or a current-consuming vehicle (such as an illuminated car,
a car with tail lights, etc.) on the corresponding track section, the LED lights up.
Train presence data is sent to the network via the MVnet module. This data can be
processed by the computer or other boards as required.
2.2 Current flow and protection
Each section holds a maximum absorption of 2A, which is plenty for common model
railway applications.
In the event of a short circuit, the control unit itself or the power supply unit takes
care of disconnecting the current.
WARNING:
Never power the track with devices that are not short-circuit
protected! This rule is independent of the use of the AB400 module.
In any system, supplying power to the track with non-short-circuit-protected
devices can seriously damage your rolling stock and all connected equipment, as
well as present a fire risk.
2.3 Train detection
These sensors operate in both analogue and digital mode, and detect the presence of
the train in real time on the relevant section by noticing if a device is drawing current
on that section: a locomotive engine or its lights, or simply the decoder if the
locomotive is digital. In digital operation, the decoder is detected even if no other
devices are active (so even a stationary locomotive with its lights off).
Passenger cars or freight wagons are detected if they are equipped with something
that draws current, such as tail lights, interior lighting, or a decoder.
In the event of problems, such as some vehicles becoming uncoupled while running
or if the locomotive stops due to a lack of electrical contact, it is important that the
situation is also detected by the sensors.
For this reason, it is advisable to always protect both ends of the train, so that the tail
vehicle, if it is not illuminated or does not have its lights on, is also detected.
Fig. 4
