Helvest MVC10 User Manual

Helvest
User Manual for the Helvest MVC10 converter

1. General product presentation

MV
1.1 MVC10 -USB converter
net
The MVC10 converter provides a connection between the
MVnet network and the computer in order to manage the
accessories on the miniature model railway.
The main functions of the MVnet network for which
connection to the computer is required are:
Programming of the boards in the MVnet network
•
(assigning the address, giving the name, setting the options of the accessories
such as the duration of the movement of the switches, etc.).
Management of the layout, during normal operation, using the various commonly
•
available software (Windigipet, Train Controller, Rocrail etc.).
These functions are performed via the LocHaus application, available for computers
running Windows, MacOS, Linux-Ubuntu and downloadable from helvest.ch.
One of MVnet's main innovations is precisely that it does not require a control unit. In
fact, for simple automations it can operate on its own, while for more elaborate
functions it connects directly to the computer without the need for cabling or
complicated operations.

1.2 The parts of the converter.

IThe product is similar to any device
that connects to the computer via USB.
Looking at figure 2, part 1 is the
normal connector that plugs into the
computer's USB sockets. Labels 2 and
3 show the LEDs that specify operation, terminal 4 is the connector to which the
MVnet is installed.

2. Electrical connections

2 3
PWRTXDRXD
1
MVC10
2.1 MV network connection
net
The MVnet network must be connected to terminal strip no. 4 in contacts A and B.
When connecting the network, a few simple rules must be observed:
Fig. 1
• The cable used must be a twisted pair: you can use the specific TWP10 cable
supplied by Helvest, or any twisted pair, as shown in the figure. This configuration
serves to minimise interference and give maximum reliability.
• The two wires of the pair must be
inserted into the two terminals A
and B. The boards on the MV100 board also have a terminal block with terminals A
and B. It is essential that all A terminals are connected together, and all B
terminals are connected together.
WARNING:
It is necessary that all terminals A in the network are connected to each
other and all terminals B are connected to each other. If even in one device the wires
are reversed, swapping the position of A and B, the entire network will not work.
The network can have neither deviations nor closed circuits: all boards must be
•
positioned in sequence, as in figure 4. It is preferable for the MVC10 converter to
be at one extremity of the network.
• The maximum number of cards that can be connected to an MVC10 converter is
100. However, several MV10 converters can be connected to the same computer,
so many thousands of accessories can be managed without problems.
Fig. 2
• There are no limitations on wire length for indoor use.
4
1 2
MVnet-USB MVC10 Converter - User Manual
3 4 5
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
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