PCA9685 Servo Controller Board – Precision Control for Model Railways

Name: PCA9685 Servo Controller Board – Precision Control for Model Railways
Brand: ACI Model Railways
SKU: ACI-AUT-PCA9685
Price: 5.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

£5.00

16-channel I²C servo controller for DCC-EX layout automation, providing smooth control of turnouts, semaphore signals and other servo-operated accessories.

Key Specifications

PCA9685 16-channel PWM controller

Controller

I²C

Connectivity

3.3–5V logic / 5V servo power

Input voltage

Control up to 16 Servos from Your DCC-EX System

Add smooth, precise servo control to your model railway with the PCA9685 Servo Controller Board.

With 16 independent channels, a single board can control multiple servo-operated points, semaphore signals, level crossing gates and other animated layout features while requiring only one I²C connection to your control system.

When used with DCC-EX, servo positions and movement can be configured for realistic operation and incorporated into EX-RAIL automation, making the PCA9685 a flexible way to expand both simple and more advanced layouts.

Additional PCA9685 boards can also be added using different I²C addresses when more servo channels are required.

Please note: Servos should be powered from a suitable external supply rather than from the command station's logic supply.

What's Included FAQs

PCA9685 16-channel servo controller board.

How many servos can the PCA9685 control?

The PCA9685 can control up to 16 servos independently, making it suitable for points, semaphore signals and other servo-operated model railway accessories.

Do the servos require a separate power supply?

Yes. A separate regulated 5V DC power supply should be used to power the servos. Servo power should not be taken from the command station's I²C connection.

Can I use this with DCC-EX?

Yes. The PCA9685 is supported by DCC-EX and can be used to control servo-operated accessories through the DCC-EX I²C system. Our PCA9685 Servo Configuration Guide provides setup and configuration instructions.

Can I connect multiple PCA9685 servo controllers?

Yes. Multiple PCA9685 servo controllers can share the I²C bus provided that each controller is configured with a different I²C address.

Is a protective case available for the PCA9685?

Yes. ACI Model Railways offers a protective case designed for the PCA9685 servo controller. It is available separately or as part of the PCA9685 controller and case bundle.