Helix Awning Controller
Add app control, hardwired switch support, and PWM light dimming to compatible Nomadic A1 and A2 electric awnings.
Built first for Nomadic A-Series awnings, the Helix Awning Controller gives owners and builders a cleaner way to manage awning movement, lighting, brightness, and physical control points from one dedicated 12V DC control module.
- A1/A2 awning compatibility
- Nomadic Controls app operation
- Dedicated 12V DC control
- Hardwired momentary switch support
- Dual-channel PWM light dimming
- Installed 10A blade fuse
Helix Awning Controller – Smart 12V App Controller for Nomadic A1/A2 Electric Awnings
Upgrade your Nomadic A1 or A2 awning with smart 12V app control. The Helix Awning Controller lets you manage awning movement, compatible front/back lighting, PWM dimming, and ignition restriction from the Nomadic Controls app — while still supporting hardwired momentary switches inside the vehicle. No Helix Pulse required for current app operation. Built first for Nomadic A1/A2 awnings and select 12V DC awning systems that meet the required compatibility specs.
Couldn't load pickup availability
Pickup available at HQ 4-Elkhart, IN
Usually ready in 2-4 days
Key Highlights
- App-based awning control through the Nomadic Controls app
- Designed first for Nomadic A1 and A2 electric awnings
- Supports compatible 12V DC 2-wire awning motors within rated limits
- Front and back light control for compatible 12V awning lighting when equipped
- PWM dimming support for smoother light brightness adjustment
- Hardwired momentary switch support for extend, retract, and lighting override functions
- Ignition restriction input to help reduce awning motor movement while the vehicle ignition is active
- Installed 10A blade fuse with 8A max total system current rating
- Standalone app operation through the Nomadic Controls app — Helix Pulse is not required for current app control
- Optional CAN H / CAN L terminals with 250 kbps RV-C communication support where applicable
Founder’s Edition early access release for the Helix smart awning control platform
Quick Specs & Downloads
Product Name:
Helix Awning Controller
System Voltage:
12V DC
Operating Voltage Range:
8V to 14V DC
Low-Voltage Shutdown:
8V DC
Idle Current Draw:
0.2A
Active Current Draw:
1.2A to 8A depending on connected motor and lighting load
Maximum Total System Current:
8A max
Internal Fuse:
10A blade fuse, installed
Awning Motor Output:
12V DC, 2-wire motor, H-bridge drive
Motor Compatibility
Limit:
60W max / 5A max
Light Outputs:
Two independent 12V channels, CH1 and CH2
Light Channel Limit:
80W max per channel / 6.67A per channel
Important Current Note:
Light channel ratings are per-channel limits. The full connected system must still remain within the 8A max total system current rating.
Light Dimming:
PWM dimming supported
Hardwired Switch Inputs:
+12V momentary inputs for EXTEND, RETRACT, CH1_OVERRIDE, and CH2_OVERRIDE
Hardwired Switch Supply:
+BATT_SIGNAL, intended to feed the momentary switches
Ignition Input:
IGNITION, +12V input used for ignition restriction logic
CAN Bus:
Optional CAN H / CAN L, 250 kbps, RV-C
CAN Termination:
Enabled by default through termination jumper pins
Installation Environment:
Dry, protected location only. The controller is not sealed.
Dimensions:
5.5 in x 4.83 in x 1.38 in
Weight:
0.38 lb
Downloads:
Helix Awning Controller Manual — Coming Soon
Wiring Diagram — Coming Soon
What’s Included
- Helix Awning Controller module
- Installed 10A blade fuse
- Manual / setup documentation, provided digitally, by QR card, printed insert, or online download depending on final release package
Not included:
- Awning assembly
- Awning motor
- Awning lighting
Hardwired momentary switches
External wiring - Wire terminals, ferrules, connectors, loom, or installation hardware
- External fuse, breaker, or source-side circuit protection
- 48V-to-12V DC converter for 48V battery systems
Shipping & Warranty
Orders are processed and shipped from Nomadic Innovations in Elkhart, Indiana. Shipping times may vary based on inventory availability, destination, carrier scheduling, and Founder’s Edition launch availability.
Shipping Notes:
- Ships from Elkhart, Indiana
- Founder’s Edition availability may be limited during the early launch window
- Inspect the package and controller immediately upon delivery
- Report shipping damage or missing parts as soon as possible
- Keep all packaging until the product has been inspected and confirmed complete
- Setup documentation may be provided by QR card, printed manual, or digital download depending on final release packaging
Warranty:
- The Helix Awning Controller is covered by Nomadic’s limited 1 year warranty. Warranty coverage depends on proper installation, correct wiring, correct use, and following the latest installation, setup, and operation documentation.
Important Warranty Notes:
- Warranty activation required after purchase
- Installation must follow the latest Helix Awning Controller setup and wiring documentation
- The controller must be installed in a dry, protected location away from water, condensation, wash-down spray, and heavy dust
- Do not connect the controller directly to a 48V battery system; a properly rated 48V-to-12V DC converter is required for 48V systems
- Damage caused by improper wiring, incorrect voltage, reverse installation, water exposure, misuse, modification, unsupported accessories, or failure to follow operating instructions may not be covered
- Do not modify the controller, enclosure, wiring terminals, fuse protection, or internal components unless approved by Nomadic Innovations
- Contact Nomadic Innovations Support if you need help with compatibility, installation, app setup, operation, troubleshooting, or replacement parts
- For support, warranty questions, compatibility guidance, or installation help, contact Nomadic Innovations before modifying the controller, wiring, awning, or connected electrical system.
Helix Awning Controller – Smart 12V App Controller for Nomadic A1/A2 Electric Awnings
Built First for Nomadic Awnings
Smart Awning Control for Nomadic A1 and A2 Awnings
The Helix Awning Controller was developed first around Nomadic A1 and A2 electric awnings, giving owners and builders a cleaner way to add app control, lighting control, and physical switch support without changing the core awning platform.
A1 awnings typically use the front light channel, while A2 awnings can support front and back lighting when equipped. The same 12V DC control platform may also work with select third-party awnings only when the motor, lighting, wiring, current limits, switch behavior, and installation environment match the controller requirements.
Built for Nomadic A1 electric awnings with app-based movement control and front light channel support.
Supports Nomadic A2 legless electric awnings, including front and back lighting control when equipped.
Works across compatible Nomadic A1 and A2 awning sizes when the awning system and wiring match.
May work with select 12V DC awnings when the electrical specs, motor type, and wiring layout are confirmed.
Nomadic Controls App
App-Based Awning Control From Your Phone
Extend, retract, stop movement, control compatible awning lights, adjust brightness, and view key controller status through the Nomadic Controls app.
Helix gives compatible 12V awning systems a cleaner app control experience. Manage awning movement, single-light or dual-light configurations, compatible PWM dimming, and system indicators such as voltage, Wi-Fi status, ignition restriction, board status, and fault state from the app.
Extend / Retract / Stop
Move the awning from the app when the awning area is visible, clear, and safe.
Single or Dual Lighting
Use the light setup that matches the selected awning model, including A1-style front light and A2-style front/back lighting when equipped.
PWM Brightness Control
Adjust compatible LED brightness instead of being limited to basic on/off lighting.
Controller Status
View useful indicators like voltage, Wi-Fi connection, ignition restriction, board status, and fault state.
AT A GLANCE
Helix Awning Controller
A quick look at the smart control features that make the Helix Awning Controller a cleaner upgrade for compatible awnings.
A1/A2 COMPATIBLE
BUILT FIRST FOR NOMADIC A1 AND A2 AWNINGS
Designed first for Nomadic A1 and A2 electric awnings, with support across compatible A-Series sizes. A1 setups typically use the front light channel, while A2 setups can support front and back lighting when equipped.
APP CONTROL
AWNING CONTROL FROM THE NOMADIC CONTROLS APP
Extend, retract, stop movement, control compatible lighting, adjust brightness, and view key system status from the Nomadic Controls app. Helix Pulse is not required for current app operation.
PHYSICAL SWITCHES
APP CONTROL WITHOUT GIVING UP REAL SWITCHES
Hardwired momentary switch support lets builders add physical extend, retract, and lighting controls inside the vehicle while keeping app-based operation available.
INDEPENDENT LIGHTING
FRONT AND BACK LIGHT CONTROL WHEN EQUIPPED
Control compatible 12V awning lighting through two independent output channels. A1 typically uses the front light channel, while A2 can use front and back lighting when equipped.
OPTIONAL CAN
OPTIONAL CAN INTERFACE FOR ADVANCED BUILDS
Includes optional CAN H / CAN L terminals with 250 kbps communication support for qualified system integration where applicable. Current app operation does not require Helix Pulse.
IGNITION RESTRICTION
HELPS PREVENT AWNING MOVEMENT WHILE DRIVING
The optional ignition input can restrict awning motor movement when the vehicle ignition is active, while still allowing lighting control when available.
Builder-Ready Control
App Control Without Giving Up Physical Switches
The Helix Awning Controller supports hardwired momentary switch inputs, giving builders a clean way to keep physical awning and lighting controls inside the vehicle.
In a van, RV, or overland build, not every control point should depend on a phone. Physical switches give owners familiar local control near the wall, cabinet, galley, door, bed, or switch panel while Helix manages the control logic behind the scenes.
Supports a normally-open momentary switch input for awning extension control.
Supports a normally-open momentary switch input for awning retraction control.
Supports hardwired control inputs for compatible front light and back light channels.
Built for clean wiring layouts where access, labeling, strain relief, and future troubleshooting matter.
System Logic + Protection
Built Like a Real 12V Control Module
The Helix Awning Controller is more than a basic app relay. It is designed around defined 12V awning control, ignition restriction logic, controller status visibility, and cleaner integration into serious van, RV, and overland electrical systems.
With an installed 10A blade fuse, defined motor and lighting limits, hardwired input logic, and useful status feedback, Helix gives builders a more disciplined way to manage awning movement and lighting. Optional CAN H/L terminals are available for qualified builder or system-integration use where applicable, while standard app and switch operation remain straightforward.
Installed Fuse Protection
Includes an installed 10A blade fuse with an 8A max total system current rating. Source-side circuit protection is still required.
Ignition Restriction Input
Supports a +12V ignition input that can restrict awning motor movement when the vehicle ignition is active.
Controller Status
View useful indicators like voltage, Wi-Fi connection, ignition restriction, board status, and fault state.
Optional CAN Interface
CAN H/L terminals support qualified system integration where applicable, including 250 kbps communication support.
Intentional Awning Control
Deliberate Control, Not Automatic Wind Retraction
The Helix Awning Controller is designed around clear app commands and physical switch inputs, not built-in wind-triggered automatic retraction.
Wind sensors can sound helpful, but real-world conditions are not always clean. Short gusts, vibration, vehicle movement, and temporary sensor events can create unwanted behavior. Helix keeps awning movement tied to deliberate user control, so the awning is operated only when the area is visible, clear, and safe.
Awning extension and retraction stay tied to app commands or supported normally-open momentary switches.
Avoid unwanted automatic behavior caused by brief gusts, vibration, vehicle movement, or temporary sensor activity.
Always retract the awning before high winds, unsafe weather, driving, or leaving the awning unattended.
Compatibility Check
Built First for Nomadic A1/A2. Select 12V Awnings When Specs Match.
The Helix Awning Controller is designed first for Nomadic A1 and A2 electric awnings. It may also work with select 12V DC electric awning systems when the motor, lighting, wiring, current limits, switch inputs, and install location meet the required specifications.
Helix is not a universal awning controller. For non-Nomadic awnings, compatibility depends on the actual electrical system, motor type, lighting setup, wiring access, and protected installation environment — not just the awning brand, model, or physical size.
Designed for Nomadic A1 electric awnings. A1 setups typically use the front light channel only.
Designed for Nomadic A2 electric awnings. A2 setups can use front and back lighting when equipped.
What Another Awning Must Have
For select non-Nomadic awnings, these requirements must be confirmed before installation.
Must use a compatible 12V DC motor system, not AC power, high-voltage DC power, or an incompatible proprietary motor system.
Motor wiring must support the controller’s 12V DC 2-wire H-bridge motor output for extend and retract control.
Awning motor load must be within the supported 60W max / 5A motor output limit.
Lighting must be compatible with 12V light-channel control. Each light channel supports up to 80W max / 6.67A.
The full connected system must stay within the controller’s 8A max total system current rating and installed 10A blade fuse protection.
Hardwired controls must use normally-open momentary switch inputs, not maintained or latching switches.
The controller must be installed in a dry, protected compartment away from water, spray, condensation, direct weather, and heavy dust.
Technical Specifications
Electrical Limits and Interface Points
The Helix Awning Controller is built around defined 12V DC operating limits, protected motor and lighting outputs, physical switch inputs, ignition logic, and optional integration terminals for qualified builders.
Designed for 12V DC awning control systems. 48V battery systems require proper DC-to-DC conversion.
Supports compatible 12V DC 2-wire awning motors within the rated motor output limit.
Two independent 12V light channels with PWM dimming support for compatible LED loads.
Controller includes an installed 10A blade fuse with an 8A max total system current rating.
2-Wire Motor Output
12V DC H-bridge drive for compatible extend and retract motor control.
Dual Light Channels
CH1 and CH2 outputs support compatible 12V lighting up to 80W / 6.67A per channel.
Momentary Inputs
+12V momentary switch inputs support physical control points inside the vehicle.
Ignition Input
+12V input used for ignition restriction logic when vehicle state matters.
Optional CAN Interface
CAN H / CAN L terminals support optional 250 kbps RV-C communication where applicable.
View Full Technical Specification Table Expand for complete electrical, wiring, CAN, dimension, and installation details.
Customer Q&A
Helix Awning Controller Questions Answered
Get clear answers about A1/A2 compatibility, select 12V awning requirements, app control, hardwired switches, lighting, installation, and Founder's Edition availability.
Does this work with the Nomadic A1 awning?
Yes. The Helix Awning Controller is designed for Nomadic A1 electric awnings. A1 setups typically use the front light channel and can support app-based awning movement, compatible light control, PWM dimming, hardwired momentary switch inputs, and ignition restriction logic when wired.
Does this work with the Nomadic A2 awning?
Yes. The Helix Awning Controller is designed for Nomadic A2 electric legless awnings. When the awning is equipped with front and back lighting, the controller can support both lighting channels and app-based brightness control.
Does awning length matter?
For Nomadic A1 and A2 awnings, physical awning length is not the deciding compatibility factor. The important items are the awning system, 12V motor type, lighting load, wiring, current limits, switch behavior, and installation environment.
Can this work with another brand of awning?
Potentially, yes, but it should not be treated as a universal RV awning controller. A third-party awning must use a compatible 12V DC 2-wire motor within the controller's motor limit and must meet the required voltage, current, lighting, wiring, switch behavior, and dry-install specifications.
If you are unsure, contact Nomadic Support before purchase with your awning model, motor specs, lighting specs, voltage setup, wiring layout, and intended install location.
What does a third-party awning need in order to work?
At minimum, the awning should use a compatible 12V DC 2-wire motor, stay within the 60W max / 5A motor output limit, use compatible 12V lighting loads if lights are being connected, and allow the controller to be installed in a dry, protected location.
Hardwired controls must use normally-open momentary switches. The full connected system must also stay within the controller's 8A max total system current rating.
Does this require Helix Pulse?
No. Current setup and operation are handled through the Nomadic Controls app. The latest manual describes pairing the Helix Awning Controller directly through the Nomadic Controls app using 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth during setup.
Does this work with 48V battery systems?
Yes, but not directly. The Helix Awning Controller is a 12V DC controller. If your rig uses a 48V battery system, you must use a properly rated 48V-to-12V DC converter to supply power to the controller. Do not connect the controller directly to 48V power.
Does this include a wind sensor or automatic wind retraction?
No. The Helix Awning Controller does not include a wind sensor, rain sensor, motion sensor, or built-in automatic wind-triggered retraction. It is built around intentional app and hardwired control.
Always retract your awning before high winds, unsafe weather, driving, or leaving it unattended.
Can I still use physical switches?
Yes. The controller supports normally-open momentary switch inputs for awning extension, retraction, and lighting override functions. This allows builders to include physical control points inside the vehicle while still giving the owner app-based control through the Nomadic Controls app.
Can it dim the awning lights?
Yes. The Helix Awning Controller supports PWM dimming for compatible 12V awning lighting. It includes two independent lighting channels, with each channel supporting up to 80W max / 6.67A per channel.
Always verify the connected lighting load and total system current before wiring. The controller's maximum total system current is 8A max.
Is the controller waterproof?
No. The controller is not sealed and should not be mounted outside or exposed to water, condensation, wash-down spray, direct weather, or heavy dust. It must be installed in a dry, protected interior location or protected electrical compartment.
What happens if the awning moves in the wrong direction?
If the awning moves opposite of the expected direction, disconnect power and swap the Awning Motor A and Awning Motor B wires at the controller terminals. Always follow the latest setup and wiring documentation before making wiring changes.
What is ignition restriction?
Ignition restriction uses a +12V ignition input to restrict awning motor movement when the vehicle ignition is active. Lighting control remains available. This feature is intended to reduce the risk of awning movement while the vehicle ignition is active, but it does not replace safe operating practices.
What does Founder's Edition mean?
Founder's Edition means this is an early access release for customers and builders who want to be among the first to use the Helix smart awning control platform. Specifications, app screens, firmware behavior, documentation, packaging, and support materials may be updated as the product moves through final release milestones.
What comes in the box?
The Founder's Edition package includes the Helix Awning Controller module with an installed 10A blade fuse. Package contents and documentation format may vary by release package, so always confirm the contents included with your order and refer to the latest online manual before installation.
Awning assembly, hardwired switches, external wiring, wire terminals, ferrules, connectors, mounting hardware, external fuse or breaker protection, and any required 48V-to-12V converter are not included.
Should I install this myself?
This product is intended for users and installers comfortable with 12V vehicle wiring, awning motor wiring, lighting loads, proper circuit protection, and safe protected mounting. If you are unsure about compatibility, wiring, voltage, current limits, or installation location, contact Nomadic Support or work with a qualified installer before installation.