Helm Server
The brain. Runs HelmOS, polls the fleet, fires every cue.
What it does, plainly.
Helm is a sealed compact PC running HelmOS — a hardened runtime registered as a Windows service. It is the single source of truth for show state, cue sequencing, and node health. One Helm coordinates up to 100+ field nodes across multiple buildings at a 5-second poll interval, runs the Cuemaster operator dashboard full-screen on its attached touchscreen, and exposes a documented REST + WebSocket API for integration.
Runs unattended for months — designed for venues that open at dusk and never reboot.
All show data stored locally. No cloud. No telemetry. No phone-home.
Recovers from power loss automatically — HelmOS comes up before the first node finishes booting.
Built-in API server for integrations with ticketing, fire panels, BMS, or third-party show systems.
The full spec sheet.
Platform
6 ROWS| Hardware | Compact industrial PC, fanless variant available |
| Operating system | Windows 10/11 Pro |
| Runtime | HelmOS — hardened service runtime |
| Service wrapper | Windows service |
| Storage | 256 GB NVMe SSD, full system + show data |
| RAM | 8 GB DDR4 |
Network
6 ROWS| Helm IP | 10.0.0.1 |
| API port | 3000 |
| Protocol | REST + WebSocket |
| Poll interval | 5 s per node |
| Max nodes | 100+ (network-limited) |
| Reverse proxy | Optional — Caddy or nginx |
Dashboard
4 ROWS| Operator UI | Cuemaster — native full-screen on HDMI |
| Updates | WebSocket — real-time node telemetry |
| Display | Touchscreen, 15”+ recommended, 1920×1080 minimum |
| Auth | PIN-gated maintenance HMI |
Power & physical
4 ROWS| Input | 19 V DC, 60 W external brick (120/240 VAC) |
| Dimensions | 117 × 112 × 51 mm |
| Mounting | VESA 75/100 bracket included |
| Operating temp | 0–40 °C |
Helm is shipped pre-imaged. Plug into TrueNorth, power up, open Cuemaster.
Show files live in C:\Northstar\shows\ — fully portable between Helm units.
Often ordered with Helm.
Bridge Operator Panel
Physical buttons. Real interlocks. No mouse required.
Polaris A
Two channels of triggered audio. Drop in, power up, fire.
Polaris V
Two HDMI outputs. Triggered, looped, or scheduled.
Need Helm on a specific timeline?
Standard lead time is 2–3 weeks from order. Rush orders are accommodated based on stock and assembly schedule — get in touch with your date and we'll confirm.