ESC Application & Installation

How can I check my ESC without sending it in?
: There are a number of things to check before you send your ESC in for repair:

Check all of your connections to make sure that you are getting power to the ESC. If you use connectors, check the voltage on the ESC side of the connectors. You should get full pack voltage there. Also, check your pack. You may have an open cell or open connection between cells.
Does your servo work? If it does, then you are getting power to the receiver. Check the Throttle Channel on your receiver by plugging the Steering Servo into the Throttle Channel (channel 2) and plugging the ESC wires into the Steering Channel (channel 1). Next, try setting up the ESC using your steering wheel as a throttle. Also, move the trigger back and forth and check to see if the wheels turn back and forth.
Unplug your steering servo and then turn on the ESC. If the red LED on the ESC comes on, you probably have a short in the servo, or in the wires going to the servo
Finally, unplug the ESC from the receiver and turn on the ESC's power switch. If the red LED on the speed control comes on, that means that the BEC inside of the speed control is functioning and the problem is most likely external to the ESC (i.e. a shorted receiver, servo, or servo wires). If the red LED does not come on when the ESC is disconnected from the receiver, check the twisted white, red, and black wires for frays and shorts. If none are found, then there is either no power to the ESC, or there is an internal problem with the ESC and it needs to be sent in for servicing. Please use a Service Form from the download section of our website.

Will my GTB run a sensorless brushless motor in Brushed mode?

No, the GTB will only run brushed motors in brushed mode.

Will my GTB run a sensorless brushless motor in brushless mode?
: No, the GTB will only run Novak Sensored brushless motors and other compatible sensored motors (LRP, Faigao, etc.)

How do I select a motor for my reversible ESC?
: It is best to use motors that have 0 timing. Motors that have timing will not operate properly when run in reverse. They will get hot and draw excessive amounts of current that will damage the ESC and the motor. If you have to use a motor that has timing, use reverse sparingly: no more than a few seconds, and only to back away from obstacles or to get unstuck. Excessive use of reverse with timed motors will damage the ESC.
What is the best entry-level ESC available?
: The Novak Explorer II (#1910) has the best performance (on-resistance) versus cost-ratio currently available. For those who prefer the option of reverse, the Novak Rooster (#1850) has the best performance.

Do I have to use the POWER CAPACITOR on the Atom / Cyclone if I am only using stock motors?

: Yes. You have to install the Power Capacitor on the Atom / Cyclone even if you are using stock motors. The capacitor filters out all of the ripple on the input voltage. This ripple is due to the high frequency operation of the speed control. If you don't use the power capacitor you run the risk of causing internal damage to your speed control. Using the capacitor will result in an approximately 10 percent increase in the RPMs of your motor at partial throttle. It will also decrease the operating temperature of the Atom / Cyclone from 10-15 degrees, making the ESC more efficient. MORE INFO
Can I replace the Power Capacitor on the Cyclone, Cyclone TC, or Atom ESCs with any other capacitor of the same voltage and capacitance?
: No, the Power Capacitor is a special order capacitor that has certain properties that are unavailable in a standard electrolytic capacitor. It is these properties which enable the Power Capacitor to do its job and protect the ESC. If you run a regular capacitor in the place of the Power Capacitor, you will most likely cause damage to your ESC and void the warranty. If you try to find your own capacitor, make sure you use a low ESR capacitor.

Can I use 2 or more Power Capacitors on the Cyclone, Cyclone TC, or Atom ESC, and does it supply any performance boost?: Yes, you can use 2 or more Power Capacitors on your Cyclone, Cyclone TC, or Atom ESC. Under normal conditions, one Power Capacitor is sufficient. In fact, one of the capacitors from the C2/TC2 is ideal. However, under extreme conditions, such as high ambient temperatures, very low turn motors, dual motors, or any setup that causes a higher than normal current draw, you can get a significant performance boost from using 2 of the Novak Power Capacitors on your ESC. The performance boost that is seen is typically an increase in mid throttle RPMs and cooler ESC operating temperatures.
What is the difference between the Dually and the Cyclone C2?: The Dually (#1660) has fixed operating parameters, while the Cyclone's (#1775) operating parameters are programmable. The Dually has a current limiter adjustment; the Cyclone C2 does not. The Cyclone C2 is smaller and lighter weight. The Dually has 2 built-in user-selectable Stock & Modified profiles. The Cyclone C2 has 3 built-in user-selectable profiles. The Dually uses 5 Hyperfet III drive transistors and 2 brake transistors with a rating of 400 amps of drive current, and 100 amps of braking current. The Cyclone C2 uses 6 drive transistors and 2 brakes, giving it a rating of 480 amps drive current, and 160 amps braking current. The Dually's power and motor wires are attached to the main circuit board at the factory while the Cyclone C2 has solder posts to attach the wires to, which enable you to change wires whenever you want.

What is the difference between the Tempest Max and the Cyclone C2?: The Tempest (#1760) has fixed operating parameters, while the Cyclone C2's (#1775) operating parameters are programmable. The Tempest has a current limiter adjustment; the Cyclone C2 does not. The Cyclone C2 is also smaller, lighter weight, and includes the brake light kit.
What settings should I use on my Atom or Cyclone C2?
: Refer to "Sample Profile Data" in the Profile Software Instruction Manual. Find your particular application (or one that's close) in the first column. Use this as a starting point and adjust the parameters as needed to suit your driving style and track conditions.
What effect does changing the Drive or Brake PWM frequency have?
: Increasing the drive frequency will result in a smoother throttle with less "punch" on the bottom end. Conversely, decreasing the frequency gives more punch on the bottom end and makes the throttle less smooth. Increasing the brake PWM frequency makes the brakes smoother with less grab. Decreasing the brake PWM frequency makes the brakes less smooth with more grab.
Where should the Current Limiter be set?
: Adjust the current limiter to the lowest value without losing any punch from a standing start, which is the point maximum current is always pulled by the motor. Adjusting the current limiter this way will increase run time, but will not affect top speed.
If I increase the current setting of the Current Limiter, will I have more punch or top end?
: If the Current Limiter is set too low to start, the speed control may never reach top end, which means the ESCs green light never comes on. Punch is affected only if the Current Limiter setting is less than the motor's maximum current draw.
Will there be less glitching if the Current Limiter is set at maximum?
: If your car is glitching, you have a problem somewhere else in your system. Re-read the instruction manual and mount the receiver in your car exactly as instructed. Most reported glitching problems are resolved when this is done.
My car glitches when I barely touch the throttle. Why?
: This is usually caused by the receiver and/or antenna being too close to the ESC. You may have to mount your receiver on end with the crystal up if both the ESC and receiver are mounted on a graphite chassis.
Is there a special way I should mount the Novak high frequency ESC?
: Yes. If you do not mount the Novak high frequency ESC per our instructions, you could have erratic motor operation.
Why should I mount the ESC in the chassis of an off-road vehicle and not on the shock tower?
: Because there is very little air flow through the heat sinks when the ESC is mounted on the shock tower. Air that flows perpendicular to the transistors creates heat pockets and does not lift the hot air. The ESC should always be placed in a position where there is maximum air flow through the transistors and heat sinks.
What is the single small blue wire coming out of the Racer-EX, Tempest Pro, Dually, Atom, and Cyclone ESCs?
: This is to interface the ESC to servos that have an external FET driver (such as KO FET servos). Connected in this manner, the servo is turned on and off with the ESC. A Filter Kit (#5630) is also necessary and available from Novak.
What will happen if I don't use capacitors on my motor?
: The ESC can be damaged if the proper type and number of capacitors are not used. Three 0.1µF (50 V) capacitors MUST be soldered on EVERY motor connected to the ESC (unless they are already in the motor); one from the positive motor brush tab to the ground tab; one from the negative motor brush tab to the ground tab; and one between the positive and negative motor brush tabs. If using a low frequency ESC, a 47µF electrolytic capacitor must be installed between the positive and negative motor brush tabs. Extra motor capacitors are available in Novak Accessory Kit #5620.MORE INFO
Why don't you need to solder a 47µF capacitor on the motor when using a high frequency ESC?
: The 47µF electrolytic capacitor is not compatible with high frequency, and will make the motor run sluggish. Often, the capacitors of this type will overheat and pop like a firecracker.
Why do I need to use a Schottky diode with my Racer-EX, Tempest, Atom or Cyclone ESCs?
: The Schottky diode provides a return path for the free-wheeling current of the motor (which can be destructive to the ESC). In the Explorer and Duster II, the Schottky diode is on the ESC's circuit board. Since the ESC runs cooler when the Schottky diode is installed on the motor, the efficiency of the ESC increases, which allows for longer run times. A 45 volt, 9 amp, 0.4 forward voltage drop Schottky diode (or better) must be installed between the positive and negative motor brush tabs for proper performance. Additional Schottky diodes are available in Novak Accessory Kit #5640. MORE INFO
Do I need to use a Schottky diode with a Rooster/Super Rooster?
: No. Schottky diodes should never be used with any reversible ESC.

What is the lowest number of turns I can use with my speed control?

Please refer to Motor Limit definition.

Can I hook up two motors to a Novak ESC?
: Yes. Two motors can be hooked up either in series or in parallel. For motors hooked in series, each motor receives half the pack voltage, giving half the power and twice the run time as compared to a single motor. For motors hooked in parallel, each motor receives the full pack voltage, giving twice the power and half the run time as compared to a single motor. MORE INFO
I have a monster truck with dual motors. Do you have a reversible speed control that can handle two motors?
: Yes. The Super Rooster Reversible is designed specifically for dual motor applications. You can use two modified motors no hotter then 15 turns. MORE INFO
Can I hook up two battery packs to a Novak ESC?
: Yes, but battery packs should only be connected in series. NEVER connect battery packs in parallel as they may explode. You should also never hook up more than the maximum number of cells for which the ESC is designed.
Are heat sinks required?
: Heat sinks are required for the proper operation of all our ESCs except for the Cyclone and Tempest Max. Not using heat sinks will lead to lower performance and the ESC may shut off if the transistors become too hot.
How accurate is the LED for adjusting the HIGH SPEED and NEUTRAL settings?
: The LED used in our ESCs is 100% accurate; a voltmeter does not have to be used.
Which Novak ESC can I use in my boat?
: All of our ESCs can be used in a boat as long as proper cooling and water-proofing are provided. The model depends on the number of cells used and the desired performance.
Why do some ESCs come pre-wired with battery and motor plugs?
: These ESCs are designed for an Entry or Sport level user. The pre-installed plugs allow for easy installation.
Why don't all Novak ESCs come pre-wired with motor and battery plugs?
: ESCs that come without motor and battery plugs pre-installed (such as the Racer-EX, Tempest and Cyclone) are designed for the advanced racer who demands the highest performance. For minimum power loss we recommend keeping the power wires as short as possible and using low resistance plugs (such as the Deans Ultra Plug or the SERMOS R/C Snap Connectors.), or hard wiring.
How long should I keep the power wires?
: Only as long as required to hook up the motor and battery. Long power leads cause excessive power loss. If using the ESC in more than one model, make sure the power wires are long enough for each set-up.