This article describes the technical differences between the two rare-earth magnetic materials—Samarium Cobalt (SmCo) and Neodymium (Neo)-used in Novak’s brushless motor rotors

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What are the benefits of a Novak Epoxy-Dipped Stator? The following technical article will help explain the benefits of this manufacturing technique. Read more to decide if a Novak Epoxy-Dipped Stator is right for you and your racing style.

To read the article, click here.

It has come to our attention that there have been an unknown number of Novak #5678 Lightweight Power Trans-Cap Modules built incorrectly. The capacitor was installed onto the trans-board backwards. This will lead to problematic operation of the speed control (ESC), and eventual capacitor failure.

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In order for the NovaLink Firmware Updater to run properly, please run NovaLink as an Administrator. For more deatils on this, as well as instructions, please see the attached document.

[Click Here for Instructions]

The NovaLink™ Programming Interface's USB device uses the ESC's RX wire to perform updates and adjustments on the speed control. Novak has discovered an anomaly on the USB driver for the NovaLink with some computer operating systems, leading to corruption of the firmware on the speed controller brain board. The following information will help you in preventing these data communication errors by using a programming harness.

To download this information, please click here.

To answer some of the questions and misconceptions about boosting methods for the Kinetic 1S, we have compiled this information to help our customers and drivers.

To download this guide, please click here.

A NovaLink™ hardware connection test is now available for download. This test will ensure that the NovaLink™, NovaLink™ software, and ESC are connecting properly.

To download and install this test, please click here.

Updates are now available for the NovaLink™ Programming Interface and Kinetic ESC.

To download the software update to your NovaLink™, click here.

To download the firmware update to your Kinetic via the NovaLink, click here.

In some circumstances, the Smart Boost’s electronics work more efficiently when following an alternative set of instructions, instead of the method outlined in the instructions.

To download the alternative Smart Boost Wiring information sheet, click here.

Smart Boost 1-Cell Li-Po
Step-Up Module (#5474)

To help answer some of the questions and misconceptions about motor timing, we have compiled the top three questions that our Customer Service Department has received concerning Novak’s Ballistic Motor Series’ static motor timing.

To download the informative Ballistic motor timing clarification sheet, click here.

Losi's® 1/10-Scale Comp Crawler Race Roller™ uses worm-drive transmission gears. Using the Losi® rig with these gears requires special attention to the setup and use of your Novak equipment. To operate your Losi® rig and speed control successfully, Novak has prepared a recommendation and compatibility sheet.

For more information on operating your Novak Crawler ESC, click here.

Goat 3S (#3214)

#5463

With the many types of BEC models available, it may be confusing to choose the correct one for your application. To ease some of the confusion, Novak has prepared a BEC Technical Article that differentiates Linear Regulator based BECs and Switching Regulator based BECs.

For more information on BECs, click here.

#5741

Due to the growing popularity of Li-Po battery packs, we have received many questions concerning our electronics’ compatibility and performance when used with Li-Po batteries. Click here are a few troubleshooting suggestions when using Li-Pos.

Batteries that are rated at 25C or lower, generally, cannot sustain their voltage under load, causing a vehicle’s electronics, such as the ESC and receiver, to drop out intermittently.

For more information on Low C-Rated Batties, click here.

Novak motors have been designed to handle the rigors of any form of electric racing, from touring cars to off-road trucks and buggies.

Through multiple forms of testing, customer reports and inspection of damaged motors, we have determined that the maximum external safe operating temperature for Novak brushless motors is 175 degrees F (80 degrees C). Motors that run at higher temperatures have sustained internal damage.

This internal damage can render the motor inoperable if you continue to run it and will ultimately result in burned or melted coil(s) inside the motor. This type of damage to the motor is not covered under Novak’s product warranty.

For the complete Brushless Motor Notice, please click here.

The Novak Smart-Stop 2S Li-Po Cut-Off Module (Novak #5470) is not compatible with the blue-cased Traxxas XL-5 ESC (Traxxas #3018X) that is included with the Traxxas Slash 1/10 2WD Short Course Racing Truck (Traxxas #5805). This module may or may not be compatible with the original, gold-cased Traxxas XL-5 ESC (Traxxas #3018). Novak is researching this issue to determine if an update can be made to the module or if a separate module can be offered for this application.

Do not use stock gearing with any HV System!

For the New Traxxas E-Maxx (16.8v), Novak recommends a stock spur gear and 12-tooth pinion gear for the HV4.5, HV 5.5, HV 6.5 and HV4.5 High-Voltage Brushless Systems.

This gearing is a safe starting point and should work well with most battery pack configurations. The motor temperature at the end of each run should be checked to determine if this gearing is correct for your setup. It's important to try to keep the motor temperature below 160F.

After extensive testing, we've found that the high power output of the HV High-Voltage Brushless Systems can be too much for some of the stock E-Maxx components depending on how the truck is driven. We used the following performance upgrades for more aggressive driving or racing conditions, and recommend them to anyone who is running an HV System in an E-Maxx. (Note: Not all of the upgrades are 'required', but in the long run, we've found that it makes for a more enjoyable truck).

IMPORTANT: Do Not Use the Stock Traxxas E-Maxx Gearing or the gearing listed in the HV-Maxx's HV Motor Wiring Sheet with the HV-Maxx ESC & HV4400 Motor. Using the Traxxas E-Maxx's stock gearing or the gearing listed in the HV-Maxx's HV Motor Wiring Sheet will overload the HV4400 Motor and will cause damage.

Please read the following instruction update addendum for the newest official information concerning HV-Maxx gearing. This addendum updates and supercedes the gearing information in the instruction sheet that is included with the HV-Maxx system:

PROPER BATTERY PACK ORIENTATION IN SMART TRAY is very important to avoid overheating and damaging batteries. Please note that the battery bar locations are marked on the PC Board for reference--the battery pack should have 3 bars on the top & 2 bars on the bottom when the pack is inserted properly.

Pay close attention to the "Positive (+)" & "NEGATIVE (-)" markings on the Smart Tray's PC Board--these indicate the plus & minus ends of the battery pack where you solder the ESC's RED(+) & BLACK (-) power wires.

For more information, [click here!]

The use of CA glues (Cyanoacrylate) on or near your Novak Speed Controllers or Receivers can cause damage and subsequent premature failure of internal components. The glue itself, and the vapors given off by the glue, can make their way into the ESC or Receiver causing corrosion of the circuit board and components. Damage to a Novak product which is caused by the use of Cyanoacrylate glue (or any other glue) is not warrantable.

For more details, [click here!]