NOVAK ROOSTER 12T User manual

#55-1840-1
1-2007
SPECIFICATIONS
Input Voltage.................... 4-7 cells (@1.2 volts DC/cell) / 2 Li-Po cells
Li-Po Cut-Off Voltage ...............................................6.25 volts DC
ESC Footprint............................................ 1.18” x 1.54” [30x39mm]
ESC Weight (w/o wires) ................................. 1.57 ounce [44.5 grams]
B.E.C. Rating............................................ 6.0 volts DC / 1.5 amps
Power Wire (Battery/Motor) .......................... 14G Super-Flex Silicone
Rated Current ...................... 400A Fwd / 200A Rev @25°C trans.temp.
On-Resistance ........... 0.0014ΩFwd / 0.0028ΩRev @25°C trans.temp.
Motor Limit ................... 12-turn [brush-type motor @ 6 cells (1.2VDC/cell)]
Throttle Profiles............................... 4 [2 fwd/brk/rev & 2 w/rev.lock out]
Switched Fan Output.................................................6.0 volts DC
The Rooster Reversible is back, and is better than ever!
The Rooster 12T reversible electronic speed control brings you rugged 12-turn motor handling, built-in
Smart-Stop Li-Po Cut-Off circuitry, and all the performance you’ve come to expect from Novak.
The ESC also features Thermal Overload Protection, high-power B.E.C. for strong/fast servo response, Polar Drive & Digital
Anti-Glitch circuitries for cool & smooth operation, and Radio Priority circuitry for the ultimate in control, right down to the
end of the charge. Add to this the user-replaceable power wires, power capacitor, & input harness, along with power output
for auxiliary cooling fans that turn on & off with the ESC’s power switch, and the new Rooster 12T has it all!
To benefit from all of the technical features of the Rooster 12T, PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
REPLACEMENT POWER CAPACITOR [Novak kit #5677]
The Rooster 12T ESC comes with a factory-installed Power Capacitor , and it
MUST BE USED to maintain cool and smooth operation. A direct replacement
Power Capacitor is available in Novak kit #5677.
Note: We highly recommend using Novak Power Capacitors, as we have done extensive testing
& research to find Power Capacitors with the very best quality factors––other capacitors with
similar ratings will not provide equal protection.
SUPER-FLEX SILICONE 14G WIRE [Novak kits #5500 & 5505]
Novak Super-Flex wire for power wiring. 14 gauge silicone wire in kit #5500
(36”red & 36”black) and kit #5505 (36”red & 36”blue) .
INPUT SIGNAL HARNESS [Novak kits #5315 & 5320]
User-replaceable input signal harness is available in both short and long lengths.
4.5” harness in Novak kit#5315, and 9.0” harness in Novak kit #5320.
MOTOR CAPACITORS [Novak kit #5620]
Additional motor capacitors are available in Novak kit #5620.
AUXILIARY COOLING FANS [Novak kits #5647 & #5648]
The Rooster 12T comes with power output pins ready to add a cooling fan
that will switch on & off with the ESC’s power switch.
Novak 25x25x10mm fan with long leads for cooling motor is available in Novak
kit #5647. Novak 30x30x6mm clear fan that fits perfect over the ESC’s heat sink
and has a connector already on its leads is available in Novak kit #5648.
WATER & ELECTRONICS DON’T MIX!
Never allow water, moisture, or other foreign materials to get inside
ESC, motor, or on the PC Boards. Water damage will void the warranty!
NO SCHOTTKY DIODE!
Schottky diodes must NOT be used with the Rooster ESC.
(Schottky diodes are never used with reversible ESCs, including brushless)
Schottky diode usage will damage ESC & void warranty!
DISCONNECT BATTERIES WHEN NOT IN USE
Always disconnect the battery pack from the speed control when not
in use to avoid short circuits and possible fire hazard.
4 TO 7 CELLS OR 2-CELL Li-Po ONLY
If using Ni-Cd or Ni-MH batteries, NEVER use fewer than 4 or more
than 7 cells (4.8-8.4VDC, 1.2VDC/cell) in the vehicle’s main battery pack.
If using Li-Po batteries, ONLY use a 2-cell pack for the vehicle’s main
battery & be sure to use Profile 3 or 4 with the built-in Li-Po cut-off.
NO REVERSE VOLTAGE!
Reverse battery polarity can damage ESC & void warranty. Disconnect
battery immediately if a reverse connection occurs.
POWER CAPACITOR REQUIRED
An external power capacitor is installed and MUST be used with your ESC.
Failure to use Power Capacitor will result in higher ESC operating
temperatures & possible thermal shut-down.
TRANSMITTER ON FIRST
Always turn on the power of the transmitter first so that you will
have control of the vehicle when you turn it on.
INSULATE WIRES
Always insulate exposed wiring with heat shrink tubing or electrical
tape to prevent short circuits, which can damage ESC.
NO SOLVENTS
Exposing the speed control’s case to any type of
solvents will damage the plastic.
NO CA GLUE
Exposure to CA glue or its fumes can cause damage to internal
components of the speed control and result in premature failure.
trouble-shooting guide
Steering Channel Works But Motor Will Not Run
• Red LED flashing: Speed control has thermally shut down––Allow ESC to
cool down––Use milder motor or smaller pinion gear––Check for adequate
cooling to ESC’s heat sink.
• Red & Green LEDs alternately flashing: Smart-Stop Li-Po circuitry has shut
off throttle output––Use a charged Li-Po battery. Using Ni-Cd or Ni-MH
batteries with ESC in Profile 3 or 4––change battery type or ESC Profile.
• Check motor connections. Check motor and brushes .
• Make sure ESC is plugged into the throttle channel of receiver. Check
wiring color sequence of receiver signal harness (Refer to Step 1) .
• Possible receiver damage––Check operation with a different receiver.
• Possible internal damage––Refer to Service Procedures.
Receiver Glitches/Throttle Stutters During Acceleration
• Receiver or antenna too close to ESC, power wires, battery, or motor.
• Bad connections––Check wiring, connectors, & sensor harness.
• Motor capacitors broken or missing––Refer to Step 3.
• Excessive current to motor––Use a milder motor or a smaller pinion gear.
• External Power Capacitor damaged/not installed––Replace Capacitor.
Motor and Steering Servo Do Not Work
• Check wires, receiver signal harness wiring & color sequence, radio system,
crystals, battery/motor connectors, & battery pack.
• Possible receiver damage––Check operation with a different receiver.
• Possible internal damage––Refer to Service Procedures.
Speed Control Runs Excessively Hot
• Gear ratio too low––Increase gear ratio.
Model Runs Slowly/Slow Acceleration
• Gear ratio too high––Reduce gear ratio.
• Check battery connectors––Replace if needed.
• Incorrect ESC/transmitter adjustment––Refer to Step 4 & Transmitter
Adjustments sections.
• External Power Capacitor damaged/not installed––Replace Power Capacitor.
Motor Runs Backwards
• Motor wired backwards––Check wiring and reverse.
• Backwards motor timing––Reverse motor end bell.
ESC Is Melted Or Burnt/ESC Runs With Switch Off
• Internal damage––Refer to Service Procedures.
*For more assistance call our Customer Service Department or check our website.
service procedures
Before sending your speed control in for service, please review the
Trouble-Shooting guide and instructions. Speed control may appear
to have failed when other problems exist.
After reviewing instructions, if you feel that your ESC requires service,
please obtain the most current product service options and pricing
by the following ways:
WEBSITE: Print a copy of the PRODUCT SERVICE FORM from the
CUSTOMER SERVICE section of the Novak website. Fill out the needed
information on this form and return it with the Novak product that
requires servicing.
PHONE/FAX: If you do not have access to the internet, please contact
our customer service department by phone or fax as listed below.
WARRANTY SERVICE: For warranty service, you MUST CLAIM
WARRANTY on the PRODUCT SERVICE FORM and include a valid cash
register receipt with purchase date and dealer name & phone# on it,
or an invoice from previous service. If warranty provisions have been
voided, there will be service charges.
•ESCs returned without a serial number will not be serviced under warranty•
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
• Dealers/distributors are not authorized to replace Novak products
thought to be defective.
• If a hobby dealer returns your product for service, submit a completed
PRODUCT SERVICE FORM to the dealer and make sure it is included
with the product.
• Novak Electronics, Inc. does not make any internal electronic
components (transistors, resistors, etc.) available for sale.
roOster 12T-- INstructIons
PRECAuTIONS
optional accessories
P1P4
product warranty
The Rooster 12T ESC is guaranteed to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for a period of 120 days
from the original date of purchase (verified by dated, itemized sales receipt). Warranty does not cover incorrect
installation, components worn by use, damage to case or exposed circuit boards, damage from using fewer than
4 or more than 7 Ni-Cd or Ni-MH cells (1.2 volts DC/cell) or fewer or more than 2 Li-Po cells input voltage, cross-
connection of battery/ motor power wires, overheating solder tabs, reverse voltage application, damage resulting
from thermal overload , damage from incorrect installation of FET servo or receiver battery pack, not using or
incorrect installation of a Power Capacitor on ESC or from using a damaged Power Capacitor, using a Schottky
diode, using non-Novak Power Capacitor, splices to input or ON/OFF switch harnesses, damage from excessive
force when using the One-Touch/SET button or from disassembling case, tampering with internal electronics,
allowing water, moisture, or any other foreign material to enter ESC or get onto the PC board, incorrect instal-
lation/wiring of motor/battery connectors, input plug plastic, or auxilliary cooling fan, allowing exposed wiring,
pins, or solder tabs to short-circuit, or any damage caused by a crash, flooding, or act of God.
Because Novak Electronics, Inc. has no control over the connection & use of the speed control or other
related electronics, no liability may be assumed nor will be accepted for any damage resulting from the
use of this product, including battery packs. Every Novak speed control & motor is thoroughly tested &
cycled before leaving our facility and is, therefore, considered operational. By the act of connecting/operating
speed control, user accepts all resulting liability. In no case shall our liability exceed the product’s original
cost. We reserve the right to modify warranty provisions without notice.
©2007 Novak Electronics, Inc. • All Rights Reserved • No part of these instructions may be reproduced
without the written permission of Novak Electronics, Inc. • Rooster 12T ESC, Polar Drive Technology,
Radio Priority Circuitry, & One-Touch Set-Up are all trademarks of Novak Electronics, Inc. • All Novak
speed controls are designed & manufactured in the U.S.A., and are lead-free & RoHS compliant.
Li-PO cUt-off ciRCUitRY
AuXilliARy Fan connection
Your Rooster 12T reversible speed control is Novak’s first ESC with built-in
Smart-Stop Li-Po Cut-Off Circuitry for safe, worry-free operation when
using Lithium Polymer batteries. When the speed control is in Profile 3
or Profile 4, the Smart-Stop Li-Po Cut-Off circuitry is active.
The Smart-Stop Cut-Off circuitry constantly monitors the Li-Po battery’s
pack voltage. When the pack’s voltage begins to get close to the critical
safety voltage, the Cut-Off circuitry will start interrupting, or ‘blipping’
the throttle output. This ‘blipping’ acts as an early warning to you that
the battery voltage is getting low, and that the throttle output to the
motor will soon be completely shut off.
When the battery pack’s critical safety voltage is finally reached, the
Smart-Stop Cut-Off circuitry will completely shut down the throttle
output signal to the motor to keep the battery voltage from dropping
further (Red & Green LEDs will alternately flash--you will still have steering control). Re-
charge battery pack after Smart-Stop circuitry shuts off throttle.
After a short resting period, the battery’s voltage will rise back above
the critical safety voltage, and the ESC will operate normally again for a
short period of time. This is not good for the battery pack, as reaching
the critical safety voltage too many times can also cause damage to the
cells. DO NOT CONTINUE TO RUN VEHICLE AFTER THE SMART-STOP
HAS SHUT DOWN THE THROTTLE OUTPUT FOR THE FIRST TIME.
If Profile 3 or Profile 4 is used with Ni-Cd or Ni-MH type batteries, the
cut-off circuitry will shut off the speed control’s throttle output very early
into the battery pack’s runtime, due to the different characteristics of
these batteries––Change ESC’s Throttle Profile to Profile 1 or Profile 2
for use with these batteries.
The Rooster 12T reversible speed control also features a set of power
output pins for running auxiliary cooling fans. This allows you to add
cooling fans to either the motor, the speed control, or both, and the
best part is that they will automatically switch off when you turn off
the speed control’s power switch.
These pins output 6.0 volts DC (the same as the BEC), so you will get
maximum output from your cooling fans.
The Rooster’s pin-out label located on the front lower section of the
ESC’s case (under the pins, push button, & LEDs) shows the location and the
polarity of the fan power output pins. They are the 2 pins on the front
edge of the circuit board--Positive (+) is on the left, and Negative (–) is
on the right. The set of 3 pins behind them are for the user-replaceable input
signal harness, and the polarity of those is the same--Positive in the middle,
Negative on the right, and the extra pin on the left is signal.
The Novak 30x30x6mm clear cooling fan that comes on the GTB speed
control (Novak kit #5648) not only fits the size of the Rooster’s heat sink
perfectly, it also comes with the connector already on it for directly
plugging in. Fans that do not have the proper connector on them,
will need a connector (one end of an old receiver input harness would work
well) , or will need to be soldered to the pins--Take extra care if attempting
to solder to the fan power output pins--Do not overheat the pins or the
circuit board, and do not allow any solder or wire strands to cause a
short circuit with other pins or the heat sink.
Novak Electronics, Inc.
[phone] • FAX [phone]
Customer Service e-mail: [email protected]
Monday-Friday: 8:00am-5:00pm (PST)
pin-out label
positive
fan pin
negative
fan pin
www.teamnovak.com

www.teamnovak.com
The Rooster 12T has the industry-standard receiver input connector on a
user-replaceable input harness & works with all major radio brand’s new
receivers. However, some very old receivers must have the wiring sequence
in the plastic 3-pin connector housing changed. This is important, because
receiver & servo electronics may be damaged if the sequence is incorrect.
JR • Hitec • Futaba • New KO • Airtronics Z
JR, Hitec, Futaba, new KO, & Airtronics Z receivers do not need input
harness re-wiring. Airtronics Z receivers have blue plastic cases & new KO
cases have tabs on the input harness openings as in Figure 1.
• Plug one end of the input signal harness into the THROTTLE CHANNEL (#2)
of receiver with the BLACK wire toward the outside edge of receiver case.
• Plug the other end of the input harness into 3-pin header on the front edge
of the ESC ’s circuit board with the WHITE wire toward the left side of the
ESC (refer to pin-out label on case).
Old-style KO • Old-style Sanwa/Airtronics
If you have an older KO or Sanwa/Airtronics, you must change the se-
quence of the ESC’s input harness wires--Old Sanwa/Airtronics cases are
black color & Old KO cases do not have tab openings, as in Figure 2 above.
• Using a small flat blade screwdriver, remove the red & black wires from the
plastic housing at the receiver end of the input harness as in Figure 3 below.
• Interchange the red and black wires in the plastic 3-pin connector housing
at the receiver end of the input harness.
• Insert modified end of the harness into the THROTTLE CHANNEL (#2) of
receiver with the RED wire toward the outside edge of receiver case.
• Plug the other end of the input harness into the ESC with the WHITE wire
toward the ‘S’ (signal) marking on the ESC’s case.
FIGURE 3 With a small standard screwdriver, gently lift plastic prong until wire
and metal socket easily slide out of plastic housing.
changing wiring sequence @ receiver end
FIGURE 1
FIGURE 2
New KO (with tabs) Old KO (no tabs)
tabs no tabs
black red
red
white black
white
With ESC connected to (at least) a receiver & a charged battery pack:
1. TURN ON THE TRANSMITTER’S POWER
2. PRESS & HOLD ESC’S ONE-TOUCH/SET BUTTON
3. TURN ON THE SPEED CONTROL’S POWER
With transmitter throttle at neutral, and still pressing the SET button,
slide the ESC’s ON/OFF switch to ON position.
4. CONTINUE HOLDING SET BUTTON UNTIL RED LED COMES ON
5. RELEASE SET BUTTON AS SOON AS LED TURNS RED
6. PULL TRANSMITTER THROTTLE TO FULL-ON POSITION
Hold it there until the green status LED turns solid green.
Note: Motor will not run during programming even if connected.
7. PUSH TRANSMITTER THROTTLE TO FULL-BRAKES
Hold it there until the green status LED blinks green.
8. RETURN TRANSMITTER THROTTLE TO NEUTRAL
Red status LED will turn solid red, indicating that speed control is
at neutral and that proper programming has been completed.
NOTE: If transmitter settings are changed, One-Touch Programming must be
repeated. If you experience any problems, turn off ESC & repeat One-Touch.
REMEMBER: Whenever One-Touch set-up is performed, ESC
automatically reverts to Throttle Profile #1.
P2 P3
step 1 – connect input harness
step 2 –MOUNTiNG ESC
step
4
– one-touch programming
Be sure to position the ESC with the power wires away from other
electronics & moving parts in the vehicle. Select a location that allows
airflow through heat sinks--If the ESC gets good air flow, it will run cooler;
and that means it will be more efficient!
1. MOUNT ESC IN THE VEHICLE using the included double-sided tape.
Be sure receiver & antenna are mounted as far from ESC, power wires, battery,
& servo as possible--these components all emit RF noise when throttle is applied.
On graphite or aluminum chassis vehicles, it may help to place receiver on
edge with crystal & antenna as far above chassis as possible.
Note: Mount antenna as close to receiver as possible--trail any excess wire off top
of antenna mast (cutting or coiling excess antenna wire will reduce radio range).
2. MOUNT POWER CAPACITOR IN THE VEHICLE using the included double-
sided tape, or secure it to part of the vehicle with a tie-wrap. The Power
Capacitor can also be tie-wrapped along the battery power wires.
If the Power Capacitor becomes dented or damaged, ESC failure
can occur--replace damaged Power Capacitors immediately.
3. INSTALL ON/OFF SWITCH using a screw or the included double-sided
tape. Position in the vehicle where it will be easy to access.
If you have any problems with Step 4, adjust transmitter as follows
and then repeat One-Touch programming in Step 4:
A. Set HIGH ATV or EPA to maximum setting.
[amount of throw at full throttle]
B. Set LOW ATV, EPA, or ATL to maximum setting.
[amount of throw at full brakes]
C. Set EXPONENTIAL to zero setting. [throttle channel linearity]
D. Set THROTTLE CHANNEL REV. SWITCH to opposite position.
E. Set THROTTLE CHANNEL TRIM to middle setting.
[adjusts neutral position/increases or decreases coast brakes]
F. Set ELECTRONIC TRIGGER THROW ADJUSTMENT to 50%
throttle and 50% brake throw--best for reversible ESCs.
[adjusts trigger throw electronic/digital pistol-grip transmitters]
G. Set MECHANICAL TRIGGER THROW ADJUSTMENT to position
with 1/2 throttle and 1/2 brake throw.
•NOT ALL TRANSMITTERS HAVE THESE ADJUSTMENTS•
transmitter adjustments
SET-UP PHOTO
ON/OFF
switch
Power Capacitor tie-wrapped
along power wires
One-Touch
Set-Up
button
User-replaceable input
signal harness (Ch.2)
Black power wire
(battery negative)
Status LEDs
Trail excess wire off top
of antenna mast
Red power wire
(battery positive)
Blue power wire
(motor negative)
(–)
(+)
4 to 7 cell
battery pack
Yellow power wire
(motor positive)
Tamiya-style
battery connector
Servo
plugged
into
steering
ch. (#1)
12-turn or higher
brush-type motor
The ESC is equipped with 4 user-selectable Throttle Profiles to choose from:
PROFILE #1: Forward, brakes, & reverse.
PROFILE #2: Forward & brakes only.
PROFILE #3: Forward, brakes, & reverse.
PROFILE #4: Forward & brakes only.
NOTE: ESC is factory set to Throttle Profile #1.
selecting throttle profile:
With ESC on & connected to a charged battery (transmitter ON or OFF) :
1. IF TRANSMITTER IS OFF, DISCONNECT ESC FROM RECEIVER
To avoid possible radio interference from other transmitters, remove
the ESC’s input signal harness from the receiver.
2. PRESS & HOLD THE ESC’S ONE-TOUCH SET BUTTON
Continue to hold SET button on ESC until both LEDs turn on.
3. RELEASE SET BUTTON AS SOON AS BOTH LEDs COME ON
Once released, the 4 status LEDs will flash to indicate what Throttle
Profile is currently selected. The number of times the LEDs flash
indicates the Throttle Profile selection (1 of 4).
4. QUICK PRESS (& release) SET BUTTON TO CHANGE SELECTION
Each press will change to the next consecutive Throttle Profile.
*** Note: there is a time constraint during this selection process. ***
5. ESC STORES SELECTION & EXITS TO NEUTRAL
If SET button is not pressed for 3 seconds, ESC stores selected Profile
into memory & the red LED will come on solid. The speed control
is at neutral & is ready to go.
NOTE: Whenever One-Touch set-up is performed, ESC reverts to Throttle Profile #1.
throttle profile selection
step 3 – motor & battEry cONNEctiON
1. MOTOR CAPACITORS
Electric motors generate RF noise that causes interference. The included
0.1µF (50V) non-polarized, ceramic capacitors must be used on all motors
to reduce motor noise & prevent ESC damage.
Note: Some motors come with capacitors built-in. If your motor
only has two capacitors, you need to install a capacitor between the
positive & negative motor tabs––If you experience radio inter ference
when using only built-in capacitors, install external ones.
Solder 0.1µF (50V) capacitors between:
• POSITIVE (+) motor tab & NEGATIVE (–) motor tab.
• POSITIVE (+) motor tab & GROUND tab*.
• NEGATIVE (–) motor tab & GROUND tab*.
*If motor has no ground tab (below), solder the capacitors to motor can.
Negative (–) motor tab
**NO SCHOTTKY DIODE**
0.1µF Capacitors
Positive (+) motor tab
Ground / motor can
Extra 0.1µF capacitors are available in Novak kit #5620.
2. DO NOT USE SCHOTTKY DIODES
Schottky diodes must NOT be used with reversible ESCs (including
brushless). Schottky diode usage will damage the ESC & void warranty.
If you are going to use connectors on the ESC’s motor wires, we highly
suggest Dean’s Ultra plugs or other low-loss connectors--do not use
crimp type connectors. Note: If you plan to change the battery connector,
be aware that this can void the warranty if not done properly.
To prevent possible cross-connection of motor and battery wires:
• Use connectors that cannot be plugged in backwards. Reverse voltage
will damage the ESC and void warranty.
• Use a female connector on battery packs to avoid shorting.
For additional information on connector usage, visit our website.
connector usage
3. FACTORY-INSTALLED POWER CAPACITOR REQUIRED
The ESC comes with a factory-installed Power Capacitor, and it MUST
be used for proper operation and protection.
I f Power Cap. becomes dented or damaged, ESC failure can occur--replace immediately.
Longer Power Capacitor wires will decrease performance.
4. SOLDER MOTOR POWER WIRES TO MOTOR
a . Cut the ESC’s BLUE & YELLOW silicone motor power wires to the
desired length, and strip 1/8-1/4” of insulation from the end of each
wire. Tightly twist the exposed strands of wire.
b . Solder the ESC’s BLUE motor wire to the motor’s negative (–) tab.
c . Solder the ESC’s YELLOW motor wire to the motor’s positive (+) tab.
6. CONNECT SPEED CONTROL TO BATTERY PACK
Connect the ESC’s Tamiya-style JST battery connector to a charged 4
to 7 cell (1.2VDC/cell) battery pack (or 2-cell Li-Po pack). Connector
can also be changed to a different type, or ESC can be hard-soldered
directly to battery pack.
FIGURE 4
using a receiver battery pack
Your new speed control has a built-in BEC (battery eliminator circuit), and you do
not need to use a separate receiver battery pack, however if you are planning to use
one to power the electronics you need to do the following:
1. Plug the external 5 cell (1.2VDC/cell) receiver battery pack into the battery
slot of the receiver.
2. Leave the ESC’s ON/OFF switch in the OFF position, and use receiver battery
pack’s ON/OFF switch to turn the system power on and off––Do not use the
ESC’s switch.
Li-Po Cut-Off Circuitry Active
Ni-Cd & Ni-MH cells ONLY