NOVAK ELEKTRA User manual

STEP 1
HEAT SINK INSTALLATION
Two Micro Fin™ heat sinks have been included to
provide
proper cooling for the Elektra ESC. The
speed control will operate cooler and run faster
when the heat sinks are
installed. DO NOT use the
Elektra without the heat sinks, this voids the warranty
and will cause the speed control
to overheat and
thermally shut down.
1. INSTALL THE LEFT HEAT SINK
Place the speed control on a flat surface and press
one heat sink (longer fins go down onto transistor
tabs) onto the left bank of 2 transistor tabs.
NOTE: Do not use excessive force when installing
heat sinks because you can damage the transistors or
other components on the PC board. Never use a vise
or pliers to install the heat sinks.
2. INSTALL THE RIGHT HEAT SINK
Press the second heat sink (again, long fins down)
onto the right bank of 3 transistors tabs.
The heat sinks should press onto transistor tabs with
a snug fit. If heat sinks are installed upside-down or
shifted off-center, they will be too loose and will not
work properly.
3. DO NOT USE GLUE
Do not use glue or other types of adhesives to attach
the heat sinks to the transistor tabs.
4. DO NOT SHORT CIRCUIT HEAT SINKS
The two separate banks of transistor tabs or heat
sinks should never contact each other or other
conductive objects (metal, graphite, etc.), or they
will short circuit and damage the speed control.
STEP 2
MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS
1. DETERMINE THE BEST ESC MOUNTING LOCATION
The speed control should be positioned away from the
receiver and antenna as shown in set-up photo on back
page. Choose a mounting position that will keep power
wires away from the receiver and antenna. Choose a
position that will provide maximum airflow through the
heat sinks to allow for proper cooling.
2. INSTALL THE SPEED CONTROL
Use the included double-sided tape to mount ESC.
3. INSTALL THE ON/OFF SWITCH
Determine a convenient place to mount switch where it
will be easy to get to. Mount switch using a piece of
double-sided tape. If your car has a switch mount
molded into the chassis, remove the two phillips head
screws from the switch housing and reassemble switch
into chassis using the 3/8" long screws included in the
speed control accessory kit. Note direction of ON/OFF
cover and reverse it if necessary.
4. INSTALL THE RECEIVER
Mount the receiver as far from the speed control, motor,
power wires, battery, and servo as possible. All these
components emit radio noise when the throttle is being
applied. If your car has a graphite or aluminum chassis,
place the receiver on edge with the crystal and antenna
as far above the chassis as possible. The receiver can
also be mounted on the shock tower.
5. INSTALL THE ANTENNA
Mount the antenna as close to the receiver as possible.
Trail any excess wire off the top of the antenna mast.
Do not cut or coil excess wire.
Cutting or coiling excess wire will reduce radio range.
PART #1930
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
The Elektra is an entry-level mid-frequency
speed control created with the high-end racing
technology that Novak Electronics is known for.
The Elektra features the original One-Touch Set-Up™ for quick and easy
set-up.
With Novak's revolutionary Polar Drive Technology™ and Digital
Anti-Glitch Circuitry
TM
the Elektra runs longer and smoother than
conventional ESCs (Electronic Speed Controls). While Radio Priority
Circuitry
TM
maintains total steering control even after the main battery
pack has discharged and can no longer move the vehicle.
The Elektra has a built-in Schottky diode and BEC (Battery Eliminator Circuit),
to
provide radio system power without an external receiver battery.
The Elektra also has Thermal Overload Protection and purple anodized
Micro Fin™ heat sinks to ensure smooth and cool operation. The factory-
installed JST/Tamiya style battery connectors and bullet motor connectors
make for quick and easy installation of the speed control into your car or truck.
All Novak ESCs are guaranteed to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for
a period of 120 days from the original date of purchase. Complete warranty details inside.
ELEKTRA ACCESSORIES
MOTOR CAPACITORS
To prevent radio interference problems, you must have
three 0.1µF capacitors properly installed on every motor.
Included with the Elektra speed control are three 0.1µF
(50V) capacitors (enough for one motor). Additional 0.1µF
(50V) capacitors are available as Novak Accessory Kit
#5620 which contains 25 capacitors. Please
refer to
Step 4 on the back page for proper motor
capacitor
installation instructions.
HEAT SINKS
A replacement heat sink set is available for the Elektra
speed control in Novak Accessory Kit #5408. These
purple anodized Micro-Fin
heat sinks provide the
proper transistor cooling that is required to get the
best performance from your speed control. The heat
sinks keep the
operating temperatures low to prevent
overheating and thermal shut down, and result in more
efficient speed control operation.
PRECAUTIONS
• READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE USING!
• WATER & ELECTRONICS DON'T MIX! Do not operate
model in or around water. Never allow water, moisture, or
other foreign materials to get inside the ESC.
•
6 CELLS ONLY Never use more or fewer than 6 sub-C cells
(1.2 volt DC/cell) in the main battery pack.
•
MOTOR CAPACITORS REQUIRED Three 0.1µF (50V)
ceramic capacitors must be properly installed on every
motor to prevent radio interference.
• DO NOT REMOVE BATTERY OR MOTOR CONNECTORS
Internal damage can occur and will void the warranty.
• DON'T LET TRANSISTOR TABS TOUCH Never allow the
two transistor tab banks or the heat sinks to touch each
other or any exposed metal, as this will create a short circuit
and damage the speed control.
•
DISCONNECT THE BATTERIES Always disconnect the
battery pack from the speed control when not in use.
• TRANSMITTER ON FIRST Always turn on the power of
your transmitter first so that you will have control of the
radio equipment when you turn on the speed control.
• DON'T GET BURNT! Transistor tabs can get hot, so be
careful not to touch them until they cool.
• INSULATE WIRES Always insulate exposed wiring with
heat shrink tubing to prevent short circuits.
RADIO INTERFERENCE
The high frequency switching operation of electronic
speed controls can generate radio interference. Here are
some common causes of radio interference problems:
• CAPACITORS NOT INSTALLED ON MOTOR Electric
motors generate radio noise that can interfere with the
receiver. To prevent radio problems, every motor must
have three 0.1µF (50V) ceramic capacitors installed on
it. Refer to Step 3 on back page for proper installation.
•
RECEIVER/ANTENNA INCORRECTLY MOUNTED The
receiver and antenna should be mounted as far from
the motor, power wires, battery, and servo as possible,
as these components all emit radio noise. On graphite
or aluminum, place receiver on edge with the crystal
and antenna as far above the chassis as possible. Mount
the antenna close to receiver and trail any excess wire
off the top of antenna. Do not cut or coil excess wire!
• MOTOR BRUSHES WORN As motor brushes continue
to wear, excessive motor noise will be generated. To
avoid radio interference, worn motor brushes should
be replaced. The motor commutator may also need to
be cleaned or trued and can be machined to help the
motor run more efficiently.
INSTALLATION EXAMPLES
Input Voltage 6 cells (1.2 volts DC/cell)
Case Width 1.75 inches [44.45 mm]
Case Depth 1.36 inches [34.59 mm]
Case Height 0.73 inch [18.42 mm]
Weight (w/o heat sinks) 1.71 ounces [48.48 g]
On-Resistance
@ Transistors
0.010 Ω
(25
°
C junction temp.)
Rated Current 120 amps
Braking Current 40 amps
BEC Rating 5.0 volts DC / 0.5 amps
Motor Limit 20 turns
Wire Size (Battery/Motor) 16 gauge
Wire Length
(Battery/Motor)
6 inches [152 mm]
Signal Harness Length 6 inches [152 mm]
PWM Drive Frequency 500 hertz (nominal)
SPECIFICATIONS
ELEKTRA
#1930

STEP 3
HOOK-UP INSTRUCTIONS
Refer to set-up photo below
1. INSTALL MOTOR CAPACITORS
Electric motors generate radio noise that can interfere
with your receiver and cause radio problems. Included
in the accessory kit with the speed control are three
0.1µF (50V) non-polarized, ceramic capacitors. These
capacitors must be installed on every motor to help
reduce the noise generated by the motor and also to
prevent possible damage to the speed control.
Solder 0.1µF (50V) capacitors between:
• POSITIVE (+) motor tab & NEGATIVE (-) motor tab.
• POSITIVE (+) motor tab & GROUND tab*.
• NEGATIVE (-) motor tab & GROUND tab*.
*If your motor does not have a ground tab, solder the
capacitor leads to the can of the motor as shown below.
Negative (-) motor tab
0.1 µ F Capacitors
Schottky diode
Positive (+) motor tab
Ground / motor can
2. CONNECT SPEED CONTROL TO THE RECEIVER
Plug the speed control into the THROTTLE CHANNEL
of the receiver.
3.
CONNECT SPEED CONTROL TO THE BATTERY PACK
Plug the white JST connector from the speed control
into the JST/Tamiya style connector on a fully charged
6 cell battery pack (1.2 volts DC/cell). The black wire is
negative (-) and the red wire is positive (+).
4. CONNECT SPEED CONTROL TO THE MOTOR
Plug the bullet connector on the red wire (+) of the
speed control to motor positive. Plug the other bullet
connector, on the blue wire (-), to motor negative.
Removing or changing the battery or motor connectors
may cause internal ESC damage and will void the warranty.
USE ONLY STOCK & MILD MODIFIED MOTORS (20 or
more turns only!) with the Elektra speed control––Using
hotter motors and lower gear ratios will cause the speed
control to overheat.
TIP: Twisting the BLUE & RED motor wires one or two times around
each other as they go to motor can help reduce any radio noise
that may be emitted from the power wires. Refer to Set-Up photo.
5. OPTIONAL USE OF SCHOTTKY DIODE
The Elektra does not require an external Schottky diode.
However, using one will increase the efficiency and
reduce the operating temperature of the ESC.
Solder the lead CLOSEST to the silver stripe on the body
of the Schottky diode to the POSITIVE (+) motor tab.
Solder the lead OPPOSITE the silver stripe on the body
of the Schottky to the NEGATIVE (-) motor tab.
Schottky diodes are available in Novak kit #5640.
If installed backwards, a Schottky diode will be destroyed. The body
of a bad diode will normally crack open. Replace only with Schottky
diodes that have a minimum rating of 35 volts / 8 amps.
Proper transmitter adjustment is important for optimum
performance from your speed control. The basic throttle
channel adjustments for the transmitter are as follows:
1. Set HIGH ATV or EPA to maximum setting.
[Controls amount of throw from neutral to full throttle]
2. Set LOW ATV, EPA, or ATL to maximum setting.
[Controls amount of throw from neutral to full brakes]
[Reduce this after ESC adjustment to reduce amount of brakes]
3. Set EXPONENTIAL to zero setting.
[Controls the linearity of the throttle channel]
4. Set THROTTLE CHANNEL TRIM to middle setting.
[Adjusts the neutral position of speed control]
[Increase or decrease after ESC adjustment to adjust coast
brakes––can be used to give braking in neutral trigger position]
5. Set THROTTLE CHANNEL REVERSING SWITCH to
either position.
[Do not change switch position after programming]
6. Set ELECTRONIC TRIGGER THROW ADJUSTMENT to
70% throttle and 30% brake throw (or 7:3).
[Adjusts pistol-grip transmitter’s throttle trigger throw]
7. Set MECHANICAL TRIGGER THROW ADJUSTMENT
to position with 2/3 throttle and 1/3 brake throw.
[Adjusts pistol-grip transmitter’s throttle trigger throw]
STEP 4
TRANSMITTER ADJUSTMENT
STEP 5
SPEED CONTROL ADJUSTMENT
Before beginning this step, the ESC should be connected
to the receiver and a charged 6 cell battery pack, the
motor disconnected, and the transmitter adjusted.
Adjustment of your Elektra speed control is required for
proper operation. When the status LED is red, the speed
control is in the neutral position (no throttle or brake).
When the status LED is solid green, the ESC is at full
throttle, and it will be flashing green at full brake position.
1. CONNECT THE BATTERY
Plug the speed control into a fully charged 6 cell nickel-
cadmium or nickel-metal hydride Sub-C battery pack.
2. TURN ON THE TRANSMITTER
3. TURN ON THE SPEED CONTROL
Slide the ON/OFF switch to the ON position.
4. PRESS AND HOLD SPEED CONTROL’S SET BUTTON
With transmitter throttle at neutral, press and hold the
ESC SET button until the status LED turns solid red.
5. RELEASE ESC SET BUTTON WHEN LED IS RED
6.
PULL TRANSMITTER THROTTLE TO FULL-ON POSITION
Hold it there until the status LED turns solid green.
NOTE: The motor will not run during programming even if it
is connected to the speed control.
7. PUSH TRANSMITTER THROTTLE TO FULL-BRAKE
Hold it there until the status LED blinks green.
8. RETURN TRANSMITTER THROTTLE TO NEUTRAL
Status LED will turn solid red, indicating that throttle is
at neutral and proper programming has been completed.
9. CHECK OPERATION OF THE SPEED CONTROL
Connect the motor and check for proper operation.
With no throttle or brake applied the status LED should
be solid red and the motor should not be running. At
full throttle the status LED should be solid green and
the motor running full speed. At full brakes the status
LED should be blinking green and the motor not running.
10. SET THE COAST BRAKE AT TRANSMITTER (optional)
Adjust the THROTTLE CHANNEL TRIM on the transmit-
ter
to get more or less coast brake. This is accomplished
by slightly shifting the neutral position. After adjustment
be sure that the status LED is still green at full throttle.
Speed control is programmed & ready to run!
If your transmitter settings are changed at any time after
the speed control has been set-up, it will be necessary to
complete the programming sequence once again.
If you experience any problems during programming,
turn off the speed control and then repeat the entire
programming process again.
TROUBLE-SHOOTING GUIDE
This section describes possible speed control problems,
causes, and solutions.
Steering Channel Works But Motor Will Not Run
• Speed control has thermally shut down––Allow ESC to
cool down––Use milder motor or smaller pinion gear.
• Check motor connections. Check motor and brushes.
• Make sure ESC is plugged into the throttle channel of
receiver. Check throttle channel operation with a servo.
Check wiring color sequence of receiver signal harness.
• Possible internal damage––Refer to Service Procedures.
Receiver Glitches/Throttle Stutters During Acceleration
• Motor capacitors broken or missing––Refer to Step 3.
• Receiver or antenna too close to speed control, power
wires, battery, or motor––Refer to Step 2.
• Bad connections––Check wiring and connectors.
• Motor brushes worn––Replace brushes.
• Excessive current to motor––Use a milder motor or a
smaller pinion gear.
Motor and Steering Servo Do Not Work
• Check wires, receiver signal harness wiring and color
sequence, radio system, crystals, battery and motor
connectors, and battery pack.
• Possible internal damage––Refer to Service Procedures.
Model Runs Slowly / Slow Acceleration
• Check motor and battery connectors––Replace if needed.
• Bad battery or motor––Check operation with another.
• Incorrect transmitter or speed control adjustment––Re-
fer to Steps 4 and 5.
• Optional external Schottky diode (if used) installed
backwards or damaged––Refer to Step 3.
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.
•
Application of reverse voltage––Refer to Service Procedures.
*For more help call our Customer Service Department.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
Before sending in your Elektra for service, review the
Trouble-Shooting guide and the instructions. The ESC
may appear to have failed when other problems exist.
PLEASE NOTE: Speed controls that operate normally
when received will be charged a minimum service fee
and return shipping costs.
WHAT TO SEND: Fill out all of the information requested
on the enclosed ESC SERVICE CARD and return it with
your speed control.
WARRANTY WORK:
For warranty work, you MUST CLAIM
WARRANTY on the ESC SERVICE CARD and include a valid
cash register receipt with purchase date on it, or an in-
voice from previous service work. If warranty provisions
have been voided there will be a service charge.
SERVICE COSTS: Customer is responsible for all service
costs (parts, labor, and shipping/handling charges). See
ESC SERVICE CARD for payment and shipping options.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
• Hobby dealers or distributors are not authorized to re-
place speed controls thought to be defective.
• If a hobby dealer returns your speed control for service,
submit a completed ESC SERVICE CARD to the dealer
and make sure it is included with the speed control.
• Novak Electronics, Inc. does not make any electronic
components (transistors, resistors, etc.) available for sale.
• To provide the most efficient service possible to our cus-
tomers, it is not our policy to contact customers by
phone or mail.
PRODUCT WARRANTY
Novak Electronics, Inc. guarantees the Elektra to be free from
defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 120 days
from original date of purchase (verified by dated, itemized sales re-
ceipt) . Warranty does not cover incorrect installation, compo-
nents worn by use, damage from using fewer or more than 6
cells (1.2 volts DC/cell) input voltage, not using heat sinks, short-
circuiting heat sinks, cross-connection of battery/motor or
reverse voltage application, damage from incorrect installation
of FET servo or receiver battery pack, damage from excessive
force while installing heat sinks or pushing One-Touch button,
not installing three 0.1µF (50V) capacitors on motor, splices to
switch or receiver signal harnesses, removing or changing the
battery or motor connectors, damage from disassembling case,
tampering with internal electronics, allowing water, moisture, or
any other foreign material to enter ESC or get onto PC board,
allowing exposed wiring to short-circuit, or any damage caused
by a crash.
In no case shall our liability exceed product's original cost. We
reserve the right to modify warranty provisions without notice.
Because Novak Electronics, Inc. has no control over connection
and use of the ESC, no liability may be assumed nor will be
accepted for damage resulting from the use of this product. Every
ESC is thoroughly tested and cycled before leaving our facility
and is, therefore, considered operational. By the act of connect-
ing/operating ESC, the user accepts all resulting liability.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
CUSTOMER SERVICE HOURS (PST)
Monday-Thursday: 8:00am-5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am-4:00pm (closed every other Fri.)
[phone] • FAX [phone]
©1999 Novak Electronics, Inc. • All Rights Reserved
No part of these operating instructions may be reproduced without the
written permission of Novak Electronics, Inc.
All Novak speed controls are designed and manufactured in the U.S.A.
Elektra™, Polar Drive Technology™, Radio Priority Circuitry™, One-
Touch Set-Up™, and Digital Anti-Glitch Circuitry™ are all trademarks of
Novak Electronics, Inc.
Printed in the U.S.A. 11/99 • #IM-1930-1
blue wire
(motor negative)
red wire
(motor positive)
Trail excess wire
off antenna mast.
(Do not cut or coil)
Tip: Twist motor wires
to reduce radio noise!
Keep receiver
and antenna
away from
motor, servo,
battery, and
power wires.
red wire
(battery positive)
black wire
(battery negative)
(-) (+)
Mount switch
where it will be
easy to get to.
(-)
(+)
ELEKTRA SET-UP
Extra 0.1 µ F capacitors
available in Novak kit #5620.
NOVAK ELECTRONICS, INC.
18910 Teller Avenue
Irvine, CA 92612
www.teamnovak.com
motor with
20 or more
turns
6 cell
battery
pack