NOVAK PIT WIZARD User manual

PIT WIZARD
instruction manual

2 PIT WIZARD INSTRUCTION MANUAL
CONTENTS
Introduction............................................................. 3
What’s Included ....................................................... 3
About The Pit Wizard .............................................. 4
Adjustable Parameters........................................ 5-12
Hardware Connection ........................................... 13
Precautions ............................................................ 14
Acquiring Default Parameters............................... 14
Monitoring Transmitter Trigger............................ 15
Uploading Parameters From Cyclone .............. 16-17
Editing Parameters ........................................... 18-20
Downloading Parameters To Cyclone.............. 21-22
Saving Parameters................................................. 23
Reading Parameters .............................................. 24
Trouble-Shooting Guide........................................ 25
Product Warranty .................................................. 25
Service Procedures ................................................ 26
Service Return Sheet ............................................. 27
Profile Log Sheets............................................. 28-30
Index ................................................................. 31-32
Sample Profile Data............................................... 33

3PIT WIZARD INSTRUCTION MANUAL
INTRODUCTION
When designing an electronic speed control, the Novak engineers
are put to the task of setting design parameters such as how wide
the Deadband should be, what percentage of Full Drive should be
applied with the first pulse of transmitter information, or what
BrakeandDriveFrequenciestouse.Inthepast,ourengineerswould
determine the best possible compromise for these parameters
based on different vehicles and driving styles. While these fixed
designs were perfect for some applications and some drivers, they
were not right for others. It became clear that a speed control was
needed that allowed the driver to modify several of the design
parameters to fit their differing applications and needs.
Duringtesting,ourengineersfound that different vehicles required
different parameter values, just as each individual driver required
different parameters to obtain the type of feel that they desired.
With this criteria in mind, Novak Electronics proudly brings you
the Cyclone Programmable Speed Control (Part #1765) and the
Pit Wizard Hand-Held Programmer (Part #1035).
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• PIT WIZARD
Comes complete and ready to program your Cyclone speed
control right at the track where you need it most. Just add
batteries, connect the D•LINK to speed control, and program.
Also comes with sample Profiles to start you on the right track.
• PROFILE SOFTWARE
The same customized profiling software that comes with the
Novak DataLink is already inside the Pit Wizard. Allowing you
to customize the adjustable parameters of the Novak Cyclone
ElectronicSpeedControl,includingDeadband width, Minimum
Drive percentage, Drive & Brake PWM Frequencies, and more.

4 PIT WIZARD INSTRUCTION MANUAL
ABOUT THE PIT WIZARD
Molded-in loop for adding
a neck or wrist strap.
D•LINKharnessfor
communicating
with Cyclone ESC.
Label shows main menu
items and lists all of the
user-adjustable Cyclone
parameters.
2 Line/16 Character LCD
displays menu position and
options for easy navigation.
Novak’s exclusive ESC Profile
Software allows you to modify
the design parameters of your
Cycloneand store ten different
racing Profiles.
Ergonomic design
fits comfortably in
your hand and
sturdy nylon case
stands up to tough
environments.
{UP} & {DOWN} buttons
let you scroll thru the
main menu sub-screens
and the user-adjustable
parameter values.
{MODE} button
takesyouthrough
theavailablemain
menu selections.
{ENTER} button
makes your selection
once the menu mode
or parameter value
youwantisdisplayed.
This button {•} is for
futuregrowthand is
not currently used.

5PIT WIZARD INSTRUCTION MANUAL
ADJUSTABLE PARAMETERS
The Pit Wizard’s Profile Software accesses the Cyclone speed
control’s previously hidden fourth Profile. The user-programmable
fourth Profile gives you the ability to customize several design
parameters of the speed control. This adjustability will allow you
to custom tailor the speed control’s response and feel to your
preference for different applications. This section lists the user-
adjustable parameters, their descriptions, and applications:
• NEUTRAL
–Measured in microseconds (µs).
–Position at which the speed control is at rest, with no Drive or
Brake being applied.
–Initial value is taken from the transmitter, as recorded in the
One-Touch Set-Up memory of the speed control.
• FULL THROTTLE
–Measured in microseconds (µs).
–Trigger position at which speed control reaches Full Drive.
–Initial value is taken from the transmitter, as recorded in the
One-Touch Set-Up memory of the speed control.
• FULL BRAKE
–Measured in microseconds (µs).
–Trigger position at which speed control reaches Full Brake.
–Initial value is taken from the transmitter, as recorded in the
One-Touch Set-Up memory of the speed control.
Figure 1: Neutral, Full Throttle, and Full Brake shown graphically by percent of
drive or brake applied at a given trigger position.
DEADBAND
TRIGGER POSITION
Neutral
Full
Brake Full Throttle
10 10
20
50
100
20
50
100
% FULL DRIVE
% FULL BRAKE

6 PIT WIZARD INSTRUCTION MANUAL
• DEADBAND
–Measured as percentage (%) of Full Throttle trigger position.
–Space between Minimum Brake and Minimum Drive, with
Neutral located at the center of this space (Figure 2).
–Changing the Deadband value will change the point at which
forward Drive begins with respect to Neutral.
–IncreasingDeadband will requiremoretriggermovementaway
from Neutral to reach both the first pulse of Drive and the first
pulseofBrake.Example:Adding10%tothevalue of Deadband
will in turn add 5% Deadband in the Full Throttle trigger
direction, and 5% Deadband in the Full Brake trigger direction.
–Decreasing Deadband will require less trigger movement to
reach the first pulses of Drive and Brake.
Figure 2: Deadband graphically displayed as a percentage of the Full Throttle
trigger position, which is measured in microseconds.
DEADBAND
18%
TRIGGER POSITION
Neutral Full
Throttle
10 10
20
50
100
20
50
100
100%18%
% FULL DRIVE
% FULL BRAKE
Minimum
Drive
Minimum
Brake
ADJUSTABLE PARAMETERS (CONT.)

7PIT WIZARD INSTRUCTION MANUAL
• DRIVE PWM FREQUENCY
–Measured in Hertz (Hz).
–Frequency at which the duty cycle information is being sent
from speed control to motor (How many times per second
the motor is being cycled on and off to control it’s speed).
–Drive PWM Frequency controls acceleration characteristics of
your vehicle with respect to trigger movement in the Full
Throttle direction (Figure 3). By changing the value of Drive
PWM Frequency you change the manner in which the vehicle
responds to transmitter trigger input.
–Increasing Drive PWM Frequency requires more initial trigger
movement to obtain the same given speed. Light vehicles feel
more controllable / Heavy vehicle more sluggish.
–Decreasing Drive PWM Frequency requires less initial trigger
movement to obtain the same given speed. Light vehicles are
harder to control at the low end (possibly spinning the rear
wheels) / Heavy vehicles are more reactive.
– This parameter can be used as a valuable tuning asset for
different types of motors and track conditions.
ADJUSTABLE PARAMETERS (CONT.)
Figure 3: Graphical location of area affected by Drive PWM Frequency.
DEADBAND
TRIGGER POSITION
Neutral
Full
Brake Full Throttle
10 10
20
50
100
20
50
100
DRIVE PWM
FREQUENCY
% FULL DRIVE
% FULL BRAKE

8 PIT WIZARD INSTRUCTION MANUAL
• MINIMUM DRIVE
–Measured as percentage (%) of the Drive value.
–Amount of Drive applied with the first pulse of transmitter
throttle information (Figure 4).
–Increasing the Minimum Drive will make the speed control
begin at a greater percentage of Full Drive. This is useful for
tracks with good traction and for heavier vehicles to eliminate
‘dead’ trigger movement before the motor can actually move
thevehicle(andwillincreasethevehicle’sminimumrollingspeed).
–Decreasing the Minimum Drive will make the speed control
start at a smaller percentage of Full Drive. This is useful for
tracks with low-bite and lighter vehicles where lower initial
power will give more controllability. This parameter is also a
valuable tuning asset for different types of motors.
ADJUSTABLE PARAMETERS (CONT.)
Figure 4: Graphical representation of Minimum Drive and Minimum Brake as
percentage of Full Drive and Full Brake, respectively.
DEADBAND
TRIGGER POSITION
Minimum
Drive [10%]
Minimum
Brake [20%]
10 10
20
50
100
20
50
100
256 DISCRETE BRAKE STEPS
256 DISCRETE FORWARD STEPS
% FULL DRIVE
% FULL BRAKE

9PIT WIZARD INSTRUCTION MANUAL
• BRAKE PWM FREQUENCY
–Measured in Hertz (Hz).
–Frequency at which the duty cycle information is being sent
from speed control to motor for braking.
–Brake PWM Frequency controls deceleration characteristics of
yourvehicle with respecttotrigger movement inthe Full Brake
direction (Figure 5). Changing Brake PWM Frequency allows
you to change the manner in which the vehicle responds to
brake trigger input.
–Increasing the Brake PWM Frequency will require more initial
trigger movement to obtain a given amount of braking. Light
vehicles brake more controllably under initial braking / Heavy
vehicles brake less reactively.
–Decreasing the Brake PWM Frequency will require less initial
trigger movement to obtain a given amount of braking. Light
vehicles are harder to control under initial braking (possibly
locking up the wheels) / Heavier vehicle are more reactive to
initial braking efforts.
ADJUSTABLE PARAMETERS (CONT.)
Figure 5: Graphical location of area affected by Brake PWM Frequency.
DEADBAND
TRIGGER POSITION
Neutral
Full
Brake Full Throttle
10 10
20
50
100
20
50
100
BRAKE PWM
FREQUENCY
% FULL DRIVE
% FULL BRAKE

10 PIT WIZARD INSTRUCTION MANUAL
• DRAG BRAKE VALUE
–Measured as percentage (%) of Full Brake value.
–Adjusts amount of Drag Brake applied within the Deadband
when throttle trigger is in the Neutral position (Figure 6).
–When the Drag Brake value is greater than zero, Drag Braking
is applied in the Deadband area. When the throttle trigger is
returned to Neutral, braking information is sent to the motor.
This can be used to obtain Drag Brakes without shifting the
Neutral position of the transmitter with the throttle trim, and
will in turn eliminate the Deadband (now ‘dead’ trigger) space
that has also been shifted toward the Full Throttle side of the
trigger movement before Drive can be applied.
–When the Drag Brake Toggle is set to ON position, the Brake
Pot on the Cyclone adjusts the Drag Brake Value. Drag Brakes
during Neutral/Deadband are now set at the same level as
Minimum Brake. With Drag Brake Toggle ON, the Drag Brake
Value can NOT be set with the Pit Wizard, only with the Brake
Pot on the Cyclone.
–When Drag Brake Toggle is OFF, the Brake Pot on the Cyclone
adjusts only the Minimum Brake value. Drag Brake Value can
now be set above zero with the Pit Wizard to obtain Drag
Brakes. Minimum Brake value can now be independently set
higher or lower than the Drag Braking (Figure 8).
ADJUSTABLE PARAMETERS (CONT.)
Figure 6: Graphical representation of Drag Brake Value as a percentage of Full Brake.
DEADBAND
TRIGGER POSITION
Minimum
Brake [20%]
10 10
20
50
100
20
50
100
30
Drag Brake Value [30%]
% FULL DRIVE
% FULL BRAKE

11PIT WIZARD INSTRUCTION MANUAL
• DRAG BRAKE TOGGLE
–Switches Brake Pot of the Cyclone ESC from Minimum Brake
adjustmenttoDragBrakeValue & MinimumBrakeadjustment.
–When Drag Brake Toggle is ON, Drag Braking is applied in the
Neutral/Deadband area at the same frequency as Brake PWM
Frequency is set (Figure 7). When the trigger is returned to
the Neutral position, braking information is sent to the motor.
ADJUSTABLE PARAMETERS (CONT.)
Figure 7: Drag Brake Toggle ON––Drag Brake Value = Minimum Brake (Both are
set with Brake Pot). Drag Brake Frequency = Brake PWM Frequency
(Both are set with Brake PWM Frequency adjustment).
Figure 8: Drag Brake Toggle OFF––Independent adjustment of Minimum Brake
via Brake Pot, and Drag Brake Value, Brake PWM Frequency, and Drag
Brake Frequency with Pit Wizard.
DEADBAND
TRIGGER POSITION
Drag Brake Value equals
Minimum Brake
= [30%]
10 10
50
100
50
100
30
% FULL DRIVE
% FULL BRAKE
DEADBAND
TRIGGER POSITION
Minimum
Brake
[20%]
10 10
20
50
100
20
50
100
30
Drag Brake Value [30%]
% FULL DRIVE
% FULL BRAKE

12 PIT WIZARD INSTRUCTION MANUAL
• DRAG BRAKE FREQUENCY
–Measured in Hertz (Hz).
–Frequency at which duty cycle information is being sent from
Cyclone to motor for Drag Braking during Neutral/Deadband.
–The Drag Brake Frequency (Figure 9) controls deceleration
characteristics of vehicle with Drag Brake during Neutral/
Deadband. Changing the Drag Brake Frequency changes the
manner in which the vehicle responds to Drag Brake.
–The Drag Brake Frequency affects the Drag Brake only when
the Drag Brake Toggle is OFF.
–Decreasing theDrag BrakeFrequency makes the braking more
reactive during the Neutral/Deadband.
–Increasing the Drag Brake Frequency makes the braking more
subtle during Neutral/Deadband.
–With Drag Brake Toggle OFF, Drag Brake can be used with a
higher setting of Drag Brake Value (on Pit Wizard) along with
a high setting of Brake PWM Frequency, and increased Minimum
Brake setting (Brake Pot), to obtain battery regeneration with-
outnoticableincreasedbrakingeffects. WithDragBrake Toggle
ON, Brake PWM Frequency is adjusting the frequencies of
both the brakes in the Neutral/Deadband area and the brakes
controlled by brake trigger movement.
ADJUSTABLE PARAMETERS (CONT.)
Figure 9: Graphical location of area affected by Drag Brake Frequency when the
Drag Brake Toggle is OFF.
DEADBAND
TRIGGER POSITION
Neutral
Full
Brake Full Throttle
10 10
20
50
100
20
50
100
DRAG BRAKE
FREQUENCY
% FULL DRIVE
% FULL BRAKE

13PIT WIZARD INSTRUCTION MANUAL
HARDWARE CONNECTION
1. Install four (4) 1.5 volt LR6 (AA) Batteries
–Remove the two (2) screws from bottom edge of the top-side
of Pit Wizard case with a number 1 Phillips screwdriver, turn
the unit over and remove the two (2) remaining Phillips-head
screws that secure the lower portion of the case bottom.
–Insert four (4) 1.5 volt LR6 (AA) batteries (Not included) into
the battery box––Cell orientation is illustrated in battery box.
–Replace the lower portion of the case bottom install all four
(4) Phillips-head screws––Be careful not to overtighten.
2. Connect the D•LINK harness
–Connect the Pit Wizard’s D•LINK harness to your Cyclone’s
DataLink socket (Figure 10) located on the top of the speed
control. The D•LINK connector can only clear the transistors
on the speed control if the “D•LINK” lettering is right side up.
If external heat sinks are installed, be sure that they do not
extend beyond the front edge of the transistors––You may
need to reposition heat sinks to gain proper access to connector.
Note: The motor will be disabled as soon as the Pit Wizard is connected.
Cyclone must be connected to a charged battery pack to supply power
during Uploading, Downloading, or Monitoring Transmitter Trigger.
Figure 10: Photo showing connection of D•LINK Harness.
D•LINK Harness

14 PIT WIZARD INSTRUCTION MANUAL
PRECAUTIONS
In addition to using basic common sense, please take special note
of the following precautions:
• Water and electronics DO NOT mix.
• DO NOT allow solvents to come in contact with the Pit Wizard
to avoid damage to the case and electronics.
• DO NOT allow connector pins on D•LINK harness to contact
transistor tabs or heat sinks on speed control.
• DO NOT touch connector pins on D•LINK harness to avoid
static electricity damage to the electronics.
• Be careful when connecting or disconnecting D•LINK harness
to DataLink socket on speed control to avoid damage.
ACQUIRING DEFAULT PARAMETERS
In order to edit and customize Profiles, you must first upload the
default parameter values from your Cyclone speed control. When
you upload the default parameters you will be reading Profile 1,
2, or 3 from your Cyclone (The Profile that is currently active).
Neutral, Full Throttle, and Full Brake are the default parameters
that were programmed into the Cyclone’s One-Touch memory,
based on the available throw of your transmitter. These values are
the standards for what will be the newly created Profile 4.
In most cases, you will not want to modify the values for Neutral,
Full Throttle, and Full Brake. These values set the exact point of
Neutral, and give you the complete range of throttle in both the
forward and brake directions. However, there are some instances
that will be discussed later in the Editing Parameters section, in
which changing these values could be useful.
Note: Before creating custom Profiles, it is important to check the
available throw of your transmitter by following the steps in the
Monitoring Transmitter Trigger section (next page). If there is not
sufficient throw you will need to change your transmitter’s set-up.

15PIT WIZARD INSTRUCTION MANUAL
MONITORING TRANSMITTER TRIGGER
Thisfunction allows youtomonitor the valuesof your transmitter’s
positions for Neutral, Full Brake, and Full Throttle (measured in µS).
Thisisused to determine ifyourtransmitter has the properamount
of throw that is needed by your Cyclone speed control.
1. Turn on your transmitter, then turn on your speed control.
2. Turn on the Pit Wizard’s power switch––Slide to ON position.
The display will show the start-up screen as shown on page 15.
3. Connectthe Pit Wizard’s D•LINK harness to theDataLink socket
on top of the Cyclone. The D•LINK connector will only clear
the transistors of the speed control if the “D•LINK” lettering is
right side up (Figure 10). If external heat sinks are installed, be
sure that they do not extend beyond the front edge of the
transistors (they may have to be repositioned to access connector).
Note: Motor will be disabled as soon as Pit Wizard is connected. You can
usea DSC cord todisabletransmitter’s RF section (To avoidinterference).
**At this time the Cyclone’s LED should be illuminated solid red.
4. Press {MODE} button until you reach the Monitor Trigger mode:
6 Monitor Trig
5. Press {ENTER} button to display transmitter’s trigger position:
6 Monitor Trig
1498µS
6. Move transmitter trigger to Full Throttle.
The difference between the Full Throttle and Neutral values
(Drive Throw) should be at least 350µS and up to 550µS.
7. Move transmitter trigger to Full Brake.
Thedifference betweentheFullBrakeand Neutralvalues(Brake
Throw) should be at least 350µS and up to 550µS.
IMPORTANT: If you do not get 350µS of Drive AND Brake throw,
your Cyclone will not operate at it’s full potential. You need to
increaseyourtransmitter’sATV,EPA,orATLsettingstogetmorethrow.
IMPORTANT

16 PIT WIZARD INSTRUCTION MANUAL
UPLOADING PARAMETERS FROM CYCLONE
The following steps will allow you to upload the Parameters from
the Cyclone speed control. The values for the Profile (1, 2, 3, or 4)
that is currently active in the Cyclone will be uploaded.
Youmustuploadthevalues forNeutral,FullThrottle,andFullBrake
that are stored in your Cyclone’s One-Touch memory, otherwise
new/incorrect settings will be downloaded with any new Profile.
1. Turn on your transmitter, then turn on your speed control.
Note: You can use a DSC cord to disable the transmitter’s RF section
(For use at a track/in the pits to avoid interference).
2. Turn on the Pit Wizard’s power switch––slide to ON position.
The display will show the start-up screen:
TEAM NOVAK
PIT WIZARD (rev#)
Note: We recommend that you turn off the Pit Wizard’s power when
not in use to extend the life of the batteries.
3. Connect the Pit Wizard’s D•LINK harness to your Cyclone’s
DataLink socket located on the top of the speed control. The
D•LINK connector can only clear the transistors on the speed
control if the “D•LINK” lettering is right side up. If you have
external heat sinks installed, be sure that they do not extend
beyond the front edge of the transistors––You may need to
reposition heat sinks to gain proper access to the connector.
Note: The motor will be disabled as soon as the Pit Wizard is connected.
**At this time the Cyclone’s LED should be illuminated solid red.
(CONT.)

17PIT WIZARD INSTRUCTION MANUAL
4. From the start-up screen on the Pit Wizard, press the {MODE}
button once. The display will read:
1 Upload Data
The number “1” indicates menu item one.
5. Pressthe {ENTER} button touploadthe default parametersfrom
the Cyclone speed control. When the parameters have been
uploaded the display will read:
1 Upload Data
***DONE***
7. Press {MODE} button to move to the Edit Profile Mode.
Note: If at any time during Uploading, Downloading, or Monitoring
Tranmitter Trigger the display reads “COMM ERROR”, press and hold
the {MODE} button until you hear a steady tone, then release. You will
exit back to the Pit Wizard’s start-up screen, no Profile data will be lost.
UPLOADING PARAMETERS (CONT.)

18 PIT WIZARD INSTRUCTION MANUAL
EDITING PARAMETERS
This function of the Pit Wizard’s Profile Software is where you will
be able to edit and customize Profile 4 of the Cyclone and it’s
parameters. You can work in the Edit Profile mode at any time, you
do not need to have the Cyclone connected to the Pit Wizard.
1. Press the {MODE} button on the Pit Wizard until you reach the
Edit Profile mode. The display will read:
2 Edit Profile
Edit Profile refers to editing the version of Profile 4 that is currently active
in the Pit Wizard’s Profile Software.
2. Press the {ENTER} button to display the first of the available
parameters: 21 Neutral
Use the {UP} and {DOWN} buttons to scroll through and display
the available user-adjustable parameters.
“21” indicates that you are on sub-screen one of menu item two.
3. Pressthe{ENTER}buttonto display the current parameter value.
Note: Neutral, Full Throttle, and Full Brake parameters should
not be modified for typical applications.
•One example for changing these parameters would be for Drag Racing,
where a shorter trigger throw may be desirable in order to reach Full
Drive faster by pulling the trigger a shorter distance. You would do this
by decreasing the value for Full Throttle (Figure 11).
4. Usethe{UP}or{DOWN}buttons to change theparametervalue:
21 Neutral
1498µS
(CONT.)

19PIT WIZARD INSTRUCTION MANUAL
5. Press the {ENTER} button to register the parameter value. The
display will change back to the Neutral sub-screen:
21 Neutral
OPTIMUM SETTINGS: For optimum performance, your Cyclone
settings should be 1350µS for Neutral, 1850µS for Full Throttle,
and1000µSforFullBrake.Thiswilldisplayas500µSforfullThrottle
and 350µS for Full Brake in the Edit Profile mode.
6. Press the {UP} or {DOWN} buttons to display the next desired
adjustable parameter.
7. To display and modify Full Throttle (sub-screen 22), Full Brake
(23), Deadband (24), Minimum Drive (26), and Drag Brake
Value (29), repeat Steps 3 through 5 .
Note: Deadband, Minimum Drive, and Drag Brake Value are entered as a
percentage to the nearest percent (1%) up to 50%.
(Display may appear to skip a value due to percentage rounding)
8. To display and modifyDrivePWMFrequency(25),BrakePWM
Frequency (27), or Drag Brake Frequency (28), use Steps 3
through 5. There are 16 frequency values to choose from:
Select Freq
23.4KHz
EDITING PARAMETERS (CONT.)
DEADBAND
TRIGGER POSITION
Neutral
Full
Brake Full Throttle
10 10
20
50
100
20
50
100
% FULL DRIVE
% FULL BRAKE
Figure 11: Graphical display of the Full Throttle position shifted toward Neutral
for Drag Racing.

20 PIT WIZARD INSTRUCTION MANUAL
9. The Toggle Options are two position switches that turn on and
off features in the Cyclone speed control. One (1) indicates
that the features is turned on, and a zero (0) is off.
To modify the Toggle Options (2A):
•Press the {ENTER} button at the Toggle Options sub-screen:
2A Toggle Opt.
•Eight toggles that can be switched will be displayed:
Toggle Select
00000000
•Press the {UP} or {DOWN} buttons to move left or right and
select which toggle to switch (The toggle with a line under it).
•Press the {ENTER} button to change the selected toggle.
Note: Currently, only the first toggle from the left controls a feature
in the Cyclone. This toggle will allow the Drag Brake Value to be
adjusted with the Brake pot on the speed control.
The second toggle from the left indicates whether or not the
throttle channel on your tranmitter is reversed. If this toggle
displays a “1” (rev.), a “#” symbol will also be displayed to the
left of the value on the Full Throttle and Full Brake sub-screens.
For Drag Brake ON the display should read:
Toggle Select
10000000
•Press the {MODE} to make Toggle changes and exit back out
to the Toggle Options sub-screen:
2A Toggle Opt.
10. Press {MODE} button again to exit back out to the main menu.
EDITING PARAMETERS (CONT.)