NOVAK Drift Spec Manual

#55-3074-1 Rev.1
6-2014
SPECIFICATIONS
Input Voltage ...............................................................................................2S LiPo/LiFe cells
Motor Limit ...........................................................10.5-turn sensor-based 540-size brushless
ESC Footprint & Height ............................... 1.15” x 0.95” x 0.79”H (29.0 x 24.3 x 20.0mm)
ESC Weight (w/o wires) ....................................................................0.75 ounce (21.3 grams)
B.E.C. Voltage/Current (built-in) ........................................................ 6.0 volts DC / 2.0 amps
Power Wire (Battery/Motor) ............................................................... 14G Super-Flex Silicone
On-Resistance ....................................................... 0.0011 ohm per phase @25°C trans.temp.
Thermal Overload Protection ............................................................................................ Yes
PLUG-IN INPUT SIGNAL HARNESS (MINI-JST) [Novak kits #5304 & #5309]
Input signal harness with 2mm Mini plug on ESC end--4.5” (#5304), 9” (#5309).
BRUSHLESS MOTOR CONNECTOR WIRE SET [Novak kit #5332]
Flexible 14GA wire with gold-plated connectors for low-resistance connections.
BRUSHLESS SENSOR HARNESSES [Novak kit #5351-#5353]
Shielded sensor harness protects sensor wires--4” (#5351), 6” (#5352), 9” (#5353).
5-AMP UNIVERSAL BEC (2S) [Novak kit #5465]
Supplies 6.0V / 5A of power to receiver & servo for extra performance under heavy loads.
SUPER-FLEX SILICONE 14GA WIRE SET [Novak kit #5508]
Two each of 9” length black, red, blue, yellow, and orange 14GA wire.
ESC POWER SWITCH HARNESS [Novak kit #5600]
Includes replacement ON/OFF Power Switch with stripped & tinned wire harness.
GLITCH BUSTER CAPACITOR [Novak kit #5626] *INCLUDED / HIGHLY RECOMMENDED*
Provides reserve power to receiver during extreme loading from power hungry servos.
25x25x10mm COOLING FANS [Novak kits #5649 & #5653]
Cooling fans with 2mm Mini power plug. Single fan (#5649), 2-pack of fans (#5653).
REPLACEMENT POWERCAP HARNESS [Novak kit #5682]
1000µF, 16V replacement PowerCap harness for Drift Spec ESC.
POWER CONNECTORS–3.5mm & 4mm [Novak kit #5731 & #5741]
Low-Loss connectors generate dozens of wiring routing and installation options.
LEAD-FREE SILVER SOLDER [Novak kit #5831-#5833]
3% Silver solder for high-conductivity--6gr (#5831), 15gr (#5832), 100gr (#5833).
MOUNTING TAPE 25x35mm [Novak kit #5840 & #5842]
Cushioned, double-sided tape for mounting electronics--10pc (#5840), 25pc (#5842).
HEAT SHRINK TUBING [Novak kit #5850 & #5851]
6” long heat shrink tubing in six sizes: 1/16” - 3/8”--6pc kit (#5850), 24pc kit (#5851).
WATER & ELECTRONICS DON’T MIX!
Allowing water, moisture or other foreign materials to get inside ESC will void warranty.
MUST BE 14 YEARS OR OLDER TO OPERATE
Strict adult supervision is required for use by children under 14 years of age.
SENSOR-BASED BRUSHLESS MOTORS ONLY
Designed for use with 540-size sensor-based Novak brushless motors down to 10.5 turns.
NO SCHOTTKY DIODES!
Do not use Schottky diodes with with brushless ESCs!
DO NOT FREE REV OR OPERATE WITHOUT LOAD!
This includes running the motor without a pinion or holding the car in the air and
running the motor at or close to full power. Free revving will void the warranty!
2S LiPo/LiFe CELLS ONLY
NEVER use more than 2S LiPo/LiFe packs for the vehicle’s main battery & be sure the
Voltage Cut-Off option is turned ON (refer to Track Guide).
DISCONNECT BATTERIES WHEN NOT IN USE
Always disconnect batteries from ESC to avoid short circuits and possible fire hazard.
NO REVERSE VOLTAGE!
Reverse battery connection will damage ESC & void warranty--Disconnect immediately!
POWERCAP REQUIRED
An external PowerCap is installed on ESC & MUST be used at all times. Failure to use
Novak PowerCap will result in higher ESC temperatures & possible damage.
GOOD QUALITY LiPo/LiFe BATTERIES SUGGESTED
Using LiPo/LiFe batteries that cannot supply the amperage required by this system will
result in possible battery, ESC, & motor damage, and will void the warranty.
TRANSMITTER ON FIRST
Turn on transmitter power first so you will have control of vehicle when you turn it on.
GOOD QUALITY RADIO SYSTEM SUGGESTED
Undesirable radio noise may occur when using lower quality radio systems. 2.4GHz radio
system use is best; high quality FM system is acceptable; AM systems are NOT recommended.
DO NOT BUNDLE POWER & SIGNAL WIRES TOGETHER
RF noise in the power wires can adversely effect radio system performance.
INSULATE WIRES
Insulate exposed wiring with heat shrink tubing or electrical tape to prevent short circuits.
NO CA GLUE
CA glue or fumes can damage internal components of ESC & cause premature failure.
BASIC SET-UP GUIDE –DRIFT SPEC ESC
• Download “ESC Track Guide” from our web site for Proper Gearing & Custom Programming • Read All Instructions Before Use •
PRECAUTIONS
ACCESSORIES
product warranty
This Brushless ESC is guaranteed to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for a period of 120 days from
original purchase date (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 more than 2 LiPo/
LiFe cells input voltage, damage resulting from using LiPo/LiFe batteries without Smart-Stop voltage cut-off
circuitry active, using insufficient LiPo/LiFe batteries that cannot supply the amperage required by this system,
cross-connection of battery/motor power wires, overheating solder tabs, reverse voltage application, improper
use or installation of external BEC, damage resulting from thermal overload or short-circuiting motor, damage
from incorrect installation of FET servo or receiver battery pack, damage due to free revving motor, damage due
to using a non-Novak motor or a non-sensored motor, not using or incorrect installation of a PowerCap on ESC
or operating ESC with a damaged PowerCap, using a Schottky diode, splices to input, ON/OFF switch, or sensor
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 installation/wiring of input plug plastic, allowing exposed wiring or solder tabs to
short-circuit, or any damage caused by a crash, flooding, or natural disaster.
Because Novak has no control over connection & use of ESC or other related electronics, no liability may
be assumed nor will be accepted for any damage resulting from the use of this product. Every Novak ESC
& motor is thoroughly tested & cycled before leaving our facility and is, therefore, considered operational.
By the act of connecting/operating ESC, 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.
This product is not intended for use by children under 14 years of age without the strict supervision of an
adult. Use of this product in an uncontrolled manner may result in physical damage or injuries—take extra
care when operating any remote control vehicle. Melted ESCs/motors are not covered by the warranty.
Designed by Novak R/C, Inc. in California and assembled with globally sourced components.
©2014 Novak R/C, Inc. • All Rights Reserved • No part of these instructions may be reproduced without the
written permission of Novak R/C, Inc. Drift Spec Brushless ESC, NovaBrakes, Thermal Overload Protection,
Hall Sensor Test, & One-Touch Set-Up are a.ll trademarks of Novak R/C, Inc.
NOVAK R/C, INC. 19 Rancho Circle, Lake Forest CA 92630
[phone] Mon-Thu • www.teamnovak.com
VOLTAGE cUt-OFF circuitry
When active, the built-in Smart-Stop Voltage Cut-Off Circuitry lets you safely use 2S
Lithium Polymer (LiPo) or Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFe) battery packs by cutting
off the ESC’s throttle output when the critical safety voltage is reached.
The circuitry monitors the battery voltage and automatically cuts-off the ESC’s
throttle when the voltage drops to 6.25V for 2S LiPo, or 4.75V for 2S LiFe. As the
ESC approaches the critical safety voltage, it begins interrupting, or “blipping” the
throttle output as an early warning that the voltage is getting low and the throttle
output will soon be completely shut off. When the critical voltage is reached, the
ESC’s throttle output gets completely shut down to keep the voltage from dropping
further (Red & Yellow LEDs will alternately flash & you still have steering control).
Re-charge battery after Smart-Stop circuitry shuts off throttle
Even though the pack’s voltage will rise (after a short resting period) to a level high
enough to run motor again, this is not good for LiPo or LiFe batteries.
Reaching critical safety voltage too many times can damage the cells.
DO NOT RUN VEHICLE AFTER SMART-STOP HAS SHUT DOWN THROTTLE OUTPUT!
When the ESC is switched ON, the Yellow & Red LEDs will flash
together 2 times to indicate LiPo/LiFe Cut-Off is ACTIVE.
See CUSTOM PROGRAMMING OPTIONS on ESC Track Guide to properly adjust this setting.
OPTIONAL RECEIVER PACK USAGE
To use an external receiver battery pack to power the electronics:
1. Plug the 5 cell (1.2VDC/cell) receiver pack into the battery slot of the receiver.
2. Switch the receiver pack ON. Next, turn the ESC’s switch ON, then OFF to
allow the ESC to be powered by the external power source.
3. Turn the receiver pack’s switch OFF to turn the vehicle OFF.
ALTERNATIVE METHOD
1. Plug the 5 cell (1.2 VDC/Cell) receiver pack into the battery slot of the receiver.
2. Unplug the ESC’s red wire from input receiver harnesse (insulate the red wire).
3. To turn the vehicle ON, switch the receiver pack ON. Then, turn the ESC’s switch ON.
4. To turn vehicle OFF, turn ESC’s switch OFF, then turn receiver pack’s switch OFF.
The Drift Spec Brushless ESC features a default profile specifically developed for drifting,
Novak’s exclusive NovaBrakes
TM
, Thermal Overload Protection, on-board programming,
output for optional fan/accessory lights, and temperature monitoring.
•This ‘Basic Set-Up Guide’ will get your ESC installed and adjusted to your transmitter•
When ready for complete ESC programming, the ‘Drift Spec Track Guide’ is available in
the Downloads section of our web site (www.teamnovak.com), where it can be viewed or
printed and will guide you through all of the ESC’s adjustable parameters.
(Please contact our Customer Service if you don’t have internet access or have trouble viewing the ESC Track Guide)

black wire
(Rx negative)
red wire
(Rx positive)
white wire
(Rx signal)
positive
fan pin
negative
fan pin
step 2–connect motor/battery
step 1–mount esc
Mount the ESC so the power wires are as far away from other electronics as
possible, and will not interfere with the vehicle’s moving parts. Select a loca-
tion with good airflow for cooling the ESC for efficient operation.
1. MOUNT SPEED CONTROL IN VEHICLE
Use the included double-sided tape to mount ESC in vehicle (do not use glue).
Avoid contact with side walls or chassis components to avoid vibration damage.
Be sure receiver & antenna are mounted as far from ESC, power wires, battery,
and servo as possible--These components all emit RF noise.
Note: Mount antenna as close to receiver as possible--trail excess wire off top of
antenna mast (cutting/coiling excess wire reduces radio range--2.4GHz too).
2. INSTALL ON/OFF SWITCH
Use included double-sided tape to mount switch where it will be easy to
access--select a place where it will not get damaged/switched OFF in a crash.
3. SECURE POWERCAP & POWER WIRES TO AVOID VIBRATION DAMAGE
Use the included tie-wraps to secure PowerCap to the ESC’s power wires,
the tie-wrap the power wires together or to a point on the vehicle.
Motor connection
1. INSTALL PINION GEAR & ADJUST MOTOR FOR PROPER GEAR MESH
Tighten pinion’s set screw on flat of motor shaft. Align pinion & spur gears.
A. You NEED a small amount of play between the pinion and spur gear
(about thickness of a piece of paper)–check free play at several points around
spur gear to ensure a proper mesh (just in case gears are out of round) .
MAKE SURE THE PINION/SPUR GEAR MESH IS NOT TOO TIGHT!
B. Tighten motor mounting screws–Avoid using excessive force that could
break screws or strip the threaded holes in motor.
2. CHECK FOR PROPER GEARING DURING INITIAL RUNS
The brushless motor & ESC should NOT be hotter than 160°F after a 5 minute
run. Lower the gearing until both ESC & motor are under this temperature.
[use our NovaGear App (available on Apple
TM
iTunes Store) for help selecting the proper gearing]
3. CONNECT MOTOR POWER PHASE WIRES TO MOTOR
A. Connect the ESC’s BLUE Phase ‘A’ silicone motor power wire to the bullet
connector on the motor’s BLUE power wire.
B. Connect the ESC’s YELLOW Phase ‘B’ silicone motor power wire to the
bullet connector on the motor’s YELLOW power wire.
C . Connect the ESC’s ORANGE Phase ‘C’ silicone motor power wire to the
bullet connector on the motor’s ORANGE power wire.
4. CONNECT MOTOR SENSOR HARNESS TO ESC
Insert the 6-pin connector of the motor’s sensor harness into ESC’s sensor
harness socket—connector is keyed and only inserts in one direction.
Battery connection
1. CONNECT ESC’S BATTERY CONNECTOR TO BATTERY PACK
Connect the speed control’s battery connector to a fully charged 2S LiPo
or 2S LiFe battery pack.
To change the battery connector on the ESC to a different type, we suggest
using low-loss high power connectors like Dean’s Ultra Plug.
• Use polarized connectors. Reverse voltage will damage ESC & void warranty.
• Use a female connector on battery packs to avoid shorting.
NOTE: If using LiFe batteries, the Voltage Cut-Off Circuitry must be programmed for
the appropriate battery type (refer to ESC Track Guide).
ESC
ON/OFF
Switch
User-
replaceable
input signal
harness
(Ch.2)
Servo plugged into
steering ch. (#1)
Set
button
Status LEDs
FM Receiver
Trail excess wire off top
of antenna mast
Novak sensor-based
brushless motor
Blue motor
phase wire
(Phase A)
Yellow motor
phase wire
(Phase B)
Orange
motor phase wire
(Phase C)
Sensor harness Red power wire
(battery positive)
Black power wire
(battery negative)
Battery
connector
PowerCap
(tie-wrapped to power wires)
Battery pack
• 2S LiPo or 2S LiFe •
With ESC connected to a charged battery, receiver, & motor’s sensor harness:
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 at neutral (still pressing SET button), slide ESC’s switch to ON position.
4. CONTINUE HOLDING SET BUTTON UNTIL RED LED COMES ON
5. RELEASE SET BUTTON AS SOON AS RED LED TURNS ON
6. PULL TRANSMITTER THROTTLE TO FULL-ON POSITION
Hold it there until green status LED turns solid green. (Motor won’t run during programming).
7. PUSH TRANSMITTER THROTTLE TO FULL-BRAKE/REVERSE
Hold it there until the green status LED blinks green.
8. RETURN TRANSMITTER THROTTLE TO NEUTRAL
The red status LED will turn solid red, indicating that speed control is at neutral
and that proper programming has been completed. Blue & yellow LEDs will also be on
indicating Minimum Brake (blue) & Drag Brake (yellow) settings are at levels above 0%.
If transmitter settings are changed, the One-Touch Programming must be repeated.
If you experience any problems, turn off ESC and repeat One-Touch.
NOTE: One-Touch Programming reverts ESC back to factory-default settings.
STEP 4-one-touch programming
transmitter adjustments
Transmitter adjustments may not be required to properly complete the One-
Touch programming. If you have any problems with the programming, adjust
your transmitter settings as listed below and repeat ONE-TOUCH PROGRAMMING.
THROTTLE CHANNEL ADJUSTMENTS
A. Set HIGH ATV or EPA to 100%. [amount of throw at full throttle]
B. Set LOW ATV, EPA, or ATL to 100%. [amount of throw at full brakes]
C. Set EXPONENTIAL to zero setting. [throttle channel linearity]
D. Set THROTTLE CHANNEL REVERSING SWITCH to either position.
E. Set THROTTLE CHANNEL TRIM to middle. [adjusts neutral position]
F. Set ELECTRONIC TRIGGER THROW to 70% throttle/30% brake (or 7:3)--best for
racing. Set to 50%/50% for full time use with reverse for best performance.
G. Set MECHANICAL TRIGGER THROW to 2/3 throttle and 1/3 brake throw position.
•NOT ALL TRANSMITTERS HAVE ALL OF THESE ADJUSTMENTS•
step 3–connect receiver
DRIFT SPEC set-up photo
www.teamnovak.com
*Battery pack, servo, receiver,
battery connector, and motor
are not included.
• Novak R/C •
19 Rancho Circle, Lake Forest, CA 92630 • 949-916-6044
receiver connections
The ESC has a user-replaceable input harness
with a 2mm mini plug on ESC end of it and the
industry-standard connector on receiver end.
ESC works with all major brand’s new receivers
(very old receivers need wiring sequence changed
in plastic plug on receiver end--Damage may
occur if sequence is incorrect).
For instructions on changing the wiring
sequences on older receivers, visit our web site.
1. CONNECT 2mm MINI PLUG TO RECEIVER HARNESS PINS ON ESC
Insert the 2mm mini plug of receiver input harness onto the receiver harness
3-pin header on the ESC. White wire goes on the right side pin as shown above.
2. CONNECT RECEIVER HARNESS TO RECEIVER
Insert 3-pin plug on other end of receiver harness into Ch.2 (throttle) slot of receiver.
3. CONNECT GLITCH BUSTER CAPACITOR TO RECEIVER (OPTIONAL)
Insert connector of Glitch Buster into any open slot of receiver--note polarity.