Novak Atom and Cyclone ESC User Manual
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 (Electronic Speed Control).
4-10 CELLS (CYCLONE); 4-6 CELLS (ATOM) ONLY
Never use more than 10 sub-C cells (1.2 volts DC/cell)
in the Cyclone or 6 sub-C cells in the Atom’s main
battery pack.
MOTOR CAPACITORS REQUIRED Three 0.1µF (50V)
ceramic capacitors must be properly installed on every
motor to prevent radio interference.
POWER CAPACITOR REQUIRED It is necessary to use
the supplied power capacitor on the ESC in order to
dissipate noise and smooth out voltage spikes. It is also
necessary to use the Schottky diode with the Atom.
NO REVERSE VOLTAGE! Reverse battery polarity can
damage the ESC. Disconnect battery immediately.
DON'T LET TRANSISTOR TABS TOUCH Never
allow the two transistor tab banks or the heat sinks to
touch each other, solder posts or any exposed metal,
as this will create a short circuit and damage the ESC.
DISCONNECT THE BATTERIES Always disconnect the
battery pack from the ESC when not in use.
TRANSMITTER ON FIRST Always turn on the
transmitter first. This will give you control of the
radio equipment when you turn on the ESC.
DON'T GET BURNED! Transistor tabs can get hot. Do
not touch them until they have cooled.
PRECAUTIONS
INSULATE WIRES Always insulate exposed wiring
with heat shrink tubing to prevent short circuits.
PLEASE FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY!
CYCLONE & ATOM INSTRUCTION MANUAL 1
CYCLONE & ATOM
OWNER’S MANUAL
OWNER’S MANUAL
The Novak Cyclone (#1765) and Atom (#1770)
Programmable ESCs, are all-digital, microprocessor-based
electronic speed controls which use advanced micro
components to deliver the best possible performance with the
smallest size and lightest weight.
The following instructions will help provide you with troublefree speed control operation. These steps will allow your speed
control to achieve maximum performance and minimize the
chance of problems due to incorrect installation.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Precautions ........................................................................ 1
Table Of Contents .............................................................. 2
Features Listing .................................................................. 3
STEP 1: Changing The Input Harness ................................. 4
STEP 2: Mounting Instructions ........................................... 7
STEP 3: Hook-Up Instructions............................................. 8
STEP 4: Transmitter Adjustments...................................... 14
STEP 5: Speed Control Set-Up.......................................... 17
STEP 6: Throttle Profile Selection ..................................... 19
Minimum Brake Adjustment ............................................. 21
FET Servo Connection ...................................................... 22
Using a Receiver Battery Pack ........................................... 23
Installing Brake Lights....................................................... 23
Trouble-Shooting Guide ................................................... 26
Service Procedures ........................................................... 28
Cyclone & Atom Specifications......................................... 31
Product Warranty ............................................................. 32
Cyclone & Atom Hook-Up Photo ................................... 33
2 CYCLONE & ATOM INSTRUCTION MANUAL
FEATURES LISTING
The Cyclone and Atom ESCs are loaded with features, such as:
• Highest motor control frequency (up to 23,400 Hz).
• 256 discrete steps forward & 256 discrete steps braking
for smoothest trigger response available (0.39% per step).
• Adjustable minimum brake that can be set from 0% to
75% with the use of a simple adjustment pot.
• Three different user-selectable profiles to suit the desired
application (off-road, touring sedan, 1/12 scale, oval, etc.)
and ability to store one Custom Profile (created with the
optional Pit Wizard #1035 or ESC Profile Software #1030).
Accessed with the One-Touch Set-Up™ button, these profiles
give racers extreme flexibility and a competitive advantage.
• The Data Link™ allows the ESC to be connected to the
Novak Pit Wizard or ESC Profile Software w/IBM compat. PC.
• Quickest response to change in transmitter signal (fewer
than 500 micro seconds).
• Low-voltage operation enables the ESC’s control electron-
ics to work error free down to 2 volts DC.
• Polar Drive Technology™ and HYPERFET III™ transistors
provide smooth throttle control and cool running operation.
This technology also provides improved radio system perfor-
mance by reducing motor-generated radio interference.
• Radio Priority Circuitry™ maintains control of the vehicle
after the battery pack has “dumped,” and helps eliminate
servo jitters during heavy-load applications.
• Built-in 6-volt/3-amp BEC (Battery Eliminator Circuit) to
power the radio system and the most power-hungry servos,
without the use of an external receiver battery. The BEC cir-
cuit is fully protected from overloading.
• Low-resistance Solder Posts for quick installation, clean re-
placement, and unlimited positioning of any size power wires.
• Built-in Brake Light Circuitry and Brake Light LED Kit are
included to power two external LEDs, adding realism to
Formula 1 and touring cars. (Cyclone only)
CYCLONE & ATOM INSTRUCTION MANUAL 3
STEP 1: CHANGING THE INPUT HARNESS
1. The Cyclone and Atom ESCs include the Novak Input Plug
System™ to convert the Futaba J style signal harness to be
compatible with Airtronics/Sanwa (AIR), KO, Kyosho (KYO),
and JR/Hitec/AIR Z (JR) receivers. Refer to Figures 1-5
NOTE: It is important that the metal locking tabs do not extend
outside the plastic plug housing.
FIGURE 1 Additional Plugs Included
AIR KO KYO JR
Airtronics/Sanwa KO Propo Kyosho JR/Hitec/AIR Z
FIGURE 2 With a small standard
screwdriver, press on each of the
three metal prongs until the wires
are easy to remove. Remove wires.
Continued
4 CYCLONE & ATOM INSTRUCTION MANUAL
STEP 1: Changing the Input Harness (continued)
FIGURE 3 With the screwdriver, carefully lift each of the
metal locking tabs to the angle shown below.
FIGURE 4 Insert each pin into the correct plug slot. Each
pin should "click" into place. (Airtronics plug shown)
The locking tab must
not extend outside the
plastic plug housing.
WHT = White wire terminal (signal)
BLK = Black wire terminal (negative)
RED = Red wire terminal (positive)
CAUTION: Improper installation of these wires may cause
damage to the receiver, servo, and speed control.
CYCLONE & ATOM INSTRUCTION MANUAL 5
STEP 1: Changing the Input Harness (continued)
• If you have an Airtronics/Sanwa Z-style receiver, you will
need to change the input signal harness of the Novak
speed control to the JR plug plastic. Refer to Figure 5
FIGURE 5 JR plug plastic
• To plug the speed control harness into the Z-style receiver,
make sure that the white (signal) wire side of of the
connector is toward the middle of the receiver.
Refer to Figure 6
FIGURE 6 JR plug plastic wired into Z-style receiver
White wire towards
middle of receiver.
6 CYCLONE & ATOM INSTRUCTION MANUAL
STEP 2: MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS
The following information will help ensure that the Atom
and Cyclone perform at maximum efficiency, and will
minimize the chances of overheating and radio interference.
1. DETERMINE THE BEST ESC MOUNTING LOCATION
To pr event radio interference, the speed control should be
positioned away from the receiver and antenna as shown
in the Cyclone/Atom Hook-Up Photo (Figure 11).
Choose a mounting position where the power wires will
not obstruct movement of the T-Bar or suspension.
Although heat sinks are not required, cooler operating
temperatures mean higher efficiency, so pick a mounting
position to allow maximum airflow through the transistors.
2. INSTALL THE SPEED CONTROL
Mount the speed control with the included double-sided
tape to isolate it from shock and vibration.
3. INSTALL THE SPEED CONTROL’S ON/OFF SWITCH
Determine a convenient place to mount the switch where
it will be easily accessible. Mount the switch using a piece
of double-sided tape or a screw.
4. INSTALL THE RECEIVER
Mount the receiver as far from the ESC, motor, power wires,
battery, and servo as possible. These components emit radio
noise when the throttle is applied. If you have a graphite or
aluminum chassis, place the receiver on edge with the crystal
and antenna away from the chassis. Use the double-sided
tape provided to mount and isolate from shock and vibration.
Continued
CYCLONE & ATOM INSTRUCTION MANUAL 7
STEP 2: Mounting Instructions (continued)
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.
NOTE: Do not cut or coil excess wire, or range will be reduced.
STEP 3: HOOK-UP INSTRUCTIONS
1. INSTALL MOTOR CAPACITORS (Refer to Figure 7)
Electric motors generate radio noise that can interfere with
your receiver and cause radio problems. Included in the speed
control's accessory kit 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*.
FIGURE 7
Ground/Motor Can*
Negative (–) Motor Tab
0.1
µ
F
Capacitors
Schottky Diode
Positive (+) Motor Tab
*If motor does not have ground
tab, solder to the motor can.
8 CYCLONE & ATOM INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Continued
STEP 3: Hook-Up Instructions (continued)
2. INSTALL SCHOTTKY DIODE (Refer to Figure 7)
The Cyclone uses an internal Schottky diode, while the Atom
does not. For added performance, it is recommended that an
external Schottky diode be installed on all motors, and must be
used with the Atom. This will increase the efficiency and reduce
the operating temperature of the speed control.
Solder the lead closest to the silver stripe on the Schottky to
the POSITIVE (+) motor tab. Solder the lead opposite the silver
stripe on the Schottky to the NEGATIVE (–) motor tab.
NOTE: 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 DC/8 amps.
Schottky diodes are available in Novak Kit #5640, and 0.1µF capaci-
tors in Novak Kit #5620.
3. INSTALL POWER CAPACITOR
Included with the Cyclone & Atom is a high-frequency, low-
impedance power capacitor, that will improve the ESC’s
performance by dropping the operating temperature 10-15°F.
It is necessary to install this power capacitor to dissipate noise
and smooth voltage spikes generated by the ESC’s ultra-fast
switching circuit, especially in heavy-load applications, and
when ambient temperature exceeds 85°F. Extra power
capacitors are available in Novak Kit #5670.
NOTE: Failure to use the power capacitor may result in damage to
the speed control and will void the warranty.
As the Cyclone & Atom speed controls were designed to allow
greater flexibility for the user, they come with the power
capacitor and power wires unattached. This allows you to
install the power capacitor and position the power wires
according to your individual car set-up.
The power capacitor is polarized with the side of the negative
Continued
CYCLONE & ATOM INSTRUCTION MANUAL 9
STEP 3: Hook-Up Instructions (continued)
lead (short lead) marked with a stripe and minus (–) sign. The
positive lead (long lead) is unmarked.
Two methods of connecting a power capacitor to both the
Atom and Cyclone are:
METHOD ONE: Solder Power Capacitor to Solder Posts
Refer to Figures 8 & 9
Using some of the supplied mounting tape, attach the power
capacitor to the side of the speed control so the negative lead
can be soldered to the solder post marked BLK and the posi-
tive lead can be soldered to the post marked RED. For
protection, slide a piece of small vinyl tubing (included) over
each lead of the power capacitor. Solder the power capaci-
tor leads to the appropriate solder posts.
FIGURE 8 Example of Method
One—Power Capacitor soldered
to Solder Posts and mounted to
side of Cyclone.
Insulate leads
with vinyl tubing.
FIGURE 9 Another example of
Method One—Power Capacitor
soldered to Solder Posts and
mounted to back of Cyclone.
METHOD TWO: Solder Power Capacitor to Power Wires
Refer to Figure 10
Solder the power capacitor to the black (negative) and red
(positive) power wires. Although the capacitor can be
connected to the power wires anywhere from the speed
control to the battery, the closer it is to the speed contr ol, the
more effective the power capacitor will be.
Continued
10 CYCLONE & ATOM INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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