Novak Club User Manual

TROUBLE-SHOOTING GUIDE

Steering Channel Works But Motor Will Not Run

• Possible receiver damage––Check operation with a different
receiver.

• Possible internal damage––Refer to ‘SERVICE PROCEDURES’ section.

• Check motor or motor connections.

• Check ESC is plugged into receiver’s throttle channel. Check signal
harness wire sequence.

Receiver Glitches/Throttle Stutters During Acceleration

• Receiver or antenna too close to the ESC, power wires, battery, or
motor––Install in a different position.

• Bad motor connections––Check wiring & connections.

• Low voltage to receiver––Try Novak Glitch Buster (#5626) on
receiver to retain power during surges of high current draw.

• PowerCap damaged/missing––Replace PowerCap/Trans-Cap
Module with correct replacement.

• Battery pack damaged or weak––Try a different battery pack.

• Excessive current to motor—Use a milder motor or a smaller pinion
gear on motor.

• Untidy wires or signal and power wires are bundled together.
Input harness, servo harness, and power wires should be bundled
separately. Power wires should be as short as possible.

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.

SERVICE PROCEDURES

Before sending your Novak product in for service, please review the
instruction manual and Trouble-Shooting Guide. Product may
appear to have failed when other problems exist. After reviewing
instructions, if you feel that you require service, obtain the most
current service options & pricing as follows:

WEB: Print out the PRODUCT SERVICE FORM from the CUSTOMER SERVICE
section of the Novak web site. Fill out required information on the form and
return it with the product requiring service.

WARRANTY SERVICE: You MUST CLAIM WARRANTY on the PRODUCT
SERVICE FORM & include a valid cash register receipt with the purchase

date, dealer name, and phone number on it, or a previous service invoice. If
warranty provisions have been voided, there will be service charges.

• ESCs returned without a serial number will not be serviced under warranty •

TRADE-IN PROGRAM: Novak offers a trade-in program for non-warranty
items toward current and discontinued products. You can replace, exchange,
or upgrade Novak products as listed within the trade-in program. Complete
a Non-Warranty Service Form to be eligible.

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
product being returned.

• Novak R/C, Inc. does not make any internal electronic components
(transistors, resistors, etc.) available for sale.

Motor Runs Backward

• Reverse motor wiring––Swap RED & Black motor wire connections
at motor.

• Improper One-Touch Programming set up––Refer to ‘ONE-TOUCH
PROGRAMMING’.

Speed Control Runs Excessively Hot

• Gear ratio too low––Increase gear ratio/Reduce pinion size.

• Motor is damaged––Try a different motor.

Model Runs Slowly/Slow Acceleration

• Gear ratio too high––Reduce gear ratio/Increase pinion.

• Bad battery or connectors––Check & replace if needed.

• Incorrect transmitter/ESC adjustment––Refer to ‘TRANSMITTER
ADJUSTMENTS’.

• PowerCap damaged or missing––Replace PowerCap or Power
Trans-Cap Module with correct replacement.

ESC Is Melted Or Burnt/ESC Runs With Switch Off

• Internal damage––Refer to Service Procedures.

No Power to the BEC

• Check power wire connections to your battery, ESC and BEC unit.

• Check that BEC input harness is plugged into receiver & the ESC’s
red wire is removed from the input harness.

• Be sure that the BEC unit switch is turned ON.

ERROR/LED CODES

• Red & Green status LEDs on solid––Check input signal harness
connections. Check input signal harness wiring sequence––Refer
to STEP 3.

• Blue & Red status LEDs blinking. Possible thermal shut-down––
Check gear ratio & free operation of drive train for possible
overloading/ESC is being severely over-loaded––allow system to
cool & return throttle to neutral to regain motor control. LEDs will

continue to blink until system is cooled down.

• Red & Yellow status LEDs toggling. LiPo battery has reached critical
safety voltage & LiPo Cut-Off circuitry has cut-off throttle output.
Recharge battery.

PRODUCT WARRANTY

This 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 cells input
voltage, using insufficient LiPo 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,
not using or incorrect installation of a PowerCap or Power Trans-Cap Module on ESC
or operating ESC with a damaged PowerCap, using a Schottky diode, splices to input
harness or ON/OFF switch, 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. Club ESC, Thermal
Overload Protection, & One-Touch Set-Up are all trademarks of Novak R/C, Inc.

19 Rancho Circle, Lake Forest, CA 92630

PHONE: [phone] • Monday-Thursday

Customer Service E-mail: [e-mail]

NOVAK R/C, INC.

set-up guide

#55-1852-1 Rev.3

1-2014

The Novak Club brushless ESC is

Mode developed with the inputs from our top team drivers that is perfect

for non-timing spec class racing. The Club is factory-programmed & ready

to race, right out of the box.....Just One-Touch & Go!

The Club ESC also features built-in Smart-Stop LiPo Voltage Cut-Off

Circuitry and On-Board Temperature Monitoring to keep things in check.

ACCESSORIES

PLUG-IN INPUT SIGNAL HARNESS (MINI-JST)

Input signal harness with 2mm Mini plug on ESC end--4.5” (#5304), 9” (#5309).

BATTERY HARNESS WITH TRAXXAS® CONNECTOR [Novak kit #5331]

Flexible 14GA red and black Super-Flex silcone power wire with Traxxas®
battery connector.

BRUSHLESS MOTOR CONNECTOR WIRE SET [Novak kit #5332]

Flexible 14GA Super-Flex silicone motor power wires with gold-plated
connectors for low-resistance connections.

1S LiPo BOOSTER MODULE [Novak kit #5477]

Supplies 6.0V/3A to receiver & servo for optimal performance. For 1S racing
and 2.4GHz transmitter usage.

SUPER-FLEX SILICONE 14GA WIRE SET [Novak kit #5508]

Two each of 9” length black, red, blue, yellow, and orange 14GA wire.

REPLACEMENT ESC SWITCH HARNESS [Novak kit #5600]

Replacement ON/OFF switch harness for ESC.

GLITCH BUSTER CAPACITOR [Novak kit #5626]

Supplies reserve power to the receiver during spikes of heavy load to avoid
radio signal drop-out.

25x25x10mm COOLING FANS [Novak kits #5649 & #5653]

Cooling fans with 2mm Mini power plug to fit the fan power output pins on
many Novak ESCs. Single fan (#5649), 2-pack of fans (#5653).

REPLACEMENT POWERCAP HARNESS [Novak kit #5682]

1000µF, 16V replacement PowerCap harness for ESC.

POWER CONNECTORS–3.5mm & 4mm [Novak kit #5731 & #5741]

Low-Loss high-power bullet style connectors generate dozens of wiring
routing and installation options.

LEAD-FREE SILVER SOLDER [Novak kit #5831-#5833]

3% Silver solder for high-conductivity solder joints--6gr (#5831), 15gr
(#5832), 100gr (#5833).

MOUNTING TAPE 25x35mm [Novak kit #5840 & #5841]

Cushioned, double-sided tape for mounting electronics--10pc (#5840),
100pc (#5841).

HEAT SHRINK TUBING [Novak kit #5850 & #5851]

6” long heat shrink tubing in six sizes from 1/16” to 3/8”--6pc kit (#5850),
24pc kit (#5851).

compact in size and has

[Novak kits #5304 & #5309]

a built-in Drive

SPECIFICATIONS

Input Voltage Limit .................................................................. 2S LiPo

Motor Compatibility ........................................ Sensor-Based Brushless

540-Size Brushless Motor Limit ..............................17.5-turn or higher

380-Size Brushless Motor Limit ......................................................Any

ESC Footprint ......................................1.15” x 0.95” (29.0 x 24.3mm)

ESC Height .................................................................0.66” (16.8mm)

ESC Weight (w/o wires) ..................................0.69 ounce (19.5 grams)

B.E.C. Voltage ...................................................................6.0 volts DC

B.E.C. Current ....................................................................... 2.0 amps

Power Wire (Battery/Motor) ............................. 14G Super-Flex Silicone

On-Resistance ...................... 0.0011 ohm per phase

LiPo Voltage Cut-Off ....................................................................... Yes

Thermal Overload Protection .......................................................... Yes

(@25°C trans.temp.)

PRECAUTIONS

WATER & ELECTRONICS DON’T MIX!

Allowing water, moisture, or other foreign materials to get inside the

MUST BE 14 YEARS OR OLDER TO OPERATE

Strict adult supervision is required for use by children under 14 years of age.

DISCONNECT BATTERIES WHEN NOT IN USE

Always disconnect batteries from the ESC when not in use or left

An external PowerCap is installed on the ESC & MUST be used at all

times. Failure to use the correct Novak PowerCap will result in higher ESC

GOOD QUALITY LiPo BATTERIES SUGGESTED

Using low quality LiPo batteries that cannot supply the amperage

required by this system will result in possible battery, ESC, & motor

Always turn on transmitter power first so you will have control of

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

DO NOT BUNDLE POWER & SIGNAL WIRES TOGETHER

RF noise in the power wires can adversely effect radio system performance.

INSULATE WIRES & NO REVERSE VOLTAGE!

Insulate all exposed wiring with heat shrink tubing or electrical tape

to prevent short circuits, & never reverse connect the battery--ESC

CA glue or its fumes can damage the PC board and internal

speed control will void product’s warranty.

NO SCHOTTKY DIODES!

Do not use Schottky diodes with with reversible ESCs!

2S LiPo ONLY

NEVER exceed 2S LiPo for the vehicle’s main battery pack.

unattended to avoid short circuits and possible fire hazard.

POWERCAP REQUIRED

temperatures & possible damage.

damage, and will void the warranty.

TRANSMITTER ON FIRST

vehicle when you turn the ESC’s power on.

acceptable; AM systems are NOT recommended.

damage will occur & void the warranty.

NO CA GLUE

components of the ESC & cause premature failure.

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step 1–mount esc

step 3–connect receiver

transmitter adjustments

proper gear selection

Mount the speed control so that the power wires are as far away from other
electronics as possible, and will not interfere with the vehicle’s moving parts.
Select an installation location that has good airflow for cooling the ESC as
this will result in efficient operation.

1. MOUNT SPEED CONTROL IN VEHICLE

Use the included double-sided tape to mount the ESC to the vehicle’s

chassis (do NOT use glue). Avoid contact with chassis side walls or other

vehicle 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

To prevent vibration damage, use the included tie-wraps to secure

PowerCap (the capacitor on smaller silicone wires soldered to the ESC’s positive
& negative battery tabs) to the ESC’s heavier gauge battery power wires.
You should also tie-wrap the power wires together or to a point on the
vehicle to avoid vibration & stress on the ESC’s solder tabs.

step 2–connect motor

1. SELECT PROPER MOTOR FOR OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE

The ESC’s different Drive/Brake Modes each work best with different motors.
Select the proper motor for the given application & DO NOT over-gear.

2. INSTALL PINION GEAR & ADJUST MOTOR FOR PROPER GEAR MESH

Tighten the pinion’s set screw onto the flat of motor shaft. Align the pinion

and the spur gears.

A. You NEED a small amount of play between the pinion & spur gears

(about thickness of a piece of paper)

spur gear to ensure a proper mesh

B.

Tighten the motor mounting screws--Avoid using excessive force that

could break the screws or strip the threaded holes in motor.

3. CONNECT MOTOR POWER WIRES TO MOTOR

A.

Connect the ESC’s BLUE Phase ‘A’ silicone motor power wire to the bullet

connector on motor’s BLUE power wire.

B.

Connect the ESC’s YELLOW Phase ‘B’ silicone motor power wire to the

bullet connector on motor’s YELLOW power wire.

B.

Connect the ESC’s ORANGE Phase ‘C’ silicone motor power wire to the

bullet connector on motor’s ORANGE power wire.

4. CONNECT MOTOR SENSOR HARNESS TO ESC

Insert the 6-pin connector of the motor’s sensor harness in the ESC’s sensor

harness socket--connector is keyed and only inserts in one direection.

5. CHECK FOR PROPER GEARING DURING INITIAL RUNS

ESC and Motor SHOULD NOT GET EXCESSIVELY HOT--Lower the gearing
or check the vehicle’s drive train for binding or other problems if you
experience high operating temperatures.

Novak sensor-based

brushless motor

Servo plugged into

steering ch. (#1)

eiger set-up photo

--check free play at several points around

(Make sure gear mesh is NOT TOO TIGHT)

Blue motor
phase wire

(Phase A)

Orange

motor phase wire

(Phase C)

User­replaceable
input signal

harness

(Ch.2)

Trail excess wire off top

Status LEDs

of antenna mast

FM Receiver

Yellow motor

phase wire

(Phase B)

Sensor harness

.

ESC

ON/OFF

Switch

Set

button

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.

The ESC works with all major radio brand’s
new receivers. Some very old receivers need

the wiring sequence changed in the plastic
3-pin connector on the receiver end--Receiver/

servo may be damaged 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 3-pin Rx

header on the ESC.

2. CONNECT RECEIVER HARNESS TO RECEIVER

Insert 3-pin connector of receiver harness into Ch.2 (throttle) slot of receiver.

White wire goes on the left side pin as shown above.

white wire

(Rx signal)

positive

fan pin

negative

fan pin

red wire

(Rx positive)

one-touch

button

black wire

(Rx negative)

step 4–connect battery

1. CONNECT ESC’S BATTERY CONNECTOR TO BATTERY PACK

Connect the speed control’s battery connector to a fully charged 1S or

2S LiPo 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.

• Use a female connector on battery packs to avoid shorting.

ESC is designed for LiPo battery operation only. Voltage Cut-Off circuitry

will not allow proper operation with NiMH or NiCd type batteries.

Reverse voltage will damage ESC & void warranty.

STEP 5-one-touch programming

With ESC connected to a charged battery and the receiver:

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.

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.

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.

For informative installation and how-to videos,
visit the Team Novak Channel on YouTube®.

2S LiPo Battery pack

or 4-7 cell NiMH or NiCd pack

(

Red power wire

(battery positive)

PowerCap

(tie-wrapped to power wires)

Polarized, high-power

battery connector

Black power wire

(battery negative)

*Note: Battery pack, servo, and

(Motor won’t run during programming).

ww w . t e amn o v a k .c o m

)

receiver are not included.

Note: Transmitter adjustments may not be required to properly complete
the speed control’s One-Touch programming. If, however, 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•

Good Quality Radio System Suggested

With higher performance electronic systems, undesirable radio system noise
may occur when used with lower quality radio systems.

High quality 2.4GHz radio systems are the best to use--Be careful with cheap

2.4GHz systems.
FM radio systems are acceptable, as long as the system is high quality.

AM radio systems are NOT recommended.

FM AM2.4 GHz

Motor operating temperature is the ONLY

way to properly set vehicle gearing

The Motor and Speed Control should not exceed

160°F MAX at any time during run!

Change the gearing to avoid overheating!

DO NOT FREE-REV MOTOR

Free-running your brushless motor in a no-load condition can cause rotor failure

& ESC transistor damage that will not be covered by the product’s warranty.

Because of potential overheating danger and ESC & motor damage/failure,
you must start with VERY small pinion sizes and check ESC & motor
operating temperatures at multiple times during your initial runs after ESC
installation. This is the only way to prevent excessive heating.

If ESC & motor temperatures remain low & stable, you can slowly increase
the pinion size while again monitoring the temperatures to determine the
safe gearing for your vehicle, motor, and climate/track conditions. Because
these variables can change or be modified, you MUST continually monitor
ESC & motor temperatures to protect your electronics from damage.

!

voltage cut-off circuitry

This speed control features Novak’s Smart-Stop Auto-Detect Voltage Cut-Off
Circuitry built-in. When used properly, this feature will allow you to safely
use 2S LiPo batteries, without letting the cells drop below their critical safety
voltage during operation that results in premature battery failure.

The Smart-Stop’s Auto-Detect looks at the voltage of the battery pack that
is connected to the speed control, and turns itself on or off accordingly.

The Smart Stop circuitry is ACTIVE when connected to 2S LiPo packs,

and the circuitry is OFF when connected to 1S LiPo battery packs.

Re-charge battery after Smart-Stop circuitry shuts off throttle

Best to use

Do not useOK to use

Even though the battery pack’s voltage will rise (after a short resting period) to
a level high enough to run motor again, this is not good for the LiPo batteries.

Reaching critical safety voltage too many times can damage the cells.

external bec connection

Using a Non-Novak External BEC

To use a non-Novak brand BEC with this speed control, please follow the BEC
manufacturer’s instructions. Remove the RED wire from the plug plastic on
the ESC’s receiver input signal harness, and leave the ESC’s ON/OFF switch
in the ‘ON’ position at all times.

DO NOT RUN VEHICLE AFTER SMART-STOP

HAS SHUT DOWN THROTTLE OUTPUT

•This ESC is designed to operate on LiPo type batteries ONLY•

If attempting to use this speed control with NiCd or NiMH type cells,

the ESC’s throttle output will be shut off very early into the run.

Using a Novak External BEC

To use a Novak BEC with this speed control, remove the RED wire from the
plug plastic on the ESC’s receiver input signal harness, and leave the ESC’s
ON/OFF switch in the ‘ON’ position at all times.

Connect the Novak BEC’s main power input leads
ESC’s Positive & Negative battery solder tabs

Plug the BEC’s receiver power output lead into the slot of any open/unused
channel of your receiver.

Use the BEC’s ON/OFF switch to turn the system’s power ON & OFF--or you

can leave both swtiches on and connect/disconnect battery to turn power on & off.

(heavier gauge silicone wire)

(RED to Positive & BLACK to Negative)

to

.

temperature monitoring

This speed control has a built-in diagnostic temperature monitoring feature
that lets you quickly and easily check the ESC’s operating temperature at any
time with a click of the ESC’s push-button.

While connected to a battery and powered ON, simply tap the ESC’s SET
button and one of the on-board LED lights will flash 4 times to indicate the
operating temperature of the speed control:

BLUE flashing LED = normal operating temp--136-147°F (58-64°C).

OPTIONAL RECEIVER PACK USAGE

Novak recommends the use of an external receiver battery pack to supply
power to the electronics when using very high-power servos, as these servos
put excessive load on the speed control’s internal BEC.

Using an external reciever pack will greatly increase life span of

your ESC, as this is a leading cause of speed control failure.

To use an External Receiver Battery Pack to Power the Electronics:

1. Plug the 5 cell (1.2 VDC/Cell) receiver battery pack into the battery slot (or

any open/unused channel) of the receiver.

2. Remove the red wire from ESC’s input receiver harness (insulate the red wire).

3. To turn the vehicle ON, switch the receiver pack’s power switch ON. Then,

turn the ESC’s power switch ON.

4.

To turn vehicle OFF, turn ESC’s switch OFF, then turn receiver pack’s switch OFF.

YELLOW flashing LED = medium operating temp--148-167°F (65-75°C).

GREEN flashing LED = hot operating temp--168-194°F (76-90°C).

RED flashing LED = hottest operating temp--195-215°F (91-102°C).

You are now pushing the ESC extremely hard and should be very

careful to avoid overheating and possible thermal shut-down.

All LEDs flashing = DANGEROUS operating temp--216-239°F (103-115°C).

Your ESC is now about to thermally shut-down.

Reduce the pinion size/check drive train to avoid ESC

overheating that could result in potential damage.