OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
REACTOR REVERSIBLE SPECIFICATIONS
The Reactor Reversible electronic speed control (ESC)
brings together all of the key elements to provide
you with the reliability and ruggedness you’ve come
to expect from Novak.
The Reactor Reversible features extra-tough HYPERFET III
transistors, and the original Novak One-T ouch Set-Up
(The first, the easiest, & the fastest set-up in the world).
Exclusive Novak Polar Drive Technology provides
smooth throttle response and improved radio system
performance. Reverse Disable Circuitry locks out
reverse gear for racing or forward only operation,
and Smart Braking Circuitry brings the model to a
slow speed before hitting reverse to save your
vehicle’s gearbox and reduce speed control heating.
Other features include Novak’s Radio Priority Cir cuitry
to maintain steering control even after the battery
has discharged, Thermal Overload Protection, and
the Novak Input Plug System for compatibility with
all popular radio systems.
Input Voltage (1.2 VDC/cell) 6-7 cells
Case Width 1.63 inch
Case Depth 1.42 inch
Case Height 0.69 inch
Weight 1.81 oz
On-Resistance–Forward 0.004 Ω (@ transistors)
On-Resistance–Reverse 0.008 Ω
Rated Current–Forward 160 amps (@ 25°C)
Rated Current–Brk/Rev 80 amps (@ 25°C)
Reverse Delay
BEC Voltage 5.0 volts DC
BEC Current 0.5 amps
Power Wire 16 gauge/6 inch
Motor Connector Bullet style
Battery Connector Tamiya style
Transistor Type HYPERFET III
PWM Frequency 1000 Hz
Signal Harness 26 gauge/6 inch
Part Number 1810
(after Smart Braking)
Zero seconds
(2.05 w/h.sinks)
PRECAUTIONS REACTOR SET-UP REFER TO STEPS 1 THROUGH 6 ON BACK
•
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 or 7 CELLS ONLY Never use fewer than 6 or more
•
than 7 cells (7.2-8.4 volts DC) in main battery pack.
•
MOTOR CAPACITORS REQUIRED Three 0.1µF (50V)
ceramic capacitors (included) must be properly installed
on every motor to prevent radio interference. Additional
capacitors are available in Novak kit #5620.
•
ALWAYS USE HEAT SINKS Three heat sinks are
included with the Reactor and must be used for
proper cooling and performance. Replacement
Reactor heat sinks are available in Novak kit #5406.
NO REVERSE VOLT AGE! Reverse battery polarity can
•
damage speed control––Disconnect battery immediately .
• NO SCHOTTKY DIODES External Schottky diodes
must NOT be used with reversible speed controls.
Using an external Schottky diode will damage the ESC.
•
DON’T LET TRANSISTOR TABS TOUCH Never allow
separate transistor banks to touch each other or any
exposed metal. This will create a short circuit and
damage the ESC.
•
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 and the heat sinks
can get extremely hot, so be careful not to touch them
until they cool. Supply adequate air flow for cooling.
•
INSULATE WIRES Always insulate exposed wiring with
heat shrink tubing or tape to prevent short circuits.
A. INSTALL SPEED CONTROL
Use double-sided tape to mount speed control in
model where the power wires are neatly routed
away from the receiver and antenna. For more
details refer to Step 2.
B. CONNECT SPEED CONTROL TO RECEIVER
Plug the speed control input signal harness into the
throttle channel of receiver. Make sure the proper
plug plastic is installed on ESC signal harness. Refer
to Changing Input Plugs.
C. CONNECT SPEED CONTROL TO BATTERY
With the speed control’s switch in the off position,
plug the JST/T amiya connector from speed control
into a 6 or 7 cell battery pack (1.2 volts DC/cell).
D. TURN ON TRANSMITTER POWER
Refer to Step 4 for transmitter adjustments.
E. TURN ON SPEED CONTROL
Slide ON/OFF switch to ON position.
F.
PRESS AND HOLD ONE-TOUCH BUTTON
With the transmitter throttle in neutral position,
press and hold One-Touch button until the status
LED turns solid red, then release.
G.
PULL THROTTLE TO FULL-FORWARD POSITION
Hold until status LED turns solid green.
Trail excess wire
off antenna mast.
(Do not cut or coil)
C
black wire
(battery negative)
three 0.1µF capacitors
•NO SCHOTTKY•
(–)
(–)
(+)
I
(+)
yellow wire
(motor positive)
blue wire
(motor negative)
red wire
(battery
positive)
wires to
reduce RF
Tip:
twist
motor
noise
CHANGING INPUT PLUGS
Included with the speed control is the Novak Input Plug
System to convert the Futaba signal harness to be
compatible with Sanwa, KO, Kyosho, JR, Airtronics Z,
and Hitec radios. Refer to Figures 1-3 to convert plug.
Sanwa (A) KO Kyosho (KYO) JR/Hitec/AirZ
FIGURE 1 With a small standard screwdriver , press on each
the three metal prongs until the wires are easy to remove.
of
Remove wires.
FIGURE 2 With the screwdriver, carefully lift each of the metal
locking tabs to the angle shown.
H.
PUSH THROTTLE TO FULL-REVERSE POSITION
Hold until status LED blinks green, then return
throttle to neutral position. LED will then turn solid
red indicating proper programming and throttle is
in neutral position.
I. CONNECT SPEED CONTROL TO MOTOR
Turn off speed control then transmitter.
Plug the bullet connector on the YELLOW wire of
speed control to motor positive.
Plug the bullet connector on the BLUE wire of speed
control to motor negative.
J. KICK-UP A ROOST!
Turn on transmitter and then speed control.
Please refer to Step 6 for instructions on disabling the
r
everse portion of the speed control for use when racing.
F
B
E
FIGURE 3 Insert each pin into the correct plug slot. Each pin
should “click” into place.
(Sanwa plug shown)
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.
The locking tab must not extend
outside the plastic plug housing.
G
H
NOVAK ELECTRONICS, INC.
18910 Teller Avenue
Irvine, CA 92612
www.teamnovak.com
STEP 1
HEAT SINK INSTALLATION
Heat sinks are required with the Reactor Reversible
optimum performance and power handling.
for
Included
with the Reactor are heat sinks to fit onto the ESC’s
three separate transistor tab banks.
1. INSTALL THE HEAT SINKS
Place ESC on a flat surface and press one heat sink
onto each of the individual transistor tab banks. Each
bank is separated by a plastic divider and is on a
different level than the adjacent banks.
The heat sinks should press onto the transistors with
a snug fit. If installed upside-down
(longer fins up) or
shifted to one side, they will be too loose.
NOTE: Do not use too much force when installing the heat sinks
because you can damage the transistors or other components
on the PC board. Never use a vise or pliers to install heat sinks.
2. DO NOT USE GLUE
Do not use glue or adhesives to attach the heat sinks to
the transistors.
3. DO NOT SHORT CIRCUIT HEAT SINKS
Each bank of heat sinks should never contact each
other or other conductive objects
(metal, etc.), or they
will short circuit and damage the ESC.
STEP 2
MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS
1. DETERMINE BEST ESC MOUNTING LOCATION
The ESC should be positioned away from receiver
and antenna as shown in the Set-Up photo on the
front. Choose a mounting position that will keep
the power wires clear from obstructing movement
of the suspension or the motor pod.
Remember, cooler operating temperatures mean higher
efficiency . So, choose a mounting position
that allows
maximum airflow through the heat sinks.
2. INSTALL SPEED CONTROL
Use the included double-sided tape to mount the ESC.
3. INSTALL ON/OFF SWITCH
Choose a convenient place to mount the switch
where it will be easy to get to. Mount switch using
a piece of double-sided tape or with a screw
through
the hole in the base of the switch housing.
4. INSTALL RECEIVER
Mount the receiver as far from the motor, power
wires, battery, and servo as possible. All of these
components emit radio noise when the throttle is
being applied. On graphite or aluminum, place the
receiver on edge with the crystal and antenna
as
far above the chassis as possible. Mount the antenna
close to the receiver and trail any excess wire off
the top of the antenna.
STEP 3
HOOK-UP INSTRUCTIONS
Refer to Set-Up photo on front page
1. INSTALL MOTOR CAPACITORS
Electric motors generate radio noise that can interfere
with your receiver and cause radio problems. Included
in the ESC accessory kit are three 0.1µF (50V) nonpolarized, ceramic capacitors. These capacitors must
be installed on every motor to help reduce the noise
generated by the motor and to prevent ESC damage.
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
0.1µF Capacitors
Positive (+) motor tab
Ground / motor can
Extra 0.1µF capacitors are available in Novak kit #5620
2. IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT SCHOTTKY DIODES
NO SCHOTTKY DIODES
Schottky diodes must NOT be used with reversible speed
controls. Using a Schottky diode will damage the speed
control and will void the warranty.
3. CONNECT SPEED CONTROL TO THE RECEIVER
After the proper input plug plastic has been installed
to match the receiver (See front page), plug the speed
control into the THROTTLE CHANNEL of the receiver .
4.
CONNECT SPEED CONTROL TO THE BATTERY PACK
Plug the JST/T amiya connector from the speed control
into a 6 or 7 cell battery pack (1.2 volts DC/cell).
5. CONNECT SPEED CONTROL TO THE MOTOR
Plug the bullet connector on the
the speed control to motor positive.
Plug the bullet connector on the
speed control to motor negative.
TIP: T wist BLUE & YELLOW motor wires once or twice as they go
to the motor to reduce any radio noise emitted from power wires.
YELLOW wire of
BLUE wire of the
STEP 4
TRANSMITTER ADJUSTMENTS
For proper speed control operation and programming
set the transmitter adjustments as follows:
HIGH ATV or EPA to maximum setting.
1. Set
[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––to give braking in neutral trigger position]
5.
Set
THROTTLE CHANNEL REVERSING SWITCH
to
either position.
[Do not change switch position after programming]
ELECTRONIC TRIGGER THROW ADJUSTMENT to
6. Set
50% throttle and 50% brake/reverse throw (or 5:5).
[Adjusts pistol-grip transmitter’s throttle trigger throw
on electronic/digital transmitters]
MECHANICAL TRIGGER THROW ADJUSTMENT
7. Set
to 1/2 throttle and 1/2 brake/reverse throw.
[Adjusts pistol-grip transmitter’s throttle trigger throw
on mechanical/analog transmitters]
STEP 5
SPEED CONTROL PROGRAMMING
Speed control should be connected to receiver and to
a charged battery pack, and the transmitter adjusted.
1.
TURN ON THE TRANSMITTER
2. TURN ON THE SPEED CONTROL
3. PRESS AND HOLD THE ESC’S ONE-TOUCH BUTTON
With transmitter throttle at neutral, press and hold
the speed control’s One-Touch button until the sta-
tus LED turns solid red.
RELEASE ESC ONE-TOUCH BUTTON WHEN LED IS RED
4.
5. PULL THROTTLE TO FULL-FORWARD 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.
6.
PUSH THROTTLE TO FULL-REVERSE POSITION
Hold it there until the status LED blinks green.
7.
RETURN TRANSMITTER THROTTLE TO NEUTRAL
Status LED will turn solid red, indicating that throttle is
at neutral and proper programming has been completed.
8. CHECK OPERATION OF THE SPEED CONTROL
With no throttle or brake applied the status LED
should be solid red and the motor should not be
running. At full-throttle position the status LED should
be solid green and the motor running full speed. At
full-reverse position the status LED should be green
and the motor should be running full speed in reverse.
OPTIONAL SETTING FOR ESC WHEN REVERSE IS DISABLED
SET THE COAST BRAKE AT TRANSMITTER
Adjust
THROTTLE CHANNEL TRIM
get more or less coast brake. This is accomplished
slightly shifting the neutral position. After adjustment
on the transmitter
to
by
be
sure that the status LED is still green at full throttle.
Speed control is programmed & ready to run!
If transmitter settings are changed, it will be necessary to complete
programming sequence once again.
If you experience any problems during programming, turn off the
speed control and repeat the programming process.
the
STEP 6
REVERSE DISABLE PROGRAMMING
Speed control should be connected to receiver and to
a charged battery pack, and the transmitter adjusted.
TURN ON THE TRANSMITTER
1.
2. TURN ON THE SPEED CONTROL
3. PRESS AND HOLD THE ESC’S ONE-TOUCH BUTTON
Press and hold the speed control’s One-T ouch button
until the status LED turns from solid red to solid green.
RELEASE ESC ONE-TOUCH BUTTON WHEN LED IS GREEN
4.
5.
PRESS ONE-TOUCH BUTTON TO ENABLE/DISABLE REVERSE
SLOW red flash = reverse ENABLED
FAST red flash = reverse DISABLED
NOTE: You must press the One-Touch button very soon
after the LED begins flashing red (slow or fast).
6.
LED WILL TURN GREEN THEN EXIT PROGRAMMING
Green LED indicates ESC is exiting programming mode.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
CUSTOMER SERVICE HOURS (PST)
Monday-Thursday: 8:00am-5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am-4:00pm
(949) 833-8873 • FAX (949) 833-1631
©1998 Novak Electronics, Inc. • All Rights Reserved
No part of these operating instruction may be reproduced without
the written permission of Novak Electronics, Inc.
All Novak speed controls are designed and manufactured in the U.S.A.
Reactor Reversible, HYPERFET III, Polar Drive T echnology, Radio Priority
Circuitry, One-T ouch Set-Up, Smart Braking Cir cuitry, Digital Anti-Glitch
Circuitry, Reverse Disable Cir cuitry , and Input Plug System are all trademarks of Novak Electronics, Inc.
Printed in the U.S.A. 11/98 • #IM-1810-1
(closed every other Fri.)
TROUBLE-SHOOTING GUIDE
ESC Will Not Program Properly
•
T oo little transmitter throw––Increase ATV/EP A setting.
•
Make sure ESC is plugged into the throttle channel of
receiver. Check throttle channel operation with a servo.
• ESC One-Touch button not held long enough––Press
and hold One-Touch button during programming
until status LED turns solid red.
ESC Will Not Go In Reverse
• Reverse circuitry disable––Refer to Step 6 to enable.
Steering Channel Works But Motor W ill 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 the wiring color sequence & metal
socket insertion of receiver harness.
Possible internal damage––Refer to Service Procedures.
•
Receiver Glitches/Throttle Stutters On 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.
•
Motor 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––
Refer to Steps 4 and 5.
Motor Runs Backwards
• Motor wired backwards––Check wiring and reverse.
• Backwards motor timing––Reverse motor end bell.
ESC Melted Or Burnt/ESC Runs With Switch Off
• Internal damage––Refer to Service Procedures.
*For more help check our website or call our Customer Service Dept.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
Before sending in your Reactor for service, review the
T rouble-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
(also available on our website) and return it with your ESC.
WARRANTY WORK: For warranty work, you
WARRANTY
on the
REVERSIBLE ESC SERVICE CARD
MUST CLAIM
REVERSIBLE ESC SERVICE CARD
and
include a valid cash register receipt with purchase date,
invoice from previous service work. If warranty pro-
or an
visions 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
REVERSIBLE ESC SERVICE CARD for payment and ship-
ping options.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
• Hobby dealers or distributors are not authorized to
replace speed controls thought to be defective.
•
If a hobby dealer returns your speed control for service
submit a completed
REVERSIBLE ESC SERVICE CARD
,
to the dealer and make sure it is included with the ESC.
• Novak Electronics, Inc. does not make any electronic
components
(transistors, resistors, etc.)
available for sale.
• T o provide the most efficient service possible to our
customers, it is not our policy to contact customers
by phone or mail.
PRODUCT WARRANTY
Novak Electronics, Inc. guarantees the Reactor Reversible
to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a
period of 120 days from original date of purchase
by dated, itemized sales receipt)
incorrect installation, components worn by use, damage from
using fewer than 6 or more than 7 cells
input voltage, short-circuiting heat sinks, cross-connection
of battery/motor, reverse voltage application, damage from
use of an external Schottky diode or incorrect installation of
FET servo or receiver battery pack, damage from
force while installing heat sinks or pushing One-Touch button, not installing
splices to switch or receiver signal harnesses, using same
type and gender battery and motor connectors, damage
from
disassembling case, tampering with internal electron-
ics,
allowing water, moisture, or any other foreign material
to enter
alternate
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
c
ESC or get onto PC board, incorrect installation of
input plug plastic, allowing exposed wiring to short-
onnecting/operating ESC, the user accepts all resulting liability.
three 0.1µF (50V) capacitors on motor,
. Warranty does not cover
(1.2 volts DC/cell)
ESC
(verified
excessive
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