Novak ROOSTER User Manual

ROOSTER/SUPER ROOSTER

SPECIFICATIONS

Part #1860

Part #1850

OPERATING

INSTRUCTIONS

PRECAUTIONS

•

WA TER & ELECTRONICS DON’T MIX!

operate model in or around water. Never allow water,
moisture, or other foreign materials to get inside the ESC.

• ROOSTER–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.

• SUPER ROOSTER–6 to 10 CELLS ONLY Never use fewer
than 6 or more than 10 cells

•

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.

• ALWA YS USE HEA T SINKS Four heat sinks are included to
properly fit the Super Rooster and they must be used for
maximum cooling and performance. Replacement Super
Rooster heat sinks are available in Novak kit #5409.

• NO REVERSE VOLTAGE!
damage speed control––Disconnect battery immediately.

• NO SCHOTTKY DIODES External Schottky diodes must
NOT be used with the 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

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 to prevent short circuits.

(7.2-12.0 VDC) in battery pack.

Reverse battery polarity can

! Transistor tabs and the heat sinks

DETAILED INFORMATION

STEP 1

CHANGING THE INPUT PLUG

Included with the speed control is the Novak Input Plug
SystemTM to convert the Futaba J style signal harness for
compatibility with Airtronics, KO, Kyosho, JR, Airtronics Z,
and Hitec radios. Refer to Figures 1 through 3 to convert plug.

Do not

The ROOSTER is the long standing benchmark in reliable
reversible speed controls for 6-7cell/mild-modified set-ups.

The SUPER ROOSTER is stronger and faster than the
original. Equipped with a Heavy-Duty BEC for today’s
high power servos, twelve of the toughest HYPERFET III
transistors, and extra-long 14G power and signal harness
wires, the Super Rooster handles big trucks, wild motors,
and even dual motor set-ups.

Both speed controls feature the original One-T ouch Set-Up

(There’s nothing easier!) and exclusive Polar Drive

Technology
improved radio system performance. Reverse Disable
CircuitryTM locks-out reverse for racing use, while Smart
Braking

before
reduce speed control heating.

Other features include brake light circuitry to power
high-intensity LEDs
Light LED Kit (Accessory #5655) for enhanced realism,

Radio Priority Circuitry

even after the battery has discharged,
protection, and the Novak Input Plug System

QUICK SET-UP

TM

for the smoothest throttle response and

CircuitryTM brings the model to a slow speed

hitting reverse to save your vehicle’s gearbox and

available separetly in the Novak Brake

TM

to maintain steering control

dual-level thermal

TM

.

(SUPER ROOSTER SHOWN) FOR DETAILED INFO. REFER TO STEPS 1 THRU 7

two

TM

A. INSTALL SPEED CONTROL

Use double-sided tape to mount ESC 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 ESC input signal harness into the throttle channel
of receiver. Make sure the proper plug plastic is installed
on ESC signal harness. Refer to Step 1 for changing plug.

C. CONNECT SPEED CONTROL TO BATTERY

ROOSTER––Plug the JST/Tamiya connector from speed
control into a 6 or 7 cell battery pack (1.2 volts DC/cell).
SUPER ROOSTER––
to the negative side of a completely charged 6 to 10 cell
battery pack (1.2 volts DC/cell).
Solder the

RED wire of speed control to battery positive.

Solder the

BLACK

wire of speed control

D.TURN ON TRANSMITTER POWER

Refer to Step 5 for transmitter adjustments.

E. TURN ON SPEED CONTROL

Slide ON/OFF switch to ON position.

F.

PRESS AND HOLD SPEED CONTROL SET BUTTON

With transmitter throttle in neutral position, press and hold

SET button until status LED turns solid red, then release.

G.PULL THROTTLE TO FULL-FORWARD POSITION

Hold until status LED turns solid green.

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.
ROOSTER––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.
SUPER ROOSTER––Solder the BLUE wire of speed control
to motor negative.
Solder the YELLOW wire of speed control to motor positive.

J. KICK-UP A ROOST!

Turn on transmitter and then speed control.

Please refer to Step 7 for instructions on disabling the
reverse portion of the speed control for use when racing.

SPECIFICATION ROOSTER

Input Voltage
Case Width 1.63 inches 1.63 inches
Case Depth 2.02 inches 2.02 inches
Case Height (w/h.sinks) 1.22 inches 1.22 inches
Weight (w/heat sinks) 3.00 ounces 4.00 ounces
On-Resist.–Fwd. (@Trans) 0.018 Ω 0.002 Ω
On-Resist.–Rev. (@Trans) 0.018 Ω 0.004 Ω
Rated Current–Fwd. 100 amps 320 amps
Rated Current–Rev. 100 amps 160 amps
Braking Current 100 amps 160 amps
Rev. Delay
BEC Voltage 5.7 volts DC 6.0 volts DC
BEC Current 0.5 amps 3.0 amps
Power Wire 16G / 6” 14G / 14”
Signal Harness 26G / 6” 26G / 15”
T ransistor Type MEGAFET HYPERFET III
PWM Frequency 1250 Hertz 1250 Hertz
Motor Limit
Part Number 1850 1860

blue
wire

(1.2VDC/cell)

(after Smart Braking)

(-)

6-7 cells 6-10 cells

Zero Sec. Zero Sec.

Mild

Modified

I.

(+)

three 0.1µF capacitors

•NO SCHOTTKY•

C.

twist

motor

wires to

reduce RF

noise

yellow

wire

black wire (-) (+) red wire

SUPER ROOSTER

No Limit

trail excess
wire off top of
antenna mast

F.

brake

light wires

B.

E.

**ROOSTER (Plug Connections)

blue
wire

I.

yellow

wire

C.

red

wire

black

brake

wires

wire

G.

H.

Airtronics (A) KO Kyosho (KYO) JR/Hitec/AirZ

FIGURE 1 With a small standard screwdriver, press on
each of the three metal prongs until the wires are easy to
remove. Remove wires.

FIGURE 2 With the screwdriver, carefully lift each of the
metal locking tabs to the angle shown.

FIGURE 3 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.

STEP 2

MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS

1. DETERMINE BEST ESC MOUNTING LOCATION

The ESC should be positioned away from the receiver
and antenna as shown in the Quick Set-Up photo
above. Choose a mounting position that will keep the
power wires as short as possible without 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

Determine a convenient place to mount the switch
where it will be easy to get to. Mount the 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. These components all
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

SUPER ROOSTER HEAT SINK INSTALLATION

Heat sinks are required with the Rooster & Super Rooster
for optimum performance and power handling. The
Rooster heat sink comes factory installed and must not
be removed. Included with the Super Rooster are heat
sinks to fit onto the ESC’s three separate transistor tab banks.

To Install Super Rooster Heat Sinks:

1. INSTALL THE HEA T SINKS Place ESC on a flat surface

and press the long/5-transistor heat sink onto the bank
of 4 transistors on the upper left. Next,
3-transistor heat sink onto the bank of 2
the upper right. The 2 remaining short/3­sinks go onto the bottom bank of 6 transistors.

The heat sinks should press onto the transistors with a
snug fit. If they are installed upside-down (longer fins

up)

or shifted off 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 the 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 The three
banks of transistor tabs are separated by plastic on the
case top. Each bank of heat sinks should never contact
each other or other conductive objects (metal, etc.),
or they will short circuit and damage the speed control.

press the long/

transistors on

transistor heat

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.

NOVAK ELECTRONICS, INC.

18910 Teller Avenue

Irvine, CA 92612

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www.teamnovak.com

STEP 4

HOOK-UP INSTRUCTIONS

Refer to Quick Set-Up photos on front

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 (

• POSITIVE (+) motor tab & GROUND tab*.

• NEGATIVE (

*If your motor does not have a ground tab, solder the capacitor
leads to the can of the motor as shown below.

-) motor tab & GROUND 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 (Refer to Step 1), plug the speed
control into the

THROTTLE CHANNEL of the receiver.

4. CONNECT SPEED CONTROL TO THE BATTERY P ACK

ROOSTER––Plug the JST/T amiya connector from speed
control into a 6 or 7 cell battery pack (1.2 volts DC/cell).
*Removal of JST/Tamiya connector voids warranty.
SUPER ROOSTER––Cut the BLACK wire of ESC to the
desired length and strip about 1/4” of insulation off
the end. Solder to the negative side of a completely
charged 6 to 10 cell battery pack (1.2 volts DC/cell).

Cut the

RED wire of ESC to the desired length and

strip about 1/4” of insulation off the end. Solder to the
positive side of the battery pack.

5. CONNECT SPEED CONTROL TO THE MOTOR

ROOSTER––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.
SUPER ROOSTER––Cut the BLUE wire of ESC to the
desired length and strip about 1/4” of insulation off
the end. Solder to the negative tab of the motor.
Cut the YELLOW wire of speed control to the desired
length and strip about 1/4” of insulation off the end.
Solder to the positive tab of the motor.

TIP: Twist BLUE & YELLOW motor wires once or twice as they go to
the motor to reduce any radio noise emitted from power wires.

6.

USING PLUGS FOR BA TTERY & MOTOR CONNECTION

High-quality/low-resistance connector plugs, such as
Dean’s Ultra Plugs, can also be used to connect the
Super Rooster. While these connectors make compo­nent changes quick and easy, the connection
have the low resistance of a good solder joint.

Use connectors that can not be connected backwards,
as this will damage the ESC and void the warranty.

It is good practice to use a female connector on battery
to keep from short-circuiting on conductive surfaces.

If you use connector plugs for battery and motor, use
a male connector on the ESC battery wires and a female
connector on the motor wires. Doing this, will avoid
plugging the battery into the motor output of the ESC.

SUPER ROOSTER:

** Using Dual-Motors is Not recommended with the Rooster **

SERIES DUAL-MOTOR WIRING

This method gives you higher torque and longer run times.

(+) (-)

(-) (+)

yellow

wire

1. YELLOW wire from speed control goes to the positive
tab on the first motor.

2. An extra piece of 14 gauge speed control wire then
goes from the negative tab on the first motor to the
positive tab on the second motor.

BLUE wire from the speed control goes to the negative

3.

tab on the second motor.

SERIES DUAL-MOTOR RECOMMENDATIONS

Special motors are available that are designed to be run
together. These motors will give optimum performance
and will also minimize the wear on your drive train.

Motors in series put the same load on the speed control
as the total number of turns in both motors. For this set­up you can use motors with as few as 8 turns and the
speed control will think its driving a 16 turn motor. You
will get the speed and run times of a 16 turn motor with
twice as much torque that is needed for heavier models.

-) motor tab.

Negative (-) motor tab

0.1µF Capacitors

Positive (+) motor tab

will never

DUAL-MOTOR SET-UPS & RECOMMENDATIONS

blue
wire

•ALWAYS USE IDENTICAL MOTORS•

STEP 5

TRANSMITTER ADJUSTMENTS

For proper speed control operation and programming
set transmitter adjustments as follows:

1. Set HIGH ATV or EPA to maximum setting.

[Amount of throw at full throttle]

2. Set LOW ATV, EPA, or ATL to maximum setting.

[Amount of throw at full brakes]

3. Set EXPONENTIAL to zero or middle setting.

[Throttle channel linearity]

4. Set THROTTLE CHANNEL TRIM to middle setting.

[Adjusts neutral position/Increases or decreases coast
brakes]

5.

Set THROTTLE CHANNEL REVERSING SWITCH to
either position.

[Do not change switch position after programming]

6. Set ELECTRONIC TRIGGER THROW ADJUSTMENT to
50% throttle and 50% brake throw (or 5:5).

[Adjusts pistol-grip transmitter’s throttle trigger throw on
electronic/digital transmitters]

7. Set MECHANICAL TRIGGER THROW ADJUSTMENT
to position with 1/2 throttle and 1/2 brake throw.

[Adjusts pistol-grip transmitter’s throttle trigger throw on
mechanical/analog transmitters]

STEP 6

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 SPEED CONTROL ’S SET BUTTON

With transmitter throttle at neutral, press and hold the

SET button until the status LED turns solid red.

ESC

4. RELEASE ESC SET BUTTON WHEN LED IS RED
PULL TRANSMITTER THROTTLE TO FULL-ON POSITION

5.

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 TRANSMITTER THROTTLE TO FULL-REVERSE

Hold it there until the status LED blinks green.

7. RETURN TRANSMITTER THROTTLE TO NEUTRAL

Speed control is programmed & ready to kick-up a r oost!

If transmitter settings are changed, it will be necessary to
complete the programming sequence once again.

If you experience any problems during programming, turn
off the speed control and repeat programming.

LED will turn solid red, indicating that throttle is

Status
at neutral and proper programming has been completed.

STEP 7

REVERSE DISABLE 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 SPEED CONTROL ’S SET BUTTON

Press and hold the ESC
turns from solid red to solid green.

4. RELEASE ESC SET BUTTON WHEN LED IS GREEN

5. PRESS SET BUTTON TO ENABLE/DISABLE REVERSE

SLOW RED FLASH = REVERSE ENABLED
FAST RED FLASH = REVERSE DISABLED

Note: You must press the ESC SET 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.

PARALLEL DUAL-MOTOR WIRING

This method gives you faster speeds but shorter run times.

(-) (+)(-) (+)

1. YELLOW wire from speed control goes to the positive
tab on the first motor.

YELLOW wire then goes from the positive tab on the

2.

first motor to the positive tab on the second motor.

BLUE wire from the speed control goes to the negative

3.

tab on the first motor.

BLUE wire then goes from the negative tab on the first

4.

motor to the negative tab on the second motor.

PARALLEL DUAL-MOTOR RECOMMENDATIONS

As with the series set-up, the motors that are designed
for running in dual configurations will give you optimum
performance and will minimize drive train wear.

Motors in parallel double the load on the speed control.
For this reason you should not run motors with fewer
turns than are available in a single motor. For example, if
the lowest number of turns you can get is an 8 turn motor,
each of your dual motors should be 15 or 16 turns.

SET button until the status LED

yellow

wire

blue
wire

TROUBLE-SHOOTING GUIDE

ESC Will Not Program Properly

• Too little transmitter throw––Increase ATV/EPA setting.

• Make sure ESC is plugged into the throttle channel of
receiver . Check throttle channel operation with a servo.

• ESC SET button not held long enough––Press and hold
SET button until status LED turns solid red.

ESC Will Not Go In Reverse

• Reverse circuitry disabled––Refer to Step 7 to enable.

Steering Channel Works But Motor Will Not Run

[Status LED is solid RED at all throttle positions]

• No signal from receiver––Make sure speed control is
plugged into throttle channel of receiver . Check throttle
channel operation with a servo. Check the wiring color
sequence & metal socket insertion of receiver harness.

Steering Channel Works But Motor Will Not Run

[Status LED is RED at neutral / GREEN at full throttle]

• Check motor connections. Check motor and brushes.

Steering Channel Works But Motor Will Not Run

• Not programmed––Repeat programming.

• Thermal Shutdown––Allow to cool/Check for adequate
airflow through heat sinks.

• Check wiring and connections––Check operation of
system without speed control.

Receiver Glitches/Throttle Stutters During Acceleration

• Motor capacitors broken or missing––Refer to Step 4.

• Receiver or antenna too close to speed control, power
wires, battery, or motor––Refer to Step 2.

• Bad connections––Check wiring and connectors.

• Graphite or Aluminum Chassis––Refer to Step 2.

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

ESC Is Melted Or Burnt/ESC Runs With Switch Off

• Internal damage––Refer to Service Procedures.

*For more help call our Customer Service Department.

SERVICE PROCEDURES

Before sending in your speed control 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.

WHA T TO SEND: Fill out all information requested on the
enclosed REVERSIBLE ESC SERVICE CARD

available on our website)

and return it with speed control.

(service card also

WARRANTY WORK: For warranty work, you MUST CLAIM
WARRANTY on the REVERSIBLE ESC SERVICE CARD and

include a valid cash register receipt with purchase date on
it, or an invoice from previous service work. If warranty
provisions have been voided there will be a service charge.

SERVICE COSTS: Customer is responsible for all service
costs (parts, labor, and shipping/handling charges). Speed
controls will be returned by UPS/COD CASH ONLY. See
SERVICE CARD for other payment and shipping options.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

• Hobby dealers/distributors are not authorized to replace
speed controls thought to be defective.

• If a hobby dealer sends your speed control for service,
submit a completed REVERSIBLE ESC SERVICE CARD to
the dealer and make sure it is sent with the speed control.

•

Novak Electronics, Inc. does not make any electronic
compo

nents (transistors, resistors, etc.) available for sale.

• To provide the most efficient service possible to our
customers, it is not our policy to contact customers by
phone or mail.

PRODUCT WARRANTY

The Rooster/Super Rooster is guaranteed to be free from defects in
materials or workmanship for a period of 120 days from original date
of purchase
not cover incorrect installation, components worn by use, damage
from using fewer than 6 or more than 7 cells(Rooster) or 10 cells(Super
Rooster)
cross-connection of the battery/motor, using the same-gender con­nectors on ESC, removing JST/Tamiya connector or heat sink or us­ing motors with fewer than 16 turns with Rooster, reverse voltage
application, damage resulting from thermal overload, damage from
excessive force while installing Super Rooster heat sinks, not installing
three 0.1µF (50V) capacitors on motors, splices to input or switch
harnesses, damage
using SET
ter, moisture, or other foreign material to enter
board, incorrect installation/wiring of alternate
external receiver battery pack, or FET servo, allowing exposed wiring
to short-circuit, use of a Schottky diode, or any damage caused by
crash, flooding, or act of God.

In no case shall our liability exceed the 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
user accepts all resulting liability.

(verified by dated, itemized sales receipt)

(1.2 volts DC/cell)

button, tampering with internal electronics,

input voltage, short-circuiting heat sinks,

from disassembling case or

connecting/operating ESC, the

excessive force when

ESC or get onto PC

input plug plastic,

. Warranty does

allowing wa-

CUSTOMER SERVICE

CUSTOMER SERVICE HOURS (PST)

Monday-Thursday: 8:00am-5:00pm

Friday: 8:00am-4:00pm (closed every other Fri.)

[phone] • FAX [phone]

©1998 Novak Electronics, Inc. • All Rights Reserved
No part of these operating instructions may be reproduced without the

written permission of Novak Electronics, Inc.
All Novak speed controls are designed and manufactured in the U.S.A.
Rooster Reversible™, Super Rooster Reversible™, HYPERFET III™, Polar

Drive Technology™, Radio Priority Cir cuitry™, One-Touch Set-Up™, Smart
Braking Circuitry™, Digital Anti-Glitch Circuitry™, Reverse Disable Cir­cuitry™, and Input Plug System™ are all trademarks of Novak Electronics, Inc.

Printed in the U.S.A. 5/98 • #IM-1860-2