NOVAK XXTRA FM SYNTHESIZED RECEIVER Operation Manual

RECEIVER OPERATION MANUAL

THE NOVAK XXTRA RECEIVER

Novak introduces the world’s first small size, light weight,
low power synthesized receiver for R/C cars and boats.
Forget those extra receiver crystals, now selecting the
frequency channel is as easy as rotating two switches.

Based on the rock-solid XXL circuitry, the XXtra adds a
crystal-controlled phase locked loop oscillator, and five
output channels for the ability to control extra servos.
With outstanding range, superior

noise rejection, low
voltage operation (down to 3.0 volts DC), and solid state
reverse voltage protection, the XXtra outperforms the
competition. The XXtra works with all popular radio
systems and DSC (Direct Servo Control) connections, and
accepts Futaba, JR, Sanwa, Hitec, & new KO connectors.

SPECIFICATIONS

Case Size.......... 1.65”x1.12”x0.52”

(41.9x28.4x13.3mm)

Weight................................ 0.58 ounce (16.33 grams)

Number of Channels.............................................. Five

Usable Sensitivity ................................... 3.0 microvolts

Bandpass.................................50 dB down @ ±7.5 kHz

Adjacent Channel Rejection.......... >60 dB @ ±10.0 kHz

3OIP

(Third Order Intercept Point) ...............................

>+4 dBm

Voltage Range...............................3.0 to 10.0 volts DC

Antenna Length ..........................18 inches (45.72 cm)

Current Consumption .......

18.0 mA (over full voltage range)

The XXtra has been factory tuned and requires no further
tuning. This section describes how to select frequency channel.

1. Frequency band is marked in purple circle on case label.

2.

To set the frequency channel to match your transmitter,
simply adjust the ten position rotary switches using a
#1 phillips or small

(1/8”) flat blade screwdriver, rotate

switches until they point to the proper channel numbers.

•The 75 MHz receiver has 2 number sets on the

1st DIGIT

switch. T op numbers are for Hitec & Futaba transmitters.
Bottom numbers are for JR, Sanwa/Airtronics, KO, & Multiplex

(MPX)

transmitters. The 2nd DIGIT switch has 10 positions.

To adjust a 75 MHz receiver to channel 76 (75.710 MHz)
for use with a Futaba transmitter, rotate the

1st DIGIT

rotary switch

to the ‘7’ position on the top, then rotate

the 2nd DIGIT switch to the ‘6’ position.

•The USA 27 MHz receiver has only 1 rotary switch. With
only 6 channels allowed on 27 MHz, there is no need
for the 1st DIGIT switch. To adjust this receiver rotate
the “2nd DIGIT” switch to desired frequency channel.

•All other receiver bands have two rotary switches, and
adjust by rotating the “1st DIGIT” switch to the first
number of the desired frequency channel, then rotating
the “2nd DIGIT” switch to the channel’s second number.

•EURO 40 MHz receiver channels are equal to the 3rd &
4th digits of the frequency. Adjust a 40 MHz receiver to

channel 67

(40.675 MHz) by rotating the

1st DIGIT

switch

to the ‘6’ position and

the 2nd DIGIT switch to the ‘7’.

3.

Transmitter crystals MUST be made by the transmitter maker
and be on the same modulation and frequency band.
EXAMPLE: Futaba FM/75 MHz transmitter cr ystal must

be used with Futaba FM/75 MHz transmitter.

Transmitter crystals are usually marked “TX”.

STEP 1

RADIO FREQUENCY CHANNEL SELECTION

The XXtra receiver will accept Futaba, JR, Hitec, new-style
Sanwa/Airtronics (the blue color Z connector), and new­style KO input

plugs. These two sections (Step 2 is broken

up into two different sections depending on which brand of
servo or speed control you have) describe how to connect

and/or change the plug plastics and wiring based on the
brand of radio system components you have.

• JR •

• Insert the plug plastic of the servo or ESC’s input harness
into the receiver with the BROWN wire toward the
outside/bottom edge of the case (marked NEG on label).

• Hitec • Futaba • New KO • Air Z •

• Insert the plug plastic of the servo or ESC’s input harness
into the receiver with the BLACK wire toward the
outside/bottom edge of the case (marked NEG on label).

STEP 2

INPUT PLUGS(Futaba, JR, Hitec, new KO/Sanwa/Air)

With some older ESC’s and servos, the sequence of the wires
in the plastic connector housing needs to be changed.

This is important, because the electronics inside the receiver
may be damaged if the wiring sequence is incorrect.

Changing the sequence is easy to do as described below.

• Old-Style KO •

•

Interchange the red and black wires in the KO plug
plastic of the input harness as shown in the figure below .

• Insert the input plug into the receiver with the BLACK
wire toward the outside/bottom edge of the case.

• Old-Style Sanwa/Airtronics •

• Interchange the middle black and red wires in the plug
plastic of the input harness as in the figure below.

• Trim the plug plastic* as needed to fit into the XXtra.

*Contact Novak to get JR style plug plastics if you do not want to trim.

• Insert the input plug into the receiver with the middle
BLACK wire toward the outside edge of the receiver.

With a small flat blade screwdriver, gently lift the plastic prong
until the wire and metal socket easily slides out of the plastic
housing. Repeat for each wire.

STEP 2

INPUT PLUGS (Sanwa/Airtronics & old KO)

The XXtra should be mounted so the receiver ‘floats’ to
avoid damage from vibration or shock, and position it
where the case will not contact other rigid surfaces.

DO NOT USE TIE WRAPS TO MOUNT RECEIVER!

1. Electric Cars & Boats––Mount XXtra with the included

double-sided tape as close to antenna mast as possible.

2. Gas Cars & Boats––Cut the included double-sided tape

in half and double-layer it for extra dampening.

Do Not use glue to mount the receiver!

3. Tubular Plastic Antennas––Run the antenna wire up

through the plastic antenna tube and let the excess
wire trail out the top of the tube.

4. Rigid Antennas––Wrap antenna wire around the mast

with 1/4” spacing. Shrink wrap or tape the top to secure
the wire and let the excess trail off the top of the mast.

Do not cut or coil excess wire––Range will be reduced!

STEP 3 MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS

• 29 MHz •

RECEIVER CHANNEL FREQUENCIES

CHANNEL # FREQUENCY (MHz)

10 29.725
11 29.735
12 29.745
13 29.755
14 29.765
15 29.775
16 29.785
17 29.795
18 29.805
19 29.815
20 29.825
21 29.835
22 29.845
23 29.855
24 29.865
25 29.875
26 29.885
27 29.895
28 29.905
29 29.915
30 29.925
31 29.935
32 29.945
33 29.955
34 29.965
35 29.975
36 29.985

*TRANSMITTER CRYSTAL MUST BE SAME MAKER

AND FREQUENCY BAND AS TRANSMITTER

• EURO 40 MHz •

RECEIVER CHANNEL FREQUENCIES

CHANNEL # FREQUENCY (MHz)

66 40.665
67 40.675
68 40.685
69 40.695
70 40.705
71 40.715
72 40.725
73 40.735
74 40.745
75 40.755
76 40.765
77 40.775
78 40.785
79 40.795
80 40.805
81 40.815
82 40.825
83 40.835
84 40.845
85 40.855
86 40.865
87 40.875
88 40.885
89 40.895
90 40.905
91 40.915
92 40.925
93 40.935
94 40.945
95 40.955
96 40.965
97 40.975
98 40.985
99 40.995

*TRANSMITTER CRYSTAL MUST BE SAME MAKER

AND FREQUENCY BAND AS TRANSMITTER

• USA 75 MHz •

RECEIVER CHANNEL FREQUENCIES

CHANNEL # FREQUENCY (MHz)

61 75.410
62 75.430
63 75.450
64 75.470
65 75.490
66 75.510
67 75.530
68 75.550
69 75.570
70 75.590
71 75.610
72 75.630
73 75.650
74 75.670
75 75.690
76 75.710
77 75.730
78 75.750
79 75.770
80 75.790
81 75.810
82 75.830
83 75.850
84 75.870
85 75.890
86 75.910
87 75.930
88 75.950
89 75.970
90 75.990

*TRANSMITTER CRYSTAL MUST BE SAME MAKER

AND FREQUENCY BAND AS TRANSMITTER

1.

INSTALL MOTOR CAPACITORS

Electric motors generate radio noise that can cause
radio interference. Included are three 0.1 µF (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 0.1 µF (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

0.1

µ

F Capacitors

Schottky diode

Positive(+) motor tab

Ground/Motor can

Extra 0.1 µF capacitors are available in novak kit #5640.

2. INSTALL SCHOTTKY DIODE (if required)

Consult your speed control’s operation manual to
determine if an external Schottky diode is required.
Use of an external Schottky diode (even if your ESC
already has one in it) will increase the efficiency and
reduce the operating temperature of the ESC.

NEVER USE A SCHOTTKY WITH A REVERSIBLE ESC

• Solder the lead CLOSEST to the silver stripe on the
Schottky diode to the POSITIVE (+) motor tab.

• Solder the lead OPPOSITE the silver stripe on the
Schottky diode to the NEGATIVE (-) motor tab.

Schottky diodes are available in Novak kit #5640.

3. CONNECT STEERING SERVO

After the input harness wires on the steering servo have
been configured to match receiver (Refer to Step 2),
plug the steering servo into channel 1 on the XXtra.

4.

CONNECT SPEED CONTROL OR THROTTLE SERVO

After the input harness wires on the ESC or throttle
servo have been configured to match receiver (Step 2),
plug the ESC or servo into channel 2 on the XXtra.

5. CONNECT AUXILIARY SERVOS

After the input harness wires on any auxiliary servos
have been configured to match receiver (Step 2), plug
the auxiliary servos into channels 3, 4, or 5 on the XXtra.

6. COVER OPEN SERVO RECEIVER CHANNELS

Use the included case slot plugs to cover remaining
channel openings. 2 and 3 channel plugs are included.

7. OPTIONAL USE OF EXTERNAL BATTERY PACK

A 4 or 5-cell receiver battery pack can be used if erratic
radio operation is experienced during hard acceleration.
Consult ESC manual for proper installation and usage.
The external battery pack’s plug inserts into the XXtra
with the positive (+) wire in the middle and the negative
(-) wire towards the outside/bottom edge of the case.

STEP 4 HOOK-UP INSTRUCTIONS

The XXtra receiver will work with all DSC cords. Insert the
input plug on DSC cord into the receiver’s BA T/DSC input
slot. Refer to the manufacturer’s operating instructions for
details on using the DSC cord feature.

If you do not have control of the servos when the DSC cord is
connected to the transmitter and the receiver, reverse wiring
sequence in the DSC cord input plug plastic and try again.

STEP 5 DSC CONNECTION

Servo And/Or Speed Control Does Not Work

• Make sure steering servo is plugged into channel 1 and
throttle servo or speed control is in channel 2.

• Check color sequence of input plugs––Refer to Step 2.

• ESC or electronics are not connected to battery pack.

• Check wiring and connections.

•

Channel selector switches not on same frequency channel
as transmitter, or bad transmitter crystal––Refer to Step 1.

Receiver Glitches/Throttle Stutters On Acceleration

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

• Receiver or antenna too close to speed control, power
wires, battery, or motor––Relocate receiver/antenna.

• Bad connections––Check wiring and connections.

• Motor brushes worn––Replace brushes. Motor may also
be worn and need to be rebuilt.

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

• Bad transmitter crystal––Check system with another.

•

Voltage to receiver is too low––Try using an external
receiver battery pack. Refer to Step 4.

• Possible internal damage––Refer to service procedures.

TROUBLE-SHOOTING GUIDE

FCC APPROVAL NOTE

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in
a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
this instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio commu­nications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference
to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try correcting the inter­ference by one or more of the following measures: (1) Reorient or relocate
the receiver’s antenna; (2) Increase the separation between the equipment
and receiver; (3) Consult an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

SERVICE PROCEDURES

Before sending your receiver for service, review the
Trouble-Shooting guide and the instructions. The receiver
may appear to have failed when other problems exist.
After reviewing the instructions, if you feel that your XXtra
requires service, please obtain the most current product
service options and pricing by one of the following methods:

WEBSITE: We have an abundance of information available
for our receivers, and all of our products. Print a copy of
the PRODUCT SERVICE FORM from the SERVICE section of
the website. Fill out the needed information on this form
and return it with the Novak product that requires servicing.

PHONE/FAX/E-MAIL: If you do not have access to the
internet, contact our customer service department by
phone, fax, or e-mail as listed in the CUSTOMER SERVICE
section below, and they will supply you with current service
options and send you a PRODUCT SERVICE FORM.

WARRANTY SERVICE: For warranty work, you MUST CLAIM
WARRANTY on the PRODUCT SERVICE FORM 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 service charges.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

•

Hobby dealers or distributors are not authorized to
replace Novak products thought to be defective.

•

If a hobby dealer returns your receiver for service, submit
a completed PRODUCT SERVICE FORM to the dealer
and make sure it is included with the receiver.

• Novak Electronics, inc. does not make any electronic
components (transistors, resistors, etc.) available for sale.

PRODUCT WARRANTY

Novak Electronics, Inc. guarantees the XXtra receiver to be free from defects
in materials and workmanship for a period of 120 days from the original date
of purchase (verified by dated, itemized sales receipt). Warranty does not
cover incorrect installation, components worn by use or excessive force,
altering the antenna, exceeding the recommended input voltage, using
wrong transmitter crystal, improper use of an external receiver battery
pack, using the receiver without its case, tampering with the electronics,
allowing water, moisture, or any foreign material to enter receiver or
come in contact with the PC board, incorrect installation/wiring of input
plug plastics, or any damage caused by vibration, shock, or 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 receiver, no liability may be assumed nor will be accepted for damage
resulting from the use of this product. Every receiver is thoroughly tested and
tuned before leaving our facility, and is therefore considered operational.
By the act of connecting/operating receiver, the user accepts all resulting liability.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Monday-Thursday: 8:00am-5:00pm (PST)

Friday: 8:00am-4:00pm

(closed every other Fri.)

[phone] • FAX [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]

©2001 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 receivers are designed and manufactured in the U.S.A.
Printed in the U.S.A. 4/2001 • #IM-2675-1

• USA 27 MHz •

RECEIVER CHANNEL FREQUENCIES

CHANNEL # FREQUENCY (MHz)

1 26.995
2 27.045
3 27.095
4 27.145
5 27.195
6 27.255

*TRANSMITTER CRYSTAL MUST BE SAME MAKER

AND FREQUENCY BAND AS TRANSMITTER

USA Regional Frequency Chart––Cut along dash lines to remove

• JAPAN/ASIA 27 MHz •

RECEIVER CHANNEL FREQUENCIES

CHANNEL # FREQUENCY (MHz)

01 26.975
02 26.995
03 27.025
04 27.045
05 27.075
06 27.095
07 27.125
08 27.145
09 27.175
10 27.195
11 27.225
12 27.255

• JAPAN/ASIA 40 MHz •

RECEIVER CHANNEL FREQUENCIES

CHANNEL # FREQUENCY (MHz)

61 40.610
63 40.630
65 40.650
67 40.670
69 40.690
71 40.710
73 40.730
75 40.750

*TRANSMITTER CRYSTAL MUST BE SAME MAKER

AND FREQUENCY BAND AS TRANSMITTER

29MHz & Japan/Asia Regional Frequency Charts––Cut along dash lines to remove

• EURO 27 MHz •

RECEIVER CHANNEL FREQUENCIES

CHANNEL # FREQUENCY (MHz)

04 26.995
05 27.005
06 27.015
07 27.025
08 27.035
09 27.045
10 27.055
11 27.065
12 27.075
13 27.085
14 27.095
15 27.105
16 27.115
17 27.125
18 27.135
19 27.145
24 27.195
30 27.255

• EURO 41 MHz •

RECEIVER CHANNEL FREQUENCIES

CHANNEL # FREQUENCY (MHz)

11 41.110
12 41.120
13 41.130
14 41.140
15 41.150
16 41.160
17 41.170
18 41.180
19 41.190
20 41.200

*TRANSMITTER CRYSTAL MUST BE SAME MAKER

AND FREQUENCY BAND AS TRANSMITTER

European Regional Frequency Chart––Cut along dash lines to remove

NOVAK ELECTRONICS, INC.

18910 Teller Avenue

Irvine, CA 92612

www.teamnovak.com