Novak Activ8 Basic Set-Up (1725) - Manual

Sensor harness
socket
FIGURE 4
Programming
& set-up
push button
black wire
(negative)
red wire
(positive)
white wire
(signal)
Fan power
output pins positive
fan pin
negative
fan pin
Novak
#5649
40mm fan
installed
FIGURE 3
Novak ‘X’ Fan Guard
Status
LEDs
#55-1725-1 Rev.2
1-2014
SPECIFICATIONS
Input Voltage .......................................................... 2-4S LiPo cells
ESC Size .................................... 1.57”x2.13”x1.22”H
(40x54x31mm)
ESC Weight (w/o wires) ............................... 3.17 ounce (89.8 grams)
Motor Limit ...................... Any sensor-based 2 or 4-pole brushless
B.E.C. Voltage ............................................................6.0 volts DC
B.E.C. Current ................. 4.5A Peak / 3.0A Constant
(switching BEC)
Power Wire (Battery/Motor) ......................... 12G Super-Flex Silicone
On-Resistance ................. 0.00040 ohm per phase @25°C trans.temp.
Status LEDs .................................................................................5
Thermal Overload Protection ................................................... Yes
The Activ8 Brushless ESC (#1725) includes Novak’s exclusive X-Drive TM ,
a built-in high-power Switching BEC, on-board Temperature Monitoring,
Thermal Overload Protection, and has fully-adjustable Dynamic Motor
Timing for the ultimate fine-tuning & race-ready performance.
Novak’s Activ8 is a sensor-based Brushless Racing ESC with several adjustable
parameters, has complete on-board programming, is compatible with all
540/550-size and 15-Series (1/8th scale size) Novak brushless motors, features a
high-efficiency cross-cut heat sink, and includes everything necessary for racing,
including a 40mm cooling fan with protective guard & On-Board Power-Caps.
•This ‘Basic Set-Up Guide’ will get your Activ8 installed and adjusted to your transmitter•
When ready for complete ESC programming, the ‘Activ8 Track Guide’
is available in the Downloads section of our web site (www.teamnovak.com) ,
where it can be viewed or printed and will guide you through all of
the Super-Tuner’s adjustable parameters.
(Please contact our Customer Service if you don’t have internet access or have trouble viewing the ESC Track Guide)
PLUG-IN INPUT SIGNAL HARNESS (JST-JST) [Novak kits #5315 & #5320]
Includes input signal harness with JST connector installed on both ESC & receiver end.
4.5” in Novak kit #5315, and 9” in Novak kit #5320.
BRUSHLESS MOTOR SENSOR HARNESSES [Novak kit #5351-#5353]
Shielded sensor harness protects sensor wires and provides multiple installation options.
4”/100mm (Novak #5351), 6”/150mm (Novak #5352), & 9”/230mm (Novak #5353).
SUPER-FLEX SILICONE 12GA WIRE SET [Novak kit #5512]
3 ft. length each of black, red and blue 12GA wire. Optional wire set is perfect for
low-resistance connections of battery and motor power.
SUPER-FLEX SILICONE 12GA WIRE SET [Novak kit #5530]
3 ft. length each of black and red 12GA wire. Optional wire set is perfect for low-
resistance battery power connections.
ESC POWER SWITCH HARNESS [Novak kit #5600]
Includes replacement ON/OFF Power Switch with stripped & tinned wire harness.
GLITCH BUSTER CAPACITOR [Novak kit #5626] *HIGHLY RECOMMENDED*
Optional capacitor provides reserve power to receiver during times of extreme load
experienced with today’s power hungry servos. Plugs into any open receiver slot.
40x40x10mm COOLING FAN [Novak kits #5644]
High CFM cooling fan fits ESC’s heat sink perfectly and has JST connector already installed
for easy connection to ESC.
LOW-LOSS CONNECTORS–3.5mm & 4mm [Novak kit #5731 & #5741]
Low-Loss connectors are a perfect option for high-power motor installations.
NOVAK POWER CONNECTOR–Male/Female [Novak kit #5750]
Heavy-duty polarized battery connectors, perfect for high-power battery connections.
LEAD-FREE SILVER SOLDER [Novak kit #5831-#5833]
Novak solder contains 3% Silver for high-conductivity and is available in three sizes.
6g in Novak kit #5831, 15g in Novak kit #5832, and 100g in Novak kit #5833.
MOUNTING TAPE 25x35mm [Novak kit #5840 & #5841]
Includes cushioned, double-sided tape to secure electronics in vehicles.
10 pieces in Novak kit #5840, and 100 pieces in Novak kit #5841.
HEAT SHRINK TUBING [Novak kit #5850 & #5851]
Novak heat shrink tubing is 6” long and available in six sizes: 1/16” - 3/8”.
6 piece assortment in Novak kit #5850, and 24 piece assortment in Novak kit #5851.
WATER & ELECTRONICS DON’T MIX!
Allowing water, moisture or other foreign materials to get inside ESC will void warranty.
MUST BE 14 YEARS OR OLDER TO OPERATE
Strict adult supervision is required for use by children under 14 years of age.
THERMAL OVERLOAD PROTECTION IS TURNED ON
Thermal overload circuitry is ACTIVE -- Heavy BEC loading may trigger protective circuitry!
SENSOR-BASED BRUSHLESS MOTORS ONLY
This ESC is designed for use with sensor-based Novak Brushless Motors. You may
replace with any 2 or 4-pole sensor-based motors (540, 550, or 15-Series size).
NEVER USE SCHOTTKY DIODES WITH BRUSHLESS ESCs!
Schottky diodes are never to be used with brushless ESCs.
Do not use Schottky diodes with this ESC!
DO NOT FREE REV & BRAKE WITHOUT A LOAD!
This includes running motor without a pinion or holding the car in the air and
running the motor at or close to full power then applying full brakes.
Free revving & braking will void the warranty!
2-4S LiPo CELLS ONLY
If using LiPo batteries, NEVER use more than a 4 cell (4S) pack for the vehicle’s main
battery & be sure the Voltage Cut-Off option is turned ON (refer to Track Guide).
If using NiCd or NiMH batteries, disable Voltage Cut-Off Circuitry (refer to Track Guide).
GOOD QUALITY RADIO & LiPo BATTERIES SUGGESTED
Undesirable radio noise may occur when using lower quality radio systems. 2.4GHz radio
system use is best; high quality FM system is acceptable; AM systems are NOT recommended.
LiPo’s that can’t supply the required amperage can damage electronics & voids warranty.
UNPLUG BATTERY WHEN NOT IN USE & SWITCH ESC OFF
Always disconnect batteries from ESC to avoid short circuits and possible fire hazard.
ALWAYS SWITCH OFF ESC BEFORE CONNECTING BATTERY
If battery is connected with ESC switch in ON position, serious damage can occur.
DO NOT CHANGE BATTERY WIRE COLORS
Avoid the risk of improper power connection that will damage ESC & voids warranty.
TRANSMITTER ON FIRST
Always turn on the power of the transmitter first so that you will have control of the
vehicle when you turn it on.
NO REVERSE VOLTAGE!
Reverse battery polarity can damage ESC immediately & will void the warranty!
Insulate exposed wiring with heat shrink tubing or electrical tape to prevent short circuits.
POWERCAPS REQUIRED/GLITCH BUSTER SUGGESTED
This ESC features factory-installed on-board PowerCaps and they MUST be used to
avoid high ESC temperatures & possible damage.
Use of an optional Glitch Buster capacitor helps with heavy BEC loading.
DO NOT BUNDLE POWER & SIGNAL WIRES TOGETHER
RF noise in the power wires can adversely effect radio system performance.
NO CA GLUE
Exposure to CA glue or its fumes can cause damage to internal components of the
ESC and result in premature failure.
BASIC SET-UP GUIDE –- activ
8
ESC
• Download “ESC Track Guide” from our web site sheet for Proper Gearing, and Custom Programming •
PRECAUTIONS
ACCESSORIES
P1 P4
product warranty
This Brushless ESC is guaranteed to be free from defects in materials or 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, damage
to case or exposed circuit boards, damage from using more than 4 LiPo cells input voltage,
damage resulting from using LiPo batteries without Smart-Stop voltage cut-off circuitry
active, using insufficient LiPo batteries that cannot supply the amperage required by this
system, damage resulting from thermal overload or excessive BEC loading or disabling
Thermal Protection Circuitry, overheating solder tabs, cross-connection of battery/motor
power wires, reverse voltage application, improper use or installation of external BEC,
damage from incorrect installation of FET servo or receiver battery pack, damage due to
free revving motor then applying full brakes, damage due to short-circuiting motor or
using a non-Novak motor or a non-sensored motor, not using factory-installed power
capacitors, incorrect installation of a PowerCap or operating ESC with damaged power
capacitors, using a Schottky diode, splices to input, ON/OFF switch, or sensor harnesses,
replacing power wires with all same color wires, 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. Melted speed controls or motors are not covered by the warranty.
Because Novak has no control over the connection & use of the speed control 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 speed control & motor is thoroughly
tested & cycled before leaving our facility and is, therefore, considered operational. By
the act of connecting/operating speed control, 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. Designed by Novak Electronics, Inc. in Irvine, CA
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.
Activ8 Brushless ESC, X-Drive, NovaBrakes, Thermal Overload Protection, Hall Sensor Test,
Smart Braking II, Polar Drive Technology, Radio Priority Circuitry, & One-Touch Set-Up
are all trademarks of Novak R/C, Inc.
VOLTAGE cUt-OFF circuitry
When active (see Track Guide to turn ON/OFF), the built-in Novak Smart-Stop
Auto-Detect Voltage Cut-Off Circuitry lets you safely use 2S-4S Lithium Polymer
(LiPo) battery packs by cutting off the speed control’s throttle output when the
critical safety voltages are reached.
The cut-off circuitry monitors the battery pack voltage and automatically selects
a 2S, 3S, or 4S cut-off voltage value. When the ESC detects that the critical safety
voltage value will soon be reached, it begins cutting back the level of the throttle
output in order to prevent the battery’s voltage from reaching the critical level
that can result in irreversible cell damage.
When the critical voltage is reached, the throttle output to the motor gets
completely shut down to keep the voltage from dropping further.
Re-charge battery after Smart-Stop circuitry shuts off throttle
Even though the pack’s voltage will rise (after a short resting period) to a level high
enough to run motor again, this is not good for LiPo or LiFe batteries.
Reaching critical safety voltage too many times can damage the cells.
DO NOT CONTINUE TO RUN VEHICLE AFTER THE SMART-STOP
CIRCUITRY HAS SHUT DOWN THE THROTTLE OUTPUT.
When ESC is switched ON, the Yellow & Red LEDs will flash together 2 to
4 times to indicate LiPo/LiFe Cut-Off is ACTIVE and # of cells connected.
With the Voltage Cut-Off turned ON & using NiCd or NiMH cells, the circuitry will shut off
the ESC’s throttle output very early into the run, due to the different characteristics of these
batteries. Change the ESC’s Cut-Off Circuitry mode to OFF to use these batteries.
See CUSTOM PROGRAMMING OPTIONS on Track Guide to properly adjust this setting.
service procedures
Before sending your speed control in for service, review the Trouble-Shooting
Guide (in Track Guide). The ESC may appear to have failed when other problems exist.
After reviewing instructions, if you feel that your ESC requires service, please obtain
the most current product service options and pricing by the following ways:
WEB SITE: Print a copy of the PRODUCT SERVICE FORM from the CUSTOMER
SERVICE section of the Web site. Fill out the needed information on this form and
return it with the Novak product that requires servicing.
PHONE/FAX: If you do not have access to the internet, please contact our
customer service department by phone or fax.
WARRANTY SERVICE: For warranty work, you MUST CLAIM WARRANTY
on PRODUCT SERVICE FORM & include a valid cash register receipt with purchase
date and dealer name & phone # on it, or an invoice from previous service. 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: For non-warranty work, Novak offers a trade-in
program for current and discontinued products. You can replace, exchange or
upgrade any Novak speed control to any available speed control listed within the
trade-in program. You must complete a Non-Warranty Service Form to be eligible.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
• Dealers/distributors aren’t authorized to replace 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.
• Novak R/C, Inc. does not make any internal electronic components (transistors,
resistors, etc.) available for sale.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
NOVAK R/C, INC.
19 Rancho Circle, Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 916-6044 • Monday-Thursday
Customer Service E-mail: [email protected]
Web Site: www.teamnovak.com
OPTIONAL RECEIVER PACK USAGE
Wiring and cooling fan
This section shows the polarity of the ESC’s output pins. The included receiver
harness has an industry standard JST plug on both the ESC and the receiver end
of it. Before connecting the receiver harness to ESC or receiver, note their wiring
sequences-- the sequence of the ESC’s header pins is shown below.
The ESC’s heat sink is designed to accept a 40x40mm cooling fan, and comes
with M3 x 20 screws to secure the fan into it. To install, simply center the fan on
the ESC and gently screw the included screws through the “X” shaped fan guard
and down into the gap of the heat sink’s fins-- install guard with the counter-bored
screw holes on top for the fan screws to sit flushly down into. Install the fan’s power
connector onto the fan output pins on the ESC--note polarity as shown below.
w w w . t e a m n o v a k . c o m
NOVAK HIGHLY-RECOMMENDS the use of an external receiver battery pack
to supply power to the electronics when using extremely 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.