Novak GTB 2 Track Guide (55-1709-1 Rev.3) User Manual

Basic set-up guide –- gtb 2 esc, Product warranty, Voltage cut-off circuitry

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background image

standard

JST plug

2mm Mini

plug

Sensor harness

FIGURE 4

Receiver harness

ON/OFF

switch

black wire

(negative)

red wire

(positive)

white wire

(signal)

Fan power

output pins

black wire

(negative)

positive

fan pin

negative

fan pin

Novak

#5649

installed

FIGURE 3

#55-1709-1 Rev.3

1-2012

SPECIFICATIONS

Input Voltage ..........................1-2S LiPo/LiFe cells, 4-6 NiMH cells
ESC Footprint ....................... 1.16”x1.47”x0.97”

(29.5x37.3x24.6mm)

ESC Weight

(w/o wires)

............................... 1.29 ounce

(36.6 grams)

540 Motor Limit .......................... 3.5-turn sensor-based brushless
550 Motor Limit .......................... 4.5-turn sensor-based brushless
B.E.C. Voltage/Current

(built-in)

.................... 6.0 volts DC / 3 amps

Power Wire

(Battery/Motor)

......................... 14G Super-Flex Silicone

On-Resistance ................. 0.00040 ohm per phase

@25°C trans.temp.

Status LEDs .................................................................................5
Thermal Overload Protection ................................................... Yes

The GTB 2 Brushless ESC (#1709) includes Novak’s exclusive NovaBrakes

TM

,

on-board temperature monitoring & motor hall sensor test diagnostic

tools, Thermal Overload Protection, and has no electronic motor timing

to comply with all zero-timing Sportsman spec racing series.

The GTB 2 ESC is loaded with over a dozen adjustable parameters, has complete

on-board programming, is compatible with all 540 & 550-size Novak brushless

motors, is sensor-based, sports a cross-cut heat sink, and includes everything

necessary for racing, including a cooling fan & Power Trans-Cap Module.

For informative product videos, visit the Team Novak Channel

on YouTube®.

To benefit from all of the technical features of the GTB 2,

PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPERATION

PLUG-IN INPUT SIGNAL HARNESS (MINI-JST) [Novak kits #5304 & #5309]

Includes input signal harness with 2mm Mini plug on ESC end for use with GTB 2.

4.5” in Novak kit #5304, and 9” in Novak kit #5309.

BRUSHLESS MOTOR CONNECTOR WIRE SET [Novak kit #5332]

Flexible 14GA wire with gold-plated connectors for low-resistance connections.

BRUSHLESS 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).

LOW-PROFILE HEAT SINK [Novak kit #S5431]

For GTB 2/Kinetic/Havoc Pro SC ESCs with 8.5T or higher motor. Includes thermal gap pad.

SMART BOOST 1-CELL LiPo STEP-UP MODULE [Novak kit #5474]

Supplies full 6V/3A to receiver & servo for optimal performance. Built-in LiPo voltage

cut-off circuitry. Recommended for 1S (or 4-cell NiMH) racing and 2.4GHz radio systems.

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

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

SUPER-FLEX SILICONE 12GA WIRE SET [Novak kit #5512]

Two each of 3 ft. length black, red and blue 12GA wire. Optional wire set is perfect

for low-resistance connections.

REMOTE POWER PROGRAMMING SWITCH [Novak kit #5602]

Includes ON/OFF Power Switch and One-Touch Programming Button harness.

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

Cooling fans fit heat sink perfectly & has the GTB 2 ESC’s 2mm Mini power plug for easy

connection. Single fan in Novak kit #5649, and 2-pack of fans in Novak kit #5653.

LIGHTWEIGHT POWER TRANS-CAP MODULE [Novak kit #5678]

Replacement Lightweight Power Trans-Cap Module provides improved efficiency

and lowers operating temperatures. It is compatible with 2S LiPo and 4-6 cell NiMH.

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

Low-Loss connectors generate dozens of wiring routing and installation options.

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

This product is not a toy and is not intended for use by children under 14 years of

age without the strict supervision of an adult.

SENSOR-BASED BRUSHLESS MOTORS ONLY

The GTB 2 is designed for use with sensor-based Novak Brushless Motors. You may

replace with Novak sensored motors down to 3.5T (540-size) or 4.5T (550-size).

NO SCHOTTKY DIODES!

Schottky diodes are never to be used with brushless ESCs.

Do not use Schottky diodes with GTB 2 ESC!

DO NOT FREE REV OR OPERATE WITHOUT LOAD!

This includes running the motor without a pinion or holding the car in the air and

running the motor at or close to full power. Free revving will void the warranty!

1-2S LiPo/LiFe OR 4-6 NiMH CELLS ONLY

If using LiPo or LiFe batteries, NEVER use more than a 2 cell (2S) 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, NEVER use more than 6 cells (1.2VDC/cell) in the

vehicle’s main battery pack, and disable Voltage Cut-Off Circuitry (refer to Track Guide).

DISCONNECT BATTERIES WHEN NOT IN USE

Always disconnect batteries from ESC to avoid short circuits and possible fire hazard.

NO REVERSE VOLTAGE!

Reverse battery polarity can damage ESC & void warranty. Disconnect battery

immediately if a reverse connection occurs.

POWER TRANS-CAP MODULE REQUIRED

An external 2S Power Trans-Cap module is installed on ESC & MUST be used at all

times. Failure to use a Novak Power Trans-Cap module with the proper cell rating

will result in higher ESC temperatures & possible thermal shut-down or damage.

GOOD QUALITY LiPo/LiFe BATTERIES SUGGESTED

Using LiPo/LiFe batteries that cannot supply the amount of current required by this system

will result in possible battery pack, ESC & motor damage, and will void the warranty.

It is recommended to use a 25C or higher rating.

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.

GOOD QUALITY RADIO SYSTEM SUGGESTED

With the higher performance of brushless systems, undesirable radio system noise may

occur when used with lower quality radio systems. 2.4GHz radio system use is best. An

FM system is acceptable, as long as it is high quality. AM systems are

NOT recommended.

DO NOT BUNDLE POWER & SIGNAL WIRES TOGETHER

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

INSULATE WIRES

Always insulate exposed wiring with heat shrink tubing or electrical tape to prevent

short circuits, which can damage the ESC.

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 –- GTB 2 ESC

• See “Track Guide” sheet for Proper Gearing, and Custom Programming •

PRECAUTIONS

ACCESSORIES

P1

P4

product warranty

The GTB 2 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 6 cells (1.2

volts DC/cell) or more than 2 LiPo/LiFe cells input voltage, damage resulting from using

LiPo/LiFe batteries without Smart-Stop voltage cut-off circuitry active, using insufficient

LiPo/LiFe batteries that cannot supply the amount of current 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, damage due to using a non-

Novak motor or a non-sensored motor, not using or incorrect installation of a Power

Trans-Cap Module on the ESC or from using a damaged Power Trans-Cap Module,

using a Schottky diode, splices to input, ON/OFF switch, or sensor harnesses, 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.
GTB 2 Brushless ESC, 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

Voltage Cut-Off Circuitry lets you safely use 1-2S Lithium Polymer (LiPo) or Lithium

Iron Phosphate (LiFe) battery packs by cutting off the speed control’s throttle

output when the critical safety voltages are reached.
The circuitry monitors the pack voltage and automatically selects a 1S or 2S cut-off

voltage value

[3.125/6.25V (1S/2S) LiPo; 2.375/4.75V (1S/2S) LiFe]. When the

ESC detects that the critical safety voltage value will soon be reached, it begins

interrupting, or “blipping,” the throttle output as an early warning that the

voltage is getting low and the throttle output will soon be completely shut off.
When the critical voltage is reached, the throttle output to the motor gets

completely shut down to keep the voltage from dropping further (Red & Yellow

LEDs will alternately flash & you still have steering control).

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 HAS

SHUT DOWN THE THROTTLE OUTPUT THE FIRST TIME.

When the ESC is switched ON, the Yellow & Red LEDs will flash

together 2 times to indicate LiPo/LiFe Cut-Off is ACTIVE.

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

PHONE: (949) 916-6044 • Monday-Thursday

Customer Service E-mail: [email protected]

Web Site: www.teamnovak.com

OPTIONAL RECEIVER PACK USAGE

If you are planning to use an external receiver battery pack with the GTB 2 ESC

to power the electronics you need to do the following:
1. Plug the external 5 cell (1.2VDC/cell) receiver battery pack into the battery

slot of the receiver.

2. To turn the vehicle ON, switch the receiver pack ON. Then, turn the ESC’s

switch ON, then OFF to allow the ESC to be powered by an external source.

3. To turn the vehicle OFF, turn the receiver pack’s switch OFF.

ALTERNATIVE METHOD
1.
Plug the external 5 cell (1.2 VDC/Cell) receiver battery pack into the battery

slot of the receiver.

2. Unplug the ESC’s red wire from the input harness going to the receiver. Insulate

the red wire to keep it from shorting.

3. To turn the vehicle ON, switch the receiver pack ON. Then, turn the ESC’s switch ON.
4. To turn vehicle OFF, turn ESC’s switch OFF, then turn receiver pack’s switch OFF.

Wiring and cooling fan

This section shows the polarity of the GTB 2 ESC’s output pins. The included

receiver harness (Novak #5309) has a 2mm mini plug on the end that is plugged

into the ESC and a standard JST plug on the receiver end. The included ON/OFF

switch (Novak #5602) has a standard JST plug on it. Before connecting, note the

wiring sequence of the installed harness connectors as shown here

.

The GTB 2 ESC’s heat sink is designed to accept a 25x25mm cooling fan, and

comes with nylon 4-40x5/8” screws to secure it. To install, simply center the

fan on the ESC and push the nylon screws down into the cross cuts of the heat

sink. If using metal screws, thread them into the heat sink. 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

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