NOVAK ATOM AND CYCLONE ESC User manual

CYCLONE & ATOM INSTRUCTION MANUAL 1

PRECAUTIONS

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 (Electronic Speed Control).

4-10 CELLS (CYCLONE); 4-6 CELLS (ATOM) ONLY

Never use more than 10 sub-C cells (1.2 volts DC/cell)

in the Cyclone or 6 sub-C cells in the Atom’s main

battery pack.

MOTOR CAPACITORS REQUIRED Three 0.1µF (50V)

ceramic capacitors must be properly installed on every

motor to prevent radio interference.

POWER CAPACITOR REQUIRED It is necessary to use

the supplied power capacitor on the ESC in order to

dissipate noise and smooth out voltage spikes. It is also

necessary to use the Schottky diode with the Atom.

NO REVERSE VOLTAGE! Reverse battery polarity can

damage the ESC. Disconnect battery immediately.

DON'T LET TRANSISTOR TABS TOUCH Never

allow the two transistor tab banks or the heat sinks to

touch each other, solder posts or any exposed metal,

as this will create a short circuit and damage the ESC.

DISCONNECT THE BATTERIES Always disconnect the

battery pack from the ESC when not in use.

TRANSMITTER ON FIRST Always turn on the

transmitter first. This will give you control of the

radio equipment when you turn on the ESC.

DON'T GET BURNED! Transistor tabs can get hot. Do

not touch them until they have cooled.

INSULATE WIRES Always insulate exposed wiring

with heat shrink tubing to prevent short circuits.

PLEASE FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY!

2 CYCLONE & ATOM INSTRUCTION MANUAL

The Novak Cyclone (#1765) and Atom (#1770)

Programmable ESCs, are all-digital, microprocessor-based

electronic speed controls which use advanced micro

components to deliver the best possible performance with the

smallest size and lightest weight.

The following instructions will help provide you with trouble-

free speed control operation. These steps will allow your speed

control to achieve maximum performance and minimize the

chance of problems due to incorrect installation.

OWNER’S MANUAL

CYCLONE & ATOM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Precautions ........................................................................ 1

Table Of Contents .............................................................. 2

Features Listing .................................................................. 3

STEP 1: Changing The Input Harness ................................. 4

STEP 2: Mounting Instructions ........................................... 7

STEP 3: Hook-Up Instructions............................................. 8

STEP 4: Transmitter Adjustments...................................... 14

STEP 5: Speed Control Set-Up.......................................... 17

STEP 6: Throttle Profile Selection ..................................... 19

Minimum Brake Adjustment ............................................. 21

FET Servo Connection ...................................................... 22

Using a Receiver Battery Pack ........................................... 23

Installing Brake Lights....................................................... 23

Trouble-Shooting Guide ................................................... 26

Service Procedures ........................................................... 28

Cyclone & Atom Specifications......................................... 31

Product Warranty ............................................................. 32

Cyclone & Atom Hook-Up Photo ................................... 33

CYCLONE & ATOM INSTRUCTION MANUAL 3

The Cyclone and Atom ESCs are loaded with features, such as:

•Highest motor control frequency (up to 23,400 Hz).

•256 discrete steps forward & 256 discrete steps braking

for smoothest trigger response available (0.39% per step).

•Adjustable minimum brake that can be set from 0% to

75% with the use of a simple adjustment pot.

•Three different user-selectable profiles to suit the desired

application (off-road, touring sedan, 1/12 scale, oval, etc.)

and ability to store one Custom Profile (created with the

optional Pit Wizard #1035 or ESC Profile Software #1030).

Accessed with the One-Touch Set-Up™ button, these profiles

give racers extreme flexibility and a competitive advantage.

• The Data Link™ allows the ESC to be connected to the

Novak Pit Wizard or ESC Profile Software w/IBM compat. PC.

•Quickest response to change in transmitter signal (fewer

than 500 micro seconds).

•Low-voltage operation enables the ESC’s control electron-

ics to work error free down to 2 volts DC.

•Polar Drive Technology™ and HYPERFET III™ transistors

provide smooth throttle control and cool running operation.

This technology also provides improved radio system perfor-

mance by reducing motor-generated radio interference.

•Radio Priority Circuitry™ maintains control of the vehicle

after the battery pack has “dumped,” and helps eliminate

servo jitters during heavy-load applications.

• Built-in 6-volt/3-amp BEC (Battery Eliminator Circuit) to

power the radio system and the most power-hungry servos,

without the use of an external receiver battery. The BEC cir-

cuit is fully protected from overloading.

• Low-resistance Solder Posts for quick installation, clean re-

placement, and unlimited positioning of any size power wires.

• Built-in Brake Light Circuitry and Brake Light LED Kit are

included to power two external LEDs, adding realism to

Formula 1 and touring cars. (Cyclone only)

FEATURES LISTING

4 CYCLONE & ATOM INSTRUCTION MANUAL

1. The Cyclone and Atom ESCs include the Novak Input Plug

System™ to convert the Futaba J style signal harness to be

compatible with Airtronics/Sanwa (AIR), KO, Kyosho (KYO),

and JR/Hitec/AIR Z (JR) receivers. Refer to Figures 1-5

NOTE: It is important that the metal locking tabs do not extend

outside the plastic plug housing.

Continued

STEP 1: CHANGING THE INPUT HARNESS

AIR KO KYO JR

Airtronics/Sanwa KO Propo Kyosho JR/Hitec/AIR Z

FIGURE 1 Additional Plugs Included

FIGURE 2 With a small standard

screwdriver, press on each of the

three metal prongs until the wires

are easy to remove. Remove wires.

CYCLONE & ATOM INSTRUCTION MANUAL 5

FIGURE 4 Insert each pin into the correct plug slot. Each

pin should "click" into place. (Airtronics 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.

STEP 1: Changing the Input Harness (continued)

FIGURE 3 With the screwdriver, carefully lift each of the

metal locking tabs to the angle shown below.

The locking tab must

not extend outside the

plastic plug housing.

6 CYCLONE & ATOM INSTRUCTION MANUAL

STEP 1: Changing the Input Harness (continued)

•If you have an Airtronics/Sanwa Z-style receiver, you will

need to change the input signal harness of the Novak

speed control to the JR plug plastic. Refer to Figure 5

• To plug the speed control harness into the Z-style receiver,

make sure that the white (signal) wire side of of the

connector is toward the middle of the receiver.

Refer to Figure 6

FIGURE 6 JR plug plastic wired into Z-style receiver

FIGURE 5 JR plug plastic

White wire towards

middle of receiver.

CYCLONE & ATOM INSTRUCTION MANUAL 7

The following information will help ensure that the Atom

and Cyclone perform at maximum efficiency, and will

minimize the chances of overheating and radio interference.

1. DETERMINE THE BEST ESC MOUNTING LOCATION

To prevent radio interference, the speed control should be

positioned away from the receiver and antenna as shown

in the Cyclone/Atom Hook-Up Photo (Figure 11).

Choose a mounting position where the power wires will

not obstruct movement of the T-Bar or suspension.

Although heat sinks are not required, cooler operating

temperatures mean higher efficiency, so pick a mounting

position to allow maximum airflow through the transistors.

2. INSTALL THE SPEED CONTROL

Mount the speed control with the included double-sided

tape to isolate it from shock and vibration.

3. INSTALL THE SPEED CONTROL’S ON/OFF SWITCH

Determine a convenient place to mount the switch where

it will be easily accessible. Mount the switch using a piece

of double-sided tape or a screw.

4. INSTALL THE RECEIVER

Mount the receiver as far from the ESC, motor, power wires,

battery, and servo as possible. These components emit radio

noise when the throttle is applied. If you have a graphite or

aluminum chassis, place the receiver on edge with the crystal

and antenna away from the chassis. Use the double-sided

tape provided to mount and isolate from shock and vibration.

STEP 2: MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS

Continued

8 CYCLONE & ATOM INSTRUCTION MANUAL

1. INSTALL MOTOR CAPACITORS (Refer to Figure 7)

Electric motors generate radio noise that can interfere with

your receiver and cause radio problems. Included in the speed

control's accessory kit are three 0.1µF (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 0.1µF (50V) capacitors between:

•POSITIVE (+) motor tab & NEGATIVE (–) motor tab.

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

•NEGATIVE (–) motor tab & GROUND tab*.

STEP 2: Mounting Instructions (continued)

5. INSTALL THE ANTENNA

Mount the antenna as close to the receiver as possible. Trail

any excess wire off the top of the antenna mast.

NOTE: Do not cut or coil excess wire, or range will be reduced.

STEP 3: HOOK-UP INSTRUCTIONS

*If motor does not have ground

tab, solder to the motor can.

FIGURE 7 Negative (–) Motor Tab

0.1

Capacitors

Schottky Diode

Positive (+) Motor Tab

Ground/Motor Can*

Continued

CYCLONE & ATOM INSTRUCTION MANUAL 9

2. INSTALL SCHOTTKY DIODE (Refer to Figure 7)

The Cyclone uses an internal Schottky diode, while the Atom

does not. For added performance, it is recommended that an

external Schottky diode be installed on all motors, and must be

used with the Atom. This will increase the efficiency and reduce

the operating temperature of the speed control.

Solder the lead closest to the silver stripe on the Schottky to

the POSITIVE (+) motor tab. Solder the lead opposite the silver

stripe on the Schottky to the NEGATIVE (–) motor tab.

NOTE: If installed backwards, a Schottky diode will be destroyed. The

body of a bad diode will normally crack open. Replace only with

Schottky diodes that have a minimum rating of 35 volts DC/8 amps.

Schottky diodes are available in Novak Kit #5640, and 0.1µF capaci-

tors in Novak Kit #5620.

3. INSTALL POWER CAPACITOR

Included with the Cyclone & Atom is a high-frequency, low-

impedance power capacitor, that will improve the ESC’s

performance by dropping the operating temperature 10-15°F.

It is necessary to install this power capacitor to dissipate noise

and smooth voltage spikes generated by the ESC’s ultra-fast

switching circuit, especially in heavy-load applications, and

when ambient temperature exceeds 85°F. Extra power

capacitors are available in Novak Kit #5670.

NOTE: Failure to use the power capacitor may result in damage to

the speed control and will void the warranty.

As the Cyclone & Atom speed controls were designed to allow

greater flexibility for the user, they come with the power

capacitor and power wires unattached. This allows you to

install the power capacitor and position the power wires

according to your individual car set-up.

The power capacitor is polarized with the side of the negative

Continued

STEP 3: Hook-Up Instructions (continued)

10 CYCLONE & ATOM INSTRUCTION MANUAL

lead (short lead) marked with a stripe and minus (–) sign. The

positive lead (long lead) is unmarked.

Two methods of connecting a power capacitor to both the

Atom and Cyclone are:

METHOD ONE: Solder Power Capacitor to Solder Posts

Refer to Figures 8 & 9

Using some of the supplied mounting tape, attach the power

capacitor to the side of the speed control so the negative lead

can be soldered to the solder post marked BLK and the posi-

tive lead can be soldered to the post marked RED. For

protection, slide a piece of small vinyl tubing (included) over

each lead of the power capacitor. Solder the power capaci-

tor leads to the appropriate solder posts.

STEP 3: Hook-Up Instructions (continued)

METHOD TWO: Solder Power Capacitor to Power Wires

Refer to Figure 10

Solder the power capacitor to the black (negative) and red

(positive) power wires. Although the capacitor can be

connected to the power wires anywhere from the speed

control to the battery, the closer it is to the speed control, the

more effective the power capacitor will be. Continued

Insulate leads

with vinyl tubing.

FIGURE 8 Example of Method

One—Power Capacitor soldered

to Solder Posts and mounted to

side of Cyclone.

FIGURE 9 Another example of

Method One—Power Capacitor

soldered to Solder Posts and

mounted to back of Cyclone.

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