NOVAK DUALLY ESC Operating Instructions

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

DUALLY DUAL-PROFILE

SPECIFICATIONS

Input Voltage

4-7 cells 

(1.2 volts DC/cell)

Case Width

1.63 inches [4.14 cm]

Case Depth

1.72 inches [4.37 cm]

Case Height

0.65 inch

[1.65 cm]

Weight 

(w/o heat sinks)

2.10 ounces [59.53 g]

On-Resistance

@ Transistors

0.0007 

Ω

Rated Current

400 amps

Braking Current

100 amps

BEC Voltage / Current

6.0 volts DC / 3.0 amps

Wire Size 

(Battery/Motor)

14 gauge

Wire Length 

(Battery/Motor)

9 inches

[22.8 cm]

Signal Harness Length

8 inches

[20.3 cm]

Transistor Type

HYPERFET III

Current Limiter Range

20 to 100 amps / OFF

Throttle Profiles

(1) Modified (2) Stock

PWM Drive Frequency

(1) 7.8 kHz

(2) 1.0 kHz

Minimum Drive 

(% Full Drive)

(1) 3 %

(2) 6 %

@ 25

°

C transistor

junction temp.

The Novak Dually is a microprocessor-based high-frequency

ESC 

(Electronic Speed Control)

 using advanced components

and the best HYPERFET III transistors for high performance.

The Dually Dual-Profile ESC gives you extra flexibility with

two user-selectable throttle profiles for optimum control

of both modified and stock motors with a single speed

control. The Dually also has Novak’s CLC III current limiter

that delivers extra smooth control, and is adjustable from

20 to 120 amps or completely off for full power.

With Novak’s exclusive Polar Drive  Technology™, and Digital

Anti-Glitch Circuitry™, the Dually runs faster, longer, and

smoother than other speed controls.

Set-up is quick and easy with Novak’s original One-Touch

Set-Up™, and Radio Priority Circuity™ maintains complete

control of the vehicle’s steering servo even after the battery

pack has dumped and can no longer run the motor. The

Dually’s heavy-duty BEC (Battery Eliminator Circuit) handles

today’s high power servos.

Other features include the Novak Input Plug System™ for

compatibility with all major radio systems, Thermal Over-

load Protection, and purple anodized Micro Fin™ heat sinks

for optimum cooling and performance.

ACCESSORIES

MOTOR CAPACITORS

To prevent radio interference problems, you must have

three 0.1

µ

F capacitors properly installed on every motor.

Included with the Dually speed controls are three 0.1

µ

F

(50v) capacitors for one motor. Additional 0.1

µ

F (50V)

capacitors are also available in Novak kit #5620.

Refer to Step 3 for motor capacitor installation instructions.

SCHOTTKY DIODES

The Dually has an internal Schottky diode, and does not

require an external Schottky diode. However, an optional

external Schottky diode can also be added for increased

performance. Refer to Step 3 for installation instructions.

Additional Schottky diodes are available in Novak kit #5640.

HEAT SINKS

The added cooling that is provided by heat sinks will

result in increased efficiency and optimum speed control

operation. A replacement Heat Sink Set for the Dually is

available as Novak kit #5403. Heat sinks are required with

the Dually, and all applications should allow adequate air

circulation through the heat sink’s fins to provide proper

speed control cooling.

PRECAUTIONS

• READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE USING!

• 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.

• 4 to 7 CELLS  ONLY  Never use more than 7 cells (8.4

volts DC) in the main battery pack.

• MOTOR CAPACITORS REQUIRED  Three 0.1

µ

F (50V)

ceramic capacitors must be properly installed on every

motor to prevent radio interference.

• NO REVERSE VOLTAGE!  Reverse battery polarity can

damage speed control––Disconnect battery immediately.

• DON’T LET TRANSISTOR TABS TOUCH  Never allow

the two transistor tab banks to touch each other or any

exposed metal, as this will create a short circuit and

damage the speed control.

• 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!  Transistor tabs can get hot, so be

careful not to touch them until they cool. If transistor

tabs get extremely hot use optional heat sinks.

• INSULATE WIRES  Always insulate exposed wiring with

heat shrink tubing to prevent short circuits.

RADIO INTERFERENCE

The high frequency switching operation of electronic

speed controls can generate radio interference. Here are

some common causes of radio interference problems:

• CAPACITORS NOT INSTALLED ON MOTOR

Electric motors generate radio noise that can interfere

with the operation of the receiver. To prevent radio

problems, every motor must have three 0.1

µ

F (50V)

ceramic capacitors installed on it.

Refer to Step 3 for proper motor capacitor installation.

• RECEIVER/ANTENNA INCORRECTLY MOUNTED

The receiver and antenna should be mounted as far

from the motor, power wires, battery, and servo as

possible, as these components all emit radio noise. On

graphite or aluminum, place the receiver on edge with

the crystal and the antenna as far above the chassis as

possible. Mount the antenna close to receiver and trail

any excess wire off the top of antenna.

Do not cut or coil excess wire!

• MOTOR BRUSHES WORN

As motor brushes continue to wear, excessive motor

noise will be generated. To avoid radio interference,

worn motor brushes should be replaced. The motor

commutator may also need to be cleaned or trued and

can be machined to help the motor run more efficiently.

Included with the Dually ESC is the Novak Input Plug

System

TM

 to convert the Futaba J style signal harness to

be compatible with Sanwa, KO, Kyosho, JR, and Hitec

radios. 

Refer to Figures 1 through 3 to convert plug.

Sanwa (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.

STEP 1

CHANGING THE INPUT PLUG

Part #1660

FIGURE 3  Insert each pin into the correct plug slot. Each

pin should "click" into place.

(Sanwa 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.

The locking tab must not extend

outside the plastic plug housing.

1. DETERMINE THE BEST ESC MOUNTING LOCATION

The speed control should be positioned away from the

receiver and antenna as shown in set-up photo on back

page. Choose a mounting position that will keep power

wires away from the receiver and antenna. Choose a

position that will provide maximum airflow through the

transistor tabs or heat sinks to allow for proper cooling.

2. INSTALL THE SPEED CONTROL

Use the included double-sided tape to mount ESC.

3. INSTALL THE ON/OFF SWITCH

Determine a convenient place to mount the switch

where it will be easy to get to. Mount switch using a

piece of double-sided tape or with a screw through the

hole in the base of the switch housing.

4. INSTALL THE RECEIVER AND ANTENNA

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

battery, and servo as possible. These components all

emit radio noise when the throttle is being applied. On

graphite or aluminum, it may help to 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 mast.

Cutting or coiling excess wire will reduce radio range.

STEP 2

MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 3

HOOK-UP INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 3

HOOK-UP INSTRUCTIONS (Cont.)

Refer to Set-Up photo on back

2. 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.

3. CONNECT SPEED CONTROL TO THE BATTERY PACK

Cut the 

BLACK

 wire of speed control to the desired

length and strip about 1/8”-1/4” of insulation off the

end. Solder to the negative side of a completely

charged 4 to 7 cell battery pack (1.2 volts DC/cell).

Strip a short section of the insulation (1/4”-3/8”) from

the middle section of the speed control’s 

RED

 wire

where it will attach to positive of the battery pack.

Solder the stripped middle section of the 

RED

 wire to

positive of the battery pack.

4. CONNECT SPEED CONTROL TO THE MOTOR

Cut the 

RED 

wire (after battery pack connection) to the

desired length and strip about 1/8”-1/4” of insulation off

the end. Solder to the positive motor tab.

Cut the 

BLUE

 wire of speed control to desired length

and strip about 1/8”-1/4” of insulation off the end.

Solder to the negative tab of the motor.

TIP: Twisting the BLUE & RED motor wires one or two times

around each other as they go to motor can help reduce any

radio noise that may be emitted from the power wires.

5. USE OF OPTIONAL EXTERNAL SCHOTTKY DIODE

Solder the lead

 CLOSEST 

to the silver stripe on the body

of the Schottky diode to the 

POSITIVE

 (+) motor tab.

Solder the lead 

OPPOSITE

 the silver stripe on the body

of the Schottky to the 

NEGATIVE

 (–) motor tab.

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 / 8 amps.

Schottky diodes are available in Novak kit #5640.

6. USING PLUGS FOR BATTERY & MOTOR CONNECTION

High-quality/low-resistance connector plugs, such as

Dean’s Ultra Plugs, can also be used to connect the

motor and battery pack. While connectors make com-

ponent changes quick and easy, they will never have

the low resistance of a good solder joint.

Use connectors that can not be connected backwards.

It is always good practice to use the female connectors

on the battery packs to avoid short circuiting of the

connector and the battery pack.

If you use connectors for both the battery and the

motor, use a male connector on the speed control

wires going to the battery and a female connector on

the wires going to the motor. By doing this, you will

avoid plugging the battery pack into the speed

control’s motor output by mistake.

1. INSTALL MOTOR CAPACITORS

Electric motors generate radio noise that can interfere with

your receiver and cause radio problems. Included in the

accessory kit with the ESC are three 0.1

µ

F (50V) non-

polarized, ceramic capacitors. These capacitors must be

installed on every motor to help reduce noise generated

by the motor and also to prevent possible ESC damage.

Solder 0.1

µ

F (50V) capacitors between:

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

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

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

*If motor has no ground tab, solder the capacitors to motor can.

Negative (–) motor tab

0.1

µ

F Capacitors

Schottky diode

Positive (+) motor tab

Ground / motor can

Extra 0.1

µ

F capacitors are available in Novak kit #5620.