NOVAK GTB 2 - BASIC SET-UP Instructions
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.2
2-2011
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).
KINETIC 1S LOW-PROFILE HEAT SINK [Novak kit #S5431]
Low-profile heat sink fits Kinetic & GTB 2 ESCs. Includes replacement 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.
©2011 Novak Electronics, Inc. • All Rights Reserved • No part of these instructions may
be reproduced without the written permission of Novak Electronics, 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 Electronics, 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 & Green
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 Electronics, Inc. does not make any internal electronic components
(transistors, resistors, etc.) available for sale.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
NOVAK ELECTRONICS, INC.
17032 Armstrong Ave. Irvine, CA 92614
PHONE: (949) 833-8873 • FAX: (949) 833-1631
Customer Service E-mail: cs@teamnovak.com
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