HV Pro experiences

[The Dan]

I've had some problems and successes with my HV Pro 6.5 that I installed in my E-Revo. It hasn't been the most durable product I've used. But now that I've gotten over the problems (I hope) and learned that other owners have had similar ones, I thought I'd share my experiences.

My setup is and has always been:
14/68 gearing
Dual Venom 2S 20C 5000mAh X-Pack LiPos w/Traxxas connectors
Pro-line Badlands MT tires
Stock steering servos

First off, when Novak says mount the antenna away from the motor/power wires, THEY MEAN IT. I tried running the stock Traxxas radio antenna from the stock mount (which routes it an inch away from the motor wires), and it glitched like a robot trying to process a paradox. It was undrivable. If you're going to use a crystal-based radio, then use it as a paperweight. I'm almost serious about that, because my Futaba 3PM 2.4gHz system performs flawlessly with it's shorty antenna in the stock mount.

Secondly, the magnet came unglued from the rotor at the 4-minute mark. Four minutes of normal driving, and the magnet came off. Novak's tech guy told me to send in the faulty rotor for a replacement, but I opted to try JB Weld instead of waiting two weeks for a new one that might come unglued as well. And it worked. If your rotor comes unglued, just JB Weld it.

The third thing I'd like to add is about the capacitor (called the Power Trans-Cap). You have to protect that thing from shock and impact. After a few hard crashes with the capacitor tied to the battery wires (where it could move up and down and hit the shocks and body), the motor would stop working at seemingly random intervals for equally random periods of time, especially after jumps. I secured the capacitor to the ESC/chassis with DS tape, and the intervals became longer, but were not eliminated. So now I've replaced it with a new one, and it seems to be working fine.

Lastly, I've witnessed HV Pro owners trying to make the system work on 3S or 4S single battery packs without their steering servos overheating. They tried running Castle BECs with results I can't remember, usually with little or no success. I read the manual closer to discover that Novak requires you to run a Rx pack if you plan to use anything other than dual 2S or 6-7 cell NiMH packs. I guess those guys were trying to keep the weight down, but hey- there's your solution.

I hope this helps some people. If you have anything to contribute, go right ahead.

[Bondonutz]

I have a couple buddys whom have had problems, I myself have not.
I did however have small problem via the receiver antenna and luckily I guess right on money what the issue was,I relocated and it solved the problem real quick.
Excellent insight and BIG Thanks for posting this valuable info for those who may need it.

BTW, I'm using single 4s packs and couldn't be happier except my run time is to short for a actual race, I'm able to do so with my dual 6000 2s. I just prefer a single 4s,since they have 25C.

[The Dan]

The third thing I'd like to add is about the capacitor (called the Power Trans-Cap). You have to protect that thing from shock and impact. After a few hard crashes with the capacitor tied to the battery wires (where it could move up and down and hit the shocks and body), the motor would stop working at seemingly random intervals for equally random periods of time, especially after jumps. I secured the capacitor to the ESC/chassis with DS tape, and the intervals became longer, but were not eliminated. So now I've replaced it with a new one, and it seems to be working fine.

UPDATE: After twenty minutes of running after installing the new capacitor, the problem happened again. Wonderful. This time, though, both the throttle and the steering cut out for only a few seconds. That happened a few times before I installed the new cap, but more often just the throttle would cut out. Gah. Now I really don't know what's going on.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Mamba Monster ESC is now available at brushless-savvy online stores such as impaktrc.com. Buy it and a Neu motor, not the Novak system.

[Bondonutz]

The M.M.M. had serious issues the 1st and 2nd run, it's questionable wether the the problems are solved on the 3rd ?
I'm a huge H.V. fan and have NEVER had probs prior, if probs happen now with the rivised Pro it's certainly fustrating, but not enough to try to discourage potential H.V. buyers to reconsider a more complex and expensive system such as the M.M.M.&NUE??
I'm using 2 different non-pro H.V.s to power 14lb+ E-LST's and I cannot complain about a DAM thing !
Please don't misunderstand, I would sincerely love to have a Neu and M.M.M. in one or several of my trucks but I feel compelled to go with what has worked for me over the years .....................In time our wishes will be met.

[The Dan]

I can't believe this forum doesn't allow me to edit my own posts; I would update the first post if it did.

One more thing that's important to note about the HV Pro ESC is that when using two batteries, power to run the servos it drawn from just one of the batteries (Bat. 2 as labeled on the ESC), and therefore battery 2 drains quicker than battery 1. I recharged my packs today and discovered that battery 1 took 41xx mAh, while battery 2 took 44xx. I'm thinking this might be the reason behind the random stalling problem, since it never randomly stalls during the first 5-10 minutes of freshly-charged batteries. If turning the LVC off doesn't stop it, I'm going to try a **** Rx pack already. Sheesh.

[Bondonutz]

Sorry to hear about your problems and hope you remedy them soon.

The editing has ben canned due to the contest because the participants are not allowed to edit there posts .

[The Dan]

You know what's weird? The LVC setting on my ESC is apparently programmed in reverse from the factory. When I adjusted the very first time, it blinked twice, indicating the LVC was off. On is the default setting, and I swear it was indeed on until I adjusted it. And when I reset it back to "off" (one blink on my ESC), the random shutdown problem never occurred during a full 20-minute run. So... whatever. It works now. I'm happy.

I hope this documentary about my despair, frustration and humiliation helps someone. If it doesn't, I'm gunna be pissed. ...lmao

[erinkirk]

Dan,

Thought i was the only one having EXACTLY the same problem as yours with the hv 6.5 pro..
Im glad you have it working now...and Im doing the same with mine, I had asked the same question on another thread and so far you may have the best experience/solution so far. I have done most of the checks/troubleshoot same as you did..even bought a spektrum voltage protector for the reciever but the shut down still comes up. (did you have the same green and red blinks on the esc?):confused:

I even took the reciever out of the reciever box to lessen heat..nothing..
I also tried rx pack...nothing
Re-bind the rx/tx..nothing
I switched radio to fm (airtronics mx3)..nothing
My capcitor is ok so i didnt touch it..
Checked all wires/leads/solders..nothing

You were right on the default setting for the esc was REVERSED!!..:eek: I found out when (out of desperation) tried to reset the esc and went thru the lipo cut off programming..after the one touch program i noticed that the lipo cut off blinked TWICE! (ON by default)..which means to turn it off you must have 1 blink only..and so..I think I may have solved the problem there..I ran an old nimh pack and ran well without shutting off..though when the battery was showing sign of loosing power it started to sttuter and shut off again.maybe it was the battery pack..I'll try my maxamps 4700 nimhs tomorrow and hope it works out (fingers crossed)..been raining all day here.

[The Dan]

Looks like the HV Pro has bugs just like the MMM. I went through checking the other programming features on mine to find that the first three were set at 1 as well. None of them matched the "defaults" explained in the manual. After going through and setting those features to their defaults as explained in the manual, and nearly shatting my pants when the truck burst forward after setting feature three, I just re-calibrated the ESC, set the LVC to off (still one blink), and just let it be.

I switched the battery wiring (plugged 1 into 2 and 2 into 1), and it went all the way through 20 minutes without cutting out or even cogging. Even so, I'm going to switch batteries often and not run it for more than 15 minutes on 5K LiPos.

[erinkirk]

I switched the battery wiring (plugged 1 into 2 and 2 into 1), and it went all the way through 20 minutes without cutting out or even cogging. Even so, I'm going to switch batteries often and not run it for more than 15 minutes on 5K LiPos.[/QUOTE]

Dan..I didnt follow this one..(new to electrics).. did you mean re soldering the battery leads from the esc?..:confused:

[The Dan]

Dan..I didnt follow this one..(new to electrics).. did you mean re soldering the battery leads from the esc?..:confused:

Nah, I just meant plugging the battery you would normally use as #1 into the #2 plug on the ESC, and consequently #2 battery into #1 plug. I mean, I label my batteries 1 and 2 and have been matching them up to the corresponding plugs on the ESC until now. So I just switched them. It spares battery 2 from the extra drain of being plugged into plug #2 on the ESC.

It's still working without problems so far.

[Bondonutz]

Wouldn't that mean that #1 battery has a issue, I'm a little lost myself how swapping the packs around made the situation better ?
what if you resoldered the battery wires on the ESC for one battery and made a series connector the the 2 packs ??
I resoldered all of my HV's and use (1 or 2) 4S packs in mine and have yet to have any issues other than a RX interferance problem and I relocated my antenna and it was solved.

[The Dan]

Wouldn't that mean that #1 battery has a issue, I'm a little lost myself how swapping the packs around made the situation better ?
what if you resoldered the battery wires on the ESC for one battery and made a series connector the the 2 packs ??
I resoldered all of my HV's and use (1 or 2) 4S packs in mine and have yet to have any issues other than a RX interferance problem and I relocated my antenna and it was solved.

Battery #2 was getting drained faster than #1 before I made the swap, so the swap gave battery #2 a break, so to speak. It's not that big of a deal anyway.

That's not a bad idea, running a pair of 2S packs in series. The only downside is that you have to run a Rx pack with anything over 2S, unless you just want to melt your servos.

[Bondonutz]

Battery #2 was getting drained faster than #1 before I made the swap, so the swap gave battery #2 a break, so to speak. It's not that big of a deal anyway.

That's not a bad idea, running a pair of 2S packs in series. The only downside is that you have to run a Rx pack with anything over 2S, unless you just want to melt your servos.


Ummmm, no RX pack. Just a teeny tiny Castle programable voltage regulator.
By rewiring the ESC to except only 1 pack, I can either run (1) 4s pack or use a short homemade paralel harness and then I can use 2-4s packs.
I'm using (1 or 2) 3700mah and 4000mah 4s in mine and couldn't be happier. I have excellent run times and zero heat issues with stock spur and a
17t pinion . And when running 1 pack at a time the truck is very light and nimble.

[erinkirk]

OH I see..I'm actually doing the same with my packs..swap them every run/charge..knowing that the other on the bec side gets to 'work harder' than the other one..makes sense. by the way...

My hv run really well after the troubleshooting/re programming..but when the battery seems to loose its charge..the sttuter begins again..it never went off this time..but it kinda stutter when you hit the throttle and stops for a while then go again..I turned it off instantly and checked the batteries..good..esc..good..motors..good.

I took another pack and re programmed the esc again (1-touch prog/setup prog/lvc/etc)..and it performed flawlessly.

my hint is that the new hvpro esc programming MAY have a glitch or bug..its like..when the brushless system gets to work hard..the lvc goes back to default (ON) or functions that way when the battery level (nimhs) decreases..
Its just my thought...dunno if I evaluated it correct or not.

[The Dan]

Ummmm, no RX pack. Just a teeny tiny Castle programable voltage regulator.
By rewiring the ESC to except only 1 pack, I can either run (1) 4s pack or use a short homemade paralel harness and then I can use 2-4s packs.

Guess this means I've got a new project to try. Time to salvage that series harness and Castle BEC I have left over from my failed MM/Feigao venture.

[Bondonutz]

I've done this with all 3 of my older non pro series HV's and it's worked perfect for me, I just did the same with my newer HV Pro and the end results are pure contention.

[erinkirk]

Dan,..

Any update on how your HV is doing now?

After programming to 1 blink on the LVC (LVC-off)..I can now run 15 to 18 mins continously on my E-revo (still using 7 cell maxamps packs)..but it stutters off again from time to time when the battery looses charge.

Have you done anything to your HV to solve the problem?

Thanks!

[Bondonutz]

Guess this means I've got a new project to try. Time to salvage that series harness and Castle BEC I have left over from my failed MM/Feigao venture.

Pull the red wire from the plug of the ESC that goes into the receiver if you do this modifacation.

[The Dan]

Erin, keep the LVC turned off for running NiMH packs in any application. They drop off in voltage much quicker than LiPos.

Thanks Bondo; I'll try that sometime here in the next few days.

[The Dan]

Gah, I've never gotten this BEC to work right. Bondo, can you please tell me exactly how to set it up; how and where all the connections need to be, and if you have to program it? I'm using a Futaba FASST 3-channel receiver. I'd definitely appreciate it, since I know now from racing both packs in my Slash that battery 2 has less punch than 1.

[Bondonutz]

What exactly the problem ? Be a little more specific, I'd be glad to help .

[The Dan]

Ladies and gentlemen, don't be idiotic and think you have to disconnect the BEC's red wire in the receiver instead of the ESC's. You don't wanna end up like me. lmao

[The Dan]

Bad news. I tried wiring it right this time; disconnected the red ESC wire, plugged BEC into battery slot. When I plugged in the batteries, the receiver and BEC lights came on to show that they were working. I turned on the ESC and it worked, so I gave it a test up to full throttle. Once it reached full throttle, the BEC and receiver lights went off and the truck coasted all the way to a stop, indicating the BEC must have shut off or something. I tried unplugging and replugging the batteries, but the BEC and receiver lights never came back on. The BEC isn't dead, though, because when I tried plugging the red ESC wire back in, the green light in the BEC came back on (although it cogged horribly of course, as it's supposed to). What the fudge should I do now...

[Bondonutz]

Are you using 2 batterys with the stock wire pattern of the ESC or did you rewire it to except a single 4s pack like you mentioned you might consider doing ? If the ESC is stock you do NOT need a BEC anyway ?
If you did rewire the ESC was a qaulity solder job done on all the new connections including the BEC ? I only ask because a qaulity solder joint is super important and it could be the root of the problem.

[The Dan]

Are you using 2 batterys with the stock wire pattern of the ESC or did you rewire it to except a single 4s pack like you mentioned you might consider doing ? If the ESC is stock you do NOT need a BEC anyway ?

I tried it running two 2S packs wired with a series harness. You can't be saying I don't need the BEC when using a single 4S pack, can you?

Yes all the solder joints are strong and shiny.

[Bondonutz]

My last post asked "if the ESC is stock then you do not need a BEC"
I wasn't sure because you only said you were gonna make time to try the mod, you never said that you did so I wanted to be clear.
2-2s packs in series will need a BEC.
Can you post a picture of the BEC wired up and please be a little more specific on what you've done and where your having troubles ? I want to help you figure this out.

[The Dan]

This is how it's wired up:

http://i35.tinypic.com/14uxrwx.jpg

Whenever I plug in the batteries, nothing happens; the BEC and receiver "on" lights don't come on. Therefore when I turn on the ESC, it works fine, just without a powered receiver to tell it what to do. When I realized this, I tried plugging the red ESC wire back into the receiver, and both the BEC and receiver lights came on. So the BEC's apparently not dead, just not working like it's supposed to. It DID work the very first time I wired it up correctly like in the picture, but as soon as I hit full throttle to test it, the BEC and receiver quit.

I tried the exact same wiring with my old Mamba Max/Feigao combo and got the EXACT same result; nothing happened when I plugged the batteries in, and the ESC didn't have a signal but worked fine. I call that proof of suckage.

So I think the BEC's malfunctioning. It ***** because I really want to run the batteries in series so they'll drain evenly. The truck will still cut off at random times, LVC switched "off" or not.

[erinkirk]

Guys..

Email from Novak about the early cut off of their hv pro brushless systems;(charlie@teamnovak.com)

Hello Sir,

I see, I think I just realized the issue.

The instruction manuals for the HV Pro has a Mistake. Particularly with the Lipo Modes. It’s backwards.

It Says: One Blink is ON, two is OFF. THIS IS WRONG.

IT operates as One Blink is OFF, two Blinks is ON.

So most folks that have pointed out this issue are simply following our “wrong instructions”.

Thank you for your email. If we've missed any of your questions please let us know.

You can find complete information on all Customer Service Return procedures in the Customer Service Section of our website. All Manuals that are currently available are located in the Download Section of our website.



Thanks

Tech Support

Novak Electronics

17032 Armstrong Ave

Irvine CA 92614

Ph# 949-833-8873

Fx# 949-833-1631

...but like Dan said..ON or OFF it still shuts down from time to time. Im still looking for the best solution/modification to fix the problem..sigh...

[The Dan]

I still think the best solution is a blue-anodized powerhouse coupled with a sweet little black box for $410.

[erinkirk]

Dan,
...wuz dat?..neu/mmm combo?....medusa/mmm?..where'd you find it?

[The Dan]

Yep, Tekno Edition Neu 1515 1Y or 1.5D with a Mamba Monster. They're all IN STOCK at Impakt RC. That's where I got my MM/Feigao/BEC, single motor plate, Tekno sway bar kit and Novak HV Pro when the big stores (Tower, Horizon, etc) had them backordered for MONTHS.

[erinkirk]

oh yeah!!..but..they you have to buy em separate motors then esc..and the mmm is having bad reviews right now..what do you think? (and the 1/8 xcelorin is out of stock).

[CrazyCooydog]

I think I over hear a couple of guy a the LHS talking about how one of them thought that the +/- wires on his bec system where BACKWARDS...but I'm not sure if it was on the reciver side or the power side...

I would think that if the lights DON'T come on till the red ecs wire is attached then there is something wrong with the ubec... I had some issues when I first set up my futaba 3PM to my novak system...In the end it turned out to be that I didn't have the LVC set properly.( external novak cut off)

Not sure if this will help but theres a couple thinks to look at.

[The Dan]

I think you're better off going with Castle and Neu. You can run them on 6S LiPo and achieve speeds the Novak would never reach, all with super-easy computer programming. And even if it does malfunction, Castle will stand by their product and treat you like a king, replacing your MMM with a new v2 for free, without having to send it in. Novak? Pfff. Remember my story about the magnet coming unglued? That's their customer service at it's best.

[CrazyCooydog]

Not to nock Castle, But I would wait a bit longer before getting a MMM.. Yet a MM on 4S would be a very good choice with slight mods...like the cap mod and a good fan and you will out do most novak systems,in every aspect.

I swore by novak till I got a MM/NEU system....I have cooked one MMM and I am thinking of modding my V1 to put in my truggy conversion...Or I will just send it in with the V2 I cooked and get two V3's back...I hope.

[Bondonutz]

I'm not going to knock castle either but I'm a little leary about the M.M.M. but I figured,
"What the Hell" I'm buying one anyway. IF I have problems I know Castle will stand behind their product.
Now with Novak, I have no beef either. I've had nothing but good luck with the H.V's and I own 4 of them. I have one inn a 15 pound LST conversion and have zero heat issues and all the power I'll ever need. I abuse the heck out it and she comes back for more. I have a hard time figureing out how people smoke these up ? Any thing can happen I guess.
Bottom line, for racing I'd still go with the NEU and either M.M. or M.M.M. and you have all the adjustablity and power needed .

[Bondonutz]

Yep, Tekno Edition Neu 1515 1Y or 1.5D with a Mamba Monster. They're all IN STOCK at Impakt RC. That's where I got my MM/Feigao/BEC, single motor plate, Tekno sway bar kit and Novak HV Pro when the big stores (Tower, Horizon, etc) had them backordered for MONTHS.

After I read your post this afternoon I called Tekno and the Blue Neu's are
ALL GONE already !!!!!!

[The Dan]

This conversation is making me feel adventageous. My Mamba Max and matching cooling fan have been sitting in the box for months, and the Tekno edition 1515 1.5D is still in stock...

[erinkirk]

I also have great succes with all of my old version hv's..emaxx,truggy,t4..(yes on my t4) I've gone thru 4 hv's and smoked 1 of them only because a dried leave got stuck on the esc fan while i was running for 12-15 mins.. I like the balance of power/speed/temps on the older hv's. The new hv pro is a different story, although the programming options are good they will have to work out the 'bugs' in there....I think the mmm/neu combo is the ticket. I've seen them in tower coming out mid october..thats next week. I'll be patiently waiting. OR...the losi 1/8th xcelorin once they are released.

[erinkirk]

update..from the traxxas forums..
someone set the the throttle/brake endpoints to 100 instead of 125 on their radios and could have solved the problem of the hv's cutting off problem.
will try it when i get home from work.

[CrazyCooydog]

One of the guy's at the local track is running the new hv system in a 8 buggy and has fried three ecs'. I sold him one of my older systems and he's had no problems since.
All my novak systems worked fine....but still I will only have mm/neu combos from now on.

[The Dan]

I think the mmm/neu combo is the ticket. I've seen them in tower coming out mid october..thats next week. I'll be patiently waiting. OR...the losi 1/8th xcelorin once they are released.

Tower won't have them in stock for the next fifty years. They still have the MMM on order, while Impakt has had them in stock for weeks priced $35 less. Impakt also carries the full line of Neu motors, including the Tekno special editions, which you can't get from Tower because they don't stock Tekno RC (or Neu for that matter).

Here, look what I just bought :D
http://www.impaktrc.com/product_info.php?cPath=186_292&products_id=2619

[Bondonutz]

Tower won't have them in stock for the next fifty years. They still have the MMM on order, while Impakt has had them in stock for weeks priced $35 less. Impakt also carries the full line of Neu motors, including the Tekno special editions, which you can't get from Tower because they don't stock Tekno RC (or Neu for that matter).

Here, look what I just bought :D
http://www.impaktrc.com/product_info.php?cPath=186_292&products_id=2619

You theif ! You might have gotten the last one ? I called yesterday afternoon and was told they just sold out of them.
I'm going to conveinently blame you :rolleyes:

[The Dan]

I actually have something new to add to the list of HV Pro experiences. Though let's not trail off from the more interesting topic of how all us Novakians are switching to Castle and Neu like we should have done in the first place.

After the episode with the BEC failure, my HV Pro ESC required recalibration, which was annoying. What was more annoying was that upon landing nose-first off a decent-sized jump (nothing broken, thank you Traxxas) the system ceased sending power to the motor, though it didn't turn off. I had to turn it off and on, then recalibrate and turn the LVC off again. The thing is sensitive, so don't beat on it.

[Bondonutz]

I actually have something new to add to the list of HV Pro experiences. Though let's not trail off from the more interesting topic of how all us Novakians are switching to Castle and Neu like we should have done in the first place.

After the episode with the BEC failure, my HV Pro ESC required recalibration, which was annoying. What was more annoying was that upon landing nose-first off a decent-sized jump (nothing broken, thank you Traxxas) the system ceased sending power to the motor, though it didn't turn off. I had to turn it off and on, then recalibrate and turn the LVC off again. The thing is sensitive, so don't beat on it.


That's definitely unusual ??? Has this happened more than once ?

[The Dan]

That's definitely unusual ??? Has this happened more than once ?

Actually yes, it has. I can't drive it hard.

[Bondonutz]

Thats beyond abnormal ? I reckon a call to Novak is in order ???

My Novak Pro will be leaving my Erevo to reside in it's new home, my Emaxx.

Don't mean to change the subject but I purchased a Tekno/NEU 1515 1.5d and a M.M.M. today.:p
My woman better look out tonight, knowing this motor is on the way is like foreplay for me. LOL.

[The Dan]

Oh, it gets worse. Today when I tried to run it, the ESC required recalibration AGAIN. Jooooooooooooy. So I recalibrated it, turned the LVC "off," then went out in the parking lot to demonstrate it for a customer at my LHS. One minute of standard running later, the LVC kicks the batteries off for a few seconds. Now I'm mad. Needless to say, I recommened he go with Castle and Neu if he wanted.

I think I'll shoot Novak an email on this one. I would feel better calling up a drug dealer telling him he sold me some bad crack that I already smoked and want a refund than talk to Novak directly.

[Bondonutz]

Oh, it gets worse. Today when I tried to run it, the ESC required recalibration AGAIN. Jooooooooooooy. So I recalibrated it, turned the LVC "off," then went out in the parking lot to demonstrate it for a customer at my LHS. One minute of standard running later, the LVC kicks the batteries off for a few seconds. Now I'm mad. Needless to say, I recommened he go with Castle and Neu if he wanted.

I think I'll shoot Novak an email on this one. I would feel better calling up a drug dealer telling him he sold me some bad crack that I already smoked and want a refund than talk to Novak directly.

I'm hearing what your saying but try to be optomistic with Novak, They will try there best to keep you content and accomodate your needs. The whole "forum" venue has everyone to the point that they will do what ever it takes to keep customers happy.(consider the economy) If you speak to someone whom doesn't give you the results or what you wanted to hear then ask for a different representitive. Have patience with those who can help. All the troubles you've ben having could be something simple, be positive my friend !

[erinkirk]

coincidence...the same EXACT thing happend to my e revo..it wasnt nose dive though just a good 6 feet jump and landed on 4 wheels..nice landing..(traxxas suspension at its best) then stutters..checked the esc and the lvc programming went back to lvc ON...it only happened 1 time..never occured again.My friend's hv however shut off after a bash yesterday..it has steering but throttle wont go...so..i guess its mmm time!!!! i would like to wait for a new version of the mmm like most in the forums advise but it's just too tempting!! i'd try a mmm esc and hv 4.5 motor first before getting the neu's. i will be using nimhs for a while..i'll go lipos when i get home for vacation.

[erinkirk]

bondonutz..yeah im still optimistic with novak..having owned 4 of them. never had a problem with the system before..as long as you follow the gearing recommendations..to me it is actually the most reliable brushless system for mt's. but the hv pro is a diff story. anyways..im going to get an mmm esc..what are your recommendations for the system..mods? precautions? i know getting the v2 right now is like 'buy at your own risk' with its not so good failure rate, i was hoping to would get the good tomato out the basket. any advise? i 'll match it with my hv 4.5 motor first and will be using nimhs with it. thanks!

[Bondonutz]

bondonutz..yeah im still optimistic with novak..having owned 4 of them. never had a problem with the system before..as long as you follow the gearing recommendations..to me it is actually the most reliable brushless system for mt's. but the hv pro is a diff story. anyways..im going to get an mmm esc..what are your recommendations for the system..mods? precautions? i know getting the v2 right now is like 'buy at your own risk' with its not so good failure rate, i was hoping to would get the good tomato out the basket. any advise? i 'll match it with my hv 4.5 motor first and will be using nimhs with it. thanks!

I've had problems with my HV Pro like I've never had with my older versions but it's the way it goes with new production RC stuff ? The bugs will get worked out sooner or later.
I just purchased a M.M.M. yesterday with a Tekno/Neu 1515 Y . I've heard and read all about the problems the early production models have ben having but rest assured that Castle will remedy and problems. I figured what the hell and give it a shot ?

[The Dan]

More fun news about the HV Pro today. I took it to Mike's in Dallas to attempt some fun on the indoor track, and was met with nonstop recalibration and cogging. The think wouldn't stay on for more than a minute or two, all the time cogging like it was having a seizure. I barely made a couple laps around the track. Needless to say it's in the box with the receipt and warranty service form, waiting for it's return trip.

I also went to Indy RC World in Garland later in the day for a look at their new track layout, which was fun for the Slash. There I met another brushless dude who'd built several BL conversions with the guys at Mike's. He explained that the HV Pro ESC was designed too complicated; that it will not work with anything other than it's own internal BEC. That would explain why it's never worked (and probably been damaged) by the Castle BEC I tried. Oh well. At least I'm getting it serviced and a Neu in the meantime.

[Bondonutz]

Overly complicated makes sense, They cramed all the stuff in it the Castle products use the PC for. I just removed my BEC and we'll see how it goes ? I'm curious what kind of turn around time Novak has and how many other peolpe are having issues ?

[erinkirk]

no wonder the old HV's are better..
Bondo,you removed the internal BEC on the HV?

[Bondonutz]

No, I had a C.C. Ext BEC soldered on. But, thats something to consider ?

I removed my HV Pro from my E-Revo (making preperations for the M.M.M. & 1515-Y) and I've decided to install the 6.5 motor into my Emaxx with a M.M. ESC since I blew apart my Junky 7XL last week. I should have time to finish the install mon-tues and see how this combo works ?

[The Dan]

So the sensored Novak motors work fine with the sensorless ESCs, huh? Learn something new every day I suppose.

...So I could have tried wiring the MM up to the 6.- NO, I'M NOT TRYING ANYTHING FIRST ANYMORE. ONE OF YOU GUYS DO IT FIRST. lol

Sent the HV Pro off today, expecting the Neu to arrive Wednesday.

[The Dan]

Impakt seems to get faster every time I order something- in other words, my Neu arrived today! It's finally as I want it to be; 45 mph. Programmed the MM for 50% punch control, lowest timing, and a slight negative throttle curve for power conservation. New Castle BEC works perfectly; haven't reprogrammed it since I don't have a cord for it. Even so, the poor little ESC gets hot pretty quick. I have a MuchMore hi-rev cooling fan on it that cuts it down by about 20dF/minute, but it's still got too much to handle with the 1515. I knew that would happen. I'll just have to drive it conservatively until I can afford a MMM. That's the problem with the Castle/Neu combo- it's hella expensive, especially if you go low kv/high cell count, which runs the coolest.

This has taught me to appreciate the Novak a little more. While it's nowhere near as fast as the Castle/Neu combo can be, it IS simple, purpose-built, efficient, and easy on your batteries and wallet. $260 for a 6.5 system, which never runs hotter than 130dF for the motor and 120dF for the ESC and doesn't draw crazy amps from your LiPos is a great deal. And I no longer care that it only takes up to 4S- have you checked the price of a 6S LiPo lately? OUCH. It just needs more tweaking to get the LVC and other new features straightened out, and a little more reliability in the manufacturer. I don't care if Novak charges me for repairs- I want mine back ASAP.

[CrazyCooydog]

I love Impakt!! they are very fast even to up here in the frozen north..

The mm/neu is awsome, yes it's pricey. I think the temps you are seeing is becuse your way over what the novak would ever dream of doing. If you were geared down to what the novak would be speed wise you'd have no temps at all.

[Bondonutz]

DAN,
Lucky you receiving your NEU, I may not see mine for a while ?? I called Tekno Tuesday for a update on their supposedly new shipment from NEU and there was no incouraging word about them seeing them anytime soon so they shipped the rest of my order minus the motor. POOPY !
I still haven't had the time to install and wire up the HV to my M.M. yet hopefully tonight ?
As Ross said, if your having slight temps you probably a little over geared,what pinion you running ?

[The Dan]

I was running 18/58 gearing. It's okay for shear speed runs and not really bashing. But I'm not worried, because irony has struck me yet again, and in a good way.

With the confidence of knowing I had just wired the BEC wrong the first time, I tried my old Feigao 8XL in place of the Neu today. I'm very impressed, and much more comfortable with it now. Having changed nothing on the ESC and still running 18/58 gearing, I'm getting a smidgen more speed than the Novak gave, and the ESC is never heating up past 111dF! I could hardly believe that. Definitely need a heat sink for the motor, though. It got up to 150dF after five minutes of testing, as expect. I'm just happy that I've found a substitute for the Novak that is easy on the MM. ***** that I just plunked down $260 for the Neu... oh well, it's worth having for truggy use, ludicrous speed, or resale. And I can say I own a Neu. :D

[The Dan]

Well now that the 7-day turnaround is up, my Novak is on it's way back to me via FedEx. It's been re-manufactured free of charge. The system works! :D Novak's scored high marks with me now. I won't screw with it this time, hahaha.

[The Dan]

Good news is that it works perfectly. Received it today after three or four days of shipping. Also installed the E-Revo center diff and cool, I can take corners without spinning out or wheelying now. Still just as cool-running as ever, but only 30 mph makes me sad. I won't be selling my MM/Feigao 8XL anytime soon.

[erinkirk]

Dan..great to hear your novak is working good now..how do you think the center diff would do in racing? pors and cons?
and..the mamba monster max combo is out already!!just bought the 2200 kv combo! any thoughts on this?

[The Dan]

Gotta have the center diff for racing. You'd think the stock Traxxas 500W oil would be like molasses, but it does transfer a lot of power to the front wheels, completely eliminating wheelies and improving traction in the turns.

About the Mamba Monster 2200 combo: you're kidding, right?

[erinkirk]

nope..the MMM combo is finally out in stores..check RCplanet..they got the 2200kv and 2650 kv combo. AND...the losi 1/8th brushless combo is out to..check atomic hobbies online.

[Bondonutz]

Good news is that it works perfectly. Received it today after three or four days of shipping. Also installed the E-Revo center diff and cool, I can take corners without spinning out or wheelying now. Still just as cool-running as ever, but only 30 mph makes me sad. I won't be selling my MM/Feigao 8XL anytime soon.


The center diff makes a huge difference in the way the truck handles and it's all for the better too ??
Sounds like a great upgrade worthy of considering.

[CrazyCooydog]

I used A center diff in my converted revo (Old Emaxx tranny) and I found it did handle a bit better...but at the cost of about 500-700 mha worth of battery over the corse of a 20 min main. My lap times only improved about 1/2 second better. Yes I'm not a pro driver by any means... but the mha's lost realy made finnishing a 20 min main very difficult with only 6000mha packs. The quick way drive shaft was a better deal "I thought"..I am now trying to set up the E-Revo with a one way berring "IN" the tranny..

I now use 2@ 8000mha packs..for 20 min mains.
and 2@ 14.8v 4300mha packs for 30 min main.

[The Dan]

Yeah, I'm not liking the CD so much anymore. It was actually pretty good with the 6.5 powering it, but again, only 30 MPH ain't gunna cut it. I bolted the 8XL back in because I missed the speed, and it overpowered the CD so bad that the front Badlands just wouldn't grip anymore. All the electronics heated up almost twice as fast as with a solid center as well, so the CD is going back in the toolbox.

[CrazyCooydog]

YEP! sounds about right.lol
I think the lost mha was from the front spinning and not realy seeing or feeling it, at the time....the quick way drive shaft was great.....till It give up on me... I didn't do any regular cleaning or oiling to it. and now I can't seem to figure out how I'm going to change the berring in it.

Im realy confused with the WHOLE center "diff oil wt." selection thing.

heavier oil will make it more like a solid 4 wheel drive.. transfers more weight to the rear on acceleration which alows the front to lift and loose sterring... which I'm feeling is faster but bad for comming out of the corners..

OR

lighter center diff... less weight transfer...better balance front to rear..more streering out of the corners...but I'm not sure if it's as fast... over all though...


Any thoughts on this?

[The Dan]

The E-Revo/E-Maxx center diff comes with 500W oil, which is five times thicker than anything offered by other brands. So all you can use is lighter weights, which make the electronics waste even more power. I thought the 500W would be like clay, but noooooooooooooooo. Another lesson learned.

The deal with center diff oils is that yes, heavier weights give a more posi-track feel. The truck will accelarate more aggressively, but will also push harder in the turns. Lighter diff oils give the opposite effect. More revs are required for accelaration, but you can drive harder through turns and gain some cornering speed because the front wheels pull the truck around in a more tight radius. That's one of the things that make nitro guys so fast.

[The Dan]

BZZZZT!!! Wrong- I was mistaking the Traxxas 100,000W oil for 100W. Yeah, you can go up to 100,000W. So the CD can be useful after all.

[CrazyCooydog]

the ofna "diff locker" oil must be thicker than traxas 500... it's like paste.

[The Dan]

Hah, I've come through another right of passage. This time the fan wires came undone and the ESC cut off in thermal shutdown at 195dF. Guess that feature works. lol Got a new fan mounted, but I'm waiting to go to a track to re-test it (needs re-calibration I think). I'm having more fun with the extra speed I get with the Feigao just for bashing. But the Novak is definitely my choice for the track since it's smooth, easier to handle, as fast as need be, and gives me longer run times.