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#IM-1685-1

10-2004

SPECIFICATIONS

Input Voltage ........................................ 6-14 cells (1.2 volts DC/cell)
Case Size ............................. 1.75”x2.17”x0.85” [44.5x55.1x21.6mm]
Weight (w/o wires) ............................................. 4.03 ounce [114 grams]
On-Resistance @ Transistors/25

°

C ..........................................

0.0011 

Rated Current (forward/braking & reverse) ........................ 400/180 amps
B.E.C. Voltage/Current ............................... 6.0 volts DC/3.0 amps
Power Wire .............................................. 14G Super-Flex Silicone
Single Motor Limit @ 6 cells ................................................ None
Single Motor Limit @ 10, 12, & 14 cells ............ None (550 size only)
Dual Motor Limit @ 6 cells .......................... 10 Turns (550 size only)
Dual Motor Limit @ 10 cells ............................. None (550 size only)
Dual Motor Limit @ 12 &14 cells ................. 12 Turns (550 size only)
Throttle Program #1 .................... Forward, Brakes, & 100% Reverse
Throttle Program #2 .................... Forward & Brakes only (no reverse)
Throttle Program #3 ..................... Forward, Brakes, & 25% Reverse

High-Power Reversible ESC

BIG...BAD...POWERFUL...RELIABLE...........the SUPER DUTY XR is here!

The Super Duty XR is the toughest high-power reversible electronic speed control that you can get for your

big trucks, hot boats, or any other high-power R/C application using brush-type motors!

With 3 factory throttle programs to choose from & Novak’s Smart Braking II (you don’t go into reverse until you shift into reverse by returning the

trigger to neutral and then back to reverse)

, the Super Duty XR is ready for anything. The Super Duty XR has 

Thermal Overload Protection 

for peace

of mind, 

high-power B.E.C. 

for strong/fast servo response, 

Polar Drive & Digital Anti-Glitch circuitries 

for cool & smooth operation, and 

Radio

Priority circuitry 

for the ultimate in control, right down to the end of the battery power. Add to this the ease & convenience of user-replaceable
battery wires, power capacitor, ON/OFF switch, & input harness, and the Super Duty XR is super user-friendly!

To benefit from all of the Super Duty XR’s technical features, PLEASE READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

POWER-BOOST ESC COOLING FAN KIT  

[Novak kit #5646]

The Power-Boost ESC cooling fan kit has everything needed to get more
power from your Super Duty XR for hot motors--custom fit fan brackets
(short & tall included), mounting screws, & high-volume cooling fan that
plugs into Super Duty XR’s fan power output jack.

POWER CAPACITORS  

[Novak kit #5675]

An external power capacitor is installed, and 

MUST BE USED

 to maintain

cool and smooth operation. 

Refer to Fig.5 Set-Up Photo

MOTOR CAPACITORS  

[Novak kit #5620]

Additional motor capacitors are available in Novak kit #5620.

SUPER-FLEX SILICONE POWER WIRE  

[Novak kits #5500 & 5530]

Novak Super-Flex wire for motor & power wiring. 14 guage silicone wire in kit
#5500 (36”red & 36”black), and 12G silicone in kit #5530 (36”red & 36”black).

INPUT SIGNAL HARNESS  

[Novak kits #5315 & 5320]

User-replaceable input signal harnesses are available for the Super Duty XR
in both short (#5315) and long lengths (#5320).

REPLACEMENT SWITCH HARNESS  

[Novak kit #5600]

The replacement switch harness has ON/OFF switch with pre-tinned wires
ready to solder to the Super Duty XR’s Direct-Solder Wire Tabs.

WATER & ELECTRONICS DON’T MIX!

Never allow water, moisture, or other foreign materials to get inside

ESC or on the PC Board. 

Water damage will void the warranty!

DISCONNECT BATTERIES WHEN NOT IN USE

Always disconnect the battery pack from the speed control when not

in use to avoid short circuits and possible fire hazard.

6 TO 14 CELLS ONLY

Never use fewer than 6 or more than 14 cells (7.2-16.8VDC, 1.2VDC/

cell) in the vehicle’s main battery pack(s).

NO REVERSE VOLTAGE!

Reverse battery polarity can damage ESC & void warranty. Disconnect

battery immediately if a reverse connection occurs.

NO SCHOTTKY DIODES!

External Schottky diodes MUST NOT be used with reversible speed

controls––usage will damage ESC & void warranty.

ALWAYS USE HEAT SINKS

Heat sinks are factory-installed on your Super Duty XR and MUST be

used for maximum cooling and performance––

Never allow the

separate heat sinks to touch each other or any exposed metal or

conductive surface, as this will cause a short circuit & damage ESC.

POWER CAPACITOR REQUIRED

An external power capacitor is installed and 

MUST

 be used with your

Super Duty XR. 

Failure to use Power Capacitor will result in higher ESC

operating temperatures & possible thermal shut-down!

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.

INSULATE WIRES

Always insulate exposed wiring with heat shrink tubing or electrical

tape to prevent short circuits, which can damage ESC.

NO CA GLUE

Exposure to CA glue or its fumes can cause damage to internal

components of the speed control and result in premature failure.

With ESC connected to (at least) a receiver & a charged battery pack:

1. TURN ON THE TRANSMITTER’S POWER
2. PRESS & HOLD ESC’S ONE-TOUCH/SET BUTTON
3. TURN ON THE SPEED CONTROL’S POWER

With transmitter throttle at neutral, and still 

pressing the SET button

,

slide the ESC’s 

ON/OFF switch

 to ON position

.

4. CONTINUE HOLDING SET BUTTON UNTIL RED LED COMES ON
5. RELEASE SET BUTTON AS SOON AS LED TURNS RED
6. PULL TRANSMITTER THROTTLE TO FULL-ON POSITION

Hold it there until the 

green status LED

 turns solid green

.

Note: Motor will not run during programming even if connected.

7. PUSH TRANSMITTER THROTTLE TO FULL-BRAKES

Hold it there until the 

green status LED

 blinks green

.

8. RETURN TRANSMITTER THROTTLE TO NEUTRAL

Red status LED

 will 

turn solid red

, indicating that throttle is at neutral,

and proper programming has been completed--you’re done.

NOTE: If transmitter setting are changed, programming must be repeated. If

you experience any problems, turn off ESC and repeat programming.

trouble-shooting guide

trouble-shooting guide

Steering Channel Works But Motor Will Not Run

• Check motor connections. Check motor and brushes.
• Make sure input signal harness is plugged into throttle channel of receiver

and the ESC. Check throttle channel operation with a servo. Check wiring
color sequence of receiver signal harness.

• Possible thermal shut-down––Check motor, brushes, & drive train. ESC is

being severely over-loaded.

• Possible internal damage––Refer to Service Procedures.

Receiver Glitches/Throttle Stutters During Acceleration

• Receiver or antenna too close to ESC, power wires, battery, or motor.
• Bad connections––Check wiring and connectors.
• Motor brushes worn––Replace brushes.
• Motor capacitors broken or missing––Refer to Step 3.
• Excessive motor current––Use milder motor or smaller pinion gear.
• External Power Capacitor damaged/not installed––Replace Power Capacitor.

Motor and Steering Servo Do Not Work

• Check wires, receiver signal harness wiring & color sequence, radio system,

crystals, battery & motor connectors, and battery pack.

• Possible internal damage––Refer to Service Procedures.

Model Runs Slowly/Slow Acceleration

• Check motor and battery connectors––Replace if needed.
• Bad battery or motor––Check operation with another.
• Incorrect transmitter/ESC adjustment––Refer to Steps 5 & 6.
• External Power Capacitor damaged/not installed––Replace Power Capacitor.

Motor Runs Backwards

• Motor wired backwards––Check wiring and reverse.
• Backwards motor timing––Reverse motor end bell.

ESC Is Melted Or Burnt/ESC Runs With Switch Off

• Internal damage––Refer to Service Procedures.

*For more assistance call our Customer Service Department.

service procedures

service procedures

Before sending your ESC in for service, review Trouble-Shooting guide &
instructions. ESC may appear to have failed when other problems exist.
After reviewing instructions, if you feel your ESC requires service, please
obtain the most current product service options & pricing by the following:
WEBSITE: Print a copy of the 

PRODUCT SERVICE FORM

 from the CUSTOMER

SERVICE section of the website. Fill out the needed information on this
form and return it with the Novak product that requires servicing.
PHONE/E-MAIL:  If you do not have access to the internet, contact our
customer service dept. by phone or e-mail as listed on the front page.

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.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

• Hobby dealers or distributors are not authorized to replace Novak products

thought to be defective.

• If a hobby dealer returns your ESC for service, submit a completed 

PRODUCT

SERVICE FORM

 to the dealer and make sure it is included with the ESC.

• Novak Electronics, Inc. does not make any electronic components

(transistors, resistors, etc.) available for sale.

www.teamnovak.com

✼✮✽✑✾✹✄✰✾✲✭✮✄✑✑✄❚I✄❍✄❁✻

PRECAuTIONS

optional accessories

Novak Electronics, Inc.

(949) 833-8873 • FAX (949) 833-1631

Customer Service e-mail: 

[email protected]

Monday-Thursday:  8:00am-5:00pm (PST)

Friday:  8:00am-4:00pm (closed every other Friday)

w w w . t e a m n o v a k . c o m

P1

P4

step 

step 

step 

step 

step 

6

6

6

6

6

one-touch programming

The Super Duty XR has 

3 user-selectable Throttle Programs

 to choose from:

PROGRAM #1:

Forward, brakes, and full power reverse.

PROGRAM #2:

Forward & brakes only--reverse disabled.

PROGRAM #3:

Forward, brakes, and 25% power reverse.

selecting throttle progra

selecting throttle program

m

::

With ESC connected to a charged battery (transmitter ON or OFF):

1. IF TRANSMITTER IS OFF, DISCONNECT ESC FROM RECEIVER

To avoid possible radio interference from other transmitters, remove
the Super Duty XR’s input signal harness from the receiver.

2. TURN ON THE SPEED CONTROL’S POWER
3. PRESS & HOLD THE ONE-TOUCH SET BUTTON

Continue to hold SET button

 on ESC 

until both LEDs turns on

.

4. RELEASE SET BUTTON AS SOON AS BOTH LEDs COMES ON

Once released, the status LEDs will flash to indicate what Throttle
Program is currently selected

. The number of times the LEDs flash

indicates the Throttle Program selection (1 of 3).

5. QUICK PRESS

 

(& release)

 SET BUTTON TO CHANGE SELECTION

Each press will change to the next consecutive Throttle Program.
(After Program 3, the sequence begins again at Program 1)

Note: there is a time constraint during this selection process.

If SET button is not pressed for about 3 seconds, ESC will exit to neutral.

6. ESC STORES SELECTION & EXITS TO NEUTRAL

When SET button is not pressed for about 3 seconds, the 

selected

Program is stored

 into memory & the red LED will come on solid.

The speed control is at neutral & ready to go.

NOTE:  Whenever the One-Touch set-up is performed, the Super Duty XR will

automatically revert to the factory default setting of Throttle Program #1.

throttle program selection

For proper ESC operation, adjust transmitter as follows:

A.

Set 

HIGH ATV

 or 

EPA

 to 

maximum

 setting.

[amount of throw at full throttle]

B.

Set 

LOW ATV

EPA

, or 

ATL

 to 

maximum

 setting.

[amount of throw at full brakes]

C.

Set 

EXPONENTIAL

 to 

zero

 setting.  [throttle channel linearity]

D.

Set 

THROTTLE CHANNEL REV. SWITCH

 to 

either

 position.

E.

Set 

THROTTLE CHANNEL TRIM

 to 

middle

 setting.

[adjusts neutral position/increases or decreases coast brakes]

F.

Set 

ELECTRONIC TRIGGER THROW ADJUSTMENT

 to 

50%

throttle

 and 

50% brake

 throw (or 5:5).

[adjusts trigger throw electronic/digital pistol-grip transmitters]

G.

Set 

MECHANICAL TRIGGER THROW ADJUSTMENT

 to position

with 

1/2 throttle

 and 

1/2 brake

 throw.

[adjusts trigger throw on mechanical/analog pistol-grip transmitters]

•NOT ALL TRANSMITTERS HA

VE THESE ADJUSTMENTS•

step 

step 

step 

step 

step 

5

5

5

5

5

transmitter adjustments

using a receiver battery pack

using a receiver battery pack

using a receiver battery pack

using a receiver battery pack

using a receiver battery pack

If using an external receiver battery pack with the Super Duty XR:

1.

Plug an external 5 cell (1.2VDC/cell) receiver battery pack into

the battery slot of the receiver.

2.

Leave the 

Super Duty XR’s ON/OFF switch

 in the 

OFF

 position,

and 

use receiver battery pack’s ON/OFF switch

 to turn the

system power on and off

––Do not use the ESC’s switch.

12VDC BATTERY NOTE:  An external receiver battery pack

should be used when using the Super Duty XR’s with a single

12 volt battery, like a lead acid or gel cell. The ESC’s built-in

B.E.C. will provide limited output due to the high voltage

directed through the single battery input, resulting in

degraded servo and receiver performance.

product warranty

product warranty

The Super Duty XR speed control 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, damage

from using fewer than 6 or more than 14 cells (1.2 volts DC/cell) input voltage, cross-connection of

battery/motor, overheating solder tabs, reverse voltage application, damage from incorrect installation

of FET servo or receiver battery pack, not installing three 0.1

µ

F (50V) capacitors on each motor,

incorrect installation of a Power Capacitor on the ESC or from using a damaged Power Capacitor,

using a Schottky diode or non-Novak Power Capacitor, splices to input harness, 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 act of God.
Because Novak Electronics, Inc. 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 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.
©2004 Novak Electronics, Inc. • All Rights Reserved • No part of these instructions may be reproduced

without the written permission of Novak Electronics, Inc. • Super Duty XR ESC, Smart Braking II,

Polar Drive Technology, Radio Priority Circuitry, & One-Touch Set-Up are all trademarks of Novak

Electronics, Inc. • All Novak speed controls are designed & manufactured in the U.S.A.

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