OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
CYCLONE & CYCLONE
T
T
T
T
TC
C
C
C
C
SPECIFICATIONS
Input Voltage
4-7 cells
(1.2 volts DC/cell)
Case Width
1.73 inches [4.40 cm]
Case Depth
1.10 inches [2.79 cm]
Case Height
0.79 inch
[1.99 cm]
Weight
(w/o heat sinks)
1.42 ounces [40.26 g]
On-Resistance
@ Transistors
0.00058
Ω
Rated Current
480 amps
Braking Current
160 amps
BEC Voltage / Current
6.0 volts DC / 3.0 amps
Wire Size
(Battery/Motor)
12 gauge
(Super-Flex 12™)
Wire Length
(Battery/Motor)
9 inches
[22.8 cm]
Signal Harness Length
8 inches
[20.3 cm]
Minimum Brake Range
0 to 75 % Full Brake
Minimum Drive
(% Full Drive) 6.0-6.0-1.5 (TC: 1.0-2.0-3.0)
Deadband
(% Full Throttle)
6.0-6.0-4.0 (TC: 7.0-3.0-3.0)
Drive Frequency
(kHz)
5.86-7.8-15.6 (TC: 15.6-11.7-7.8)
Brake Frequency
(kHz)
3.9-5.86-3.9 (TC: 3.9-5.86-7.8)
@ 25
°
C transistor
junction temp.
The Novak
Cyclone
and
Cyclone
TC
touring edition are all-
digital, microprocessor-based ESC’s
(Electronic Speed Controls)
using advanced components and the best HYPERFET III
transistors to deliver the highest performance with the
smallest size and lightest weight. Each have three user-
selectable throttle profiles and the ability to store a fourth
custom profile created by the optional
Pit Wizard
(#1035)
or
Profile Software
(#1030), giving you extreme flexibility.
Novak’s
Constant Force Braking
provides more effective
braking at lower motor RPMs, while a minimum brake
adjustment pot lets you set initial braking from 0-75%.
Low-resistance solder posts and Super-Flex 12™ wire give
minimal voltage drop and high current handling, while
allowing quick and easy wire replacement and positioning.
Novak’s
Polar Drive Circuitry
gives you increased power
and reduced operating temperatures. This means even
smoother throttle response, increased radio system range,
quicker acceleration, and longer run times.
Other features include the original
One-Touch Set-Up
™,
Radio Priority & Digital Anti-Glitch Circuitry
™, the Novak
Input Plug System
™, a heavy-duty BEC to handle high
power servos, and low-voltage operation down to 2 volts.
Included with the Cyclone and Cyclone
TC
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 #1767
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.
Part #1765
The locking tab must not extend
outside the plastic plug housing.
ACCESSORIES
MOTOR CAPACITORS
To prevent radio interference, you must have three 0.1
µ
F
capacitors properly installed on every motor. Three 0.1
µ
F
(50v) capacitors are included for one motor. Additional
0.1
µ
F (50V) capacitors are available in Novak kit #5620.
Refer to Step 3 for motor capacitor installation instructions.
SCHOTTKY DIODES
The Cyclone and Cyclone
TC
TC
TC
TC
TC
have an internal Schottky
diode.
External Schottky diodes are also included, and
should be used for optimum ESC, braking, and motor
performance. Refer to Step 3 for installation instructions.
Additional Schottky diodes are available in Novak kit #5640.
HEAT SINKS
Heat sinks are not required with the Cyclone or Cyclone
TC
TC
TC
TC
TC
.
However, added cooling from heat sinks can increase
efficiency. An optional Heat Sink Set is available as Novak
kit #5407. Heat sinks are recommended for heavy load
applications and set-ups with limited air circulation, or if
the transistors get excessively hot during operation.
POWER CAPACITORS
An external power capacitor is included, and must be
used to maintain cool and smooth operation.
Refer to Step 3 for installation instructions.
Additional Power Capacitors are available in Novak kit #5670.
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.
• 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.
• POWER CAPACITOR REQUIRED
An external power
capacitor must be used to ensure the highest efficiency and
best protection for your Cyclone or Cyclone
TC
.
• 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. The short circuit will damage the ESC.
• 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.
If transistor tabs get extremely hot use optional heat sinks.
• INSULATE WIRES
Always insulate exposed wiring with heat
shrink tubing to prevent short circuits.
1. DETERMINE BEST ESC MOUNTING LOCATION
Speed control should be positioned away from the
receiver and antenna as shown in set-up photo
(back page)
.
Choose a mounting position that will keep power wires
away from the receiver and antenna. Choose position
that will provide maximum airflow through 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.)
To install capacitor along the ESC’s power wires:
Install capacitor as close to the speed control as possible.
Make a small splice on the black and red power wires.
Solder the
negative lead (–)
to the splice on the
black wire
.
Solder the
positive lead (+)
to the splice on the
red wire
.
Secure power capacitor to power wires with included
large heat shrink to insulate and protect from vibration.
4. 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.
5. CONNECT SPEED CONTROL TO THE BATTERY PACK
Cut the
BLACK
wire to the desired length and strip
about 1/8”-1/4” of insulation off each end. Solder to
the
negative
side of a completely charged 4 to 7 cell
battery pack and the other end to the
BLK
solder post.
Cut the
RED
wire to desired length (to go from ESC to
battery positive to motor) and strip about 1/8”-1/4” of
insulation off each end. Strip a short section of insulation
(1/4”-3/8”) from the middle section of the
RED
wire
where it will attach to
positive
of battery pack. Solder
the stripped section of
RED
wire to
positive
of battery
pack and one end to the
RED
solder post.
NOTE: Prolonged or excessive heating of solder post can
result in the post desoldering from PCB and short-circuiting.
6. CONNECT SPEED CONTROL TO THE MOTOR
Solder the free end of the
RED
wire to
positive
motor tab.
Cut the
BLUE
wire to desired length and strip about
1/8”-1/4” of insulation off each end. Solder to the
negative
tab of the motor and to the
BLUE
solder post.
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.
7. 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 good practice to use female connectors on batteries
to avoid shorting the connector and the battery.
If you use connectors for the battery and the motor,
use a male connector on the ESC 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 into the motor output of the ESC 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.
2. INSTALL 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.
3. INSTALL POWER CAPACITOR
The included power capacitor will drop the speed control’s
operating temperatures by 10-15
°
F, and will help dissipate noise
and voltage spikes from the ESC’s high switching speed.
To allow greater flexibility for your application, you can
install the power capacitor up against the side or back
of the ESC, or heat shrink it along the power wires.
To install capacitor alongside the speed control:
Use included double-sided tape to hold the capacitor
against the side or back of the speed control’s case.
Bend
negative lead
(–)
{shorter/marked with stripe}
toward the
BLK
solder post. Insulate lead with included vinyl tubing.
Solder
negative lead
(–)
to the
BLK
solder post.
Bend
positive lead (+)
{longer/unmarked}
toward the
RED
solder post. Insulate lead with included vinyl tubing.
Solder
positive lead (+)
to the
RED
solder post.
negative lead (–)
with stripe
Insulate leads
with vinyl tubing
Refer to Set-Up photo on back
