Novak Havoc pro problems
#18
Company Representative
We found issues with some Havoc Pros used with some radio systems---problems we were unable to duplicate with our test equipment and "radio system library" here at the factory. We believe that randomly generated pulses caused the HPs to shut off intermittently.
We either reprogrammed all escs returned by racers, and in some cases offered GTB replacements; we worked with customers to resolve these issues as they were called to our attention. Let me state----most Havoc Pro escs worked fine----we sold many and only some exhibited this shut-off issue.
One of the chronic problems of designing after-market electronics is that our products are expected to work flawlessly with all radio systems customers may be using regardless of the quality or design of those systems. When new radio systems are released, they may introduce issues unknown (unknowable) when our controllers were designed.
What we can do is work with customers to figure out a mutually beneficial way to find some solution to whatever issue they are seeing. We have always had warranty replacement, and comprehensive (non-warranty) Trade-In programs, for our customers. You can always contact [email protected] for assistance{ I posted the list of data requested when emailing.
We are doing our final Beta testing for our upcoming GTB2 controllers; we will be adding these new escs as both the warranty, and non-warranty, replacement items for the Havoc Pro escs.
We either reprogrammed all escs returned by racers, and in some cases offered GTB replacements; we worked with customers to resolve these issues as they were called to our attention. Let me state----most Havoc Pro escs worked fine----we sold many and only some exhibited this shut-off issue.
One of the chronic problems of designing after-market electronics is that our products are expected to work flawlessly with all radio systems customers may be using regardless of the quality or design of those systems. When new radio systems are released, they may introduce issues unknown (unknowable) when our controllers were designed.
What we can do is work with customers to figure out a mutually beneficial way to find some solution to whatever issue they are seeing. We have always had warranty replacement, and comprehensive (non-warranty) Trade-In programs, for our customers. You can always contact [email protected] for assistance{ I posted the list of data requested when emailing.
We are doing our final Beta testing for our upcoming GTB2 controllers; we will be adding these new escs as both the warranty, and non-warranty, replacement items for the Havoc Pro escs.
#19
Tech Rookie
so should we avoid the Havoc Pro SC, and wait for the GTB2?
#21
Company Representative
The Havoc Pro SC is a completely different design then the old Havoc Pro; the new GTB 2 incorporates our new features and on-board programming, similar to the Havoc Pro SC minus the advanced timing adjustments.
#22
My Havoc Pro had the same intermittent problems as mentioned above. The power would cut out and come back again. I was stupid and kept running it. Eventually it completely failed on me and took a really nice Reedy LiPo with it. I suspect the regulator for the BEC failed. I take issue with the blame placed on radio equipment above, but I guess it may be possible.
Moral of the story, if your ESC is suspect, get it replaced!
Moral of the story, if your ESC is suspect, get it replaced!
#23
my havoc 3s is acting up as well. charge a lipo put it in the truck turn everything on. it will run approx 20 secs. and the motor will get so hot it actually comes unsoldered with a little smoke from the end bell of course its outta of warranty and i can send it in for repairs or exchange, but if there is a problem with a certian series (such as the havoc's) novak should make it good.
as it is now to replace or up grade its gonna cost about $125 bucks, plus the original price of $160. thats roughly a $280 bucks for a brushless system every 8 months, or buy another manufacturers sys.
as it is now to replace or up grade its gonna cost about $125 bucks, plus the original price of $160. thats roughly a $280 bucks for a brushless system every 8 months, or buy another manufacturers sys.
#24
Company Representative
My Havoc Pro had the same intermittent problems as mentioned above. The power would cut out and come back again. I was stupid and kept running it. Eventually it completely failed on me and took a really nice Reedy LiPo with it. I suspect the regulator for the BEC failed. I take issue with the blame placed on radio equipment above, but I guess it may be possible.
Moral of the story, if your ESC is suspect, get it replaced!
Moral of the story, if your ESC is suspect, get it replaced!
#25
Company Representative
my havoc 3s is acting up as well. charge a lipo put it in the truck turn everything on. it will run approx 20 secs. and the motor will get so hot it actually comes unsoldered with a little smoke from the end bell of course its outta of warranty and i can send it in for repairs or exchange, but if there is a problem with a certian series (such as the havoc's) novak should make it good.
as it is now to replace or up grade its gonna cost about $125 bucks, plus the original price of $160. thats roughly a $280 bucks for a brushless system every 8 months, or buy another manufacturers sys.
as it is now to replace or up grade its gonna cost about $125 bucks, plus the original price of $160. thats roughly a $280 bucks for a brushless system every 8 months, or buy another manufacturers sys.
Here is a list of some of the things that can damage your esc:
...bad battery pack or cell
...burnt/damaged motor stator
...weakened (de-magged) rotor
...Problem with gearing/gear mesh
...defective servo (motor)
...def. receiver
...bad connector(s)
...bad soldering
Damage from all these issues will show up as esc problems or even melt-downs. Most esc damage is not caused by defective escs but one of these other things which can burn up your controller.
#26
I to have had the above mentioned problems this year I have purchased 3 havok pro systems and one havok pro sc. I have had little to no problems with the sc but the others have shut down intermittently, lose of power about min. and a half into run (not complete power lose just runs at like 3/4 power), and complete flame job (FIRE) with no previous problems.
I never like to slam a company but I feel that Novak has dropped the ball on this one this being the reason I have chose to go to another company for these products I just feel that Novak is lacking in preproduction testing.
SORRY NOVAK YOU LOST THIS RACER
I never like to slam a company but I feel that Novak has dropped the ball on this one this being the reason I have chose to go to another company for these products I just feel that Novak is lacking in preproduction testing.
SORRY NOVAK YOU LOST THIS RACER
#27
Company Representative
We would replace these Havoc Pros at no charge or upgrade them to Havoc Pro SCs, for a minimum charge.
If you want assistance, you can always PM me directly.
If you want assistance, you can always PM me directly.
I to have had the above mentioned problems this year I have purchased 3 havok pro systems and one havok pro sc. I have had little to no problems with the sc but the others have shut down intermittently, lose of power about min. and a half into run (not complete power lose just runs at like 3/4 power), and complete flame job (FIRE) with no previous problems.
I never like to slam a company but I feel that Novak has dropped the ball on this one this being the reason I have chose to go to another company for these products I just feel that Novak is lacking in preproduction testing.
SORRY NOVAK YOU LOST THIS RACER
I never like to slam a company but I feel that Novak has dropped the ball on this one this being the reason I have chose to go to another company for these products I just feel that Novak is lacking in preproduction testing.
SORRY NOVAK YOU LOST THIS RACER
#28
Tech Master
iTrader: (8)
my havoc 3s is acting up as well. charge a lipo put it in the truck turn everything on. it will run approx 20 secs. and the motor will get so hot it actually comes unsoldered with a little smoke from the end bell of course its outta of warranty and i can send it in for repairs or exchange, but if there is a problem with a certian series (such as the havoc's) novak should make it good.
as it is now to replace or up grade its gonna cost about $125 bucks, plus the original price of $160. thats roughly a $280 bucks for a brushless system every 8 months, or buy another manufacturers sys.
as it is now to replace or up grade its gonna cost about $125 bucks, plus the original price of $160. thats roughly a $280 bucks for a brushless system every 8 months, or buy another manufacturers sys.
#29
Company Representative
I had my 8.5 system do exactly that. Put the truck on the track for the first time that day and immediately tried to figure out why it had no power. I quickly realized the motor was steaming hot and the battery was getting hot so I pulled the battery plug right away. I did not try running it again until I replaced the stator with a 17.5 and then the motor worked, but the overheating of the motor ruined the rotor as well. I didn't contact support since I was out of the 120 day warranty. I still wonder how it melted down like it did. My guess is the stator developed a short.
#30
Company Representative
Here is some Ballistic motor information from our instructions and our web-site that may offer helpful guidance:
and.....
and...
Due to the nature of timing advance speed controls, motor tolerances & settings, vehicle performance, and track conditions, it has become virtually impossible to provide installation and operation recommendations that
Novak motors are factory timed to the most efficient setting for their given wind. Advancing the timing will increase the motor's RPM range & reduce its torque, but will also make it less efficient and it will pull more current, resulting in higher ESC & motor operating temperatures.
Adjusting the timing beyond the 45 degree mark on the timing label will result in dangerously high current draw and heating that can lead to ESC & motor failure, and will void the product's warranty. Retarding the timing will reduce the motor's RPM range & increase torque--this usually also reduces current draw and lower operating temperatures. For each timing mark (on label) reduced, increase pinion gear size by one tooth to accommodate lower RPM range.
Novak motors are factory timed to the most efficient setting for their given wind. Advancing the timing will increase the motor's RPM range & reduce its torque, but will also make it less efficient and it will pull more current, resulting in higher ESC & motor operating temperatures.
Adjusting the timing beyond the 45 degree mark on the timing label will result in dangerously high current draw and heating that can lead to ESC & motor failure, and will void the product's warranty. Retarding the timing will reduce the motor's RPM range & increase torque--this usually also reduces current draw and lower operating temperatures. For each timing mark (on label) reduced, increase pinion gear size by one tooth to accommodate lower RPM range.
The Ballistic motor's timing is adjustable by simply loosening the three M2.5 flat head screws on the back bearing cap, rotating the bearing cap to desired setting, and re-tighten the screws. The motor's factory timing is marked with a timing label located on the side of the back bearing cap and lines up with a groove milled into the top of the back end bell.
Novak motors are factory timed to the most efficient setting for their given wind. Advancing the timing will increase the motor's RPM range & reduce its torque, but will also make it less efficient and it will pull more current, resulting in higher ESC & motor operating temperatures.
Adjusting the timing beyond the 45 degree mark on the timing label will result in dangerously high current draw and heating that can lead to ESC & motor failure, and will void the product's warranty. Retarding the timing will reduce the motor's RPM range & increase torque--this usually also reduces current draw and lower operating temperatures. For each timing mark (on label) reduced, increase pinion gear size by one tooth to accommodate lower RPM range.
Novak motors are factory timed to the most efficient setting for their given wind. Advancing the timing will increase the motor's RPM range & reduce its torque, but will also make it less efficient and it will pull more current, resulting in higher ESC & motor operating temperatures.
Adjusting the timing beyond the 45 degree mark on the timing label will result in dangerously high current draw and heating that can lead to ESC & motor failure, and will void the product's warranty. Retarding the timing will reduce the motor's RPM range & increase torque--this usually also reduces current draw and lower operating temperatures. For each timing mark (on label) reduced, increase pinion gear size by one tooth to accommodate lower RPM range.
NOTICE TO NOVAK BRUSHLESS MOTOR USERS
Novak motors have been designed to handle the rigors of any form of electric racing, from touring cars to off-road trucks and buggies. Through multiple forms of testing, customer reports and inspection of damaged motors, we have determined that the maximum external safe operating temperature for Novak brushless motors is 175⁰F (80⁰C). Motors that run at higher temperatures
have sustained internal damage. This internal damage can render the motor inoperable if you continue to run it and will ultimately result in burned or melted coil(s) inside the motor.
This type of damage to the motor is not covered under Novak’s product warranty. From our testing and experience, keeping the external motor operating temperature under 160⁰F (72⁰C) will provide the best performance when the car is handling well. At this temperature, the motors’ racing life will last a long time and should require only occasional replacement of the bearings and rotors.
Precaution about Advanced Timing:
Use of Novak brushless motors with non-Novak ESCs that have advance motor timing can result in excessive current draw, which will increase the motor temperature above the safe operating temperature. As most of these ESCs do not have a thermal overload protection for motors, continued operation will result in internal damage to the brushless motor. This type of damage is not covered under the product’s warranty.
Precaution about Over-Gearing:
Motor temperature is the ONLY way to properly set the vehicle gearing. Over gearing the motor
will result in excessive operating temperatures, which may result in internal damage. This type of damage is not covered under the product’s warranty.
All Novak Motors are hand-wound, assembled and tested at the Novak’s facility in Irvine, Calif. Each motor (yes, 100%) is meticulously inspected and tested for internal shorts, as well as run extensively before final packaging.
Please follow these important operating temperature guidelines.
Novak motors have been designed to handle the rigors of any form of electric racing, from touring cars to off-road trucks and buggies. Through multiple forms of testing, customer reports and inspection of damaged motors, we have determined that the maximum external safe operating temperature for Novak brushless motors is 175⁰F (80⁰C). Motors that run at higher temperatures
have sustained internal damage. This internal damage can render the motor inoperable if you continue to run it and will ultimately result in burned or melted coil(s) inside the motor.
This type of damage to the motor is not covered under Novak’s product warranty. From our testing and experience, keeping the external motor operating temperature under 160⁰F (72⁰C) will provide the best performance when the car is handling well. At this temperature, the motors’ racing life will last a long time and should require only occasional replacement of the bearings and rotors.
Precaution about Advanced Timing:
Use of Novak brushless motors with non-Novak ESCs that have advance motor timing can result in excessive current draw, which will increase the motor temperature above the safe operating temperature. As most of these ESCs do not have a thermal overload protection for motors, continued operation will result in internal damage to the brushless motor. This type of damage is not covered under the product’s warranty.
Precaution about Over-Gearing:
Motor temperature is the ONLY way to properly set the vehicle gearing. Over gearing the motor
will result in excessive operating temperatures, which may result in internal damage. This type of damage is not covered under the product’s warranty.
All Novak Motors are hand-wound, assembled and tested at the Novak’s facility in Irvine, Calif. Each motor (yes, 100%) is meticulously inspected and tested for internal shorts, as well as run extensively before final packaging.
Please follow these important operating temperature guidelines.