Novak Garbage

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06-03-2011, 03:36 AM

#46

Jstall7543

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Ya, it's a roll of the dice with any of these companys, when you get a good esc your on top of the world, when you get a bad one it really sucks! I've been there. Running twords the truck to unhook the battery smoke everywhere people laughing and looking at you like your a idiot! Lol! The wonderful drive home smelling burnt electronics and then smelling it hours later on your sweatshirt!

06-03-2011, 08:36 AM

#47

daverobbo5

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Novuk_half_paying_attention

Many times the problem you are experiencing will be the result of crap produced in our factory.Maybe we were drunk, high, didn't care or lacking metal horsepower. But keep spending your money with us. It has an easy fix by replacing your _____ esc with better brand. We want you to return the your product for service and pay for this with your time and money. Unless you include the the fact that you want tt buy something that works, we may not be able to assist you by email. Please email [email protected] with your frustation, Our regular CS/Tech Support hours can be located here. Before emailing, take a moment to review the instructions and spend more time and money asking us to do what you paid for when you handed over real $$ for plastic that resembles items that real manufactures make all the time for less $$. Here are some of our customer experiences....

Quote:

Originally Posted by racer1812

(03-29-2009, 12:43 PM )So my question is this, Is the shut down problem fixed or not??? I want another BL set-up and you can't beat the price of the havoc system. I've been an orange guy for over 20 years and have never seen Novak have a problem like this.

Quote:

Originally Posted by y2kgtp

I'd like to get one of these 150$ setups for 13.5T truck, but just worry about the number of problems reported.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vman11

I just want to inform people that my Havoc system ( the Sport 8.5 ) has been problematic since day one. I 've been in RC cars some 15 years and has bought many Novak items. I really feel your pain and believe that Novak should somehow reimburse your shipping cost.

Anyway, my Havoc setup would cut off for no apparent reason since the first run. I tried all sort of gearing but Last night, at the track, it just stopped working for no apparent reason. The motor and speed control was cool. The red and green light was blinking and throttle input did not respond. Turning it off and on but then it would stop again.

I am taking it in for repair soon but I just want you guys to know of my experience with this setup.

Quote:

Originally Posted by blade329

My Havoc died today and I am not happy. This is the second time this has happened. My first one died and Novak replaced it. I got about 4 laps in with this one before it was gone. It just stopped running and I could get no further throttle response from it, no matter which battery I put in. I am of the opinion that the Havoc is just a piece of garbage. I may or may not send it back in for repair. The way I feel now, I just might throw it in the trash, where it belongs, and get a different speed control. Chalk it up to a lesson learned about cheap ESC's. Worthless piece of crap!

Quote:

Originally Posted by pgeldz

Well guys, add me to the list of folks with their Havoc ESC cutting out.

Didn't get more than half a lap before it just stopped. Came back on and I got around the backside of the course, and it cut out again.

I used all sorts of batteries (NiMs, Lipo's) and it still cut out. I took all the electronics out of the car today (Tamiya DB01 4wd buggy) to inspect it.

It's at the point where I can literaly tap the heat sink and it'll turn off and turn on again. Seems to do it with any slight impact. Imagine in an off road car what that'd be like. Every fricking jump it cuts off!

I've been very pleased with Novak products in the past, but this Havok system is causing more "Havoc" than fun!

Novak, what do I need to do to send it in for repair?

- Paulie

Quote:

Originally Posted by y2kgtp

I won't be getting one of these for sure now....too many complaints.

Quote:

Originally Posted by brickshouse

i bought a havok 8.5 system in feb. and esc has run fine but 2 sensor wires broke off right at the harness(going into the esc) in a middle of the damn race. I've never touched any of the wires it was all connected and soldered right out of the box. I had th spend 15 bucks to have it shipped, they got it friday, and still no response.......tried emailind today...see what happens. Guess i should be happy its not the esc like you guys.....not yet at least

Quote:

Originally Posted by muzza_t

Well my Havoc has just started doing what everyone elses has been doing, motor thermal cutoff keeps cutting in at 130-140 degrees.

to Steve Weiss, I have sent you an email to your Novak address in regards to this problem. I hope living in Australia won't prevent me from a fast reponse in sorting this issue out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by muzza_t

You're lucky it only took 2 weeks, I'm in Australia and now having to send mine back to the states, kiss goodbye to over a months worth of racing by the time i get mine back. 6 meetings of no points

Quote:

Originally Posted by TfnG

sent mine in yesterday...

Quote:

Originally Posted by stallen50

has anyone had problems with not having much brakes with the havoc pro? I have tryed every setting and still can only get about 1/2 brakes?

Quote:

Originally Posted by burnineyes

This was my favorite part; "and the red brand was expensive and the orange brand is even worse than dealing with bec's."

I took this to mean, "at least it isnt orange."

06-03-2011, 11:35 AM

#48

Jstall7543

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Dang, your going all out bashing Novuk. I've got a old Novak Tempest hyperfet 2 that still works great. Think I bought it around 1995. They just don't make things like they used to. I could run a 9 turn hex dirtinator on 7cells and it would never get warm, even with no heatsink or fan. A great design is a great design. Funny how things evolve. Novak esc's are sold for pretty cheap compared to the competition and decent quality IMO. I have seen a few of every major brand go up in smoke, they test like one in 1000 probably and hope for the best at your exspense of lost time and shipping.

06-03-2011, 11:40 AM

#49

Davidka

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This is getting RIDICULOUS. I have no idea why this forum allows bashing of the companies that make the things it exists for. Make me a mod and I'll smash any thread started with a derogatory title.

06-03-2011, 12:01 PM

#50

TAMAK

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I have always owned Novak. I have had no problems with these when they are running.

GTX- Zero problems

GTS- remanufactured that had a bad reverse FET at startup. Novak replaced free of charge.

XBR- Zero problems

SPY- Zero problems.

GTB 2- Bad Trans Cap module. And I blame the buyer for not knowing about information like this. All I had to do was Google GTB 2 issues (prior to buying) and there it was. Also, poor rework and extended exposure to soldering iron temperatures WILL cause problems in the long run....

NON-Novak

Tekin RS pro- no problems, sold it cause it was simply overkill for stock racing.

Speed Passion Cirtix- Blown Fet at 1st startup, replaced free of charge.

Associated SC200- At 1st startup No power to ESC with good battery, Found a broken PCB trace, fixed it and works fine.

I have had some duds, but welcome to the hobby. And also, just because it was "Made in the USA" does not mean it is all from the USA. I am in the PCB business, and parts availability / quality has gotten worse during these tough economic times...

06-03-2011, 12:15 PM

#51

burnineyes

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Davidka

This is getting RIDICULOUS. I have no idea why this forum allows bashing of the companies that make the things it exists for. Make me a mod and I'll smash any thread started with a derogatory title.

No, companies thinking they can get this kind of money for junk is ridiculous. Until people get the word out and people stand up against this kind of abuse it will just keep happening.

06-03-2011, 12:32 PM

#52

imajerky

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Davidka

This is getting RIDICULOUS. I have no idea why this forum allows bashing of the companies that make the things it exists for. Make me a mod and I'll smash any thread started with a derogatory title.

This is still a democratic, capitalist society. Although you may not agree with everything, we allow you to say your piece, you should allow others to state their piece. These threads can be useful, if I had read one of these "bashing" threads previous to my Novak purchase, maybe I wouldn't be boxing up a toasted esc to send in today. I already sent in the motor from my Kinetic/motor setup. Must have also been user error (thats what Novak stated in the return letter) Companies and consumers need to hear this kind of feedback. Silence only benefits the company.

Ive been looking up the newer Viper ESC, and have seen little in negative feedback. It looks like its pro gauge features some of the adjustability of the Kinetic. I add this to demonstrate my point. A customer who has had a bad experience will not only spend money elsewhere, they will tell lots of people how crappy a product is, and then tell them where they will spend money next.

06-03-2011, 12:40 PM

#53

Davidka

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Quote:

Originally Posted by imajerky

This is still a democratic, capitalist society. Although you may not agree with everything, we allow you to say your piece, you should allow others to state their piece. .

This is an internet forum with a private membership.

Quote:

Originally Posted by burnineyes

No, companies thinking they can get this kind of money for junk is ridiculous. Until people get the word out and people stand up against this kind of abuse it will just keep happening.

There are some things in this hobby that are more expensive than they need to be (AMB transponders for instance). In the 25 years I have been participating every part of consequence has either stayed the same price (motors, speed controls, kits, tires) or dropped in price (batteries).

For every fried Novak that is reported here there are hundreds that are serving dutifully. Flat price against inflating economy=dropping price. When a company has the majority of the product in the market the likelyhood of hearing of a failure is higher. The reason there are no complaints about Viper is that there are almost none of them in the marketplace at this point.

06-03-2011, 01:54 PM

#54

Slammed One

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I hate to say it but all this bashing on one company is ridiculous....
Sorry guys but I have seven different electric chassis from Drift, touring, F1,Short course...
Six of them have Novaks.... They all work great for me... I mean Ive been though it and went thru a couple Escs Burning and smoking out on me...
But Novak has always taking care of me after they determine its not my fault.. they have a great warranty system..
Sorry guys but all Im saying is they always took care of me>>>

06-03-2011, 04:49 PM

#55

brandonaldred

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I had the same results as you Slammed. When I was younger, I always had Novak never had any problems and always was happy... Now I have 3 Novak Havoc Pro SC's, 2 of which burnt up, and one left in a AE short course. It was just taken out of the package and put in...so only has about 4 runs on it. They have taken care of me, their customer service is good, never said it wasn't. But 2 out of 3, and waiting on the third to go up. Not only that, but if I wouldn't have gotten to it sooner, I would be out 2 short courses + batteries which could have been very costly. And in the end, it is worth the extra $40 for the Tekin RS which I just purchased. Just to save me the time and hassle and potential of watching an expensive toy turn to an expensive fire. Sorry to bash, should have titled it a little differently, just was heated (literally) and was seeing if there were a lot of others that had the same problem.

06-03-2011, 05:10 PM

#56

Cpt.America

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Davidka

It was user error to leave the battery connected after it shut down. Removing the power source is the first thing you should do when an electric device fails. You sure it wasn't user error?

yes

(quit that smug winky smiley face crap) .... it was Imajerky's speedo who just posted. By the time he was physically able to make it to the car and started walking it off the track... it was already toast and going up in smoke. What was he supposed to do, do a swan dive off the driver stand and ninja roll to his car just so he could of gotten the body off 4 seconds earlier?

06-03-2011, 05:13 PM

#57

lostinbaja

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Davidka

This is an internet forum with a private membership.

There are some things in this hobby that are more expensive than they need to be (AMB transponders for instance). In the 25 years I have been participating every part of consequence has either stayed the same price (motors, speed controls, kits, tires) or dropped in price (batteries).

For every fried Novak that is reported here there are hundreds that are serving dutifully. Flat price against inflating economy=dropping price. When a company has the majority of the product in the market the likelyhood of hearing of a failure is higher. The reason there are no complaints about Viper is that there are almost none of them in the marketplace at this point.

Banning people from making comment that are pro or con in reference to merchandise quality or perceived quality will/should only make the manufacturer aware that the consumer is not happy their product.
The manufacturer should use the information to improve their product. If they do not improve the product and continue to have the same issues, people will cease to purchase their product. Manufacturers should always be looking to make their product perform better, be more robust and improve the manufacturing procedure to lower the end cost. Any company not doing this will be left by the wayside. If the manufacturers didn't have to worry about someone finding out thir ESC was not as good as the competition's ESC you would be buying JUNK.
Remember the American cars of the 70's when they had no competition? They were JUNK! Now that they have compet,ition, they stepped it up and now they can hold their own against the rest of the world.

(RANT over)

As far as the price of AMB transponders is concerned....I have paid more for an ESC that only ran for a few laps. My AMB transponders have NEVER given me a bit of problems. I think the AMB transponder is one hell of a deal!

06-03-2011, 05:40 PM

#58

daverobbo5

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Just want to point out that Novuk is not Novak misspelled but a fictitious company very similar.

bashing = exposing the frustration caused by losing money and time to a company that use to do it VERY well.

it's busted very quickly, so customer pay more money to send it back and lose time-when yours blows you'll "bash" too.

(btw- the ballistic motor was FAST for the 2 minutes the Nov_k esc worked for-compounds the frustration cause i liked that orange can!!)

Last edited by daverobbo5; 06-03-2011 at 05:49 PM. Reason: spelling-fictitious

06-03-2011, 08:01 PM

#59

Banshee8530

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This is ridiculous. I've been in this hobby for over 25 years and if there is one thing I've learned it's that those who abuse their equipment break it. Neglect IS abuse. I have run LRP, Novak, and Tekin ESC's in that time and never had a problem with any of them. Kudos to all these manufacturers for making stellar products and making our hobby enjoyable.

Everyone is entitled to an opinion. It's too bad that failures exist, but it is a statistical guarantee that they will happen. I've owned Novak stuff since the 410-m1c. I've owned LRP stuff since the they first came out in the 90's. I even had a tekin... I think it was a G12 or something like that. It's been so long I can't even remember.

Did I race any of them? Yes, all of them. Did I ever have a failure? NO!! Did I ever win anything? Yes! countless times. Everyone needs to take responsibility for their own actions as these manufacturers, ESPECIALLY NOVAK, have done. Let's all raise our level of professionalism and do the same. If you take the time to read the instructions and assemble your equipment like it's actually an investment instead of a toy you might see an improvement in your results.

Yes, I know Novak has had some issues with meltdowns, but since the discovery of improperly assembled caps this has not been an issue. If you've had a fire since then, it is NOT novak's fault. The information has been available for all to read. I read it... so when I got a Kinetic with an improperly built cap, I fixed it right out of the box. Should the Hobby Shop have checked their stock? Were they aware of the issue? Who knows, but Novak certainly did what they needed to do. They notified us and posted the info everywhere they could.

I've seen complaints on this forum for every brand out there. They all have failings, but they also all have benefits. The big issue is responsibility of the consumer to protect themselves and their investment by doing the research and using the resources available to them, LIKE INSTRUCTIONS! Novak goes above and beyond to help us all out in that regard, and I for one greatly appreciate it.

All this bickering just makes me want to buy another Kinetic to spite all you crabs!

06-03-2011, 08:09 PM

#60

ZiG-87

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I just can't shake the feeling that 90% of the time it's user error, whether the user knows it or not. After working at a major hobby shop and seeing all kinds of things, I still have this feeling.

I probably sold more Novak than anything else and saw fewer Novak products come back than anything else. I have personally never had a Novak product die on me.

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