Novak GTB vs XBR
10-01-2007, 05:55 AM
#1
Novak GTB vs XBR
I'm going to start running 1/12th scale this year and I'm making the jump to brushless . I found a 4 cell GTB with a 13.5 turn brushless set at my LHS. They also had the XBR with a 13.5 turn motor. There is a $40 difference in price and the only difference between them that I can see is that the XBR has Lipo cut off where the GTB doesn't.
Not having ever used Novak controllers before, always used Associated, is one better then the other? Is there any experience or knowledge someone can impart to me to help make a decision?
Not having ever used Novak controllers before, always used Associated, is one better then the other? Is there any experience or knowledge someone can impart to me to help make a decision?
10-01-2007, 06:29 AM
#2
If you arent going to run lipo, then its a no-brainer. But, seeing that you are new, I will give you "the 411". The GTB handles the same motors as the XBR but goes to the hottest of winds, the 3.5
. The motors are different as well. The 13.5 with the XBR has a bonded rotor, where the one that comes with the GTB is more than likely sintered. For such a mild wind and from what I am hearing, the bonded for this motor is a little better. Sintered rotors really benefit motors when you get to the higher winds (6.5, 5.5, 4.5, 3.5). The other benefit is the motor handling. The XBR can handle the 8.5 maximum, whereas the GTB again, goes all the way to the 3.5. If you have no intention of going to the hotter motors, the XBR will more than satisfy your need for speed.
. The motors are different as well. The 13.5 with the XBR has a bonded rotor, where the one that comes with the GTB is more than likely sintered. For such a mild wind and from what I am hearing, the bonded for this motor is a little better. Sintered rotors really benefit motors when you get to the higher winds (6.5, 5.5, 4.5, 3.5). The other benefit is the motor handling. The XBR can handle the 8.5 maximum, whereas the GTB again, goes all the way to the 3.5. If you have no intention of going to the hotter motors, the XBR will more than satisfy your need for speed.
10-01-2007, 06:43 AM
#3
maybe u should buy a GTB just in case someday you want to upgrade some "speed"..you no need to waste some money...
10-01-2007, 06:47 AM
#4
Actually, the XBR was $40 more then the GTB 4Cell.
10-01-2007, 06:49 AM
#5
Tech Master
iTrader: (16)
The main reason for the 4-cell GTB is size and weight, and it was optimized for the lower voltage from the 4-cell 1/12 scale cars.
The reason you would not need the XBR or standard GTB is because you don't run LiPo in 1/12 scale. The 1/12 scale layouts and rules accomodate for 4-cell only, 4.8V.
The reason you would not need the XBR or standard GTB is because you don't run LiPo in 1/12 scale. The 1/12 scale layouts and rules accomodate for 4-cell only, 4.8V.
10-01-2007, 09:39 AM
#6
They are about the same size, GTB 4-Cell (non spectrum edition) is a hair smaller.
XBR: Footprint 1.54” x 1.18” (39 x 30 mm)
GTB: Footprint: 1.49 x 1.16" (37.8 x 29.5 mm)
The GTB is lighter because it does not have a heat sink.
GTB: 1.01 oz. (28.5 g) w/o wires
XBR: 1.49 oz. (42.2 g) w/o wires
The GTB has better on resistance.
GTB: On-Resistance: 0.00040 ohms (brushless), 0.00013 ohms (brushed)
XBR: On-Resistance: 0.00120 ohms (brushless), 0.00027 ohms (brushed)
GTB can handle faster motors: 3.5T vs 8.5T
XBR has automatic Lipo cutoff, GTB 4-cell (non spectrum) does not.
XBR has auto brushed/brushless motor detection, GTB does not.
XBR: Footprint 1.54” x 1.18” (39 x 30 mm)
GTB: Footprint: 1.49 x 1.16" (37.8 x 29.5 mm)
The GTB is lighter because it does not have a heat sink.
GTB: 1.01 oz. (28.5 g) w/o wires
XBR: 1.49 oz. (42.2 g) w/o wires
The GTB has better on resistance.
GTB: On-Resistance: 0.00040 ohms (brushless), 0.00013 ohms (brushed)
XBR: On-Resistance: 0.00120 ohms (brushless), 0.00027 ohms (brushed)
GTB can handle faster motors: 3.5T vs 8.5T
XBR has automatic Lipo cutoff, GTB 4-cell (non spectrum) does not.
XBR has auto brushed/brushless motor detection, GTB does not.
Last edited by James35; 10-01-2007 at 09:53 AM.
10-06-2007, 09:50 PM
#8
No, we are talking about the original GTB 4-Cell. According to Novak's web site, the GTB 4-Cell does not come with a LiPo cutoff. You have to go up the GTB 4-Cell Spread Spectrum edition to get the LiPo cutoff feature. This is also confirmed on their speed control chart.
10-07-2007, 04:35 AM
#9
No, we are talking about the original GTB 4-Cell. According to Novak's web site, the GTB 4-Cell does not come with a LiPo cutoff. You have to go up the GTB 4-Cell Spread Spectrum edition to get the LiPo cutoff feature. This is also confirmed on their speed control chart.
10-07-2007, 09:35 AM
#10
No, we are talking about the original GTB 4-Cell. According to Novak's web site, the GTB 4-Cell does not come with a LiPo cutoff. You have to go up the GTB 4-Cell Spread Spectrum edition to get the LiPo cutoff feature. This is also confirmed on their speed control chart.
These controllers are rated for 4 NiMH cells only.
10-07-2007, 06:46 PM
#11
looking at the specs below, i would recommend the GTB of the two simply because pound for pound it give you more - its future proof in case you eventually want to go with hotter motors, plus novak customer service is 2nd to none. and if the only deal breaker is the lipo cut off, novak sells a lipo cut-off device you can slap onto the GTB which would set you back much in terms of $$$ .... just my two cents. 
10-07-2007, 10:44 PM
#12
For my money, I went with the 6 cell GTB for this winter's 1/12th scale brushless class. It was cheaper and has more features than the 4 cell. It's supposed to fit under the 1/12th scale body with the fan removed. At my club level racing skills, I won't notice the slight weight increase of the heat sink over the 4 cell. Also, if I want I can use it in other classes besides 4 cell.
10-08-2007, 09:19 AM
#14
Before you choose the speedo...find out your track allow SINTERED rotor or not...I know some track enforeced racer to use BONDED rotor just to make it closer to the stock brushed motor (They are still faster)...verify that first.
Then...you have to ask yourself....will you use that speedo ONLY on the 4 cell 12th scale....? Like delicated on 12th scale ONLY....? If so...yes, get the 4 cell version...it was stated by NOVAK it is maximized for 12th scale. You can still use 6 cells GTB witout the fan and heatsink but you use that ONLY if you are planning to swap the speedo/motor to the TC or something else...
Overall...if you are serious about racing (not bashing) and extra $40 is not a big deal...get the GTB line instead of the entry level XBR line.
You dont need to worry about LIPO cut off since there are none 4.8V lipo for 12th scale....yet.
Then...you have to ask yourself....will you use that speedo ONLY on the 4 cell 12th scale....? Like delicated on 12th scale ONLY....? If so...yes, get the 4 cell version...it was stated by NOVAK it is maximized for 12th scale. You can still use 6 cells GTB witout the fan and heatsink but you use that ONLY if you are planning to swap the speedo/motor to the TC or something else...
Overall...if you are serious about racing (not bashing) and extra $40 is not a big deal...get the GTB line instead of the entry level XBR line.
You dont need to worry about LIPO cut off since there are none 4.8V lipo for 12th scale....yet.
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