Irvine, CA – January 29, 2007 —While spread spectrum or DSM (Digital Spectrum Modulation) technology has only been in the R/C industry for a few years, it has gained quite a following due to its ability to offer racers freedom from radio interference. Novak is the first to acknowledge this with products specifically designed to take full advantage of DSM technology. Novak’s response is the first speed controls optimized for spread spectrum transmitters: the #1711 GTB Spread Spectrum Brushless/brush ESC and the #1715 GTB 4-Cell Spread Spectrum Brushless/Brush ESC.

Always a technological leader, Novak has upgraded the GTB ESC to work with spread spectrum systems from manufacturers such as Spektrum™, Nomadio™, and Futaba™. Since DSM uses a much higher frequency, 2.4Ghz to be precise, this has allowed Novak to finally unleash the full potential of the GTB speed control. Both new GTB models now have significantly faster MOSFET switching speeds, which provide improved performance and cooler operating temperatures. In short, the ESC gets power and increased operational efficiency at the same time!

MOSFET switching speed is a key feature for the spread spectrum specific GTBs. The MOSFET switching speed is not just the frequency of the ESC, it’s actually how fast the ESC’s MOSFETs turn on and off. With regular radios, ESCs are limited by how fast they switch on and off. If it switches too fast, the radio system will experience interference. With DSM this is not an issue. Novak Engineers have been able to take full advantage of this great new technology and now offer a high-speed switching GTB for all the spread spectrum/DSM users. While users should not expect a huge difference in feel or driving style, they will notice improved motor operation and lower ESC operating temperatures.

While Novak’s two new GTB models have been equipped to work with spread spectrum technology, all of the same great Novak features have been left intact, including six throttle profiles (5 brushless, 1 brushed). These versatile ESCs are compatible with all Novak 540-size sensored brushless motors, and have no brushed motor limit. A user-friendly interface along with 4 different color status LEDs make programming the GTB extremely easy. The brushless mode has 4 adjustable parameters, including Minimum Brake, Drag Brake, Deadband, and Minimum Drive. The brushed mode is fully programmable with all of the adjustments of the brushless mode, plus adjustable Drive Frequency. The GTB also uses exclusive lightweight MOSFET technology, which have the lowest ‘RDS On’ value, and which allows the speed control to have the highest power density.

Both the #1711 GTB Spread Spectrum Brushless/Brush ESC and the #1715 GTB 4-Cell Spread Spectrum Brushless/Brush ESC are scheduled to ship March 2007. The list price is $325.
GTB SPREAD SPECTRUM BRUSHLESS ESC FEATURES:
Ø Optimized for use with Spread Spectrum Transmitters for improved performance and cooler operating temperatures
Ø Compatible with brushless and brushed motors
Ø Includes five brushless throttle profiles (#1711 has 3 forward/brake and 2 w/reverse; #1715 has 4 forward/brake specific for 4-cell racing and 1 w/reverse)
Ø Includes one fully-adjustable brushed throttle profile (forward/brake)
Ø 4 Adjustable Parameters: Minimum Brake, Drag Brake, Dead Band, and Minimum Drive, as well as Drive Frequency (In Brushed Mode Only)
Ø User-friendly programming interface with 4 status LEDs
Ø Novak’s One-Touch Set-Up (still the easiest)
Ø Gold-Plated PCB Direct-Solder Wiring Tabs
Ø User-replaceable input and switch harness (#1711 is plug-in style; #1715 is re-solderable)
Ø Thermal Overload Protection
Ø Water-resistant case
Ø Factory-installed power capacitor module
Ø #1711 includes clear cooling fan (30x30x8mm) mounted on factory-installed heat sink
Ø Radio Priority Circuitry
Ø Polar Drive Circuitry
Ø Designed, manufactured, and tested in the USA
GTB SPREAD SPECTRUM BRUSHLESS ESC SPECS:
Forward/Reverse....................... Forward/Brake/Reverse (Brushed mode is Forward/Reverse)
Input Voltage............................ 4-6 cells (#1711); 4 cells (#1715) Ni-Cd/Ni-MH cells (1.2V/cell or
4.8-72. total volts)
On-Resistance.......................... 0.00040 ohms (brushless)*, 0.00013 ohms (brushed)*
Footprint.................................. 1.16” x 1.49” (29.5 x 37.8 mm)
Weight..................................... 1.36 oz / 38.6 g (#1711); 1.01 oz. / 28.5 g (#1715)
Rated Current........................... 540 amps per phase (brushless)*, 1620 amps (brushed)*
Braking Current........................ 540 amps per phase (brushless)*, 1620 amps (brushed)*
Power Wires............................. 16-GA (#1711); 14-GA (#1715)
BEC........................................ 6.0 volt/3.0 amp
Motor Limit............................... Any Novak 540-size brushless motor; No brushed motor limit
Discrete Steps.......................... 1024 Forward; 1024 Reverse
Battery Plug............................. None
Motor Plug................................ None
Drive Profiles............................ 6 (5 brushless, 1 brushed)
Status LEDs............................. 4