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

That goes to show that the old Novak XBRs were more solid and reliable.
Had a couple of XBRs with the EX motors still running and same performance
as before when I bought it brand new. Used them heavily during weekends,
been doing that since late 2007. Was waiting for the Havoc to arrive here in
the Philippines but because of issues, I might just buy the last 3 remaining
XBR systems at our LHS.


Go Novak XBR!

Well after sending it back to Novak, they inspected my ESC and sent it back reprogrammed. I have since run about 1 days worth of racing and every thing seems to be ok. no premature cut offs so far. It even seem to one touch setup better then before. I'll give credit to Novak and Steve W. for getting right back to me and turning my ESC around in time to still make my coming big race. From the time I dropped it into mail box it took 10 days to get back.

I think they may be 139.99 at leisure. I thought I saw them in the display counter.
I would get one again...when it works,its great. Novak did make things right and not all are having problems. Most are not.

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 was one of the first few that owned their very first brushless setup at my track and at one point owned about 5 GTBs and Velocities motors. The GTBs were decent and had one went up in smoke for no apparent reason. They fixed it quickly and since I live only 5 miles away it wasn't such a pain in the ass. Those that had to send theirs in repeatedly, 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 the problem seemed random. I resisted taking it in to see if there' s something I can work out on my own.

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 reset the whole thing, but then it would stop again after a few laps-with the same red and green lights blinking.

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

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!

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?

In the meantime, I'm thinking about getting a GTB combo. I'm torn between the performance difference of the Havoc 8.5, GTB SS Pro 8.5, and GTB Velocity 7.5R.

I'm used to the MM 5700, but it just gets way too hot. My friends' GTB combos never get hot at all.

Right now, I'm leaning towards the 7.5R, cause it's right in the middle of Novak's off-road reccomendations...let me know what you think.



- Paulie

I just picked up a Havoc system the other day for use in a dragster. Since Ill be making 2-3 second passes at a time at the track, I shouldnt run into any problems.

WHO HAVE YOU BEEN CONTACTING ABOUT THE HAVOC'S CUTTING OUT?

i just got a havoc with 17.5 for my new SC10. i have 2 brand new SMC lipos for it also. my speed control is cutting out way early...so i think the batteries are dead...charge them and get less than 2000mah charge into the 5200mah batteries.

so, i tried 2 other 4900mah lipo's i have....same exact problem. and i no these batteries work just fine.

this is my first Havoc esc...whats up with em? i got on here just to see if anyone else is having this problem...i didnt have to look 5 minutes to find this thread.

Just got off the phone with Novak. They have an update for the Havoc speed controls. Get on their site and print a warranty sheet...send ur Havoc and motor in and the update should fix it they say.

I dont understand why they would expect people to send it in for that reason. I dont know about all of you, but the time it would, I would miss too many races for a simple exchange that gets drug out for weeks.

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

hey everyone, i have been thinking about getting this esc, but from hearing all the complaints, i dont know. does anyone know if the new esc will have the new update on them

i was thinking the same...what am i supposed to do for 2 or 3 weeks without a motor and speed control??? guess i have no choice really.

Man this sucks i was reasy to buy the 13.5 kit to throw in my SC10 looks like i will be running brushed until they figure this out. I'm not gonna buy someones defective stock and have the same problem. Oh well 19T mod motor it is.