Posted: 11/18/10
Novak recently released their newest ESC and motor combo designed specifically for dual motor applications, like the XR10. It is an electronic speed control and an electric dig unit all in one. Here's a few highlights of the new combo.Picture the functionality and utility of two Novak Goat Crawler Speed Controls in brushed mode and Novak’s Dig Unit; now, envision it in one highly programmable, inexpensive speed control and you get the revolutionary M2 Dig 3S ESC / Dual Terra Claw Brush Motor Combo (#1845). This first-of-its-kind, dual-motor compatible speed control – the M2 Dig 3S Dual Brush ESC (#1846) – is combined with two Terra Claw Crawling Brush Motors – 55T (#3556) This patent-pending, new controller combines 6 adjustable parameters with its revolutionary performance including a separated drag brake and dig function.
With only the addition of two brushed crawler motors, the M2 Dig controls both motors and performs dig maneuvers. In addition to the standard Dig Mode, the M2 features a Proportional Dig Mode which allows you to dial-in partial Dig Power on the fly for even finer control and precise maneuverability through tricky terrain. It also features an exceptional control on steep inclines and descents. Plus, the built-in electronic Dig Power is independently adjustable from the Hill/Drag Braking. This truly unique speed control supports both 2S and 3S LiPo!
Specialized dig
The compact M2 Dig ESC is easy to install and operate. There are three fully programmable throttle profiles: Dig Mode, Proportional Dig Mode and Single Output Mode.
The M2 Dig 3S ESC installed in an Axial XR10
# Dig Mode is the default setting, and uses Dig Power (independent of Drag Brake) to lock one motor at a time.This mode requires a proportional switch or a simple three-position switch to operate.
# Proportional Dig Mode. This completely original mode uses a transmitter's third channel that is proportional (button or dial), allowing drivers to vary the amount of Dig Power being applied to the motor. This innovative feature provides seemingly endless fine tuning of the Dig for the ultimate vehicle control.
# Single Output Mode is for applications with single motors or operation without a 3-channel transmitter. In this mode all four motor power wires can be soldered to one brush motor for higher performance, or connect two motors and control them both at the same time.
In addition to crawling applications, the M2 Dig 3S ESC is ideal for applications that require two motors, such as robots, boats, tanks and submarines.
The M2 Dig 3S ESC can be fine tuned via Novak’s fully adjustable PC interface, the NovaLink™ (#5440). The NovaLink software is purpose-built for crawling.
On-board and PC adjustability
The M2 Dig not only gives racers three separate throttle profiles, but can also be easily adjusted via Novak's reliable on-board setup. There are four PCB-mounted LEDs to aid in programming and two different colored external LED indicator lights, located at the ends of six inch harnesses that visibly display when a motor is locked and the vehicle is ready to dig.
This new ESC can also be fine-tuned with the optional NovaLink Programming Interface (#5440), Novak's fully adjustable PC interface. The downloadable software for the M2 Dig is purpose-built for crawling and assists in adjusting the speed control's programmable features. This software, as well as updates, will be available from Novak's website to NovaLink owners.
The powerful speed control also comes equipped with instant reverse via Novak’s Zero Reverse Delay, which provides immediate power delivery in both forward and reverse directions.
The M2 Dig 3S ESC includes two different-colored external LED indicator lights that visibly display when a motor is locked.
No modifications necessary
Like Novak’s Electronic Dig Unit (#5450), the M2 Dig 3S ESC does not require any vehicle modifications to install or operate. Simply plug it into any three-channel surface receiver, and you’re ready to crawl! This ESC is not only easy to install into a vehicle, but it possesses countless features on its own! Compared with a Dual ESC setup, the M2 allows racers to use top of the line crawling technology with just one speed control. The M2 Dig 3S ESC is easily programmed into most three-channel transmitters, such as the Spektrum® DX3R DSM2 3CH Surface Radio™, Airtronics'® M8 and M11 R/C Radios™, and a Traxxas® (TQ-3) Transmitter™*
Maintenance free motor
Novak’s affordable Terra Claw Crawling Brushed Motor, which is also available individually, provides precise movement control, and exceptional torque and long-run times due to the motor’s high-turn count. Additionally, the Terra Claw is extremely durable, ensuring many smooth and maintenance-free crawling seasons. The M2 Dig is also compatible with Novak’s Fifty-Five (#3555) and Forty-Five Crawler Brushed Motors (#3545).
M2 Dig 3S ESC/Dual Terra Claw brush combo features
Fully programmable, user-friendly interface with five adjustable parameters: Drag Brake (10 settings), Dead Band (5 settings), Minimum Drive (10 settings), Drive Frequency (10 settings) and Battery Type Selection (3 settings – Li-Po, Li-Fe and NiMH)
Three throttle profiles: Dig Mode, Proportional Dig Mode and Single Outpu Mode
Independently powers the front or rear motors in a dual-motor crawler vehicle
Operates on both 2S and 3S applications
Instant reverse via Novak's Zero Reverse Delay providing immediate power delivery in both forward and reverse.
Compatible with optional NovaLink (#5440) for expanded programming and ability to download firmware updates to the ESC
Internal high-voltage 5-Amp Linear BEC
Universal JST Input Plug for Ch.2 and Ch. 3, which fits all popular brand receivers
Water-resistant case with gasket seal
Thermal Overload Protection
Features a set of power output pins for running cooling fans, auxilary lights, scale winchces, etc.
Meets RoHS compliance and includes 120-Day Warranty
Designed and assembled by Novak in Irvine, Calif., using globally-sourced components
M2 Dig 3S ESC/DUAL Terra Claw Brush combo specs
Input Voltage: 2-3S Li-Po/Li-Fe cells or 4-9 NiMH cells (1.2V/cell)
On-Resistance (dual motor): 0.0016 ohm. at 25 degrees C trans. temp.
On-Resistance (single motor): 0.0008 ohm. at 25 degrees C trans. temp.
ESC Footprint: 1.16” x 1.47” (29.5 x 37.3 mm)
ESC Weight (w/o wires): 1.30 oz. (36.9g)
Motor Limit: 27-turn (2S), 33-turn (3S) 540-sized dual brushed motors
BEC: 6.0 volts DC / 5.0 amps
Status LEDs: 4 on-board; 2 external
Voltage Cut-Off: 6.25V (2S Li-Po), 4.75V (2S Li-Fe), 9.75V (3S Li-Po) & 7.125V (3S Li-Fe) (when Li-Poly Cut-Off Circuitry is enabled)
Power Wires: 14G Super-Flex Copper-Strand Silicone Wire
A few pictures of the new ESC and motor combo
The new ESC
The supplied dual motors
Novak even includes capacitors, heat shrink tubing, zip ties and double stick tape in the combo
Novak also includes a miniature fan to keep the ESC cool when running a 3 cell lipo
