Novak Crawler Review/ Tech thread

[onebadtj]

Update

Well I had to send the Crawler System back due to a broken Mosfet? and Charley called me from Novak today to inform they would be shipping me a new unit with updated braking!

I'll post up as soon as I get it back in the rig and let you know if the brakes are better and if it has better hold brakes.

Other than not having it for two weeks I'm still very happy with this system. I cannot say enough about the power this thing has and if they make the brakes better than I will be tickeled $hitless. "thumbsup"

DE

 

[Rockpiledriver]

The braking is better. ;-)

 

[JohnRobHolmes]

The braking is better. ;-)

This will be so awesome

 

[Rockpiledriver]

Ok here goes, I've been given the green light by Charley to post my findings.

I have been testing the new Novak crawler system for the past 2 weeks. ;-) It has been in 3 different rigs all with the same results. This system has more power, more braking, and better throttle resolution than I ever thought possible. :shock:

When I first set up the system in my SW2 comp rig, I set it on the carpet, mashed the trigger and the rig pulled a wheelie. my gearing is 16/84. When I let off the throttle, the rig immediately locked all 4 wheels and did a stoppie. I squirreled out doing this a few more times and ended up snapping a front axle. :lol: I replaced the axle and out to the rocks I went. This is where this new system really shines. It can go from slow enough to count tire lugs as the wheels go around, to literally launching up obstacles, catching air with all 4 tires."thumbsup" Forward to reverse is instantaneous, no delay. Never once has the locked rotor detection kicked in that problem is GONE! Not only that, but if you get a wheel bound in a hole and don't take care you will be breaking parts.

Next it went into Pigeonfarmboy's Chino63 scaler. I just about had to threaten him with his life to get it back out. :lol: The heavy scaler didn't even bother the system at all. Max temps recorded were 174* at the esc, and 135* at the motor. We recorded temps every few minutes. During the testing with the scale rig, we manged to destroy 4 drivelines. Pede shafts may not be able to handle this system.

My conlusion is: This system will be in all of my comp rigs as soon as Novak releases it. The drivability of the system is such that I believe it will truley be an advantage in a comp setting. The slightly higher weight is totally offset by the imense power and resolution. I had my rig clearing sections that I could not make with my Revovler / Mamba combo. This was with my mamba 25 still in the rig, just unplugged. It has now been removed.;-)

All of the drivers including 2 of my team drivers that have tried this new system want one. Having discussed it, none of us could come up with anything we would change. "thumbsup"

 

[JohnRobHolmes]

Sweeeet! Good to hear they got it solved!

 

[onebadtj]

I wish the UPS man would deliver mine already!

It's worse than waiting for Christmas.

I have already stocked up on drivelines and axles, so I'm ready.

DE

 

[Thorsteenster]

any word on us with the 1st revision? i got one and another on its way i bought from kerrywittig i'd like updated, then one of em might go into a crawler instead of general basher.

 

[Rockpiledriver]

any word on us with the 1st revision? i got one and another on its way i bought from kerrywittig i'd like updated, then one of em might go into a crawler instead of general basher.

No, I don't have that info. Nor do I know when the new version will be released. It will be worth the wait however long it is.

 

[JohnRobHolmes]

So you dont think the extra 6-8 ounces of weight makes a difference vs an outrunner setup?

 

[Thorsteenster]

i tried calling novak but the tech guys or charley wernt in, she told me to call back in a couple of hours. i guess im jumping the gun a bit so i'll just wait until its official.

 

[microgoat]

Did you try holding your position using just a little bit of throttle?

That seems to be when the LR kicks in on the first version.

The thing's got some big brass ones, doesn't it? If they've licked the LR problem, they won't be able to make them fast enough "thumbsup"

 

[Rockpiledriver]

So you dont think the extra 6-8 ounces of weight makes a difference vs an outrunner setup?

Some difference yes, lighter would be better I suppose, but I think the gain in power, the ULTRA smooth throttle response, and the insane braking make up for the added weight. Also, the extra weight casues my tires to have more grip. When you can light up the tires at will, the extra weight is not a bad thing IMO.

Did you try holding your position using just a little bit of throttle?

That seems to be when the LR kicks in on the first version.

Yes I did. That was my biggest concern. No matter what I did I could not get the LR detection to kick in. I even set up a piece of plywood just steep enough that the tires would not spin. I then creeped up as slow as I could, stopped, started again and it went right to the top.

The thing's got some big brass ones, doesn't it? If they've licked the LR problem, they won't be able to make them fast enough "thumbsup"

I agree. like I said I plan to run this in all of my comp rigs.


Oh, one thing I forgot to mention. I'm only running a 6.6V A123 2 cell pack.
:shock: When I get these in a super I will be running the 9.9v A123 pack. :twisted:

 

[Rockpiledriver]

i tried calling novak but the tech guys or charley wernt in, she told me to call back in a couple of hours. i guess im jumping the gun a bit so i'll just wait until its official.

Yes you are. He will tell you they have not made a decision yet. Don't waste the call. ;-)

 

[dezfan]

That's possitive news.

Can't wait to see one work in person.

 

[cars69]

Yes you are. He will tell you they have not made a decision yet. Don't waste the call. ;-)

From what you say this is great news. I bought 2 of the first version and
used one in my SW2. I was so disappointed with the Lr kick in problem my
2nd system still has the shrink wrap on the box. I sure hope Novak does
the right thing and does a recall update or replacement for those of us
that spent the money for this system to use in a rock crawler like their
box says it's for.

 

[pigeonfarmboy]

Can't wait to get my hands on a few systems. Slipper clutches are going to be an extremely important counterpart but the smooth low-end and huge powerband are well worth cost/weight.

Novak has extremely good customer service so I would be very suprised if they didn't update previously purchased crawler systems.

 

[RXcrawler]

This is exactly what I've been waiting for, I will defiently be buying the updated version when it comes out!!!

 

[TMXONR]

I know its only been a few days, and its right after Christmas, but has there been anything on if the "updated" systems are out yet. I am going to buy this system, but don't want to do so until the new version comes out.

 

[KING BLING]

I know its only been a few days, and its right after Christmas, but has there been anything on if the "updated" systems are out yet. I am going to buy this system, but don't want to do so until the new version comes out.

YES, IF SOMEONE HEARS OF A DATE, LET US ALL KNOW.

 

[onebadtj]

I know its only been a few days, and its right after Christmas, but has there been anything on if the "updated" systems are out yet. I am going to buy this system, but don't want to do so until the new version comes out.

Charley said they were shipping me the new unit and I did not see it before X-mas. I called them last friday and they said they were shipping it this week. I called them at least 30 times yesterday so I can try to upgrade the shipping to next day air and the customer service line was tied up all day. I'm going to try again today and I'll post up about 15 mins. after I get it installed. It kinda sucked not having it to play with at Christmas time. :-(

DE