Will it work?

[godale03]

Hey guys,

I do not have a spectrum radio. I have a line on a Novak GTB Spread spectrum speedo that is in really great condition. Will it work with my standard FM radio? I figured the speedo would work since the reciever is what controls the speedo... not the other way around... right? Thanks

Tom

 

[godale03]

Bumpin it to the top!

 

[robmob]

Straight from Novak's site.

"Please note, the #1711 GTB Spread Spectrum Brushless/Brush ESC and the #1715 GTB 4-Cell Spread Spectrum Brushless/Brush ESC are for use only with Spread Spectrum radio systems (2.4GHz radio systems)."

http://www.teamnovak.com/products/esc/gtb_spread_spectrum/index.html

 

[godale03]

Straight from Novak's site.

"Please note, the #1711 GTB Spread Spectrum Brushless/Brush ESC and the #1715 GTB 4-Cell Spread Spectrum Brushless/Brush ESC are for use only with Spread Spectrum radio systems (2.4GHz radio systems)."

http://www.teamnovak.com/products/esc/gtb_spread_spectrum/index.html

Actually I just found that out this afternoon as I was reading. Thanks Rob for the info. I had read the site last night... I must have missed it. Sorry about that.

The funny thing is... that I hooked it up to my reciever last night and it worked like a champ... It would be nice if Novak would tell you why they say it won't work, instead of just saying it won't work.

Tom

 

[robmob]

Actually I just found that out this afternoon as I was reading. Thanks Rob for the info. I had read the site last night... I must have missed it. Sorry about that.

The funny thing is... that I hooked it up to my reciever last night and it worked like a champ... It would be nice if Novak would tell you why they say it won't work, instead of just saying it won't work.

Tom

I don't know.

I say if it works, use it.

 

[godale03]

I don't know.

I say if it works, use it.

That is usually what I would say too... but you know you spend so much damn money on these things.... ya know? I just don't want to burn up an almost $200 reciever. I swear Rob... it worked like a champ... I couldn't see any issues... but then again.. what do I know right? LOL

Tom

 

[robmob]

It may not work properly, but I doubt it would burn it up.

 

[Lessen]

yeah, I can't think of any reason why it would burn it up. It may not be as responsive but who know. Quite frankly as an average joe, I don't understand how spread spectrum technology benefits an ESC. :shrug: I'm no electrical engineer but it sounded gimicky to me as soon as they came out... :shrug:

 

[HeartBreak]

The only technical issue I can foresee is the spektrum has to "boot" (sync with the bonded transmitter, check for open channels, etc) and can cause a delay on the throttle signal, which looks like a "zero signal" issue to the ESC, causing it to disarm (failsafe). The spektrum version probably has a tolerance delay built in.

:shrug: just a guess...

 

[godale03]

Ya know Rob.... your probably right.... I doubt very seriously that it would hurt anything... I just tend to worry aobut things like that... lack of proper knowledge I guess.

I have sent an email to Novak to see what there response would be. If I do get a response back I will post it.

Hey Lesson.... you know... you may be right there... but then again half of RC is probably a gimick.. right?

Heartbreak... you just made my head hurt! LOL I don't know if that is the reason... but it sounded damn good!

Tom

 

[HeartBreak]

LOL, trust me, my head hurt too just thinkin of how to explain the concept... I remember hearing a while back that the Castle ESC's (which have a failsafe mechanism in them) have too short of a delay, which causes Spektrum style setups to fail. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Novak copied the concept.

 

[godale03]

LOL, trust me, my head hurt too just thinkin of how to explain the concept... I remember hearing a while back that the Castle ESC's (which have a failsafe mechanism in them) have too short of a delay, which causes Spektrum style setups to fail. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if Novak copied the concept.

All I can find on Novak's site is that the 2.4 version is faster... the MOSFETS are faster, and that they run cooler. It still does not make a whole lot of sense that the speedo is affected by the 2.4 technology.... I always thought that it all had to do with the reciever.

 

[HeartBreak]

I don't think it has to do with the band much, but more the way the radio "connects". With a traditional crystal based setup (even synth), the radio is pretty much locked onto one channel; no scanning involved.

Now, DSM on the otherhand, scans for an open channel each time you turn the radio on. This scanning period, I assume is what causes the esc to see a "no signal" condition and trip the failsafe.

My guess, Novak issued a DSM-friendly edition that has a longer delay in the software, so it doesn't trip that "failsafe".

Other than that, I'm :shrug: on the reasoning behind the differences....

Could also be that they had some ol' codger wave a magic wand over the assembly line and chant some arcane spell....

 

[godale03]

I don't think it has to do with the band much, but more the way the radio "connects". With a traditional crystal based setup (even synth), the radio is pretty much locked onto one channel; no scanning involved.

Now, DSM on the otherhand, scans for an open channel each time you turn the radio on. This scanning period, I assume is what causes the esc to see a "no signal" condition and trip the failsafe.

My guess, Novak issued a DSM-friendly edition that has a longer delay in the software, so it doesn't trip that "failsafe".

Other than that, I'm :shrug: on the reasoning behind the differences....

Could also be that they had some ol' codger wave a magic wand over the assembly line and chant some arcane spell....

Probably the latter!

 

[godale03]

Here is the response I got back from Novak.


Hello Sir,



Did you run the car on a track or just bench test it?



From my experience anytime we’ve run the 2.4 GTB’s with FM radios, the car’s very simply “glitched off the track”. Bench testing was okay, and sometimes they’d run for a few laps, or maybe a few feet “okay”, but each and every time, radio interference ensued.



Thank you for your email. If we've missed any of your questions please let us know.

You can find complete information on all Customer Service Return procedures in the Customer Service Section of our website. All Manuals that are currently available are located in the Download Section of our website.



Thanks

Tech Support

Novak Electronics

17032 Armstrong Ave

Irvine CA 92614

Ph# 949-833-8873

Fx# 949-833-1631

 

[HeartBreak]

I hate to say it, but that explanation was about as clear as quicksand. Could be that the 2.4's are shielded electronically in a different manner *shrug*. Aside from that, I'm still not all that clear on the differences.

 

[godale03]

Hey Heartbreak... I agree. In fact I used your post to formulate some questions that were much more specific. So I guess we shall see if I get any response. You know, the other reason that the explaination was vague might be whatever the complete answer is could be a trade secret. RC is definitely a competitive industry.

 

[HeartBreak]

Definitely agreed there. All it takes is just one number nowadays to sink a product line. Hopefully they'll be a little more open in the return email. But I don't think they'll reply.

 

[godale03]

Definitely agreed there. All it takes is just one number nowadays to sink a product line. Hopefully they'll be a little more open in the return email. But I don't think they'll reply.

Yeah... I am not holding my breath! LOL

 

[godale03]

Second Response from Novak....


No, it’s an operational issue in the ESC. It “switches faster”. This faster switching is very likely to cause interference for regular FM.