N

ovak has addressed the needs of racers who require a more compact electronic speed control (ESC), yet who do not want to compromise on performance, reliability and programmability. The new Atom ESC includes all of the unique racing features and custom programs of Novak's Cyclone, and its small size permits its installation in even the most confined spaces found in today's compact and lightweight R/C vehicles. Even though the Atom was designed for "tight-quarters" installations, it has many universal benefits useful in all forms of racing. Read on; we'll provide you with all the data and show you how this tiny but mighty speedo does its magic.

PROGRAMMED TO WIN
As does the Cyclone, the Atom features three built-in racing profiles designed to suit most drivers' racing preferences. Profile One is designed for stock racing; Profile Two is used when racing heavier vehicles (this profile includes drag brakes); and Profile Three is for modified racing. Each profile is for a specific racing application, but racers should experiment to determine which is right for them.

The Atom also features the Cyclone's hidden Profile Four, which can only be accessed with the company's optional, hand-held Pit Wizard Programmer or Profile Software and Data Link for your PC. These devices allow racers to edit an existing profile or create a custom one by modifying any or all of the following parameters: neutral, full throttle, full brake, deadband, drive frequency, minimum drive, brake frequency, drag-brake value and drag-brake frequency. With this kind of flexibility, racers will be able to create their own custom racing profiles to suit their individual needs. The Pit Wizard and the Profile software include excellent instructions that walk you through programming and explain each parameter in a concise, easy-to-read format.

OTHER HOT RACING FEATURES
The Atom also includes most of the Cyclone's other racing features, and that makes it suitable for just about any racing application.

· Super-high motor control frequency, adjustable up to 23,400Hz.

· Two hundred and fifty-six separate steps for forward and brake.

· Minimum brake value adjustable from zero to 75 percent.

· Ultra-fast response to change in transmitter signal (fewer than 500 microseconds).

· Error-free operation down to 2 volts.

· Polar Drive Technology and HyperFET III transistors for smooth throttle control, cooler operation and reduced motor-generated radio interference.

· Radio Priority Circuitry maintains control of the vehicle when the battery "dumps."

· Built-in 3A BEC can power a radio system and a high-power servo without an external receiver battery.

· FET servo-boost wire provides switched battery voltage of 7.2.

· Solder posts allow the user to replace the power wires and arrange them so they are as short as they can be.

BEING SMALL HAS ITS ADVANTAGES
You don't have to have a small car to take advantage of the Atom's small size. The Atom weighs in at slightly over 1 ounce without the power wires installed-much lighter than the average racing ESC. This is a great benefit to 110-scale oval racers who are always looking for ways to reduce weight. Because of the Atom's size, it could be mounted lower on the chassis in a space that would not accommodate an average- size ESC; this is a major advantage for touring-car racers looking for a way to defy gravity. The Atom is also small enough to be installed so that it counterbalances the weight of another electronic component or a lap-counting transponder-perfect for 1/12- and 1/10-scale on-road racers who require balanced chassis. Off-road racers will find it beneficial for the same reasons.

FINAL THOUGHTS
After reading all this, you may be thinking, "Why buy the Cyclone, if the Atom has most of its hot racing features and is smaller?" It's true; the Atom does have most of the Cyclone's features, but the Cyclone has twice as many forward and brake transistors (FETs). This means that the Cyclone has lower resistance, a higher current rating and higher braking current than the Atom. Because the Atom has fewer brake transistors, the brakes may fade slightly under extreme racing conditions or in hot weather; for this reason, Novak insists that you install the included heat sinks whenever you run the Atom in extreme conditions.

The Atom will undoubtedly become a popular choice for those racers who have space constraints, but it should also be popular because of its other merits. If you're looking for a feature-packed, compact ESC, be certain to check out the Atom.

SPECIFICATIONS
Case size:		1.23 x 1.16 x 0.69 in.
Weight:		1 oz.
Input voltage:		4 to 6 cells
Motor limit:		none
Resistance:		0.0013 ohm
Rated current:		240 amps
Braking current:		80 amps
Minimum brake:		adjustable from 0 to 75 percent
BEC:		6 volts/3 amps
Transistor type/quantity:		HyperFET III (3 forward, 1 brake)
Wire size:		replaceable Super-Flex 14-gauge
Schottky diode:		external
Power capacitor:		external
Accessories: input harness kit with 4 different plugs, 2 Schottky diodes, 3 motor capacitors, 2 power capacitors, decals, adjustment-pot tool, mounting hardware, instruction booklet and catalog.

A few words from the engineers at Novak "When we design an electronic speed control, we set design parameters such as how wide the deadband should be, what percentage of full drive should be applied with the first pulse of transmitter information, and which brake and drive frequencies to use. In the past, we determined the best possible compromise for these parameters based on various vehicles and driving styles. Although these fixed designs were perfect for some applications and some drivers, they were not right for others. It became clear that a speed control was needed that would allow the driver to modify several of the design parameters to obtain the desired feel. "With these criteria in mind, we produced the Cyclone and Atom ESCs." -Novak