Need opinions on HVmaxx and other novak 1/8 systems. Hobbywing? Im out of the loop !

[R00ST]

I have a SUmmit coming to me and already know the 775 is NOT going to cut it. I bought the summit as I wanted an e-revo again but wanted ONE truck that can do everything for me (speed runs, a bit of crawling and extreme terrain bashing). Since the e-revo cannot be made into much of a crawler/hardcore offroader without putting spools in (PITA) I decided it would be easier to change the suspension/tires/body on the summit and run it as more of an E-revo.

Anyway...I would like to get the truck up to about 40mph in street trim, and maybe 30 mph for offroad trim.

I am on a seriously tight budget (who isnt these days...!) and just had an idea. How about one of the original HV maxx systems? THey seem to sell pretty cheap. Can these be run on 4s (4s is what im shooting for running on, so I can just run 2x 2s 5000 mah packs, probably 25C).

Will the HV maxx on 4s be able to get me where I want to be speed/power wise? I just thought it would be nice being sensored for the crawling aspect.

How about the hobbywing stuff? I hear a lot of people using it and are happy with it. Since I only want to run 4s I assume the 80A version esc is sufficient. What motor would compliment it nicely? Should I look for a Novak motor (I can run a sensored motor on the hobbywings, right?) OR are the feigao/hobbywing motors smooth enough for some slower speed stuff without cogging?

Any input is greatly appreciated!!
mike

[R00ST]

I found a cheap HV/5.5 system but I am thinking the 5.5 is WAY too high a KV motor? According to the novak site the 5.5= 3700KV! Dont most people run like 2000kv/2250's for revo/summit? On 4s (4x3.7v x 3700 = 54760 RPM...isnt that a bit much?) I need torque, not rpm lol.

Would the 6.5 (3400kv) or the 7.5 (3000kv) work out or are all of these simply too hot of a motor to get any kind of torque out of for the summit on 4s?

I also found one of the original HVmaxx systems (with the 4400 motor)... Isnt 4400 WAY too much rpm? Plus I think it was designed to run on 14.4 which would mean I could probably not run 4s, since that is 14.8V?

Damn I need some clarification lol

[R00ST]

I am researching people running the novak setups and it does not seem like a very good setup (gets hot if gearing is not spot on, power is really not there compared to hobbywing/mamba setups and a lot of people are saying there are glitching/radio interference with the novaks).

So overall do you guys think:
Novak
Hobbywing combo (80a), what motor
Hobbywing 80A esc and a different motor (ie...10xl feigao?) Dont want to drop 150 on a motor lol

[JThiessen]

Hey Roost - you spend a lot of time answering your own questions?!?! Just kidding. I've never used hobby wing stuff - but I've had a bit of experience with Novak - however, none of it was for lower speed applications. The Novak's, being higher in KV, do require a little more precise gearing. That being said, gearing is extremely critical in all HV brushless systems. Just go read the other forums on the other brands.
All brushless systems are likely going to require you to have a 2.4FM radio system - there are a few people who have gotten away with AM, but they are few and far between.
I dont know what a Summit weighs - but it seems heavy to me, so yes, a lower KV rating might be a better ticket. But your economic situation may preclude you from getting that ideal motor system right now.
Novak's seem to be a system that either works, or it doesnt. I have one 4.5 system that I keep around "just in case" that seems to work no matter what I put it in, or how I run it. I have another 4.5 Pro system that just will not run on a single 4S pack. Run two 2S packs, and its fine (Yes, we even did the seperate reciever pack). Novak has had it three times, and no improvement.
And to answer your question about voltage, yes the Novaks are 4S systems (single 4S pack or two 2S packs). If you do decide on Novak, give me a shout, I might be able to hook you up with something.

[TexasSP]

I would recommend either the MMM (Mamba Monster) or the Tekin RX8 over the novak. Both are newer, handle more power, have much better available motor selection, and are programmable via USB. The novak is outdated, not programmable, and is very touchy on the gearing choice. I also know that the novak was designed for much lighter trucks than the summit. The summit with the bigger tires and lockable diffs weighs in quite a bit more than the light 8th scale and old model stock emaxxes the novak was designed for.

[JThiessen]

Originally Posted by TexasSP

The novak is outdated, not programmable,

Actually, you can do some limited programming with the PRO version. Remember, he said he was on a tight budget.

[Finnster]

You might be able to pick up a MM for cheap now the the MMpro is out. Its fine for moderate power levels, and still has all the nice programming and flexibility of the CC systems. Back in the day (2006 lol,) this was all we had for cheap, reliable controllers.
How much are you looking to spend for the whole system? $100, $150?

[R00ST]

Thanks for all the help guys!

Well i was checking ebay for what an EVX2/titan 775 was worth and its not much at all (seems like 50-60 bucks for both!). May not even be worth selling, might be worth holding onto for winter or if I get a craving to drive something into the mud (even being waterproof it will be hard the first time!).

I had planned selling the evx2/titans to recoup some cost of the brushless but ^^ Due to the low value I will probably just buy a BL setup outright.

As cheap as it sounds 150 sounds like a good price range (the 80A combo's are about 150). I think the 80A is about 90-100 by itself? That would leave 50-60 for a motor.

OR, a used HV system is about 100ish...??

[suicideneil]

About that region, yeah.

A hvmaxx 6.5 setup, geared around 12-14/68 would be about optimum if thats the route you decide to take, but I'd look at the escs and motors Linc is selling off, some very good stuff there that would be good for your needs..

[JThiessen]

Originally Posted by suicideneil

, but I'd look at the escs and motors Linc is selling off, some very good stuff there that would be good for your needs..

Ditto that. I can also make you a real good deal on a Novak Esc with a blown motor that you can send into Novak - I think they charge about 45 bucks to replace a motor "non- warranty".