As the R/C crawling segment gains popularity, the need for crawler-specific equipment has become greater. Novak is happy to fill the need with the new Goat Crawler Brushless System (#3019), Goat Crawler Brushless/Brush ESC (#3219), and Crawler Sintered Brushless Motor (#3419). Novak has always felt that brushless technology is an ideal fit for crawling applications due to their instant throttle response, super low-speed drivability, and explosive torque — the very features crawling enthusiasts look for.

As any crawler aficionado can tell you, crawler vehicles require precise movement control at very low speeds. That being said, it makes sense to use equipment specifically designed for this purpose. Enter Novak Electronics. One of the few, if not the only R/C manufacturer, who offer electronic products specifically designed for crawlers. The new sensor-based Crawler Brushless Motor and System are equipped with features that enable crawlers to climb over, maneuver through, and conquer the most challenging terrain.

The following four driving profiles make the Goat a versatile speed control:

• Standard Crawler — maintains crawler motor response in both forward and reverse and features high-powered drag brakes.
• Expo Crawler — features the standard crawler profile but uses a built-in exponential curve for smoother response to accommodate entry-level transmitters.
• Servo/Robotic Mode — features precise and symmetric motor control in forward and reverse for robot applications, but without the drag brake.
• Brushed Mode — is automatically selected when used with a brushed motor. For use with brushed motors down to 27-turns.

And if multiple profiles weren’t enough, Novak’s software experts have designed the Goat ESC with a Fully-Programmable Interface using Novak’s easy One-Touch button and four LEDs. The following parameters can be adjusted in all four driving profiles: Dead Band, Minimum Drive, and Hill/Drag Brakes (except Servo/Robotic Mode). The Drive Frequency can also be adjusted in the Brushed Mode. For further flexibility, the Li-Po Cutoff Circuitry can be activated in all of the throttle profiles, and Motor Rotation Direction can be activated in any of the three brushless profiles.

The Goat ESC has also been outfitted with a rugged 6 volt / 5 amp BEC to provide powerful and precise steering while embarking on unsteady landscape, with no additional BEC to purchase or install. It also employs an exclusive active drag brake that uses battery power to slow the vehicle to a wheel-locking stop, reducing the vehicle’s tendency to slide or roll while traveling on steep grades.

Additional features of the Goat ESC include Zero Reverse Delay for instant power delivery in both forward and reverse when needed; adjustable Active Hill/Drag Brakes that use battery power to slow the vehicle to a wheel-locking stop; and a Built-In 6-Volt Power Output for an optional cooling fan or detail items like lighting features or a winch.

The other half of the brushless system is Novak’s new Crawler Sintered Brushless Motor, which is an 18.5-turn motor. This specially-designed brushless motor scales over other brushed motors because of its massive start up and low-speed torque, all without sacrificing speed. This eliminates the need to use 3-cell Li-Po packs like other out-runner motors, which adds unnecessary weight to the rig. Novak’s lightweight brushless system can tackle the most challenging terrain on 2-cell Li-Po packs.

Additional features of the Crawler Sintered Brushless Motor include sensor-based commutation for precise rotor position control; a high-performance sintered rotor for stronger motor braking power and improved performance in higher temperature conditions; an oversized front bearing for extra durability and extended life; ribbed aluminum end bells to reduce weight; and a solder tab system for flexible soldering options.

The Novak Goat Crawler Brushless System (#3019) includes everything that is needed for crawling straight out of the box. The Crawler Sintered Brushless Motor is factory-installed to the Goat ESC making installation a breeze. Both the Goat Crawler Brushless/Brush ESC (#3219) and Crawler Sintered Brushless Motor (#3419) are also available separately.