Foil Drive V3 Remote Explained | Features, Modes and Menus

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Foil Drive’s V3 Controller is a true from-scratch redesign that aims to make riding more straightforward, safer, and more data-rich. In Paul’s deep dive, he walks through the new hardware, the updated control modes (including the new gear mode), the on-screen data pages, and the settings that help you tune the remote for your riding style—whether you’re learning, cruising, or chasing waves.

What’s New With the Foil Drive V3 Controller

A more ergonomic, lighter remote

Paul describes the V3 Controller as:

• Ergonomic and easy to hold
• Not too big
• Lightweight (and not heavy in-hand)

Removable throttle guards (two included)

The kit includes two throttle guards:

• A larger guard
• A narrower/smaller guard

This gives you flexibility to choose more protection or a slimmer feel around the trigger.

Major ruggedization upgrades

Durability is a big focus:

• More impact-resistant for real-world knocks and drops
• Better suited for long-term saltwater exposure
• Built to handle a “live in the ocean” lifestyle

Completely redesigned electronics and PCB

A key point: this is not an incremental update.

• The electronics and PCB design are redesigned from scratch
• Nothing internal is carried over from prior controller generations

GPS + Bluetooth: Why the V3 Controller Is Smarter

Built-in GPS tracking

The V3 Controller includes a GPS that provides:

• Current speed
• Top speed
• Distance traveled

Paul also notes this will expand in the future through the Foil Drive app.

Bluetooth connectivity to your phone

Bluetooth is built in to support:

• Future feature updates via the Foil Drive app
• Firmware updates (“flashing” the controller), similar to updating other Foil Drive systems
• A platform that can improve over time as feedback comes in

GPS privacy note

Paul explicitly addresses privacy concerns:

• GPS data is stored locally on the controller
• It doesn’t “go anywhere” unless you eventually connect to the app in the future and download track data

Screen and Display Pages: What You’ll See While Riding

A brighter, easier-to-read screen

The V3 Controller has:

• A bright screen that’s easier to see in sunlight
• A larger screen to show more information per page

Page 1: The “critical info” page

This page is designed to be the one most riders can live on.

• Battery voltage and state-of-charge

• Battery icon

Mode indicator:

• T = throttle/trigger mode

• 1–5 = gear mode gears

Lock status:

• Shows “lock” when locked

• Unlock by pressing and holding B

• Throttle percentage indicator as you pull the trigger

Page 2: Session time + speed + distance

Scroll with B:

• Session time (minutes)
• Current speed (km/h or mph)
• Current distance traveled (metric or imperial)

Page 3: Top speed + wattage + temperature

This is where the data gets more “tuning and diagnostics” focused:

• Top speed for the session
• Current wattage (real-time power draw)
• Main unit temperature (useful for fault finding and support context)

Page 4: RPM + amps + voltage

A deeper diagnostic page showing:

• Motor RPM
• Current amps draw
• System voltage

Always-on top row indicators

No matter which page you’re on, the top row stays consistent:

• Signal quality bars (remote-to-box link quality)
• GPS icon (only shows when GPS is enabled/active)
• Controller battery indicator

What Comes in the Box

Included accessories

The V3 Controller kit includes:

• Protective case
• Instruction manual (detailed, with QR codes linking to articles/videos)
• Wrist strap
• Induction charging pad + USB
• Two throttle guards (different shapes)
• Allen keys (1mm and 12mm mentioned for the guard bolts)

Why Foil Drive keeps pointing you to the manual

Paul makes this a big “first step” recommendation:

• The V3 has a lot of features
• The manual is intended to answer the most common questions before contacting support
• QR codes link to up-to-date guidance

Basic Operation: Power, Pages, and Menus

Powering on/off

Power button is the plus (+) button:

• Press and hold + to turn on
• Press and hold + to turn off
• The press is intentionally longer to prevent accidental power toggles

Scrolling pages

• Press B to scroll through display pages

Opening the menu

• Press + and - at the same time to enter the menu

Navigating the menu

• Use + and - to move up/down
• Press B to select
• Hold - to exit back to the main operating screen

Pairing: Connecting the V3 Controller to Any Foil Drive System

Compatible with all Foil Drive systems

Paul states the V3 Controller can talk to:

• Assist
• Assist Plus
• Slim
• Max
• Fusion

How to pair

In the pairing menu:

• Select Pair
• It will prompt you to “reconnect battery”
• Plug the battery into the unit
• The screen confirms “pairing complete”

Pairing safety tip (important if you’re around other Foil Drive users)

Paul recommends:

• Tell nearby Foil Drive users you’re pairing
• Get close to your unit when reconnecting the battery
• The controller will prefer the closest signal and could pair to someone else’s box if multiple systems are nearby

Calibration: Fixing Trigger Range or Zero-Throttle Issues

When to calibrate

Calibration is helpful if:

• The throttle doesn’t return to zero properly
• The throttle isn’t reading full travel (up to your configured max)

When calibration will NOT help

If the trigger can’t physically return to zero because of debris:

• Sand/grit/shells physically blocking movement should be removed
• Calibration isn’t a substitute for cleaning out physical obstruction

How to calibrate

In the calibration menu:

• Press B
• The screen prompts “pull throttle”
• Pull the trigger fully
• Controller calibrates and shows “complete”
• It exits automatically when done

Troubleshooting calibration issues

If calibration doesn’t behave:

• Inspect for debris restricting the trigger/magnet travel
• Try a factory reset (like rebooting a computer)
• If still unresolved, contact support

Throttle Modes Explained: Trigger vs Gear

Trigger mode (traditional throttle feel)

Trigger mode is straightforward:

• Pull trigger = linear throttle response
• The controller shows T on the screen

Boost behavior in trigger mode

Paul explains the “boost window” concept:

• Normal throttle range is 0–95%

• 95–100% activates boost

• Boost amount and duration are programmable in the Foil Drive app

After boost is used:

• It times out

• You can’t use it again until you’ve come off throttle for a cooldown period

Practical rule of thumb:

• Let off the trigger, count to around 10, then try again if you want boost back

Gear mode (new control style)

Gear mode changes how throttle is delivered:

• You set 5 gears (1–5)
• Each gear is a programmable “throttle ceiling”
• Screen shows G and the gear number (G1, G2, etc.)
• You can still pull full trigger, but it tops out at your gear’s set value

Why gear mode is easier in real conditions

Paul’s big pitch: gear mode reduces the need for perfect finger control.

• You can “slam the throttle” and cruise at a predictable power level
• Less surging due to slight finger jitters (especially helpful with powerful systems)
• Easy power adjustments with quick gear changes (tap + / -)

The B button “full power” behavior in gear mode

In gear mode, B becomes a momentary full-power override:

• Hold B = jumps to 100% while held
• Release B = returns to the gear’s programmed level

This can be a huge deal when:

• You’re trying to get onto foil while holding board rails
• You want a brief surge without managing trigger finesse
• You need quick acceleration to get over a wave lip or reposition fast

Throttle Mapping: Programming Your Gears (or Limiting Throttle)

Editing gear percentages

In gear mode, throttle mapping shows:

• G1, G2, G3, G4, G5 values (percentages)

To adjust:

• Select a gear with B
• Value flashes
• Use + / - to change
• Press B to confirm

A practical gear strategy (Paul’s example)

Paul shares a real-world setup approach:

• Gear 1: low power for near-shore maneuvering (rocks/sandbars)
• Gear 2–4: clustered closely in a “sweet spot” for efficient cruising
• Gear 5: high cruising power when you want speed without full boost
• Use B for short surges when you need instant power

Why gears close together can be smart

As battery voltage drops during a session:

• The same throttle percentage may feel weaker mid-session than at the start
• Slightly higher gears help maintain a consistent “feel” as voltage declines
• This can keep thrust predictable through much of the battery discharge

Limiting throttle for kids or learners

Paul explains a safety-focused approach:

• Put the controller into trigger mode
• Reduce max throttle (example: around 48%)
• This deliberately removes access to boost at that low throttle setting
• Result: a safer ceiling for lighter riders who don’t need full power

If you need low throttle but still want a surge

Paul’s guidance:

• Use gear mode
• Set gears to low values
• Teach the rider to use B only when needed

Battery Voltage Settings: Getting Accurate Battery Readings

Supported voltage profiles

The controller includes voltage selections for different systems:

• 43V: Fusion
• 40V: most Gen 2 batteries (except Slim Endurance)
• 28V: Slim Endurance battery and Assist Plus batteries
• 22V: original Assist architecture

What happens if you choose the wrong voltage

For most non-Fusion systems:

• Battery percentage readings can be inaccurate (it may “lie”)

For Fusion:

• Fusion uses a different protocol and smart BMS reporting
• State of charge is communicated directly
• Battery percentage behaves more like a phone (steady decreases)

Why battery % can bounce on Gen 2 systems

On systems where % is derived from voltage:

• Under load, voltage drops (battery % appears to drop)
• When you let off the throttle, voltage rebounds (battery % rises again)
• That’s normal behavior for voltage-based estimation

GPS Mode: Setup Tips and First-Time Lock Behavior

GPS on/off

GPS can be toggled on or off, but:

• Paul notes there’s no real advantage to turning it off for battery savings

Bootloader/diagnostic screen for GPS

There’s a mode that shows what GPS is “seeing,” which helps when troubleshooting.

First-time GPS lock can take a while

This is a key expectation-setter:

• The first time you use the controller, the GPS lock can take around 30 minutes
• After it “learns” and gets initial satellite data, it should lock faster in future sessions

Practical tip

Paul’s routine:

• Turn the remote on 5–10 minutes before the session
• Let it acquire satellites before you’re ready to ride

Tilt Sensor: Safety Feature That Can Confuse People (Until It Clicks)

What it does

Tilt sensor is a safety cut-off:

• If pitch/roll exceeds the allowed range, it locks and cuts motor output
• The allowed pitch/roll thresholds are programmed in the Foil Drive app
• The remote menu is just an on/off toggle for using that function

How to tell if “lock” is a tilt sensor vs a normal lock

Paul points out the common confusion:

• If you press and hold B and it won’t unlock, the tilt sensor may be doing its job
• Your board or unit might be oriented “wrong” relative to the allowed tilt range

Important behavior when the board returns into range

If it locks due to tilt, then it returns into range:

• It may show zero again

• But if you were holding the throttle during the lock:

• You must release the trigger back to zero

• Then reapply the throttle to run again

Lock Settings: Lock on Start and Throttle Auto Lock

Lock on start

This is a safety prompt when the controller powers on:

• Remote starts locked
• Press and hold B to unlock intentionally
• Can be turned on/off in settings
• Paul suggests using it as a deliberate safety step

Throttle auto lock (great for teaching)

Auto lock can re-lock the controller after a set time of no throttle interaction:

• Adjustable from 0 to 100 seconds
• Paul uses around 6 seconds when teaching beginners
• Adds safety after falls or while getting reorganized in the water

When it’s not ideal

In surf or heavy conditions, auto lock can be annoying:

• If you fall and need immediate power to get out of trouble, waiting to unlock can be the last thing you want
• Advanced riders may prefer it off

Cruise Control: “Set It and Forget It” Throttle (With Caveats)

What it is

Cruise control sets a fixed throttle percentage so you don’t have to hold the trigger.

How to set it

• Set a cruise value in the menu (example shown: 44–45%)
• Cruise control is intended for throttle mode (not gear mode)

How to activate cruise control

There’s a safeguard to prevent accidental activation:

• You need to be pulling some throttle (above ~20%)
• Then press and hold -
• It snaps to the pre-set cruise value

How to cancel cruise control

Any of these actions will cancel it:

• Touch the trigger
• Press +
• Press -
• Press B (switching pages also kills throttle)

Safety responsibility note

Paul makes it clear:

• If you activate cruise, it will keep commanding that output until canceled
• Understand your tilt sensor behavior and lock behavior if you’re using cruise in real conditions

Screen and Power Saving Options: Making the Remote Last Longer

Screen sleep

Screen sleep turns the display off while keeping the controller on and connected.

• Saves battery
• Screen wakes with any button press or trigger movement
• Paul recommends turning it on

Brightness

Brightness is adjustable:

• Higher brightness for harsh sunlight
• Lower brightness for longer battery life
• Paul finds level 3 to be a strong all-around setting

Auto power off

Auto power off prevents dead-controller surprises:

• Adjustable from 1 to 60 minutes
• If you don’t interact with the controller, it powers itself down
• Useful if you often forget to turn it off after sessions

Factory reset

Factory reset is a troubleshooting tool:

• Solves “weird computer-like” issues
• Restores factory settings if you’ve changed too many things
• Controller will reboot and turn back on

FAQs: Foil Drive V3 Controller

How do I unlock the V3 Controller when it says “lock”?

Press and hold B. If it won’t unlock, check whether the tilt sensor is active and whether your board/unit orientation is outside the allowed tilt range.

What’s the difference between trigger mode and gear mode?

• Trigger mode: linear throttle controlled entirely by trigger pull
• Gear mode: sets a throttle ceiling per gear (1–5), with easy step changes and a momentary full-power override using B

How does boost work?

In trigger mode, boost is activated at the top end of the throttle:

• Normal throttle: 0–95%
• Boost activation zone: 95–100%
• Boost behavior (amount and duration) is programmable in the Foil Drive app
• After a boost, you need a cooldown period off throttle before it’s available again

Why would I use gear mode instead of trigger mode?

Gear mode is ideal if:

• Your system is powerful, and small finger movements cause surging
• You want predictable cruising power without managing micro-adjustments
• You want quick “full power” access using the B button while keeping your gear setting as your default

My speed/distance isn’t showing yet. Is GPS broken?

Not necessarily. Paul notes:

• First-time GPS lock can take a long time (around 30 minutes)
• Turn the remote on 5–10 minutes before your session to help it lock satellites

What does the signal bar icon mean?

It shows remote-to-box signal quality:

• More bars = stronger signal
• Fewer bars = weaker signal (move closer, check interference, ensure pairing is correct)

Why does my battery percentage bounce around on some systems?

On systems where % is estimated from voltage:

• Voltage drops under load and rebounds when the load is removed
• Fusion behaves differently because the smart BMS reports the state of charge directly

What should I do if the trigger won’t return to zero or doesn’t read the full range?

Try in this order:

• Inspect for debris blocking the trigger movement
• Calibrate the trigger in the menu
• Consider a factory reset if behavior is still odd
• Contact support if the issue persists

Key Takeaways

• The V3 Controller is a complete redesign: new rugged hardware, new electronics, and a more refined user experience.
• Gear mode is the standout feature for real-world usability, especially on powerful setups where trigger precision can cause surging.
• Built-in GPS and Bluetooth make the controller more data-rich now and more expandable later through app updates.
• The display pages range from “ride essentials” (battery, mode, throttle) to deeper diagnostics (watts, temperature, RPM, amps).
• Safety features like tilt sensor, lock on start, and throttle auto lock can prevent accidents, but riders should understand how they interact to avoid confusion in the water.
• The manual is part of the product: Foil Drive included detailed instructions and QR-linked resources because the V3 has a lot of capability.

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