Understanding LatencyUpdated an hour ago
Latency is an advanced setting that controls how long the Foil Drive motor continues running after the controller loses communication with the Foil Drive system.
Latency can be adjusted through the Foil Drive App on compatible Gen2 and Gen2.5 systems.
What is Latency?
Latency is the time between the Foil Drive system losing communication with the controller and the motor automatically cutting out.
For example, if you fall into the water and the controller moves out of range, the Foil Drive system will detect the lost connection and stop the motor after the programmed latency period.
Latency does NOT affect the motor cut-off when you release the throttle trigger. Releasing the throttle causes the motor to stop immediately, regardless of the latency setting.
Low vs High Latency
Low Latency
Low Latency provides a faster motor cut-off when communication with the controller is lost.
A low latency setting can be around 100 milliseconds, meaning the motor will cut out very quickly after the connection is lost.
Low Latency is recommended for:
- New riders
- Children learning to use Foil Drive
- Riders learning a new setup
- Riders who prioritise the quickest possible motor cut-off
A shorter latency provides an additional safety benefit because the motor will stop sooner after a loss of communication.
High Latency
High Latency allows a longer period before the motor cuts out after communication with the controller is lost.
This can be beneficial when the wireless signal is more likely to be temporarily interrupted without the rider actually falling off.
For example, some low-volume boards or full-carbon boards can make maintaining a consistent wireless connection more difficult. A higher latency setting can help prevent unwanted motor cut-outs caused by brief signal interruptions.
When Should I Use High Latency?
High Latency should only be considered once you are comfortable and competent with your Foil Drive system and setup.
It may be useful if you are experiencing unwanted motor cut-outs caused by brief communication interruptions, particularly with:
- Low-volume boards
- Full-carbon boards
- Setups where the controller is frequently obstructed from the Foil Drive antenna
- Conditions where the controller temporarily moves out of the ideal signal range
High Latency delays the automatic motor shut-off after a loss of communication. This means the motor can continue running for longer if you fall or lose connection. For this reason, higher latency increases the potential safety risk and should only be used by experienced, competent riders.
Before increasing latency, check that your antenna, controller and Foil Drive installation are correctly positioned and that there are no other factors causing poor signal connection.
Choosing the Right Latency
As a general rule:
Lower latency = quicker automatic shut-off and increased safety margin
Higher latency = greater tolerance of brief signal interruptions, but a longer motor run-on period if communication is lost
For most riders, the lowest latency that provides reliable operation is the best choice.
If you are experiencing unexpected motor cut-outs, do not immediately increase latency. First investigate the cause of the communication loss.
Adjusting Latency
Latency can be adjusted in Advanced Settings through the Foil Drive App during the system programming process.
Always check your Latency setting before riding. Make sure the setting is appropriate for your experience level, board construction and riding conditions.