V3 Controller Overview - Features & FunctionsUpdated an hour ago

The Foil Drive V3 Controller is the latest generation remote controller, designed for improved durability, ergonomics, visibility and control.

This guide provides a detailed overview of the V3 Controller, including the display, throttle modes, safety features, GPS, cruise control and all controller menu settings.

Tip: The V3 Controller has many features and settings. We recommend reading this guide and the V3 Controller User Manual before contacting Support with questions.

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V3 Controller Features

The V3 Controller includes:

Ergonomic, lightweight design
Removable throttle guard
Two throttle guards included in the kit
Ruggedised construction for improved durability
Bright, sunlight-readable display
Built-in GPS
Bluetooth connectivity
Firmware updates via the Foil Drive App
Trigger and Gear throttle modes
Programmable throttle mapping
Dedicated Boost function
Tilt Sensor safety feature
Throttle Auto Lock
Cruise Control
Screen Sleep
Adjustable screen brightness
Automatic power-off

The V3 Controller is compatible with all Foil Drive Systems.

V3 Controller Display

The V3 Controller display provides information about your Foil Drive system during use.

Main Display

The first screen contains the most important information:

Battery State of Charge – remaining battery percentage
Battery icon – approximate battery level
Throttle mode – T indicates Trigger Mode; G indicates Gear Mode
Gear number – displayed when Gear Mode is active
Lock status – indicates when the controller is locked
Throttle percentage – displayed while using the trigger

You can use this screen for most sessions. The additional screens provide useful information for monitoring performance and troubleshooting.

Session Information

Press B to cycle through the information screens.

Depending on the system and settings, these screens display:

Session time
Current speed
Distance travelled
Top speed
Current power consumption (watts)
Controller temperature
Motor RPM
Current draw (amps)
System voltage

This information can be particularly useful when tuning a board, foil or motor setup, or when providing information to Foil Drive Support when troubleshooting.

Information Always Shown on the Top Row

The top row remains visible regardless of which display page you are viewing.

Signal Strength

The bars in the top-left corner indicate the signal strength between the V3 Controller and the Foil Drive unit.

More bars = stronger signal
Fewer bars = weaker signal

GPS

The GPS indicator appears when GPS is enabled and the controller is searching for or connected to satellites.

Controller Battery

The battery icon in the top-right corner shows the V3 Controller's internal battery level.

This is separate from the battery powering the Foil Drive unit.

Turning the Controller On and Off

The + button is also the power button.

To turn the controller on

Press and hold + for several seconds.
The controller will power on.

To turn the controller off

Press and hold + for several seconds.
The controller will power off.

The longer press is intentional to help prevent accidental power-on or power-off.

Accessing the Menu

To enter the controller menu:

Press + and - simultaneously.
The menu will open.
Use + and - to scroll through the menu.
Press B to select an option.
Press and hold - to return to the main operating screen.

The V3 Controller has 16 menu sections.

1. Pairing

The V3 Controller can be paired with compatible Foil Drive systems.

If your V3 Controller was purchased with a Fusion system, it will normally already be paired.

To pair a controller

Enter the menu.
Select Pairing.
Press B.
The controller will ask you to reconnect the battery.
Connect the battery to your Foil Drive unit.
The controller will search for the nearby unit.
When pairing is successful, the display will show Pairing Complete.

Once paired, return to the main screen. The signal bars in the top-left corner indicate that the controller is connected.

Pairing tips

When pairing:

Notify other Foil Drive users nearby.
Get as close as possible to your own Foil Drive unit.
Make sure other nearby users are not simultaneously connecting their batteries.

If several Foil Drive systems are in pairing mode, the controller may connect to the closest compatible signal.

2. Calibration

Controller calibration allows the V3 Controller to relearn the throttle trigger's operating range.

Calibration may be useful if:

The throttle does not return to 0%.
The throttle does not reach its programmed maximum.
The trigger moves freely but the controller is not detecting the expected throttle range.

To calibrate the throttle

Select Calibration.
Press B.
Pull the trigger fully.
The controller will display Calibrating.
Wait for Complete.
The controller will automatically return to the operating screen.

Important: Check for debris first

Calibration will not fix a trigger that is physically unable to move through its full range.

If sand, grit, shells or other debris are preventing the trigger from returning to zero:

Do not recalibrate to compensate for the obstruction.
Inspect the trigger and surrounding area.
Remove any debris preventing normal movement.

If calibration continues to fail after checking for debris, a Factory Reset may help. If the problem remains, contact Foil Drive Support.

3. Throttle Mode

The V3 Controller has two throttle modes:

Trigger Mode
Gear Mode

These provide two different ways to control motor power.

Trigger Mode

Trigger Mode provides a conventional, linear throttle.

As you pull the trigger, throttle percentage increases.

The normal throttle range is 0–95%.

The 95–100% range activates Boost.

Boost

Boost provides additional power above the normal throttle range.

The Boost percentage, duration and other parameters can be configured through the Foil Drive App where supported.

Once Boost has been used, it becomes unavailable until the required throttle-release condition has been met.

As a simple rule:

If you want Boost available again, release the trigger and allow the throttle to return below the required level for several seconds.

For the easiest reset, remove your finger from the trigger and wait around 10 seconds before attempting Boost again.

Gear Mode

Gear Mode provides five programmable throttle levels:

Gear 1
Gear 2
Gear 3
Gear 4
Gear 5

Each gear defines the maximum throttle percentage available when that gear is selected.

For example, the factory settings may be approximately:

Gear 1 – 55%
Gear 2 – 65%
Gear 3 – 75%
Gear 4 – 85%
Gear 5 – 95%

These values can be changed using Throttle Mapping.

Changing gears

While in Gear Mode:

Press + to increase the gear.
Press - to decrease the gear.

The selected gear is shown on the display.

Boost in Gear Mode

The B button provides temporary access to full throttle while it is held.

For example, if Gear 2 is programmed to 65%:

Pull the trigger fully → throttle reaches 65%.
Press and hold B → throttle increases to 100% and Boost can be activated.
Release B → throttle returns to the programmed gear limit.

This allows you to have a predictable cruising power level while retaining access to additional power when needed.

Why use Gear Mode?

Gear Mode can be useful when:

You want a consistent power level.
You are learning to foil.
You want to reduce accidental throttle surges.
You want quick access to several preset power levels.
You want to cruise without needing precise trigger control.

4. Throttle Mapping

Throttle Mapping controls the maximum throttle available in Trigger Mode or each individual gear in Gear Mode.

Gear Mode Mapping

When Gear Mode is selected, the menu displays:

Gear 1
Gear 2
Gear 3
Gear 4
Gear 5

Select a gear with B, then use + or - to change its percentage.

Each gear can be independently programmed.

Example

A rider might configure:

Gear 1 – 30%
Gear 2 – 65%
Gear 3 – 68%
Gear 4 – 74%
Gear 5 – 90%

There is no single correct setting. The ideal values depend on the rider, board, foil, battery state of charge and riding conditions.

Lower gears can be useful for controlled manoeuvring, while higher gears provide additional power when required.

Managing Battery Power

Higher throttle levels generally consume more battery power.

Using the lowest throttle level that provides the required performance can help maximise ride time.

As battery voltage decreases during a session, the same throttle percentage may produce less thrust. Riders may therefore use progressively higher gears to maintain a similar feel as the battery discharges.

Trigger Mode Throttle Limit

When Trigger Mode is selected, Throttle Mapping allows you to set the maximum throttle percentage.

For example, setting the maximum throttle to 48% means fully pulling the trigger will only command 48% throttle.

This can be useful when limiting power for:

New riders
Younger riders
Training
Controlled testing
Riders who do not require full system power

Boost and limited throttle

When the maximum Trigger Mode throttle is deliberately limited below the Boost activation range, Boost is disabled.

If you need to provide a rider with a low normal throttle limit while still allowing access to Boost, use Gear Mode instead.

5. Battery Voltage

The Battery Voltage setting tells the controller which battery voltage architecture is being used.

Available options include:

43V – Fusion
40V – Gen2 batteries, except Slim Endurance
28V – Slim Endurance and Assist PLUS batteries
22V – original Assist systems

Select the voltage corresponding to the Foil Drive system you are using.

What happens if the wrong voltage is selected?

For Gen2 and other voltage-based systems, selecting the wrong voltage does not change the actual battery voltage or damage the battery. However, the battery percentage displayed on the controller may be incorrect.

The controller estimates state of charge from battery voltage on these systems.

Fusion battery display

Fusion batteries use a Smart BMS and communicate battery state-of-charge information directly to the controller.

Because of this, the Fusion battery percentage behaves differently from voltage-based Gen2 systems.

For Fusion, the displayed percentage changes gradually.

For voltage-based systems, the displayed percentage may temporarily decrease under load and rise again when the throttle is released. This is because battery voltage drops when current is being drawn by the motor.

6. GPS

The V3 Controller includes an integrated GPS.

GPS provides information such as:

Current speed
Top speed
Distance
Session tracking information

GPS can be switched On or Off.

Turning GPS off does not provide a significant battery-saving benefit, so leaving it on is recommended.

GPS Initialisation

The first time the V3 Controller is used, GPS may take approximately 30 minutes to acquire and establish a reliable satellite lock.

After initialisation, subsequent GPS locks should generally occur more quickly.

For best results, turn the controller on approximately 5–10 minutes before riding and allow it time to acquire satellites.

GPS Bootloader / Status Screen

From the GPS menu, press B twice to access the GPS status screen.

This provides additional information about GPS operation, including satellite and antenna status.

If speed or distance is not working correctly, this screen can help determine whether the controller has established a GPS lock.

GPS privacy

GPS data is stored locally on the V3 Controller.

The controller does not continuously transmit your location to Foil Drive.

GPS track data may be transferred to the Foil Drive App when supported.

7. Tilt Sensor

The Tilt Sensor is a safety feature that can automatically disable the motor when the Foil Drive unit moves outside its programmed pitch or roll limits.

The Tilt Sensor setting on the V3 Controller only turns the feature On or Off.

The actual pitch and roll limits are configured separately through the Foil Drive App where supported.

When the Tilt Sensor activates

If the Foil Drive unit moves outside the permitted range:

The controller enters a locked state.
Motor operation is disabled.
Returning the unit to the permitted range allows the system to become available again.

If the throttle is still held

If the system locks while you are holding the throttle:

Return the unit to the permitted tilt range.
Release the throttle completely.
Allow the trigger to return to 0%.
The motor can then operate again.

The throttle must return to zero before the motor will restart.

Tilt Sensor troubleshooting

If the controller says LOCK and holding B does not unlock it:

Check whether the Tilt Sensor is active.
Check the orientation of the Foil Drive unit.
Make sure the unit is within the programmed pitch and roll limits.

8. Lock on Start

Lock on Start is a safety feature that automatically locks the controller when it is first turned on.

When enabled:

Turn on the controller.
The display shows LOCK.
Press and hold B to unlock the controller.
The throttle becomes available.

This feature is recommended because it requires a deliberate action before the motor can be operated.

9. THR Auto Lock

THR Auto Lock automatically locks the controller after a set period without throttle input.

The setting can be configured from 0–100 seconds.

Example

If THR Auto Lock is set to 6 seconds:

Unlock the controller.
Begin riding.
Stop using the throttle.
After 6 seconds, the controller automatically locks.
Press and hold B to unlock it again.

When should I use THR Auto Lock?

THR Auto Lock can be particularly useful for:

Beginners
Foil schools
Teaching new riders
Younger riders
Situations where additional automatic safety is desired

For experienced riders in surf or dynamic conditions, automatic locking may be less convenient because it can require the controller to be unlocked again after a fall or extended period without throttle input.

10. Cruise Control

Cruise Control allows the controller to maintain a preset throttle percentage without continuously holding the trigger.

Cruise Control is:

Off by default
Available in Trigger Mode
Not available in Gear Mode

Setting Cruise Control

Select Cruise Control in the menu.
Press B.
Use + or - to select the desired throttle percentage.
Press B to confirm.

Activating Cruise Control

To activate Cruise Control:

Make sure the controller is connected to the Foil Drive unit.
Make sure you are in Trigger Mode.
Pull the trigger beyond approximately 20% throttle.
Press and hold -.
The controller will switch to the programmed Cruise Control percentage.
Release the trigger.

The system will continue operating at the selected throttle percentage.

Deactivating Cruise Control

Cruise Control can be cancelled by interacting with the controller, including:

Touching the throttle
Pressing +
Pressing -
Pressing B

After Cruise Control is cancelled, return the throttle to 0% before resuming normal operation.

Cruise Control safety

Cruise Control is an active throttle command. The rider is responsible for activating and deactivating the feature.

If Cruise Control is active and the Tilt Sensor or another safety system stops the motor, Cruise Control must be cancelled and the throttle returned to zero before the motor can operate again.

11. Units

The Units setting allows you to select:

Metric
Imperial

This affects measurements such as speed and distance.

12. Screen Sleep

Screen Sleep turns the display off after a period of inactivity to reduce controller power consumption.

The controller itself remains powered on and connected.

When Screen Sleep is active:

The screen turns off after inactivity.
Touching the throttle or pressing a button wakes the screen.
Controller operation continues normally.

Screen Sleep is recommended if you want to maximise controller battery life.

13. Brightness

The Brightness setting controls the display brightness.

Use:

Higher brightness for very bright conditions.
Lower brightness to reduce power consumption.

A medium brightness setting is suitable for most conditions.

Reducing brightness can help extend controller battery life.

14. Auto Power Off

Auto Power Off automatically switches the V3 Controller off after a period of inactivity.

The setting can be configured from 1–60 minutes.

If the controller detects no interaction during the selected period, it will automatically shut down.

This helps prevent the controller battery from being unnecessarily drained if you forget to turn the controller off after a session.

15. Factory Reset

Factory Reset returns the V3 Controller settings to their factory defaults.

A Factory Reset can be useful when:

The controller is behaving unexpectedly.
A setting has been changed and you want to start again.
Troubleshooting requires returning the controller to its default configuration.

To perform a Factory Reset

Select Factory Reset.
Press B.
Press B again to confirm.
The controller will reset and automatically reboot.

Important: A Factory Reset will remove your customised controller settings. You may need to configure your preferred settings again afterwards.

16. Regulatory Information

The Regulatory menu provides access to regulatory information for the V3 Controller.

Turn the controller over and scan the QR code to access the relevant regulatory information.

Regulatory requirements may vary depending on the country or region where the controller is used.

V3 Controller Safety Features

The V3 Controller includes several features designed to help prevent unintended motor operation.

These include:

Lock on Start
THR Auto Lock
Tilt Sensor
Throttle limits
Programmable Gear Mode
Automatic lock after loss of signal

Always understand how these features work before riding.

Important: Safety features should supplement, not replace, safe riding practices. Always keep the motor and propeller clear of people and objects and follow Foil Drive safety instructions.

Before Your First Session

Before riding with a V3 Controller:

Read the V3 Controller User Manual.
Pair the controller with your Foil Drive unit if required.
Confirm the correct Battery Voltage setting.
Confirm your preferred Throttle Mode.
Check your Throttle Mapping.
Understand how Boost works.
Confirm the Tilt Sensor settings.
Decide whether Lock on Start and THR Auto Lock are appropriate for your use.
Check that the controller has sufficient battery charge.
Confirm the controller is communicating with your Foil Drive unit before entering the water.

With the controller configured correctly, you're ready to get on the water and enjoy your V3 Controller.

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