# Foil Drive Assist, DIY
**URL:** https://foil.zone/t/foil-drive-assist-diy/12927
**Category:** Build, Repair & Mod
**Created:** [June 21, 2021, 3:51am UTC](https://foil.zone/t/foil-drive-assist-diy/12927 "2021-06-21T03:51:30Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 10
### Author:  [@Flightjunkie](https://foil.zone/u/Flightjunkie)
#### Post date: [February 18, 2022, 7:31pm UTC](https://foil.zone/t/foil-drive-assist-diy/12927/188 "2022-02-18T19:31:27Z")
This case can’t be what foil drive uses because it’s too small to fit 6s4p 18650 battery. 18650 cells themselves measure 2.567" tall not counting the spot welded connections or wires or anything.
I highlighted the wrong row in the picture. Two rows down you’ll see the NBF-32408. It’s only 2.52"
> [@Strongarm](#):
>
> I got one from [http://www.cooksoncontrols.com.au/](http://www.cooksoncontrols.com.au/) in Australia. About 30 USD each with shipping (to Australia) for 2 of them. I don’t think they ship overseas though.
>
> digikey seems to have the same case as well but under a different brand. They should ship worldwide, link below.
>
> [https://www.digikey.com.au/en/products/detail/bud-industries/NBF-32408/2328257](https://www.digikey.com.au/en/products/detail/bud-industries/NBF-32408/2328257)
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### Author:  [@Flightjunkie](https://foil.zone/u/Flightjunkie)
#### Post date: [February 18, 2022, 7:35pm UTC](https://foil.zone/t/foil-drive-assist-diy/12927/189 "2022-02-18T19:35:38Z")
Still looking for a case like foil drive uses that will fit 6s4p 18650 battery.
All the ones posted so far are too small.
🤙
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### Author:  [@Strongarm](https://foil.zone/u/Strongarm)
#### Post date: [February 18, 2022, 7:59pm UTC](https://foil.zone/t/foil-drive-assist-diy/12927/190 "2022-02-18T19:59:46Z")
This is the case foil drive uses - it’s on their website here, towards the bottom in the pdf, with a model number.
> **[Foil Drive Support and Waranty](https://foildrive.com.au/pages/support)**
>
> Need assistance? Foil Drive offers top-quality support, from pre-purchase inquiries to after-sales service. Our experienced team is here to help you take flight!
They must use 2170 cells in a 6s3p configuration, these will fit, and the pack looks like a 3p config.
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### Author:  [@Alexandre](https://foil.zone/u/Alexandre)
#### Post date: [February 18, 2022, 9:24pm UTC](https://foil.zone/t/foil-drive-assist-diy/12927/191 "2022-02-18T21:24:30Z")
2,52 you fit a 6s4p W with 2-3mm space between cells , leave you less than 20mm for the controller …
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### Author:  [@Alexandre](https://foil.zone/u/Alexandre)
#### Post date: [February 18, 2022, 9:55pm UTC](https://foil.zone/t/foil-drive-assist-diy/12927/192 "2022-02-18T21:55:02Z")
Better pic :
I didn’t tried the w strip yet but I think it will need to be custom made
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### Author:  [@Foiled1](https://foil.zone/u/Foiled1)
#### Post date: [February 19, 2022, 6:17am UTC](https://foil.zone/t/foil-drive-assist-diy/12927/193 "2022-02-19T06:17:07Z")
It sounds like you have both cases for comparison 🙂 .Did you test these boxes for their waterproofing? The explorer 1908 I’ve got is rather leaky (and unless you can source the right seal to make it waterproof its an unnecessary pain ).
If the Hibox is waterproof out of the box then this would make it almost a no brainer (yes the Explorer case is spacious, but waterproof rating out of the box wins I reckon)…
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### Author:  [@Foil\_A\_Lot](https://foil.zone/u/Foil_A_Lot)
#### Post date: [February 19, 2022, 7:22am UTC](https://foil.zone/t/foil-drive-assist-diy/12927/194 "2022-02-19T07:22:06Z")
I’ve tested the explorer1908 for four months now in the ocean. It has stayed watertight so far. You need to keep sand out of the gasket. The gasket on the 1908 is removable and the DSE hibox is stuck to the lid. I did toy with the idea of pressuring the inside of the case using compressed air, a bit too much hassle in practice to bother doing. I wonder whether a wet marine or good quality glazing silicone eg DowSil could be a good alternative to the removable gasket.
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### Author:  [@Strongarm](https://foil.zone/u/Strongarm)
#### Post date: [February 19, 2022, 10:26am UTC](https://foil.zone/t/foil-drive-assist-diy/12927/195 "2022-02-19T10:26:14Z")
That mast clamp is super clever - does it work well?
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### Author:  [@tosh.jah](https://foil.zone/u/tosh.jah)
#### Post date: [February 19, 2022, 1:07pm UTC](https://foil.zone/t/foil-drive-assist-diy/12927/196 "2022-02-19T13:07:08Z")
I couldn’t resist and and also got my hands on a DIY foil drive unit. Dominic Hoskyns got me inspired using foil drive for wingfoiling. Likewise i want to mainly use it for winging.
I had an old Gong mast lying around which I equipped with an 6384 motor.
Battery is 6s4p Samsung 30Q and fits perfectly in this enclosure: CHDX8-322C. Thanks to @okp for sharing!
> **[CHDX8-322C | Camdenboss Robustes Scharniergehäuse X8 110x260x100mm...](https://www.distrelec.de/de/robustes-scharniergehaeuse-x8-110x260x100mm-grau-transparent-abs-ip66-ip67-camdenboss-chdx8-322c/p/30113298)**
>
> Kaufen Sie Robustes Scharniergehäuse X8 110x260x100mm Grau/transparent ABS IP66 / IP67. Entdecken Sie unsere aktuellen Angebote zu Kunststoffgehäuse. Lieferung am nächsten Tag möglich.
Now I’m just waiting on Ali to deliver the flycolor 150a ESC and I’m good to go.
Credit goes to @Toto44 for the mast clamp and @leachim for the prop.
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### Author:  [@Jsonnett](https://foil.zone/u/Jsonnett)
#### Post date: [February 19, 2022, 2:15pm UTC](https://foil.zone/t/foil-drive-assist-diy/12927/197 "2022-02-19T14:15:23Z")
i printed a mock up of a 6S3P 21700 pack. The molicell P42A cells would be perfect for this with a 45A rating each and 4200mah capacity. A 21700 pack fits perfectly in the FDA/polycase/hibox enclosure.
Has anyone found a good motor cable yet? A 3 conductor, 12awg waterproof cable thats available in USA? Seems like something with a relatively thin but extruded solid outer jacket would be ideal to keep the OD of the cable as small as possible. By extruded solid i mean the individual wires are completely enveloped by the outer jacket vs. sitting in a “tube” of insulation where the empty space between individual wires could collect water.
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### Author:  [@Foiled1](https://foil.zone/u/Foiled1)
#### Post date: [February 19, 2022, 7:28pm UTC](https://foil.zone/t/foil-drive-assist-diy/12927/198 "2022-02-19T19:28:30Z")
Maybe I just got unlucky with the explorer. I tested it when it arrived and the lid deforms when it’s closed, so the seal doesn’t contact the lid in the middle. Apart from the seal it looks good.
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### Author:  [@Flightjunkie](https://foil.zone/u/Flightjunkie)
#### Post date: [February 19, 2022, 11:31pm UTC](https://foil.zone/t/foil-drive-assist-diy/12927/200 "2022-02-19T23:31:22Z")
That a good point staggering the cells. Makes it a bit longer, but It might fit that way. Thx.
🤙
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### Author:  [@Foiled1](https://foil.zone/u/Foiled1)
#### Post date: [February 19, 2022, 11:36pm UTC](https://foil.zone/t/foil-drive-assist-diy/12927/201 "2022-02-19T23:36:56Z")
These fused nickel plates look sweet. Where did you get these from? and what Amps can you put through them. I’ve seen the ones by Battery Hookup guys but they’re only good for 3A continuous and 8A peak which I think is too low for what we’re using them for.
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### Author:  [@tosh.jah](https://foil.zone/u/tosh.jah)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2022, 9:26am UTC](https://foil.zone/t/foil-drive-assist-diy/12927/202 "2022-02-20T09:26:46Z")
Yes they are from battery hookup!
I had to spot weld two layers of nickel strips, since one layer will only do 3A continuous without getting warm and will blow fast at 8A per cell.
Now with two layers I have 6A continuous and 16A fusing. Also did an 14S14P version with these nickel strips and works perfect so far!
> [@Tobi's build from Berlin](https://foil.zone/t/tobis-build-from-berlin/12585/26):
>
> Hey guys, I have been posting some of my learnings and advances in in other topics so I want to keep my build up to date as well! The summer has been amazing and I have spend more time on the water than any other year. I was happy to be able to finish my second board in time and going out for runs with family and friends was well worth the effort. This is a video of a roadtrip to Croatia: [[Beautiful Croatia - Efoil Heaven] ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9H5yKYl-XiE) On my V1 I’ve remade the s…
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### Author:  [@Jan3](https://foil.zone/u/Jan3)
#### Post date: [February 20, 2022, 9:11pm UTC](https://foil.zone/t/foil-drive-assist-diy/12927/203 "2022-02-20T21:11:15Z")
Yes, it works well so far. I only used it a few times, though.
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### Author:  [@Strongarm](https://foil.zone/u/Strongarm)
#### Post date: [February 21, 2022, 3:13am UTC](https://foil.zone/t/foil-drive-assist-diy/12927/204 "2022-02-21T03:13:43Z")
My 2170s arrived today, they will fit snugly in the Hi box 1027 enclosure in a 6s3p config.
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### Author:  [@okp](https://foil.zone/u/okp)
#### Post date: [February 21, 2022, 7:48am UTC](https://foil.zone/t/foil-drive-assist-diy/12927/205 "2022-02-21T07:48:06Z")
this should be fine! I’m wondering which ESC did Foil Drive use and that can fit the very small area. I’ve searched for a similar heatsink (the one they display below) but didn’t manage to find an ESC with such heatsink. I believe it’s a custom heatsink (but I’m surprised!)
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### Author:  [@pablo\_foil](https://foil.zone/u/pablo_foil)
#### Post date: [February 21, 2022, 9:31am UTC](https://foil.zone/t/foil-drive-assist-diy/12927/206 "2022-02-21T09:31:26Z")
I am tempted to buid one for this specific purpose.
but in wining you already have the wing power, so why not use a 50xx, as it was mentioned earlier? Smaller motor and prop should add neglible drag.
Flipsky already has a waterproofed one and given the lower amps, a 6S1P of p42a should be enough. Less than 1KG in total!
> **[F5085 140KV 650W brushless motor for Direct Drive Propeller/Efoil](https://flipsky.net/collections/efoil-products/products/f5085-140kv-brushless-motor-for-direct-drive-propeller?variant=37572140531899)**
>
> Internal PCB with 120 Degree Hall Effect Sensors;Motor can be used with or without a sensor; Sensorless operation is most common; VESC Sensor Wires required to use with VESC;
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### Author:  [@tosh.jah](https://foil.zone/u/tosh.jah)
#### Post date: [February 21, 2022, 2:11pm UTC](https://foil.zone/t/foil-drive-assist-diy/12927/207 "2022-02-21T14:11:21Z")
The 5085 seems like a better option for our purpose!
I’ve chosen the 6384 simply to test it, cause several lighter people seem to use it successfully on efoil. And as couple of my friends who are lighter are also looking to build an efoil, that would be the cheapest option by far. Hence the 6384 to try it out and see its capabilities.
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### Author:  [@Foil\_A\_Lot](https://foil.zone/u/Foil_A_Lot)
#### Post date: [February 21, 2022, 3:03pm UTC](https://foil.zone/t/foil-drive-assist-diy/12927/208 "2022-02-21T15:03:11Z")
I’ve tried my 6374 motor setup for winging and I don’t really like it. The drag from the motor even high on the mast is noticeable, feels like the handbrake is left on. The motor does help to get going in light wind but so does good technique and the right gear. I found the motor thrust very unnatural when trying to start, the nose of the board wants to jump out of the water. For supfoil the motor is great as you can weight your front foot, however with a wing above your head it’s harder to keep pressure on the board. Maybe a lightweight \<2kg small motor setup is the answer.
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