ePropulsion VAQUITA User manual

Owner’s Manual
1
Fireflysupdrives.com March 2021
Congratulations on your new Firefly SUP Drives (Firefly) product.
Firefly electric paddleboard drives are handcrafted providing
best-in-class performance. We do this by combining our unique
forward-mounted drive with ePropulsion's advanced
electronics. Your eSUP board is swift and balanced, providing
fantastic range and maneuverability on the water.
Safety
Please read and honor all the safety items in this manual
including the following important safety requirements.
•Keep a safe distance from people, docks, shore, shallow
water, floating objects and submerged obstacles.
•Always wear a personal floatation device (PDF). It is also
recommended that you wear a safety leash that attaches
the rider to the board.
•Do not use a battery that shows any sign of damage. Our
batteries are designed to be waterproof, and damage can
compromise the watertight integrity of the battery leading
to a potential fire or explosion.
Warning: Do not run the motor in air. This may damage the
motor and cause excessive noise during operation.

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Rigging at the Beach
1. Place the wireless controller on your wrist and secure snuggly
with the Velcro strap.
2. Tip your board onto its rail, pull the pin from the motor shaft,
and insert the motor wire and shaft through the board. Reinstall
the pin making sure it goes through the hole in the deck adaptor
plate and that the propeller portion of the motor is aft. There is
a white mark on the shaft indicating the aft side of the motor.
Secure the pin in place with the retainer clip. When installed
properly, the motor is secured to the adaptor by the pin and the
motor is oriented to propel the board forward.
3. Put your board in the water and attach the motor to the
battery by twisting the collar clockwise. Be careful not to over-
tighten the collar and not to cross-thread the connector.
4. Place the battery on the Velcro located on the deck of your
board and slip the bungees over the battery for additional
security.
5. Kneel on the board with your paddle in one hand. Press the
battery activation button and hold until all LED lights are
flashing. On the wireless controller, ensure the speed bar is in
the off position (away from the button). A quick press of the
controller button will pair the controller with the battery. When
paired, all four LED lights on the battery will steadily illuminate
indicating your battery has a full charge and the drive system is
activated.
6. Check your surroundings for potential hazards. When clear,
start the motor by sliding the speed bar on the controller to the
desired speed. After a two second delay, the motor with ramp
up to speed. Once moving, standup and begin to paddle.

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Tips and Tricks
Clean Startup
Standup before starting the motor. Set the controller to full
speed and time your first paddle stroke to coincide with the
motor for a synchronized initial glide.
Smooth Turns
For smooth and easy turns, drop one foot back so your stance is
facing into the turn (toe-side). Apply pressure to the inside rail
and turn by putting your paddle blade flat against the back rail
and twisting out. Hold steady with foot and blade pressure
throughout the turn. Once you master this basic turning
maneuver, try some back-side (heel-side) turns, or front bracing
turns with your paddle forward and away from the rail.
Bungee Positioning
Position the battery on the aft portion of the Velcro for normal
operation. In the aft position, the two bungee cords will cross
over at the mid-section of the battery. For more aggressive
riding, position the battery on the forward portion of the Velcro.
In the forward position, the forward bungee can also be used to
crossover the battery. Use this 6-point bungee securing method
when going after boat wake or riding in rough conditions.
Fine Tune Your Steering
You can customize your steering by adjusting the deck adaptor
plate so that the motor propels your board straight ahead,
slightly to port, or slightly to starboard. Biasing steering to one
side allows you to paddle primary on one side. Goofy and

4
regular footers (surf lingo) will gain control and comfort with a
slight bias to toe-side.
To adjust, shutdown the motor and loosen the two screws on
the deck adaptor plate. Rotate the adaptor clockwise or
counterclockwise and retighten the screws. Check your
adjustment by running at full speed and watching a distant
object for reference. You may need adjust the adaptor two or
three times to obtain your preferred steering direction.
Battery Optimization
Always charge your battery after use. Resting the battery a few
times during a session is also helpful, especially if you run at full
speed. If you prefer range over speed, running at a reduced
speed can significantly increase your run times.
Fin Size
A small fin will loosen up the tail and make your board feel
more responsive. We recommend a 7" surf style fin for good
maneuverability.
Using Your Board Without the Motor
Put some tape on the bottom your board over the Firefly fitting
when using your board for surfing or for stormy downwinders.
Warranty and Replacement Parts
We guarantee our drives to be free of manufacturing defects for
six months from the date of purchase. Due to our handcrafted
fabrication, there may be slight cosmetic blemishes. Rest
assured, this will not affect product integrity or performance.

5
Safety Notice
Like any water sport, standup paddling boarding with a motor
can be dangerous and involves certain risks which often cannot
be predicted or avoided. Those risks include but are not limited
to personal injury, property damage, even death, which may
result from, among other things, loss of control and collisions
with people and objects. By choosing to use a Firefly product,
you assume these risks, so it is important that you understand
and practice good safety techniques. Because it is impossible to
anticipate every situation or condition that can occur, Firefly
makes no representation or warranty about the use and safety
of its products under all conditions.
By purchasing and using Firefly product(s) you acknowledge and
agree that you fully understand and appreciate the danger
involved in using the product(s) and you, on behalf of yourself
and your heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and
assigns: (1) Fully assume the risks involved and agree to use
best judgement in undertaking these activities; (2) Agree to
strictly follow all safety instructions set forth in this manual,
other documents provided by Firefly and applicable laws and
ordinances; and (3) Fully and voluntarily waive, relinquish,
covenant not to sue, release and agree to indemnify and hold
harmless Firefly, its members, officers, managers, agents,
employees and representatives (each a "released person") from
any claim or loss for personal injury, property damage, or death
that may arise from use of the product(s).

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Electronic System Operating Instructions
Firefly uses ePropulsion Vaquita technology. The following
excerpts from the Vaquita User’s provide important details on
how the electronics operate. A full version of the Vaquita User’s
manual can be found at epropulsion.com

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2.3 Technical Data
VAQUITA General Data
Input power 300 W
Static thrust 23 lbs
Total weight 5 kg / 8.8 lbs
VAQUITA Motor weight 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs
Dimension 162 mm x 167 mm x 182 mm /
6.4” x 6.6” x 7.2”
Propeller diameter 150 mm / 5.9”
Propeller pitch 115 mm / 4.5”
Maximum Rotation Speed 1800 rpm
VAQUITA Battery
Battery type Lithium-ion
Rated capacity 324 Wh
Rated voltage 21.6 V
Final charging voltage 25.2 V
Cutoff voltage 18 V
Weight 2.5 kg
Cycle life ≥500 cycles (80% of rated capacity)
Charging time 3 hrs
Temperature range Charging: 0˚C ~ 45˚C / 32˚F ~ 113˚F
Discharging: -20˚C ~ 50˚C / -4˚F ~ 122˚F
Dimension 216 mm x 178 mm x 100mm / 8.5” x 7” x 4”
VAQUITA Remote Control
Type Wireless
Throttle speed 8 levels
Forward/Reverse control Forward control available
Power source One in-built button cell (CR2032)

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VAQUITA Charger
Input power 180 W
Input voltage (AC) 100 V ~ 240 V
Input frequency 50 Hz / 60 Hz
Input current ≤ 3 A
Output voltage (DC) 25.2 V / 7 A
Temperature range Operating: -29˚C ~ 45.5˚C / -20.2˚F ~ 113.9˚F
Storage: -40˚C ~ 75˚C / -40˚F ~ 167˚F
Efciency ≥87%
Battery performance is dependent on many external factors such as
operating environment and conditions of SUP board/kayak, etc.

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2.4 Declaration
Object of the Declaration:
Product: Kayak/SUP Motor
Model: VAQUITA, VAQUITA S
Company Name: Dongguan ePropulsion Intelligence Technology Limited
Company Address:
Room 202, Bldg.17A, Headquarter No.1, 4th XinZhu
Road, SongShan Lake District, Dong Guan City, Guang Dong Province,
China
The object of the declaration is in conformity with the following directives:
EMC-directive 2014/30/EU
MD-directive 2006/42/EC
RED Directive 2014/53/EU
Applied standards:
EN 55014-1:2006+A1:2006+A2:2011 EN 55014-2:2015
EN 61000-3-2:2014 EN 61000-3-3:2013
EN 60204-1: 2016 EN ISO 12100: 2010
EN 301 489-3: V2.2.0 EN 301 489-1: V2.2.1
The original certicate was issued by
Shenzhen An-Teng Testing Service Co., Ltd. in Shenzhen, China.
CE Test Report No.: ATT11803260080E, ATT11803260080M,
ATT11803260080D
Issued Date: March 27, 2018
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules: Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference and,
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
FCC Test Report No.: GTS201803000218F02
Issued Date: March 26, 2018

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FCC Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment generates uses and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
-- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
-- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
-- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
-- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference caused
by unauthorized modications to this equipment. Such modications could
void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Signature:
Shizheng Tao, Chief Executive Ofcer & Cofounder of
Dongguan ePropulsion Intelligence Technology Limited

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4. Operation
To operate VAQUITA, it’s critical to understand how to use the battery and
remote control correctly. Read this part carefully before any operation.
4.1 Using the Battery
4.1.1 Battery LEDs
The four LEDs of VAQUITA Battery display battery level, indicate errors and
show pairing status. Find the LEDs in below gure.
LED 0 LED 1 LED 2 LED 3
Figure 4-1
This table illustrates LED status while charging and discharging.
Battery Condition Description Battery Level (L-R)
Charging
0%~40% 
40%~60% ●
60%~80% ● ● 
80%~99% ● ● ● 
100% ● ● ● ●
Discharging
0%~20%    
20%~40% ●
40%~60% ● ●
60%~80% ● ● ●
80%~100% ● ● ● ●
Note: ●refers to steady light, refers to ashing light (1Hz).

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If the battery is between 0% ~ 20% when discharging, all LEDs will ash
simultaneously to remind you to charge the battery ASAP.
If the LEDs present abnormal flashing states, please check the below
troubleshooting table for proper solutions.
Abnormal LED States
Errors Solutions
L0 L1 L2 L3
Error1:
VAQUITA
Remote Control
communication
failure
1. Make sure the remote
control is powered on.
2. Please refer to section 4.3
Pairing VAQUITA Remote
Control with VAQUITA
Battery to conduct pairing.
Error2:
VAQUITA Battery
communication
failure
Please restart the VAQUITA
Battery.
Error3:
Other errors of
the battery
Please restart the VAQUITA
Battery.
Error4:
VAQUITA Battery
over-temperature
Stop operation and wait
until the temperature falls
within the normal operating
temperature range.
Note: refers to ashing light (an interval of 0.2s, a frequency of 5Hz).
If error1 occurs, L0 and L1 ash alternately with L2 and L3.
If an error occurs in a non-charging state, the LEDs will display the
battery level (for 3s) and the error (for 3s) alternately.
If multiple errors occur simultaneously, the errors will be displayed in
this priority sequence: Error4 Error3 Error1 Error2.
Error4 VAQUITA Battery over-temperature may occur during charging.
If the error persists, please consult the authorized dealers for help.

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4.1.2 Switching On/Off VAQUITA Battery
Power Button
Figure 4-2
The below table indicates how to switch on/off VAQUITA Battery.
Operation Description
Switch on
In power-off state, press the power button and hold until all
LEDs light up one by one. Then release the button.
The battery will fail to be switched on if the power button is re-
leased before all LEDs light up.
Switch off
In power-on state, press the power button and hold until all
LEDs light off one by one. Then release the button.
The battery will fail to be switched off if the power button is re-
leased before all the four LEDs light off, and all the four LEDs
will ash simultaneously.
Before switching on VAQUITA Battery, make sure VAQUITA Motor is
safely mounted on the bottom of the SUP board/kayak, etc.
If no electrical activity is detected within an hour after the battery is
switched on, the battery will enter sleep mode automatically, and the
LEDs will all go out. The battery should be restarted if it is going to be
used again.
If communication breaks (eg. the remote control is turned off), the
battery LEDs will ash in pair. When communication resumes, the LEDs
will light steadily.

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4.1.3 Charging the Battery
Important notes before charging
Only use VAQUITA Charger to charge VAQUITA Battery. Do not use
any third-party chargers.
Only charge the VAQUITA Battery in within 0˚C~45˚C (32˚F~113 ˚F).
Avoid water contact during charging process.
Avoid direct sun/rain exposure during charging process.
Do not overcharge the battery.
Keep the battery away from ammable substance like a carpet or wood
during charging process.
In case of emergency, please stop charging the battery immediately.
Charge VAQUITA Battery following the below steps:
1) Power off the battery, disconnect the battery power cable with the motor.
Remove the battery off the SUP board/kayak and take it to a dry and safe
place.
2) Plug the output cable of VAQUITA Charger into the charge/discharge port
of VAQUITA Battery and tighten the connector. Then plug the input cable
of VAQUITA Charger into the socket. Please refer to 4.1.1 Bat ter y LEDs
for LED charging status.
Figure 4-3
It is recommended to fully charge the battery before each use as self-
discharge may occur in the process of transportation and storage.
It takes about 3 hours to fully charge a depleted battery. If fully charged,
the LEDs will light off in half an hour.

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4.2 Use of VAQUITA Remote Control
4.2.1 Switching On/Off the Remote Control
Before switching on the remote control, please check to
- make sure the throttle is at zero position.
- make sure the motor is securely attached to the SUP board or kayak.
LED On/Off Button
Throttle
Zero
Position
Figure 4-4
Switch On/Off Operation LED Buzzer
Switch on Short press on/off button On One beep
Switch off Press on/off button for 3s Off One beep
While switching on the remote control, if it beeps every 1s for 5
successive times, it is warning the remote control is running out of
power. After the low battery warning, the remote control will resume
normal and can last only for a short period of time. Please prepare a
new button cell (model: CR2032) and replace the battery as soon as
possible. Please refer to section 4.2.3 to learn how to replace the button
cell.
If it is not at the pairing mode, but the LED is flashing quickly, it is
warning that there is a communication failure, and the remote control
will turn off in 5 minutes automatically.
If the throttle is not at zero position before switching on the remote
control, after switched on, the LED will flash slowly to indicate
dislocation of throttle. Return the throttle to zero position, and the LED
will resume normal.
If the remote control is switched on but without any operation for 30
minutes, it will switch off automatically.

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4.2.2 Controlling the Motor
If the throttle is not at zero position, the LED will flash slowly. Please
return the throttle to zero position rst then starting the motor, otherwise
you will fail to start the motor.
Operations Description LED
Speed
control
Slide the throttle forward to speed up and, slide
the throttle backward to slow down. (Figure 4-5) On
Stop
a. Normal condition:
Slide the throttle back to zero position, and the
motor will stop slowly.
On
b. In emergency:
Short press the remote's on/off button, and the
motor will stop immediately (throttle not at zero
position).
Flash
Restart after stop:
- In normal conditions, just slide the throttle forward to speed up.
- For emergency stop, rst reset the throttle to zero position then restart.
If the remote control falls overboard by accident, the system will stop
immediately to protect you.
If there is not any operation for 30 minutes after the motor is stopped,
the remote will switch off automatically.
speed
u
p
slow
d
ow
n
Figure 4-5

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4.2.3 Replacing Battery for Remote Control
VAQUITA Remote Control is powered by an in-built battery (model: CR2032).
If the remote beeps every 1s for 5 successive times before normally switched
on, it indicates the remote is running out of power.
Replace a new button cell by below steps:
Step1: Screw the battery cover counterclockwise (from ①to ② ) to unlock.
Step2: Replace a new button cell with the "+" side up.
Step3: Screw the cell cover clockwise to lock.
Button Cell
Cell Cover
1
2
Figure 4-6

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4.3 Pairing Remote Control with Battery
VAQUITA Remote Control and VAQUITA Battery in each package are well
paired prior to delivery, but if: ①the remote is a new one, or ②the battery
is a new one, communication will fail and users need to build wireless
communication between the remote control and the battery.
Follow below instructions to pair. We strongly recommend you to read
and understand all process before implementing pairing operation.
Preparation
Turn off the remote control and turn on the battery.
Entering Pairing Mode
Step 1 Put the Battery into Paring Mode
①Press the battery power button.
All battery LEDs simultaneously enter slow ash mode. This mode
lasts only a few seconds, during which execute ②, otherwise you
have to repeat ①.
②Press the battery power button again and hold for about 5s until all
LEDs ash quickly (which indicates the battery has entered pairing
mode successfully). Then release the button.
The battery's pairing mode only continues for a limited period of time,
so execute step 2 during this period, otherwise pairing fails.
Step 2 Put the Remote Control into Pairing Mode
①Hold the remote control close to the battery.
②Press and hold the remote's on/off button for 10s until it issues two
beeps (to indicate the remote control has entered pairing mode).
Release the button and you'll hear another beep to indicate pairing
succeeds.
Do not release the button within 10s, otherwise pairing fails.

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6. Transport and Storage
6.1 Transport
For long-distance transport, please apply the original package of VAQUITA
to pack the product prior to delivery.
Important notes before transport:
Check and ensure the package is intact without any damage.
Avoid violent vibration, strike or squeeze during transport. Get adequate
damping protection measures before transport.
Do not expose VAQUITA Battery to the sun or rain during transport.
Check applicable laws and regulations before transport.
6.2 Storage
If you are not going to use VAQUITA for a long time, it is advised to clean
and check it prior to storage. It is recommended to pack VAQUITA with its
original package for storage.
Important notes before storage:
Make sure that each part of the product is dry before storing it in the
package.
Get adequate damping protection before storage.
Store VAQUITA Battery in a clean, dry and well-ventilated area without
direct sun exposure.
Avoid contact with corrosive substance which may cause permanent
damage, weaken or destroy the plastic of VAQUITA.
Keep VAQUITA Battery away from any sources of re, sparks, open ame
or heat.
Fully charge VAQUITA Battery before use after long-time storage.

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7. Routine Maintenance
Various factors like operation environment (such as temperature,
humidity, dust, etc.), aging and wear of internal components, will affect the
performance of the product. Routine maintenance is very important for
keeping VAQUITA in its optimal operating state.
It’s suggested to take VAQUITA Motor out of the water after use.
Check the cable regularly for damage.
Charge VAQUITA Battery after each use.
Do not run VAQUITA Motor in the air or in shallow water.
Do not run VAQUITA Motor in water area with thick sediment.
Clean the exterior of VAQUITA Motor with fresh water after each use.
Clean the debris in the cave of the adapters after each use.
Do not drop VAQUITA Battery and avoid it from direct sun/rain exposure
for a long time.
Check the battery level on a regular basis.
Stop discharging VAQUITA Battery and charge it soon if the battery gets
low.
Before the rst time use or reuse after long-term storage, charge VAQUITA
Battery to its full capacity in order to achieve its best performance.
Only use VAQUITA Charger designed for VAQUITA Battery. Other
chargers may lead to shortened runtime, premature battery failure, or even
re or explosion.
Use the battery in moderate temperature to avoid negative effects of
extreme temperature posed on battery lifespan and useful cycles.
Once a fault occurs, deal with the problem in time to avoid any further
damage. If necessary, consult the ePropulsion authorized dealer for repair
or parts replacement.
Always follow the instructions in this user manual.