The right way to Flash AM32 on BLHeli-32 ESC: Step-by-Step Information (Bootloader and Firmware)


In case your ESC already comes with AM32, you’ll be able to configure or flash it utilizing one of many AM32 configuration instruments out there. Nonetheless, in case your ESC has BLHeli_32, changing it to AM32 is a little more complicated. This step-by-step tutorial will information you thru the method.

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For extra details about ESCs, take a look at this purchaser’s information: https://oscarliang.com/esc/

Disclaimer: Official directions can be found on the AM32 homepage: https://am32.ca/. This tutorial demonstrates how I personally flash my ESC. Observe these directions at your individual danger; I’m not chargeable for any damages. I like to recommend familiarizing with the method on a spare ESC that you just don’t want, so if something goes mistaken you gained’t be grounded.

Why Flash AM32?

A few the explanation why you would possibly wish to change from BLHeli32 to AM32:

Nonetheless, in case you discover it too tough to flash AM32, it’s completely wonderful to remain on BLHeli32 and preserve flying for my part. There’s is de facto nothing mistaken to maintain flying BLHeli32, except there’s a bug or new options you wish to have by upgrading to AM32.

Or simply purchase ESC with AM32 pre-installed to keep away from all of the technicalities:

Course of Abstract

Listed below are the easy steps to flash AM32 onto a BLHeli_32 ESC:

  • Join ESC to STLink V2 Programmer
  • Take away write safety and erase the chip
  • Set up AM32 Bootloader on the ESC
  • Flash AM32 Firmware

Is Your ESC AM32 Suitable?

In the mean time, not each BLHeli_32 ESC is suitable with AM32. Earlier than continuing, test in case your ESC is suitable: https://github.com/AlkaMotors/AM32-MultiRotor-ESC-firmware/wiki/Record-of-Supported-{Hardware}

What You Want

ST-Hyperlink V2 Programmer, buy right here (underneath $10):

Stm32 St Link V2 Program Usb Tool Pinout 3.3v 5v Dio Clk

STM32 ST-Hyperlink Utility: https://www.st.com/en/development-tools/stsw-link004.html

This software program is required for disabling write safety on the BLHeli_32 ESC, permitting you to put in the AM32 bootloader. Alternatively, you should utilize STM32CubeProgrammer, which can require account registration to obtain.

Stm32 St Link Utility User Interface Home Screen

Multi_ESC Config Instrument: https://github.com/am32-firmware/AM32?tab=readme-ov-file#firmware-release–configuration-tool

This device is used to flash AM32 firmware and configure the ESC utilizing Betaflight passthrough, just like BLHeli32Suite.

Am32 Configuration Multi Esc Config Tool Flash Firmware

Obtain AM32 Bootloader file right here: https://github.com/AlkaMotors/AM32_Bootloader_F051/tree/predominant/Bootloaders

To find out which bootloader file is correct your ESC, check with the supported {hardware} checklist: https://github.com/AlkaMotors/AM32-MultiRotor-ESC-firmware/wiki/Record-of-Supported-{Hardware}

Instance: For the Tekko32 4in1 ESC with the STM32 F051 processor, it’s listed underneath the goal title FD6288, with the bootloader labeled PA2.

Am32 Esc Target Name Bootloader Firmware Compatiblity List Github Processor

Click on on the required bootloader file, then choose “View uncooked” to obtain it.

Am32 Bootloader Files Github Download

Obtain AM32 Firmware file right here: https://github.com/am32-firmware/AM32/releases

Make sure you get the right firmware file in your ESC based mostly on the goal title and processor kind. Incorrect firmware, the ESC merely gained’t work (e.g., no response and makes three quick beeps repeatedly when powered on). For those who flashed the mistaken firmware, you’ll be able to nonetheless flash the right one which ought to resolve these points, no less than that’s my expertise.

Discover the firmware file by goal title and processor, then click on the hyperlink to obtain.

Am32 Firmware Files Github Download

After getting downloaded the 2 vital information, you might be prepared to start the flashing course of.

Am32 Bootloader Firmware Files Tekko32 F051 Esc

The right way to Flash AM32 Bootloader

Connecting STLink Programmer to ESC

ESC Facet ST-Hyperlink Instrument
SWC SWCLK
SWD SWDIO
GND GND

It’s essential discover the tiny SWC and SWD pads for every ESC. Typically they’re labelled which is straightforward to identify.

Esc Stm32 F051 Processor Swd Swc Pinout Pads Flash Bootlader Blheli32 Am32 Tekko32

The areas of those pads are related throughout completely different ESCs, and you may inform them aside by following the traces.

Esc Stm32 F051 Processor Swd Swc Pinout Pads Flash Bootlader Blheli32 Am32

Stm32 St Link V2 Program Usb Tool Pinout 3.3v 5v Dio Clk

You additionally want to attach the bottom (GND). You should use any GND on the ESC, together with the XT60 GND.

Earlier than connecting the STLink V2 device to the ESC, make sure the ESC is powered by a LiPo battery or bench energy provide through the XT60 connector.

Flash Blheli32 Esc Am32 Firmware Bootloader St Link V2 Programmer Wiring Connection

Within the ST-Hyperlink Utility, click on on “Goal” within the prime menu, then “Settings,” and alter Mode to “Scorching Plug.” Depart the remainder at default.

Stm32 St Link Utility Settings Hot Plug Am32

Eradicating Write Safety and Erasing the Chip

Disclaimer: When you erase the chip, you can’t flash BLHeli32 again onto the ESC.

Click on on “Goal” within the prime menu, then choose “Choice Bytes.”

Flash Immersionrc Irc Ghost Rx Receiver Expresslrs Stm32 Stlink Utility Target Option Bytes

Change “Learn Out Safety” to Degree 0, and click on on “Unselect all” underneath Flash sectors safety. Click on “Apply.”

Stm32 St Link Utility Remove Read Write Protection Level 0 Unselect

You need to see “Choice Bytes Up to date Efficiently” within the console, indicating write protections have been eliminated.

Now, go to “Goal,” then “Erase Chip” to erase BLHeli32 on the ESC. For those who encounter an error, strive “Erase Sectors” and choose all as a workaround.

Stm32 St Link Utility Erase Chip Sector

Putting in AM32 Bootloader

Underneath “Goal”, click on on “Program”.

Stm32 St Link Utility Program Binary File Menu

For F051 processors, make sure the Begin handle is 0x08000000. Choose the bootloader file and test “Skip Flash Erase.”

Click on “Begin” to flash.

Stm32 St Link Utility Program Binary Fil3 Am32 Bootloader Skip Flash Erase

Eradicating SWC/SWD Wires

As soon as the bootloader is flashed, safely disconnect the ST-Hyperlink V2 device and desolder the SWC, SWD, and GND wires from the ESC.

Flashing AM32

As soon as your ESC has the AM32 bootloader, it is going to be acknowledged by AM32 Configuration Instruments, together with the Multi_ESC config device. There, you’ll be able to flash the AM32 firmware and cargo the default settings through Betaflight passthrough.

Join the ESC to your Betaflight flight controller and energy the ESC.

Flash Esc Am32 Firmware Flight Controller Betaflight Passthrough

In Multi ESC Config Instrument, choose the COM port of your FC and click on “Join”.

Go to the “Flash” tab and click on on one of many ESCs you wish to flash (M1, M2, M3, or M4). It ought to say “Related – No EEprom”.

Load the firmware we downloaded earlier, then click on “Flash Firmware”.

Am32 Configuration Multi Esc Config Tool Flash Firmware Send Default Settings

As soon as accomplished, click on on “Ship Default Settings” to put in writing the EEPROM.

Now repeat this for the opposite 3 ESC on the board, and it is best to now have a useful AM32 4in1 ESC!

Testing ESC

You possibly can take a look at the ESC by soldering a motor to it and making an attempt to spin it within the Betaflight Motor tab. If all went properly, the ESC ought to work usually.

Configuring AM32

There are a number of instruments you should utilize to configure AM32 ESC, together with

  • Multi ESC Config Instrument (standalone device)
  • am32.ca (AM32 on-line device – Chrome based mostly)
  • esc-configurator.com (Bluejay on-line device – Chrome based mostly)

For freestyle FPV drones, the AM32 builders suggest:

  • Activate Variable PWM frequency
  • Set Motor KV and Motor poles to match the motor
  • Depart the remainder of the settings at default

I’ll present a extra detailed submit on the completely different settings after additional testing.

Conclusion

I hope you discover this tutorial helpful. Let me know when you have any questions. Blissful flying!

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