In case your ESC already comes with AM32, you possibly can configure or flash it utilizing one of many AM32 configuration instruments accessible. Nevertheless, 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.
For extra details about ESCs, try 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 threat; I’m not liable 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 reason why you may need to change from BLHeli32 to AM32:
Nevertheless, in the event you discover it too troublesome to flash AM32, it’s completely high quality to remain on BLHeli32 and maintain flying in my view. There’s is de facto nothing mistaken with BLHeli32, except there’s a bug or new options you need 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 here are the straightforward 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?
For the time being, 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/Checklist-of-Supported-{Hardware}
What You Want
ST-Hyperlink V2 Programmer, buy right here (underneath $10):
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 use STM32CubeProgrammer, which can require account registration to obtain.
Multi_ESC Config Device: https://github.com/am32-firmware/AM32?tab=readme-ov-file#firmware-release–configuration-tool
This software is used to flash AM32 firmware and configure the ESC utilizing Betaflight passthrough, much like BLHeli32Suite.
Obtain AM32 Bootloader file right here: https://github.com/AlkaMotors/AM32_Bootloader_F051/tree/primary/Bootloaders
To find out which bootloader file is correct your ESC, seek advice from the supported {hardware} checklist: https://github.com/AlkaMotors/AM32-MultiRotor-ESC-firmware/wiki/Checklist-of-Supported-{Hardware}
Instance: For the Tekko32 4in1 ESC with the STM32 F051 processor, it’s listed underneath the goal identify FD6288, with the bootloader labeled PA2.
Click on on the required bootloader file, then choose “View uncooked” to obtain it.
Obtain AM32 Firmware file right here: https://github.com/am32-firmware/AM32/releases
Make sure you get the right firmware file to your ESC primarily based on the goal identify and processor sort. Incorrect firmware, the ESC merely gained’t work (e.g., no response and makes three brief beeps repeatedly when powered on). In the event you flashed the mistaken firmware, you possibly can nonetheless flash the right one which ought to resolve these points, at the least that’s my expertise.
Discover the firmware file by goal identify and processor, then click on the hyperlink to obtain.
After you have downloaded the 2 crucial information, you might be prepared to start the flashing course of.
Easy methods to Flash AM32 Bootloader
Connecting STLink Programmer to ESC
| ESC Aspect | ST-Hyperlink Device |
| SWC | SWCLK |
| SWD | SWDIO |
| GND | GND |
It’s essential to discover the tiny SWC and SWD pads for every ESC. Typically they’re labelled which is simple to identify.
The places of those pads are comparable throughout completely different ESCs, and you’ll inform them aside by following the traces.
You additionally want to attach the bottom (GND). You should utilize any GND on the ESC, together with the XT60 GND.
Earlier than connecting the STLink V2 software to the ESC, make sure the ESC is powered by a LiPo battery or bench energy provide by way of the XT60 connector.
Within the ST-Hyperlink Utility, click on on “Goal” within the prime menu, then “Settings,” and alter Mode to “Sizzling Plug.” Depart the remainder at default.
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.”
Change “Learn Out Safety” to Degree 0, and click on on “Unselect all” underneath Flash sectors safety. Click on “Apply.”
It is best 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. In the event you encounter an error, attempt “Erase Sectors” and choose all as a workaround.
Putting in AM32 Bootloader
Underneath “Goal”, click on on “Program”.
For F051 processors, make sure the Begin handle is 0x08000000. Choose the bootloader file and test “Skip Flash Erase.”
Click on “Begin” to flash.
Eradicating SWC/SWD Wires
As soon as the bootloader is flashed, safely disconnect the ST-Hyperlink V2 software and desolder the SWC, SWD, and GND wires from the ESC.
Flashing AM32
As soon as your ESC has the AM32 bootloader, will probably be acknowledged by AM32 Configuration Instruments, together with the Multi_ESC config software. There, you possibly can flash the AM32 firmware and cargo the default settings by way of Betaflight passthrough.
Join the ESC to your Betaflight flight controller and energy the ESC.
In Multi ESC Config Device, 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 need 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”.
As soon as completed, click on on “Ship Default Settings” to write down the EEPROM.
Now repeat this for the opposite 3 ESC on the board, and it is best to now have a practical AM32 4in1 ESC!
Testing ESC
You’ll be able to check the ESC by soldering a motor to it and making an attempt to spin it within the Betaflight Motor tab. If all went nicely, the ESC ought to work usually.
Configuring AM32
There are a number of instruments you should use to configure AM32 ESC, together with
- Multi ESC Config Device (standalone software)
- am32.ca (AM32 on-line software – Chrome primarily based)
- esc-configurator.com (Bluejay on-line software – Chrome primarily based)
For freestyle FPV drones, the AM32 builders advocate:
- 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 publish on the completely different settings after additional testing.
Conclusion
I hope you discover this tutorial helpful. Let me know when you have any questions. Joyful flying!