The best way to Backup Flight Controller Utilizing STM32CubeProgrammer (Saving Firmware and Config)

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An enormous thanks to @John_Gardi for exhibiting me how you can again up and restore flight controllers utilizing STM32CubeProgrammer. This instrument reads the processor’s reminiscence, making an entire backup of the firmware and configurations in a single file, which you’ll later restore.

Disclaimer

I’ve solely briefly examined this methodology. Whereas it appears to work effectively, I counsel warning. I’m not chargeable for any harm or configuration loss to your FC attributable to following these directions. All the time again up your flight controller utilizing typical strategies earlier than making an attempt this one.

For a secure backup/restore methodology, see this information: https://oscarliang.com/backup-restore-betaflight-config/

Why It Issues?

This methodology creates a backup of the firmware and configurations in a single file. This makes backing up and restoring simple.

In my restricted testing, I efficiently switched between two completely different Betaflight variations, retaining all custom-made settings. I additionally tried switching between Betaflight and iNav in just some clicks. The method took solely about 30 seconds, making it an efficient and environment friendly solution to backup and restore.

This methodology ought to work with any Betaflight/iNav flight controller utilizing STM32 processors, however I’ve solely examined F405 thus far.

Obtain

Get STM32CubeProg right here: https://www.st.com/en/development-tools/stm32cubeprog.html

Enter DFU Mode

Observe this information to place your flight controller in DFU mode: https://oscarliang.com/dfu-mode/

Shut Betaflight Configurator, however go away the FC linked to your laptop (nonetheless in DFU mode).

Connecting STM32CubeProg

Run STM32CubeProgrammer.

Within the dropdown checklist subsequent to ‘join’, choose “USB”, then click on ‘Join’.

Studying Flight Controller

After connecting, select ‘Learn all’. This reads all the processor reminiscence which might then be saved.

Backing Up Knowledge

To save lots of the info, choose “Save As”.

It will save each the firmware and all of the settings in a single file. The dimensions of the saved file ought to match the processor reminiscence – both 512KB or 1MB relying on the kind of FC processor. Be taught extra about FC processor right here: https://oscarliang.com/f1-f3-f4-flight-controller/

Restoring Knowledge

To revive a flight controller, click on “Open file” to open the saved file.

Then click on “Obtain” choice (within the high proper blue field) to jot down the info to the flight controller. The method takes about 30 seconds.