It’s been virtually a 12 months for the reason that launch of Betaflight 4.4, and now, with Betaflight 4.5 lastly in Launch Candidate 1 (RC1), we’re thrilling concerning the new options and enhancements it affords. This put up will contact on a number of the main upgrades in Betaflight 4.5 and show how one can flash it. With a whole bunch of merge requests for Betaflight 4.5, most individuals wouldn’t have the persistence to sift by means of all of them. This overview offers you some concepts of what to anticipate.
The best way to Replace to Betaflight 4.5
Betaflight 4.5 remains to be in beta, so use it at your personal threat!
Set up New Configurator
Obtain the newest Betaflight Configurator 10.10.0 right here: https://github.com/betaflight/betaflight-configurator/releases (older configurators is not going to work correctly with BF4.5).
- For Home windows, obtain: betaflight-configurator_10.10.0_win64-installer.exe
- For MacOS, obtain: betaflight-configurator_10.10.0_macOS.dmg
Backup Settings
Again up your flight controller utilizing the Presets tab earlier than updating to Betaflight 4.5. If something goes mistaken, you’ll be able to all the time revert to your earlier state (i.e., flash the outdated firmware then restore the preset).
An alternate backup technique is utilizing STM32CubeProg, which backs up your firmware in addition to config in a single file: https://oscarliang.com/backup-fc-stm32cubeprogrammer/
Flashing BF4.5
As a result of BF4.5 remains to be a launch candidate, comply with these further steps:
- Go to the firmware flasher tab.
- Allow the “Present Launch Candidates” possibility, and choose “Launch and Launch Candidates”.
- Auto-detect your flight controller goal or manually choose the proper one.
- Choose firmware model “4.5.0”.
- Allow ‘Full Chip Erase’.
- Proceed with the same old flashing course of detailed right here: https://oscarliang.com/flash-update-betaflight/.
For those who encounter any points whereas flashing, confer with my FC driver troubleshooting https://oscarliang.com/fc-driver-issues-flash-firmware/
Configurations
The fundamental flight parameters in BF4.5 haven’t modified from 4.4; thus, earlier filters, PID settings, and different tuning values shouldn’t require altering.
Importing a 4.4 CLI dump or preset backup may work usually. Nevertheless, it’s safer and advisable to configure BF4.5 from scratch. Customers of GPS Rescue, Angle, and Horizon modes ought to NOT use their outdated values, as these modes have undergone vital adjustments. For newcomers, I’ve a Betaflight setup information right here: https://oscarliang.com/betaflight-firmware-setup/.
Necessary: DO NOT use 4.3 or earlier CLI dumps or Presets in 4.5!
New Options in Betaflight 4.5
GPS Rescue Enhancements
Betaflight 4.5 focuses considerably on GPS functionalities, introducing spectacular enhancements within the GPS Rescue Mode (a function simliar to Return-To-Dwelling). Whereas Betaflight 4.4’s GPS Rescue Mode was considerably useful and able to touchdown independently, it tended to be a bit wobbly, as demonstrated in my movies. The brand new launch makes the entire course of significantly smoother.
M10 GPS Assist
In Betaflight 4.4, configuring M10 GPS modules was important for optimum efficiency, and it’s a tedious course of. Nevertheless, with BF4.5, such handbook configuration is now not vital. The flight controller in 4.5 will detect the GPS class (e.g., M10 and M8) and apply the required configuration robotically.
Angle and Horizon Modes Updates
Each Angle and Horizon modes have been overhauled to boost responsiveness. For FPV pilots who regularly use Angle or Horizon mode, this replace is ready to noticeably enhance the flying expertise. The brand new “Earth referencing” possibility, which is enabled by default, robotically provides some roll inputs whereas turning utilizing yaw. This function retains the flip feeling extra “coordinated,” thus making management extra pleasing and simpler, particularly for brand spanking new pilots.
Artery AT32 FC Assist
Official assist has been launched for the AT32 flight controllers, a subject we mentioned again in Could final 12 months: https://oscarliang.com/at32-flight-controllers/
LED Strip Enhancements
LED Strip performance has been enhanced with new colour choice choices and decreased CPU load for advanced configurations. One other cool function is the automated setting of LED colour in keeping with the person’s VTx channel, simplifying the method of assigning a singular colour to all LEDs on a quad in races.
Softer Touchdown
The brand new EzLanding function, activated by means of CLI, minimizes drone bounces throughout landings, even when airmode is on. That is significantly helpful for heavy lifters.
Adjustable RPM Filter Power
The brand new “Dimmable RPM Harmonics” function permits customers to regulate the energy of particular person RPM filters. If one of many three RPM filters is much less wanted, its energy may be decreased to lower the general filter delay barely.
Racing Associated New Options
GPS Lap Timer: This function permits using a GPS on racing quads to measure lap instances. It’s a worthwhile instrument for observe, although it could not match the precision of devoted race timing gear.
RPM Limiter: It limits the utmost common RPM to a user-specified worth, aimed toward making FPV drone racing fairer.
Betaflight on Wings
Whereas it’s not extensively identified, Betaflight can truly be used on fixed-wings. Enhancements in Betaflight 4.5 improve the dealing with of wings, particularly throughout landings. Nevertheless, Betaflight stays a fundamental firmware for wings, and for these critical about wings, iNav or Ardupilot is likely to be higher choices.
Higher Cloud Construct and Customized Construct Choices
The cloud construct system in Betaflight 4.5, whereas sustaining an identical person interface to the earlier model, boasts quite a few enhancements – it’s less complicated, extra dependable, and extra polished.
The brand new Customized Construct Choices are further code blocks for the Cloud Construct System, obtainable provided that constructed into the flashed firmware. These choices are non-compulsory, catering to a distinct segment person base or nonetheless below growth. They could finally merge into the grasp code, however at the moment, they continue to be as customized construct choices.
Different Enhancements
Many different features have been enhanced in Betaflight 4.5, which could not be instantly obvious to common customers. For a complete checklist of latest options, you’ll be able to go to: https://betaflight.com/docs/wiki/launch/Betaflight-4-5-Launch-Notes
If there are any new options or enhancements which might be vital to you however haven’t been talked about, please share them within the feedback.
Remaining Ideas
Betaflight 4.5 affords one thing for each kind of pilot, whether or not you’re into racing, long-range flying, or freestyle. Whereas this replace could not introduce drastic adjustments in flight efficiency, the GPS and utility enhancements are significantly thrilling. The main focus on this model appears to be extra on refinement than a revolution, but it marks a big step ahead. Because the firmware continues to evolve, I’m excited to see how these developments will improve our flying experiences.