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

An enormous thanks to @John_Gardi on X for the tip on learn how to 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 be able to later restore.

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Disclaimer

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

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

Why It Issues?

In my restricted testing, I efficiently switched between two totally different Betaflight variations, retaining all personalized settings. The backup and restore course of took solely about 30 seconds, making it an efficient and environment friendly technique.

You may even change between Betaflight and iNav firmware rapidly.

This technique ought to work with any flight controller utilizing STM32 processors, however I’ve solely examined F405 to this point. It ought to work on each Betaflight and iNav flight controllers.

Obtain

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

Enter DFU Mode

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

Shut Betaflight Configurator, however depart the FC related to your laptop (nonetheless in DFU mode).

Connecting STM32CubeProg

Run STM32CubeProgrammer.

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

Studying Flight Controller

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

Backing Up Knowledge

To avoid wasting the information, choose “Save As”.

This can save each the firmware and all of the settings in a single file. The scale 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 prime proper blue field) to write down the information to the flight controller. The method takes about 30 seconds.