It’s been virtually a yr 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 publish will contact on a few of the main upgrades in Betaflight 4.5 and display tips on how to flash it. With lots of of merge requests for Betaflight 4.5, most individuals wouldn’t have the persistence to sift by all of them. This overview offers you some concepts of what to anticipate.

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Tips on how to Replace to Betaflight 4.5

Betaflight 4.5 continues to be in beta, so use it at your individual danger!

Set up New Configurator

Obtain the newest Betaflight Configurator 10.10.0 right here: https://github.com/betaflight/betaflight-configurator/releases (older configurators won’t 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 unsuitable, you may at all times revert to your earlier state (i.e., flash the previous firmware then restore the preset).

Another 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 continues to be a launch candidate, observe these further steps:

1. Go to the firmware flasher tab.
2. Allow the “Present Launch Candidates” possibility, and choose “Launch and Launch Candidates”.
3. Auto-detect your flight controller goal or manually choose the right one.
4. Choose firmware model “4.5.0”.
5. Allow ‘Full Chip Erase’.
6. Proceed with the same old flashing course of detailed right here: https://oscarliang.com/flash-update-betaflight/.

When you encounter any points whereas flashing, confer with my FC driver troubleshooting https://oscarliang.com/fc-driver-issues-flash-firmware/

Configurations

The essential flight parameters in BF4.5 haven’t modified from 4.4; thus, earlier filters, PID settings, and different tuning values mustn’t require altering.

Importing a 4.4 CLI dump or preset backup may work usually. Nonetheless, it’s safer and advisable to configure BF4.5 from scratch. Customers of GPS Rescue, Angle, and Horizon modes ought to NOT use their previous values, as these modes have undergone important adjustments. For learners, I’ve a Betaflight setup information right here: https://oscarliang.com/betaflight-firmware-setup/.

Essential: 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-House). Whereas Betaflight 4.4’s GPS Rescue Mode was considerably practical 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 Help

In Betaflight 4.4, configuring M10 GPS modules was important for optimum efficiency, and it’s a tedious course of. Nonetheless, with BF4.5, such handbook configuration is not crucial. 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 steadily 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 satisfying and simpler, particularly for brand spanking new pilots.

Artery AT32 FC Help

Official assist has been launched for the AT32 flight controllers, a subject we mentioned again in Could final yr: https://oscarliang.com/at32-flight-controllers/

LED Strip Enhancements

LED Strip performance has been enhanced with new colour choice choices and lowered CPU load for complicated configurations. One other cool function is the automated setting of LED colour in response to 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 CLI, minimizes drone bounces throughout landings, even when airmode is on. That is notably useful 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 will be lowered to lower the general filter delay barely.

Racing Associated New Options

GPS Lap Timer: This function permits the usage of a GPS on racing quads to measure lap instances. It’s a precious device for apply, 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, geared toward making FPV drone racing fairer.

Betaflight on Wings

Whereas it’s not extensively recognized, Betaflight can really be used on fixed-wings. Enhancements in Betaflight 4.5 improve the dealing with of wings, particularly throughout landings. Nonetheless, Betaflight stays a fundamental firmware for wings, and for these severe about wings, iNav or Ardupilot may 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, accessible provided that constructed into the flashed firmware. These choices are non-obligatory, catering to a distinct segment person base or nonetheless beneath improvement. They might ultimately merge into the grasp code, however at present, they continue to be as customized construct choices.

Different Enhancements

Many different facets have been enhanced in Betaflight 4.5, which could not be instantly obvious to common customers. For a complete listing of latest options, you may go to: https://betaflight.com/docs/wiki/launch/Betaflight-4-5-Launch-Notes

If there are any new options or enhancements which might be important to you however haven’t been talked about, please share them within the feedback.

Ultimate 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 might not introduce drastic adjustments in flight efficiency, the GPS and utility enhancements are notably thrilling. The main focus on this model appears to be extra on refinement than a revolution, but it marks a major step ahead. Because the firmware continues to evolve, I’m excited to see how these developments will improve our flying experiences.