Entering the intricate domain of Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) firmware and protocols poses a formidable challenge for enthusiasts of FPV drones. This manual endeavors to present a distinct perspective, demystify technical intricacies, and illuminate common hurdles encountered by those new to the field.
Harmonizing the Symphony of Firmware Progress:
Imbued within each ESC lies its firmware, acting as the conductor breathing life into these components. It orchestrates the myriad of customizable settings, compatible protocols, and the configuration interface, with every ESC firmware meticulously tailored to synchronize with specific hardware.
Consider the following repertoire of ESC firmware widely embraced in the electronic speed control drone domain:
SimonK (2011)
BLHeli (2013)
KISS (2014)
BLHeli_S (2016)
BLHeli_32 (2017)
AM32 (2020)
Bluejay (2022)
In the infancy of FPV drones, SimonK and BLHeli took the spotlight as preferred open-source firmware. By 2015, BLHeli emerged as the industry benchmark, acclaimed for its extensive hardware compatibility, feature-rich design, user-friendly interface, and a constant stream of updates. Features like Active Braking significantly heightened drone responsiveness.
In 2016, BLHeli_S entered the stage as an upgrade, extending support to newer BusyBee processors and introducing innovations like the DShot protocol. In 2017, BLHeli_32, the 3rd generation, optimized 32-bit processors, unlocking features such as ESC Telemetry and customizable startup tones.
ESC firmware usually comes pre-installed, typically either BLHeli_S or BLHeli_32, contingent on the ESC's hardware. For BLHeli_S ESCs, consider delving into the realms of Bluejay firmware, unlocking features reminiscent of BLHeli_32. Alternatives like JESC and BLHeli_M have gracefully faded into obsolescence.
In 2020, AM32 made its debut as an open-source firmware, potentially positioning itself as an alternative to BLHeli_32, with select latest ESCs shipping with AM32.
The Ballet of ESC Protocols:
ESC protocols function as the poetic language facilitating communication between the flight controller and the drone esc 4in1, orchestrating the dance of motor spin speed. Operating on Betaflight firmware presents an array of protocols, each boasting distinctive signal timings:
Standard PWM (1000us – 2000us)
Oneshot125 (125us – 250us)
Oneshot 42 (42us – 84us)
Multishot (5us – 25us)
And now, the crescendo of DShot:
Dshot150 (106.8us)
Dshot300 (53.4us)
Dshot600 (26.7us)
DShot1200 (13.4us)
ProShot
In 2014, standard PWM stood alone as the exclusive ESC protocol. However, the march of progress ushered in swifter alternatives like Oneshot and Multishot, boasting reduced latency. The advent of DShot, the latest digital ESC protocol, marked an epoch of heightened reliability and performance. DShot transcends traditional protocols by enabling the transmission of specific commands to ESCs. The bidirectional facet of DShot facilitates two-way communication, unlocking advanced features.
DShot speeds encompass a spectrum from DShot150 to DShot2400, with higher numerical values signifying accelerated speeds. However, Betaflight advocates aligning the DShot speed with the PID loop frequency to avert data corruption and excessive CPU load.
In Conclusion, a Symphony of ESC Progress:
The evolution of ESC firmware and protocols mirrors the dynamic essence of the FPV drone hobby, presenting enthusiasts with a diverse palette of options for performance augmentation and customization.
A Serendipitous Suggestion:
For those seeking recommendations in the realm of ESC and FC, consider embarking on an exploration of the realms of MEPS ESC and MEPS F7 HD. Their journey promises to be an expedition well worth undertaking in the captivating world of FPV drones.