General

The SE-8 copter contains a Cube flight controller running ArduCopter. New firmware versions are periodically released by the ArduPilot Developers. In addition to the validation testing performed by the ArduPilot developers, BFD Systems carefully tests each ArduCopter firmware version for compatibility and stability before approving them for use on the SE-8.

Upgrade Process Overview

• Backup the parameters from the vehicle and send to BFD Systems

  • Parameters will be checked for any incompatibilities or changes required for the new firmware

  • We will send an updated parameter file and the new firmware file to upload

• Upload firmware using Mission Planner

• Write new parameter file to the vehicle

• Send log file from aircraft to BFD Systems

  • We will confirm that the parameters were successfully updated and that the controller is operating correctly with the update

• You will receive notification that aircraft was updated successfully and is cleared for flight

Backup Parameters from the Aircraft

1. Connect ground station computer to the aircraft hub using a USB cable

2. Launch “Mission Planner”

3. Select the COM port for the aircraft and click “Connect” in the top right corner

   1. Wait for the all of the parameters to download

4. Select the “Config/Tuning” Tab on the top menu

5. Select “Full Parameter List” from the left-side menu

6. Select “Save to File” from the right-side menu bar

7. Enter the date and an identifier for the aircraft into the file name and save the file to a safe location

8. Send the file to support@BFDSystems.com

   1. Wait for a response with an updated parameter file and a new firmware file

Upload Firmware Using Mission Planner

Connect ground station computer to the aircraft hub using a USB cable

1. Launch “Mission Planner”

2. Select the COM port for the aircraft

   1. Do NOT click “connect”

3. Select the “Initial Setup” from the top menu bar

4. Select “Install Firmware” from the left-side menu

5. Select “Load Custom Firmware” from the bottom right side of the firmware pane

6. Navigate to the desired firmware and click “Open”

7. Follow the on-screen instructions for flashing the firmware

Updating Parameters for the New Firmware

Connect ground station computer to the aircraft hub using a USB cable

1. Launch “Mission Planner”

2. Select the COM port for the aircraft and click “Connect” in the top right corner

   1. Wait for the all of the parameters to download

3. Select the “Config/Tuning” Tab on the top menu

4. Select “Full Parameter List” from the left-side menu

5. Select “Load from File” from the right-side menu bar

6. Navigate to the desired parameter file and click “Open”

   1. If a note appears, read the note to confirm that it is the desired parameter file then click “Ok” to dismiss

7. Click “Write Parameters” on the right-side of the window

   1. Click “Ok” to confirm writing parameters

   2. Click “Ok” to dismiss menu when files are successfully written

8. Unplug vehicle from computer and and disconnect batteries (if in use) to reboot vehicle

9. Follow steps 1-8 again using the same parameter file provided

   1. This will set any parameters for new subsystems that may have been enabled by the first time writing parameters

Acquire Dataflash Log File and Send to BFD Systems for Validation

1. Power on Aircraft R/C Controller

2. Disconnect all power sources from aircraft and connect ground station computer to the aircraft hub using a USB cable

3. Launch “Mission Planner”

4. Select the COM port for the aircraft and click “Connect” in the top right corner

   1. Wait for the all of the parameters to download

5. With the aircraft powered on wait five minutes for the flight controller to log a sufficient sample of data

6. Select the “Flight Data” Tab on the top menu

7. Select “DataFlash Logs” from the left-side pane tabs

8. Click “Download DataFlash Log Via Mavlink”

9. Scroll to the bottom of the list in the left-side pane of the popup window

10. Select the last log file with the highest number

11. Click “Download Selected Logs”

    1. Wait for the download to complete

12. Use window explorer to navigate to the downloaded file

    1. Go to the current user’s “Documents” folder

    2. Log files for the SE-8 will be stored in “Documents\Mission Planner\logs\OCTOROTOR\1”

    3. Select the latest “.bin” file

13. Send the file to support@BFDSystems.com

    1. We will verify your new parameters, ensure all of your sensors are working within specifications, and clear you for flight. If there are any issues we find, we will contact you to resolve them immediately.