BL V3 Update

http://gallery.mikrokopter.de/main.php/v/tech/Versionskennung.jpg.html

/!\ Note: since April 2014, the boards have a version marking

Video

(Thanks to Thiago)

Connection

{i} if you have a redundant FC connected to the BLs, you must disconnect the FC during update. They use the same serial interface for communication and the data would be mixed up.

For the update, three lines must be connected between the MKUSB and the BL-Board

  • RXD (Pin 1)
  • TXD (Pin 9)
  • GND (Pin 7 or at other GND-connection on the BL-Board)

/!\ please look onto your board, where it has the 1 marking on the pin-connections

There are different possibilities to make the connections

Solution 1

http://gallery.mikrokopter.de/main.php/v/tech/Update_Bl_V3_MKUSB.jpg.html

http://gallery.mikrokopter.de/main.php/v/tech/Update_Bl_V3.jpg.html

  • Here the GND-Pin connection is done by a simple cable
  • RXD and TXD are just held onto the board (update takes only 5-10 seconds)
  • GND can be connected to any GND-Connection on the BL-Board - it doesn't have to be the GND of that specific BL that you want to update

Solution 2

http://gallery.mikrokopter.de/main.php/v/tech/BL3_UpdateConnector2.jpg.html

Here the Pins are just bended.

Solution 3

http://gallery.mikrokopter.de/main.php/v/tech/BL3_UpdateConnector3.jpg.html

Here two pin-connectors are put in series. That creates a very convenient connector.

Update

The Koptertool is used. The procedure is similar to the FC-Update

  • Power the BL-Ctrol by a DC power supply. That is better than using a Lipo, because in case of a shortcut, it might not damage the board.
  • Press 'Update'
  • Select the file
  • Repeat the procedure for all BL-Ctrls

http://gallery.mikrokopter.de/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=151683&g2_serialNumber=1

  • After the update, the BLs will show their current version and address

Update failed?

In case that the update failed (i.e. because of a bad contact), the program in the controller might be erased. Both LEDs are continously on.

Don't worry: the bootloader can't be deleted and the firmware can still be installed.

The Bootloader runs after power up for 0,5sec

reinstall the firmware

  • Start the Update-attempt by the KopterTool

  • Power up the BL-Board when the PC says "Trying to connect..."
  • The Bootloader starts after re-powering and can start the update process


Versions

Since Firmware FC 2.06e, the version numbers are listed:

https://gallery.mikrokopter.de/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=153743&g2_serialNumber=1

In case that there are different versions of BL-Firmware installed, the KopterTool (since V2.06e) shows the lowest version in the List:

https://gallery.mikrokopter.de/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=153741&g2_serialNumber=1

  • /!\ we strongly recommend to update if the version Number is 1.00 or, 1.02 (red version number)!

  • {i} Instruction to update the BL V3 here: Update

Firmware

Here you can find the latest versions for the BL-Ctrl V3:

http://mikrocontroller.com/files/BL_V3

Version V1.10

Seit 23rd Sept 2014

  • the motors are running even smoother at constant setpoint

Version V1.08

since 18th July 2014

  • Redundance: Timout for reporting "No Redundance" reduced from 100 sek to 5 sek
  • Default-Timing is 24° again
  • Bugfix: There were still some commutation problems with some motors at high currents -> for example U5 (T-Motors) or KDE 4012/4014

  • Note: If the BL is powered by the 5V of a MKUSB, the serial interface for debug Data is deactivated after selftest (blinking 6 times) - that is fixed in 1.08c

Version V1.06

since 30th June 2014

  • Redundance operation: some small bugfixes in communication
  • some small changes in I2C-Data (not important for normal MK operation)
  • Small cahnge in selftest procedure
  • "ERR:Motor restart" at high current peaks the message "ERR:Motor Restart" could occure instead of "BL-Limitation"

  • some motors lost commutation when driving at high currents
    • then comes the message "BL-Limitation" or "ERR:Motor Restart"

    • Timing 28° was improved for the case of commutation loss
  • Since V1.06e -> default timing is now 28° (in V1.06d it was 24°)

  • Note: If the BL is powered by the 5V of a MKUSB, the serial interface for debug Data is deactivated after selftest (blinking 6 times) - that is fixed in 1.08c

Version V1.04c

since 07th May 2014

Download: V1.04c

http://gallery.mikrokopter.de/main.php/v/tech/Versionskennung.jpg.html

  • better protection against high current peaks during operation
  • Safer behavior while operation without propellers
  • Integrated watchdog that restarts the BL controllers in case of a failure
  • Various bug fixes

{i} this version is stable -> update is only nessecary if you have problems

Version V1.02d

Since 17th March 2014

  • Improved motor-start by a self-learning start phase
  • internal speed limitation
  • increased commutating speed (Max RPM is 200.000 devided by the number of magnets -> 16.666 RPM if you have 12magnets)

  • Prepared for redundant FC-Operation
  • /!\ we strongly recommend to update to version 1.04c or higher

Version V1.00f

Since 1st Jan. 2014

  • First Version
  • /!\ we strongly recommend to update to version 1.04c or higher