A large thanks to @John_Gardi on X for the tip on easy methods to again up and restore flight controllers utilizing STM32CubeProgrammer. This device reads the processor’s reminiscence, making a whole backup of the firmware and configurations in a single file, which you’ll later restore.
Disclaimer
I’ve solely briefly examined this technique. Whereas it appears to work properly, I counsel warning. I’m not accountable for any injury or configuration loss to your FC brought on by following these directions. All the time again up your flight controller utilizing typical strategies earlier than making an attempt 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 completely 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’ll be able to even swap between Betaflight and iNav firmware shortly.
This technique ought to work with any flight controller utilizing STM32 processors, however I’ve solely examined F405 to date. 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
Observe this information to place your flight controller in DFU mode: https://oscarliang.com/dfu-mode/
Shut Betaflight Configurator, however depart the FC linked to your pc (nonetheless in DFU mode).
Connecting STM32CubeProg
Run STM32CubeProgrammer.
Within the dropdown listing subsequent to ‘join’, choose “USB”, then click on ‘Join’.
Studying Flight Controller
After connecting, select ‘Learn all’. This reads your entire processor reminiscence which might then be saved.
Backing Up Knowledge
To save lots of the information, choose “Save As”.
It will save each the firmware and all of the settings in a single file. The dimensions 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” possibility (within the prime proper blue field) to put in writing the information to the flight controller. The method takes about 30 seconds.
