Atmel BLHeli Programming adapters

- 1 - v1.1

Programming adapters for BLHeli

This document describes the various adapters that can be used together with the
BLHeliSuite PC based software for flashing and programming parameters of
BLHeli ESCs.

BLHeli ESCs can be divided into two different hardware platforms, depending
upon whether they use a SiLabs MCU or an Atmel MCU.
The programming adapter options for the two are partly different.

Both SiLabs and Atmel ESCs support bootloader. A bootloader is a small piece of
code in the ESC, that can be used to update firmware and change parameters via
the signal input wire.

All versions of the Atmel firmware support bootloader, but a bootloader is not
installed in all ESCs. There are two versions of bootloader for Atmel ESCs, a
SimonK version and a BLHeli version. They have different requirements for
programming adapter.

SiLabs firmware versions from rev13.2 and onwards support bootloader, and the
bootloader is an integral part of the code, meaning that all ESCs have it. For
rev13.1 and below none have it. SiLabs ESCs only support the BLHeli bootloader.

Unfortunately there are also other hardware differences among ESCs. Often SiLabs
ESCs have a resistor on the signal input, and due to this resistor some
programming sticks can not be used. Also, some Atmel ESCs have a transistor
based inverter on the input, and a bootloader can not be used with these ESCs.

This document describes some of the more common methods and adapters, but is
not an exhaustive list on connection options.

A special note on the 4-way interface (4w-if). This is a code for the Arduino and
various programming boxes that is very versatile.

Once the box or Arduino is programmed for 4-way interface it can be used for:

- SiLabs initial flash over C2 interface

- SiLabs BLHeli bootloader interface

- Atmel BLHeli bootloader interface

- Atmel Simonk bootloader interface

The standalone Boxes as 4-way interface will be described later in a additional
manual.

- 2 - v1.1

Then a final notice on using a current limited power supply when flashing and
programming ESCs. Sometimes things go wrong when flashing, and that can lead
to a toasted ESC, unless a current limited supply is used.
Current limiting can be done in several ways:

- A current limited power supply

- A weak battery

- A resistor in series with the battery

- A light bulb in series with the battery

- A fuse in series with the battery

- etc...

- 3 - v1.1

Programming adapters for initial flash of

SiLabs MCUs

Initial flash of SiLabs ESCs are done over a "C2" interface, which requires 3 wires.
They are marked with black, red and white circles in this document, and also in
the " BLHeli supported SiLabs ESCs" document.
They can usually be easily soldered manually.

A note on the wires: Black is always ground. And a caution: Red is not V+.

- 4 - v1.1

Arduinos as 4w-if (in SiLabs C2 mode):

This picture shows an Arduino Nano. Many more Arduinos are supported.
See "BLHeliSuite 4w-if interfaces pinout" for more details. Also see this document
for options on programming many ESCs in parallel.

First the Arduino must be loaded with the appropriate code. Plug in the USB cable,
select the appropriate COM port in BLHeliSuite and program the Arduino:

Note that COM7 shown here is just an example. The actual COM port assigned will vary.

The appropriate baud rate will change by selection of the Arduino board and is determined by
the installed Arduino bootloader. In the shown case 57600 baud is set for the Nano board.

- 5 - v1.1

For the Arduino Nano using the pins circled in the above picture, use this file:

When the Arduino is programmed, select this mode in BLHeliSuite to
communicate with the ESC:

- 6 - v1.1

Then select the COM port that is assigned to the Arduino:

Note that COM7 shown here is just an example. The actual COM port assigned will vary.

Power up the ESC (connect a battery) and click Connect.

- 7 - v1.1

SiLabs Toolstick:

The green circle in the above image indicates where two pins on the connector
shall be shorted.

Select this mode in BLHeliSuite to communicate with the ESC:

Then select the Toolstick you want to use:

Note that the number shown here is just an example. The Toolstick number will vary.

Power up the ESC (connect a battery) and click Connect.

- 8 - v1.1

USB Flashing stick:

This stick is sold under a variety of names from many sources.

Select this mode in BLHeliSuite to communicate with the ESC:

Then select the Toolstick you want to use:

Note that the number shown may vary.

Power up the ESC (connect a battery) and click Connect.

- 9 - v1.1

BLHeli Skywalker stick:

Does the same Job as SiLabs Toolstick and
fits plug and play to the Origin 10A ESC, or
the Origin double ESC. If you want to use it
with a different plug, be aware that the
colors are different from the "standard"
colors.

The colors and assignments of the wires from this stick are:

Yellow = C2D .

Black = C2CK .

Red = GND .

Select this mode in BLHeliSuite to communicate with the ESC:

Then select the Toolstick you want to use:

Note that the number shown here is just an example. The Toolstick number will vary.

Power up the ESC (connect a battery) and click Connect.

- 10 - v1.1

Programming adapters for initial flash of

Atmel MCUs.

Initial flash of Atmel ESCs are done over an "ISP" interface,
which requires 6 wires.
They can of course be soldered manually, but if the MCU is in a
TQFP32 package, this "socket tool" is very convenient:

TQFP32 package