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Betaflight Presets (Recovery)Updated 5 months ago

This guide walks you through the process of updating your iFlight BNF drone's Betaflight firmware. Follow these steps carefully to ensure smooth operation and avoid issues during the update process.

1. Determine if an Update is Necessary

  • Evaluate if an Update is Required: In most cases, iFlight BNFs come with stable, tested firmware from the factory. If your drone is flying well, you might not need to update the firmware.
  • Understand the Risks: Updating firmware can introduce new bugs or incompatibilities. Always consider whether new features or bug fixes are worth the potential risk. If in doubt, research the latest firmware's release notes and reviews from users with similar setups.
  • Backup Your Current Setup: If you decide to update, always back up your current configuration. This allows you to return to your previous settings if needed. More on how to back up is provided below.

2. Preparations for Firmware Update

  • Install Betaflight Configurator:
    • Download the latest version of the Betaflight Configurator from the Betaflight GitHub Releases page.
    • Choose the appropriate version for your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux), and install the program following the instructions.
  • Connect the Drone to Your Computer:
    • Use a USB cable to connect your iFlight BNF to your computer.
    • Ensure that the correct USB drivers are installed. Windows users may encounter driver issues, which can be resolved using tools such as the ImpulseRC Driver Fixer to automatically install the necessary drivers for ARM chips like F4**, F7** or H7** flight controllers.
    • If you own a bind-and-fly (BNF) drone with an ATF flight controller (for example ATF435) you'll need to install the Artery chip drivers manually. This can be done trough a Google search to find related tutorials or you can also checkout our Helpdesk section 'Troubleshooting'.
  • Backup Your Current Configuration:
    • In Betaflight Configurator, navigate to the Presets Tab.
    • Click "Save Backup" to save your current confiiguration.
    • Make sure the file just created is not empty.

3. Choosing the Correct Firmware

  • Identify Your Flight Controller:
    • Check your drone’s flight controller model to ensure you choose the correct firmware. You can find this information by connecting your drone to the Betaflight Configurator and checking the top left section or looking at the flight controller documentation.
  • Selecting the Firmware:
    • In Betaflight Configurator, go to the Firmware Flasher Tab.
    • Select your flight controller target from the dropdown menu. For example, an iFlight controller might use a target like "IFRC_F7" or similar. You can also use the button "AUTO" to assign the correct firmware selection to your currently installed firmware.
    • Choose the latest stable firmware version unless you have specific needs for a different version.
  • Enable Full Chip Erase:
    • Ensure that you check the "Full Chip Erase" option before flashing the firmware. This clears old data, preventing conflicts between old and new firmware.

4. Flashing the Firmware

  • Enter Bootloader Mode:
    • Most flight controllers will enter bootloader (DFU) mode automatically when connected to Betaflight Configurator after you click the "Flash Firmware" button.
    • If DFU mode is not entered automatically, press and hold the boot button on your flight controller while connecting the USB cable to force it into bootloader mode.
    • Betaflight Configurator should detect this as DFU mode, indicated in the lower right corner of the screen.
    • If DFU mode is still not active, this may need to be be resolved by installing the correct drivers using tools such as the ImpulseRC Driver Fixer.
  • Select your Radio Protocol:
    • Betaflight version 4.4.1 and newer will only allow one protocol to be installed. Select "CRSF" for ExpressLRS (ELRS) or TBS Crossfire receivers. Select "SBUS" for DJI FPV RC users.
  • Load Firmware:
    • Click on "Load Firmware [Online]." This downloads the selected firmware from the Betaflight server.
  • Flash the Firmware:
    • After the firmware is loaded, click "Flash Firmware" to begin the update. Ensure that the process is not interrupted. Once completed, the flight controller will automatically reboot with the new firmware installed.

If you wish to recover the factory-tuned iFlight settings for your drone, you can use the iFlight Factory Preset Library. Follow the steps below:

  • Access the Presets Tab:

    • In Betaflight Configurator, navigate to the Presets Tab.

  • Add iFlight Factory Recovery Source:

    • Click on the "Add New Source" button.
    • Copy and paste the following text exactly as it appears (without any backspace or empty space at the beginning or end of each line):
      • iFlight Factory Recovery
      • https://github.com/XING-IF/firmware-presets/
      • iFlight-factory-recovery
    • Set the new preset source to "Active".

  • Select the Correct Preset:

    • After adding the iFlight source, you will see a list of presets specifically tuned for iFlight drones in the category BNF. Select the appropriate preset for your drone model. 
    • Every preset has a firmware version that has to match the currently installed firmware on your flight controller.
    • Read the preset text carefully and follow the steps to apply!
    • Click "Save and Reboot".

7. Testing Your Drone After Update

  • Initial Test Flight:
    • After flashing the firmware and restoring your configuration, perform a test flight in a safe environment.
    • Start with basic hovering and light maneuvers to ensure stability. Check for any issues, such as motor desyncs, poor flight performance, or abnormal behavior.
  • Tuning and Adjustments:
    • If any issues arise, revisit Betaflight Configurator and fine-tune settings, such as PID tuning, filters, or rates, to match your flight style.

Other iFlight BNF models:

If you have an unlisted or older iFlight Bind-And-Fly drone model then you might not find a current Betaflight factory preset on our Github database. Please use the following Google Drive Database to download your factory dump file: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jQlSfYY74gaQku_EMYRsBpU7gqcCcCZK

Optional: Restoring and Configuring Your Drone

  • Restore Configuration:
    • You can restore your previous settings by returning to the Presets Tab and click "Load Backup" to restore your settings. Use the file that was created with "Save Backup" to load and apply. Make sure that the firmware version from the backup matches your currently installed firmware, otherwise you'll receive errors.
  • Check Basic Settings:
    • Check your drone's basic settings, such as arming modes, PID values, motor protocols, and any custom configurations like Betaflight OSD.
  • Calibrate the Accelerometer:
    • If your flight controller includes an accelerometer, go to the Setup Tab in Betaflight and click "Calibrate Accelerometer." Ensure your drone is on a level surface while performing this step.
  • Check ESCs and Motors:
    • Confirm that your ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) protocol (such as DShot or Multishot) is correct under the Motor Tab. Perform an ESC calibration if necessary to ensure smooth motor performance.
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