Upgrading HW ESC firmware - how to?

[toadiscoil]

Ok so as I posted before I was able to flash (and fix) the Hobbywing program box to the latest firmware version. However I could not do that with the firmware on the ESC itself. I have a 60A v4. I plugged it in on several steps and order and I could never get any connection or any prompt to upgrade the firmware. Is there a trick to it or do I need to upgrade only the box?

I was toying around with changing from ESC governor to FBL governor. I set the ESC to Heli Linear and AFW off as suggested on another post. I just need to test it out hopefully the tail kick goes away and I can try FBL governing.

[ccg123]

Have you powered up the ESC itself when trying to update the firmware?

[toadiscoil]

Tried many ways. ESC unpowered. Powered before and after connecting to PC. Couldn't get it to talk to the software. But the prog box worked fine so the USB, cable, PC and software are good.

Originally Posted by ccg123

Have you powered up the ESC itself when trying to update the firmware?

[flint723]

Are you on the latest version of HW PC software? 4.0.3 I think. Make sure connecting cable is plugged into HW box and esc in the correct orientation.

I usually open the software first and power the esc last.

I did have an issue with a usb cable where it would light up the lcd box but the PC wouldn't actually communicate with either the box or esc unless I held the plug a certain way. A different cable worked fine.

[toadiscoil]

I did have some issues as my PC did not want to talk to the iKon either. I switched to a different USB port and everything worked fine with the box and the iKon. But I am using the cable included with the iKon which to be honest looks cheap. I may try another cable that is a good suggestion thanks.

Originally Posted by flint723

Are you on the latest version of HW PC software? 4.0.3 I think. Make sure connecting cable is plugged into HW box and esc in the correct orientation.

I usually open the software first and power the esc last.

I did have an issue with a usb cable where it would light up the lcd box but the PC wouldn't actually communicate with either the box or esc unless I held the plug a certain way. A different cable worked fine.

[etherbatxx]

Originally Posted by toadiscoil

I am using the cable included with the iKon which to be honest looks cheap.

unless you pay $12.99 for a usb cable, they are all cheap.

most of us have two or three spares around at all times.

[toadiscoil]

Right. I actually made the cheap comments because I tried to use one such iKon included USB cable for charging a phone and it didn't work so it was a bad cable, then this. I do have several iKon cables though

I may have another brand lying around, but I usually reserve those for keeping on my laptop case and talking to my phone/charge while travelling.

I just hadn't thought about swapping cables as the change of USB port seemed to fix the issue for the iKon and for the HW box so I guess in my mind I dismissed that possibility.

Originally Posted by etherbatxx

unless you pay $12.99 for a usb cable, they are all cheap.

most of us have two or three spares around at all times.

[BrokeDad]

I made up a cable for mine from two junk Eflite servos. Remember it's NOT the BEC or throttle signal wire you connect to the box. It's the OTHER port on the ESC they DON'T include a cable for.

[toadiscoil]

Actually my prog box did come with the right servo-style wire to connect from the ESC to the box. I wouldn't make one by myself, I would probably just purchase one.

Originally Posted by BrokeDad

I made up a cable for mine from two junk Eflite servos. Remember it's NOT the BEC or throttle signal wire you connect to the box. It's the OTHER port on the ESC they DON'T include a cable for.

[BrokeDad]

I got ripped off then. It was easy to make and those eflite servos got tossed after I cut the cords off. I just now updated my 60A. I did the 50A this weekend.

Remember some USB cords are for charging only and don't include the data lines.

1. Load software with ESC connected and HW programmer box hooked up via data port.
2. Connect power to ESC.

If you aren't using a computer and just the box you can use the BEC cord to power it. Just press a button after connecting ESC power. I always use at least 3S to power the ESC (11.1V)

Let us know if you get it working. Here's a picture of mine hooked up to the PC and working. (The box will always say Connecting PC while using the software).