Flash SiLabs ESC with BLHeli firmware

If you have an ESC with SiLabs MCU, like the HobbyWing XRotor 10A or T-Motor Air 10A, you can flash it with the BLHeli firmware using Arduino board. I will be using my Arduino UNO for the flashing process. If you have another Arduino board, like the Nano, check the pin outs in the 4way-interface manual for it.

First download the latest BLHeliSuite software and unzip the file. Start the BLHeliSuite.exe, go to the “Make Interface”-Tab and choose Arduino 4way-interface.

Arduino 4way-interface

On the newly opened windows click “Ok”, choose the 4wArduino_m328P_16_PB3PB4 file and confirm the flashing.

BLHeliSuite_Make_Interface_file

Your Arduino board is ready for updating the ESC firmware. Now select it from the Interface list.

BLHeliSuite_Select_Interface

The next step is connecting the Arduino to the ESC pads: GND (black), C2CK (red) and C2D (white). Note that the pads differ for every ESC and you need to find yours in the “BLHeli supported SiLabs ESCs”.

XRotor10A_PADS

Arduino UNO connection to the ESC:

  • Arduino GND – GND pad
  • Arduino D12 – C2D pad
  • Arduino D11 – C2CK pad

Now power your ESC with an external battery. Click on “Connect” in BLHeliSuite and then on “Flash BLHeli”. Select your ESC from the list, choose the “Multi”-firmware and click “Ok”. Then confirm the flashing process.

BLHeliSuite_Choose_ESC

Now your SiLabs ESC runs the BLHeli firmware. If you have any questions about the flashing , leave me a comment. Any feedback is highly appreciated.

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5 Comments

  1. fasil

    Can i flash my 30A xxd HW30 esc with blheli

    • Sergey

      Hey Fasil, could you give me the exact name of the ESC?

  2. Mitch

    Did you have any trouble connecting to the pads to flash to BLHELI? I have had a terrible time getting the pads to hold solder. I even had one solder pad come off. I managed to get 4 of them done but do to the solder pad is holding up my tricopter.

    • Sergey

      Hey Mitch, it is bit tricky indeed. I didnt solder the pads, just hold the header pins on the pads during the flashing. In order to get the solder on the pads you need a bit flux as well. Best, Sergey

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