Cypher/FirmWareUpdate426

Changelog for Firmware 4.2.6 R1 including SRXL2

Since Mid-October 2021, all Cyphers shipping from Flex in the USA come with FW4.2.6 installed and set as noted.

• Moves to Betaflight 4.2.6 platform
  

  SRXL2 Cable (FPZA1039)
• Improves compatibility with Betaflight Configurators. Ideal with 10.7, Compatible with 10.6 and Beta versions of 10.8 (as of 10/1/2021).
• Continues support for select Spektrum SRXL2 Receivers with telemetry and full range reception with diversity: (Adapter Cable Required for ALL of these: FPZA1039). Other receivers are NOT expected to work as they require negotiation for data and Horizon wrote the Betaflight SRXL2 Code which does NOT negotiate.
  • SPM4651 - Full Range Telemetry, Micro with Case, with Connector, Highest Recommended by Flex
  • SPM4650 - Short Range Telemetry, Micro, Requires soldering cable or connector. (can eliminate micro connector)
  • SPM4650C - Short Range Telemetry, Micro, with Connector
• Defaults to Spektrum SRXL2 serial receiver type and Telemetry ON upon flash/out of box
  

  SRXL2 Cable with a Flight Controller)
• Includes all 4.2.0 improvements.
• Includes improvements including Elevator/Fan Pitch Compensation for smoother transitions to a hover mode from flight at a broad range of airspeeds.
• Settings are tweaked for better yaw authority/response in hover modes.
• Flex pilots have tested the AIRMODE feature whose selection slider is found on the Configuration screen. They found that the control in hover modes is stronger, and behavior on the ground in hover modes is less care-free, but still good. After testing the normal settings in FW4.2.6, expert pilots may want to give AIRMODE a try! (Set slider ON and Save and Reboot)
• Suggest using the 'Boot Pin' method of Firmware Update.

Updating to Firmware 4.2.6 R1

Preparations

Firmware 1,2,3

• Click to Download and save the 4.2.6 R1 Firmware HEX FILE and place it in a known folder on your Windows PC/Tablet such as Documents
• Open the Betaflight Configurator. Update it to version 10.6.0 (You can use 10.7.0 also, but proceed directly to Firmware Update, do not load, edit, or save the configuration when the PCB is loaded with 4.2.0 or older Firmware).

Normal Firmware Update (see alternate at bottom)

Note: This is straight forward using the in APP controls and prompts, but we will do a detailed step by step instruction here.

• Disconnect the USB Cable from the FLEXF3.
  

  Firmware File
• Now Connect the USB cable from the FLEXF3 to the PC.
• Press the Connect (1) button at the top right of the Betaflight Configurator. (Check that it connects and finds the proper USB Port.)
• Press the Update Firmware (2) button at the top right.
  

  Firmware Flash
• Press the Load Firmware [Local] (3) button at the bottom right.
• Select the *.hex file from the location you stored it in prep.
• Leave the default settings at the top left area, then make sure ALL the sliders are OFF.
• Now change the Full chip erase slider to ON.
• Press the Flash Firmware button
• You will see the Flashing... progress bar moving, then Verifying... and after a couple minutes green Programming: SUCCESSFUL and the firmware update is complete.