BLHeli_32 has been one of the most popular ESC firmware options used in FPV drones. Unfortunately, it’s been abruptly shut down, and there won’t be any more new BLHeli_32 ESCs or software updates. So, what does this mean for FPV pilots, and what steps should you consider next? Let’s delve into the details.
Learn more about the background of ESC firmware: https://oscarliang.com/esc/#ESC-Firmware
Why is BLHeli_32 Shutting Down?
BLHeli_32 has been the go-to firmware for 32-bit ESCs in FPV drones. Initially, BLHeli and BLHeli_S were open-source, but BLHeli_32 was closed-source, owned by the Norwegian company BLHeli AS. ESC manufacturers had to purchase a license to use BLHeli_32 firmware on their ESCs.
However, BLHeli AS recently decided to shut down its business operations (see the above screenshot of their statement for details). This means BLHeli_32 ESCs will no longer be available once the current stock runs out, as manufacturers won’t be able to obtain new licenses. For existing ESCs, it’s expected that there won’t be any new BLHeli_32 software updates.
Impacts on FPV Pilots
In the short term, there is no immediate need to worry for FPV pilots. Will there be a shortage of ESCs? Personally, I don’t think so. There is a good amount of existing BLHeli_32 ESC stock, so you should still be able to purchase them in the next few months, if not longer. Although there won’t be any new BLHeli_32 updates, your drones will continue to fly as they are.
Note that this incident only impacts the closed-source BLHeli_32, not BLHeli_S, as it’s open source. In fact, most people prefer flashing their BLHeli_S ESCs to Bluejay anyway.
How to tell if you have BLHeli32 or BLHeli_S ESC: https://oscarliang.com/identify-esc-firmware/
Manufacturers will eventually have to switch from BLHeli_32 to alternative ESC firmware. This transition might cause some disruption in the availability of ESCs, but I think the impact will be minimal. Time will tell.
ESC Firmware Alternatives
There are already viable ESC firmware alternatives. For BLHeli_S, there’s Bluejay, and for BLHeli_32, there is AM32. These firmware options can deliver almost the same functionality and performance, if not more.
When switching to a new ESC firmware, the flashing and updating process will change too. I’ve covered these in the following tutorials:
What Should You Do Now?
If you’re currently using BLHeli_32 ESCs, there’s no immediate need to switch. Your ESCs will continue to work as they are. Don’t rush into flashing AM32 because there’s no real benefit, and once you flash AM32, there’s no going back to BLHeli32. It’s better to wait and see how the situation evolves and then make an informed decision.
If you are buying new ESCs today, it’s worth considering AM32 for future-proofing. Although it’s still okay to buy BLHeli_32 and switch to AM32 later if you wish. You can find ESC with AM32 firmware on AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dm32AXj.
For those ready to explore AM32, it’s crucial to understand the process thoroughly. Take time to research and ensure compatibility before making any changes. I have a tutorial here: https://oscarliang.com/am32-esc-firmware-an-open-source-alternative-to-blheli32/
For BLHeli_S users, you should definitely flash Bluejay as it offers more features and better performance, particularly bidirectional DShot and RPM filtering. Here’s how to flash bluejay: https://oscarliang.com/bluejay-blheli-s/
Conclusion
The discontinuation of BLHeli_32 is a significant and unfortunate change, but it’s not the end of the world for FPV pilots. While there may be some short-term disruptions, the FPV community is resilient and adaptable. With alternatives like Bluejay and AM32, we have the tools to continue flying and enjoying the hobby. Manufacturers and the community should support these open-source projects to ensure a smooth transition.
In the meantime, keep flying with your current gear, stay informed about the latest developments, and be prepared to adapt as the landscape of ESC firmware evolves. The future of FPV is still bright, and we have the resources to navigate this change successfully.
