Das Ende von BLHeli_32: Was FPV-Piloten wissen sollten

The end of BLHeli_32: What FPV pilots should know

In the world of FPV (First Person View) drones, the news that BLHeli_32 is no longer being developed has surprised and worried many. BLHeli_32 is a widely used firmware for electronic speed controllers (ESCs) used in many FPV drones. This firmware offers extensive customization options and excellent performance, making it the first choice for many pilots. But what does the end of BLHeli_32 mean for the FPV community?

Reasons for the end of BLHeli_32

Licensing issues and costs: There were discussions suggesting that the discontinuation could be related to licensing and cost concerns. Maintenance and therefore licensing of the BLHeli_32 firmware may have become increasingly expensive, which may have influenced the decision to discontinue further development.(hackaday)(GitHub).
Sanctions and ethical considerations: There are indications that the discontinuation of development was also motivated by ethical and legal concerns. In particular, the firmware is said to have been used in military applications that violate international sanctions. In order to avoid legal consequences, it was decided not to offer any further updates or support for BLHeli_32(hackaday).
Alternatives and the transition to AM32: With the end of BLHeli_32, AM32 is coming into focus as a promising alternative. AM32 is an open source firmware for ESCs that offers similar features and is developed by the community. This means that it is free from the licensing issues that have plagued BLHeli_32(hackaday).

What does this mean for FPV drone pilots?

For those currently using BLHeli_32, this means that the existing firmware will continue to work, but will not receive any new updates or official support. In the long term, it may be necessary to switch to alternative firmware solutions such as AM32 in order to benefit from future developments and improvements. Currently, there are also still some security-related concerns with the firmware. These are bugs or issues that are unlikely to be fixed now. There is a video from MadsTech on this topic.

Switching to AM32 could be beneficial for many users, as it not only offers comparable functionality, but is also continuously developed due to its open source nature. This ensures that the community itself has control over the future of the firmware without being influenced by commercial interests.

What is BLHeli_32 anyway?

BLHeli_32 is a firmware specifically designed for electronic speed controllers (ESCs) in drones and other remote-controlled aircraft. This firmware is based on the ARM architecture and offers a variety of features that improve the performance and control of ESCs. Outstanding features include precise speed control, various timing options, adaptive damping and comprehensive telemetry support. BLHeli_32 allows users to customize the parameters of their ESCs to ensure optimal performance and flight experience. With regular updates and support for a wide range of microcontrollers, BLHeli_32 has long been the preferred choice for many FPV enthusiasts and professional drone pilots(GitHub).

Conclusion

The end of BLHeli_32 marks the end of an era for FPV drone enthusiasts. Despite the uncertainties, the transition to alternatives like AM32 offers a new opportunity for the community to take ownership of their tools and technologies and develop them further. While BLHeli_32 will continue to function, it's important to stay informed about the new possibilities and prepare for the transition if necessary to continue to get the most out of your drone in the future.

For further information and discussions on the future of ESC firmwares, it is recommended to visit relevant forums and platforms to stay up to date and benefit from the experiences of other users.