Welcome FPV pilots! If you’ve been in the hobby for a while, chances are you’ll eventually need to update the EdgeTX firmware on your radio controller.
Upgrading to the latest firmware unlocks new features and fixes bugs. But before upgrading, it’s absolutely crucial that you back up your radio settings, models, and other data.
A failed flash can wipe your radio back to factory defaults!
In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about upgrading and backing up EdgeTX on common FPV radio controllers like the Jumper T-Lite, Radiomaster TX16S, and more.
EdgeTX Basics
I know a lot of people who read this post are new to the world of FPV. So, we’re going to start with a brief discussion of what EdgeTX is.
What is EdgeTX?
EdgeTX is an open source operating system for radio controllers. It’s used in most radios designed for FPV drone like the TBS Tango 2, Jumper T20, Radiomaster TX16S Mark II, and more.
This is great because it means manufacturers don’t have to do the hard work of making the operating system from scratch.
EdgeTX is similar to OpenTX, but tends to see more active development these days. Lots of new features roll out in EdgeTX first before maybe making it back into OpenTX.
EdgeTX vs OpenTX: What’s the Difference?
EdgeTX and OpenTX are both open source radio firmware options that you can flash to most major FPV radio controllers. They share the majority of features and functionality.
However, there are some key differences:
History – OpenTX came first, but it went through periods of stagnation where updates slowed down. EdgeTX forked from OpenTX and became the more actively developed option.
Features – EdgeTX tends to add new features faster than OpenTX. Most innovation happens on the EdgeTX side first.
Developers – While both projects are open source with multiple contributors, EdgeTX benefits from more active development.
Cross-compatibility – Features and innovations added to one firmware are often brought over to the other eventually. But EdgeTX updates at a faster pace.
For most pilots, EdgeTX offers the best experience and compatibility. It’s what I recommend flashing to your radio if the option is available.
While OpenTX is still actively developed and works well, EdgeTX is where the cutting edge RC radio innovation is happening. Throughout this guide I’ll be focusing on EdgeTX, but the process is nearly identical for OpenTX.
Benefits of EdgeTX
Finally, upgrading EdgeTX keeps you on the cutting edge with the latest radio tech. The pace of change has really picked up over the last few years with the explosion of FPV interest. Staying current helps you make the most of your radio.
Open-source Nature
User-friendly Interface
broad compatibility
Whether you’re flying with a budget-friendly setup or a high-end configuration, EdgeTX is designed to optimize your control and enhance your flying experience.
Commitment to Innovation
From supporting the latest communication protocols to integrating cutting-edge features, EdgeTX is committed to staying ahead of the curve.
This proactive stance means that as an EdgeTX user, you’re always equipped with the latest tools and capabilities to push the boundaries of your FPV flying.
Let’s move on to the most important step before upgrading – backing up your radio!
How to Upgrade to EdgeTX? (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Compatibility Check
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Step 2: Backup Your Radio
The EdgeTX firmware contains all the settings, model configurations, inputs/outputs, and other data for your radio. A firmware flash will wipe all of this back to factory defaults if you don’t back it up first!
Losing your carefully tuned models and rates is incredibly frustrating. Thankfully, backing up only takes a few minutes. Let’s walk through how to do it properly.
Step 3: Download and Install EdgeTX Companion
EdgeTX Companion is a utility that runs on your computer and allows transferring data between the radio and computer. You’ll use it to back up radio settings before upgrading.
Download and install EdgeTX Companion for your operating system. Make sure to pick the latest “stable” release.
EdgeTX Companion is available for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
If your radio currently runs OpenTX instead of EdgeTX, use OpenTX Companion to back it up instead. The procedure is the same, just using the OpenTX-branded utility.
Step 2: Connect Radio in USB Storage Mode
Next, power off your radio and connect it to your computer via USB.
Important: If your radio has separate USB ports for data and charging, make sure to use the data port. For example, some Radiomaster transmitters have a data port on top and charging port on bottom.
With USB connected and radio powered off, turn on the radio in “USB Storage” mode. The exact menu options vary, but you want USB storage, not USB joystick.
On radios like the Jumper T-Lite, navigate to:
System Menu > USB Mode > USB StorageThis mounts the radio’s storage as a drive on your computer. Two new removable drives should appear.
Step 3: Read Models and Settings from Radio
Now launch EdgeTX Companion on your computer.
Click “Read Models and Settings from Radio” then select your radio’s USB storage drive. The settings and model files will load into Companion.
Finally, click “File > Save As” and back up the models somewhere safe on your hard drive. I recommend creating a dedicated folder for radio backups.
Step 4: Copy SD Card Contents
The second USB drive that appears is your radio’s SD card contents. Copy all these files over to your computer too.
This captures any media files, sound packs, scripts, or other customizations saved to the SD card. You’ll want to transfer them back after upgrading.
And that’s it! With your settings backed up, you’re ready to flash new EdgeTX firmware safely. Time to upgrade!
Upgrading EdgeTX Firmware with EdgeTX Buddy
Now that your radio is backed up, we can upgrade to the latest EdgeTX firmware. There are a few different ways to flash new firmware, but EdgeTX Buddy is by far the easiest.
EdgeTX Buddy is a web app that handles downloading and installing the right firmware for your radio. It even updates the SD card image automatically. Here’s how to use it:
Step 1: Enter Bootloader Mode
First, power off your radio and plug it into your computer via USB.
If you see the LEDs on your radio start to blink, that means it entered “bootloader mode” automatically. This is what we want.
If the radio powers back on normally, hold down the bootloader button while powering on to force bootloader mode. The location of this button varies by radio.
On Radiomaster TX16 series radios, the bootloader button is on the lower right edge:
To verify the radio entered bootloader mode, look for a new “STM32 Bootloader” device in Device Manager on Windows, or the equivalent on Mac/Linux.
Step 2: Select Firmware Version
Head to edgetx.org/ in Chrome or Chromium. Select the firmware version you want to upgrade to at the top. Latest stable release is usually best.
Next pick the exact model of your radio from the dropdown. Getting this right is crucial – flashing the wrong firmware can brick your radio!
Finally, click “Flash via USB” since your radio is already connected.
Step 3: Update SD Card Images
Once the firmware flash completes, EdgeTX Buddy will automatically take you to the SD card updater.
Pick your radio type again, choose the firmware version, and language/voice pack if desired. English is fine for most pilots.
EdgeTX Buddy will download the latest SD card contents and customize them for your radio. Finally click “Apply Changes” once ready.
This saves you having to download and configure the SD card manually. Awesome!
Step 4: Enjoy Your Upgraded Radio!
When the SD card flash finishes, your radio will reboot into the new firmware version. Unplug from USB and give it a try!
All your settings and models should be just as they were before upgrading thanks to the backup. But you’re now running the latest EdgeTX firmware with all capabilities unlocked.
The same general process applies for upgrading from really old EdgeTX versions or from OpenTX to EdgeTX. Just use the appropriate companion utility for your starting firmware to back up first.
Now let’s look at what to do if you run into issues during the upgrade process.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Encountering challenges during the upgrade process is normal. Here, we address common issues and provide solutions to ensure a smooth upgrade.
Flashing new EdgeTX firmware usually goes smoothly. But things can go wrong sometimes. Here are some common problems and how to recover from them.
Radio Reset to Defaults After Upgrading
Occasionally after a firmware flash, your radio may boot up with default settings and no models. This is annoying, but thankfully fixable because you made a backup!
First, power up the radio in USB storage mode again and connect to your computer.
Next in EdgeTX Companion, click “File > Open” and load your saved models file.
Finally click “Write Models and Settings to Radio”. After disconnecting USB, your models should be restored!
Radio Won’t Enter Bootloader Mode
On Windows, you need STM32 drivers installed for the bootloader interface to appear properly.
If you don’t see the bootloader mode in Device Manager on Windows, download the ImpulseRC Driver Fixer tool.
With your radio connected in bootloader mode, run the Driver Fixer exe. It should install the required STM32 drivers automatically.
SD Card Errors on First Boot
Don’t worry about error messages related to model or settings versions when first booting with new firmware. The EdgeTX devs handle conversion properly. Just dismiss the errors.
Companion Says Wrong Version
If you get an error in Companion about wrong EdgeTX versions, make sure you have the Companion release corresponding to your original firmware version.
Check which EdgeTX version is on your radio under the Radio Setup page. Then find the matching Companion release. Mixing versions causes issues.
Downloading Firmware for Manual Flash
If you can’t flash directly with EdgeTX Buddy for any reason, click “Download Firmware Bin” to get the raw files.
Then copy the firmware bin file over to your SD card to flash manually from within the radio itself.
Instructions for manual flashing are here. But EdgeTX Buddy is way easier if it works for you!
Radio Models that Don’t Use EdgeTX
Not every FPV radio runs EdgeTX. For example, the popular TBS Tango 2 and TBS Mambo use the OpenTX-based Tango firmware.
Since Tango runs TBS’ customized firmware instead of EdgeTX, you won’t use the procedures in this guide to upgrade and back it up.
Here are some other common radios that do not run EdgeTX:
- TBS Tango 2 / Tango 2 Pro
- TBS Mambo
- FrSky Taranis QX7 (or X9D, X7, etc)
- Jumper T12 (runs JumperTX firmware)
- Futaba radios
So make sure to verify your radio actually uses EdgeTX before following this guide. The splash screen when powering on will give it away.
If you’re not sure, look in the radio system menu for the version number – if it mentions EdgeTX, you’re good to go.
Getting Started with EdgeTX After Upgrading Firmware
Once you’ve upgraded to the latest EdgeTX, it’s time to master your radio. The interface looks intimidating at first glance, with so many menus and options.
Don’t worry – we have a full beginner’s guide to setting up and configuring EdgeTX for FPV. This video walks through everything step-by-step:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8G2WRxKnZU
Be sure to also try out some Lua scripts to customize your EdgeTX experience!
Accessing EdgeTX Lua Scripts
One of the coolest EdgeTX features is Lua custom scripting support. The Lua language lets you modify and extend your radio’s functionality.
Scripts can do all kinds of useful things, like:
- Add telemetry screens
- Automate toggling lights and beeper
- Change controls and channels for different aircraft
- Activate flight modes based on stick positions
- Play voice alerts and other audio cues
- Adjust rates dynamically based on throttle
- Make nicer OSD menus
- And tons more!
Scripts and documentation for them are available in the EdgeTX Companion downloads and on sites like:
- https://github.com/EdgeTX-Scripts
- https://github.com/teckel12/EdgeTX-Workbench
This guide from Painless360 shows how to install scripts on your radio:
Be sure to backup your SD card contents before installing new scripts, just like with firmware upgrades.
With scripts, you can really customize your radio experience exactly how you like it. The sky is the limit!
Optimizing Your Setup with EdgeTX
Customization and Personalization
Advanced Features of EdgeTX and How to Use Them
Maintaining and Updating EdgeTX
Final Words
We hope this guide got you comfortable upgrading EdgeTX firmware on your FPV radio controller! Flashing the latest firmware enables awesome new features and long term support for your investment.
Just be sure to always backup your models, settings, and SD card contents first before upgrading. Losing your configuration is the worst.
EdgeTX Buddy combined with Companion makes it pretty painless to upgrade these days. But weird issues can still pop up sometimes, so we wanted to provide solutions for common problems too.
Let us know if you have any other tips for keeping radios updated! Thanks for reading, and happy flying.
