Installing a bootloader using STM32Cube Programmer?

Peterarnold · December 30, 2022, 2:24am

I want to load Arducopter on a new Holybro H7 board and I understand the first step is to install the bootloader.

The below wiki below suggests using STM32Cube Programmer.

ArduPilot/ardupilot_wiki/blob/master/dev/source/docs/using-DFU-to-load-bootloader.rst

.. _using-DFU-to-load-bootloader:

=============================
Loading a bootloader with DFU
=============================

This page describes how to load a new bootloader onto a STM32 based
board (such as a Pixhawk1) via DFU. This is useful if you are either
trying to bring up a new board or if you have a corrupted bootloader
on an existing board.

What is DFU
===========

DFU is the "Direct Firmware Update" mode for some microcontrollers,
most notably the STM32Fx series. It allows you to load a firmware
(including a bootloader) over USB using widely available DFU
utilities.

Accessing DFU Mode

This file has been truncated. show original

It just says install it beginning at address 0x08000000.

Do you use ‘Open file’ to select the board xx.bin file and use the above address? i.e., the same process you would use if loading a Arducopter xx.hex file.with STM32Cube Programmer?

dkemxr · December 30, 2022, 2:43am

I would use dfu-util.
DFU-Util

anon53993083 · December 30, 2022, 3:22am

Here are the instructions I used today to Loading Firmware onto boards without existing ArduPilot firmware. It has step by step on how to do so. Works like a charm as well.

Peterarnold · December 30, 2022, 3:50am

So you used STM32Cube to load the ArduPilot bootloader?

anon53993083 · December 30, 2022, 3:58am

yes I choose the firmware with arduxx_with_bl.hex firmware, which includes the bootloader. what holybro H7 are you talking about are you able to get the board into DFU?

Peterarnold · December 30, 2022, 4:30am

H7v2 and downloded the xxx_bl.bin file which i thought was bootloader only??. I can get it into DFU ok. Just wasn’t sure if it would work that way?.

anon53993083 · December 30, 2022, 4:47am

you downloaded the 4th one down from ArduPilot firmware : /Copter/stable/KakuteH7v2? This is latest stable. or from here ArduPilot firmware : /Tools/Bootloaders
Are you just trying to update just the bootloader?

Just use the above mentioned route that is linked and make sure and use the xxx_with_bl.hex.
the with_bl means with bootloader so it will install the bootloader and the firmware all in one swoop. after this you will not need to use stm32 unless its the way you want as Mission planner will see it with the ardu bootloader and you can flash firmware from there after this.

Target0815 · December 30, 2022, 6:05am

@Peterarnold The bootloader is also available separately here.

Peterarnold · December 31, 2022, 12:56am

Got it sorted!
Used STM32CubeProgrammer and the “arduXXX_with_bl.hex” file. Worked a treat!
Thanks for the help clarifying this!