The future of 32-bit ESCs

ArduCopter
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1

Given that BLHeli_32 (#743) stopped development, the drone community is in a weird place. Open-source firmware like AM32 exists which is a sustainable direction.

I am looking to buy a new stack for an autonomous drone project, which uses a Speedybee F405V3 and BLH32 50A stack. The ESC is not in the supported hardware list for AM32, so I want to buy a new (I don’t need powerful/fast) stack. What is the best direction moving forward, assuming that the ESC exists in the aforementioned list?

I recognize iFlight and Mamba on that list and was wondering if there are any warnings with choosing these or in my approach for sourcing a new future-proof stack? Are there any other pre-purchase compatibility checks I should consider?

2

Use that ESC and flash Bluejay, configure for Bdshot.

3

I thought BlueJay was only for the BLS not the BLH32 ESC?

Bluejay aims to be an open source successor to BLHeli_S adding several improvements to ESCs with Busy Bee MCUs.

Since BLHeli_S / Bluejay is open-source I think this is a compelling argument over the (theoretically better) 32-bit ESCs.

4

Is there a Speedybee ESC that isn’t BlHeli_S?

5

The 32-bit series which is closed-source BLHeli32. IIUC these are the only 2.

6

Blheli_32 is still functional, Blheli_S with Bluejay is a good option, AM32 support is spotty.

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7

I think this is what I am going to do since I am familiar with Speedbee already and BLHeli_S / BlueJay is open-source. Thanks!

8

Please don’t recommend getting Blheli_32 ESCs as some vendors are releasing boards with factory testing firmware.

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9

I wouldn’t for new units but for existing ones “they are still functional”. Think all of mine are on the last .10 version.