BLHeli Connection to ESC #1 Failed [Step-by-Step Solution]

If you’re familiar with drones, you’d know BLheli getting disconnected from ESC causes unnecessary complications. Though it’s a common occurrence, it might ruin your experience with your fighting drone.

So, why did your BLHeli connection to ESC #1 fail?

Firstly, it could be because of a backdated BLHeli software. It can happen if your ESC is too old or has faulty wiring. Also, a misplacement of the battery in your device can force BLHeli not to connect to ESC. Other than that, if your drone is too old or damaged, it might struggle to connect with BLHeli firmware. 

Here’s the short answer to the particular problem. But if you want to learn more about this, we have prepared a whole article for you.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s dig right in!

Why Did BLheli Connection to ESC has Failed[Solved]

BLHeli connection can fail for multiple reasons. It might be as minor as a wiring issue or as major as corrupted software. Either way, it’s nothing not fixable. Let’s look for some easy solutions:

Troubleshooting

Before we discuss the major issues, let’s discuss the minor ones. Most of them are usually fixable and easy. They are

1. Reseting the ESC

It is a very simple tactic of the book, but most effective. Put your ESC in calibration mode to do so. Holding down the mode/set button until flashing lights emerge is how you get into this mode. Then you press the reset/set button to return to neutral. The throttle and brake will then be adjusted to their maximum levels.

2. Updating BLHeli Firmware

If your BLHeli firmware isn’t up to date, then it might not connect with ESC. So, always keep your firmware’s latest versions.

To upgrade, press “Flash BLHeli” to update BLHeli S firmware. And then, a pop-up window will appear. 

It will allow you to choose which firmware version to flash. Then, to flash the firmware, select the most recent version and click OK.

3. Check if Multicopter is too Old

For starters, if your drone is too old, you will face trouble keeping it functioning. Drones have to be constantly upgraded to technology to keep their functionality in check. 

It’s better to re-purchase a new one if the previous one gets too old.  Here are a few of my favorite brands for it. 

We understand drones are expensive and might not be affordable for everyone. But, if you are planning to get a new one, we would suggest you get the best ones.

4. Look for Internal or External Damage

Next would be due to internal or external damages. Drones tend to hit hard surfaces while landing and sometimes they tend to get cracked or malfunction. 

In such instances always pinpoint the damaged part, and do a quick repair. If the damage isn’t visible, then notice the beeping noise of the ESC. If the ESC is not beeping or beeping less than 5 times, your device needs repairing.

5. Fixing Faulty ESC Wiring

It’s possible that your BLHeli isn’t working because of a wiring issue in your ESC. Ensure that the ESC servo cables are inserted into the correct slots. 

Alternatively, you might use the auxiliary output instead of the primary output. If this is the case, double-check the wire connections, and your BLHeli should get connected to your ESC.

Check the ESC wire and receiver sequence as well. You might be able to use your LiPo battery to power your RX. Your circuit board will be severely damaged if the cable pins do not match. As a result, take caution when connecting the wires.

These are the minor reasons that could be fixed easily. But what if the issue is bigger than this? Let’s see how to deal with a few of them:

Reconnecting BLHeli with ESC: 3 Step Solution

Usually, due to ESC issues, minor inconveniences like battery draining or propel drone not syncing occur. But if the BLHeli connection is still rejecting ESC, you might have a bigger problem than troubleshooting.

Let us try to figure them out accordingly:

Step 1: Connecting ESC to Flight Controller

We’ll use our flight controller (FC) as a programming tool to gain access to your ESC. So, we’ll be able to alter configurations and flash the firmware with ease.

This feature is known as “FC pass-through” and it is a Betaflight feature. You’re almost done once you’ve connected the ESC to the FC.

Lastly, connect the LiPo to the ESCs and the USB wire to the FC, and you’re finished! There’s no need to make any modifications to the wiring.

Step 2: Configuring ESC to BLHeliSuite32

First, take out the propellers and power the ESC with a LiPo battery. After that attach the USB cable to the FC.

Now, notice the BLHeliSuite32 configurator’s main menu and select “Select BLHeli 32 interface,” then select “BLHeli32 Bootloader (Betaflight/Cleanflight).”

Also, “Port,” select your flight controller’s COM port, leave Baud Rate at default (115200), and click “Connect” in the program’s lower-left corner.

To examine your ESC settings, click “Read Setup” or “Check” after it has been successfully connected.

Step 3: Flashing BLHeli_32 Firmware

Before updating firmware, make sure your computer is connected to the internet. To see if your ESC is legitimate, BLHeli32 uses the internet. If you don’t have access to the internet, you can still set it up in the field.

Check to verify if your ESCs are compatible with the BLHeli 32. If you accidentally flash the 32-bit firmware onto your BLHeli S ESC, it will “brick.”

Once it’s connected, click the “Read Setup” or “Check” button. The names of your ESCs, as well as the firmware version they’re running, are listed here.

So, these are how you can reconnect your BLHeli with ESC. Though it may look a bit troublesome, it’s still worth a try.

FAQs

Can I connect to BLHeli configurators?

Yes, you can. For that, you have to connect your pc and drone with a USB cable then press the start button on the top right corner. 

Is BLHeli open-source?

Yes, but only BLHeli and BLHeli_S are open sources. They are known as sensorless brushless ESC for this reason.

Do brushless motors need to be broken in?

No, brushless motors do not require breaking in. but you can do it if you want the brushes to be worn smoothly to the commutator.

Conclusion

We hope you’ve learned about why your BLHeli connection to ESC #1 failed. We wish to serve you the best and most informative article possible. Remember to follow the guidelines accordingly for the best results.

We hope you liked it and also helped you through it as well. If you are still struggling with the connections, then contact a professional. 

Until then, adios!