Understanding and Resolving Gyroscope Detection Issues in Betaflight Firmware

Understanding and Resolving Gyroscope Detection Issues in Betaflight Firmware

Flying FPV drones necessitates a good understanding of firmware functionality. However, many pilots face a common yet frustrating issue when flashing Betaflight firmware on some targets since version 4.4: the gyroscope not being detected after the update. This problem can persist even when the correct target is selected.

Whether you're an experienced pilot or just starting your journey in the world of drones, our guide aims to equip you with the essential knowledge and tools to resolve these complications swiftly. By gaining a deeper understanding of the Betaflight flashing process and identifying common pitfalls, you can ensure a seamless update experience and bring your drone back to life.

Why Does This Happen?

Since Betaflight 4.4, the developers have been reducing the size and features of the firmware available for download to lighten the load on processors. This optimization allows newer versions of Betaflight to run on older hardware flawlessly. However, the drivers for automatic detection of peripherals, like the gyroscope and barometer, are not built specifically for your board.

Manufacturers often create their builds and may change the peripheral without updating the target, or use a different target that closely resembles the original build. This means that flashing the right target can sometimes result in missing peripherals.

Solution Steps

To solve this issue, you’ll need to utilize both the Firmware Flash tab and the CLI tab. If you are confident about the gyroscope you have (often found in the manufacturer specifications), you can proceed directly to the flashing process.

Step-by-Step Guide

Flash Tab:

Select the target for your board.

Enable the Core Only toggle. This will remove all options except for the drivers needed to detect peripherals.

Flash the firmware.

CLI Tab:

Input the command: status.

Betaflight will then list the detected peripherals.

Return to Flash Tab:

Disable the **Core Only toggle** and enable the Show Release Candidates and Expert Mode toggles.

Custom Defines Configuration

In this section, you will need to input the appropriate custom defines for your specific gyroscope. Use only the line that corresponds to your gyroscope model:

BMI270 → ACCGYRO_BMI270

BMI160 → ACCGYRO_BMI160

MPU6000 → GYRO_SPI_MPU6000 ACC_SPI_MPU6000

MPU6500 → GYRO_SPI_MPU6500 ACC_SPI_MPU6500

MPU9250 → GYRO_SPI_MPU9250 ACC_SPI_MPU9250

ICM20602 → GYRO_SPI_ICM20602 ACC_SPI_ICM20602

ICM20689 → GYRO_SPI_ICM20689 ACC_SPI_ICM20689

ICM42605 → GYRO_SPI_ICM42605 ACC_SPI_ICM42605

ICM42688P → GYRO_SPI_ICM42688P ACC_SPI_ICM42688P

If you do not see your peripherals listed, you can go to : https://betaflight.com/docs/development/Defines to find your setup specifics.

 

Final Steps

After entering the appropriate custom defines, you can proceed with the following:

Flash the Firmware Again: This time, the build will include the correct peripheral settings, allowing your gyroscope to be detected.

Check Peripheral Detection: Return to the CLI tab and re-enter the status command to confirm that the gyroscope and other peripherals are now listed correctly.

Conclusion

Understanding and resolving gyroscope detection issues in Betaflight firmware can be a straightforward process with the right approach. By following these steps, you not only ensure that your drone is equipped with the necessary drivers but also enhance your overall flying experience. As you grow and learn as a pilot, sharing this knowledge with the community can foster a collaborative environment, helping others tackle similar challenges.