Skip to main content
Version: Version 2.1.0

ESC Forward Programming

Forward programming enables the connected ESC to be programmed via your transmitter rather than requiring a vendor programming box.

A number of ESC vendor/models have forward programming support from the transmitter via Rotorflight’s Lua script. The ESCs currently supported are:

  • Hobbywing Platinum V5
  • Scorpion Tribunus
  • YGE
  • Flyrotor
  • ZTW

Configure the Flight controller​

Set the UART​

Enable the UART port for ESC telemetry on the Configuration Tab.

Forward Programming

ESC telemetry protocol​

Select one of the ESCs above that support Forward Programming. Enter this in the ESC telemetry protocol

One Wire Communication (half-duplex)​

Most ESCs have a single telemetry wire. This is used to transmit telemetry information from the ESC to the flight controller. For forward programming functionality, this wire also need's to transmit information from the Flight controller to the ESC. By enabling the half-duplex bi-directional communications are enabled.

Forward Programming

Pin Swap​

For standard ESC telemetry we need to connect to a UART RX (receive) pin; however, as we are using bi-directional communication this will require the telemetry wire being connected to the UART TX (transmit) pin.

Option 1​

Wire the ESC telemetry to any spare UART TX pin on the flight controller. If we are using a TX pin then Pin-swap remains off.

Forward Programming

Option 2​

Wire the ESC telemetry to the FC UART RX. This may be desirable if you wish to use the SBUS or DSM ports (which are RX) or do not wish to solder or change connectors.

Forward Programming

Setup the Lua scripts​

Please choose to suit your Radio - EdgeTX or ETHOS

Rotorflight has great support for both EdgeTX and Ethos. Please choose your radio.