Need help with Ethos update

[Raymond Gaskins]

Reaching out for help from experienced Ethos Users.
Problem: Internal battery almost dead.
My progress or lack thereof: have not figured out how to update bootloader to a current version which will allow interface between my Tandem X20s and Ethos Suite. Have watched videos on https://ethos.frsky-RC.com and no help(their screenshots are in Chinese and move so fast I cannot follow…I find videos pretty much useless for me and need written step-by-step instructions).
I downloaded the latest version of the bootloader and copied it to the firmware folder of the Tandem SD card. Followed instructions to upgrade to newer bootloader but no option to do this given. See the two attached photos.
Once I figure out how to update the bootloader and interface with Ethos Suite, plan to update Ethos firmware and hopefully solve the battery drain problem.
Have had the Tandem for a while, but have been learning openTx on my Horus X10 express. Now trying to use Ethos as well. Love both of these radios and the tremendous options they bring to the table, but have spent many hours trying to get the Tandem up to speed.
Thanks to all who can help as I have unsuccessfully exhausted the resources offered in this section of the forum.
Raymond Gaskins

 

[HENNY]

If you down load the latest Ethos suite v1.2.8 (I'm using the PC version) then download the bootlaoder file v1.2.8 and put it in a folder on your pc. Then all you need to do is start the Ethos suit then plug in your X20S with the radio power OFF. A DFU Flasher line will appear in the tools menu above the Image Tool saying DFU Flasher. Use this tool to navigate to the downloaded bootloader file to update the radios bootloader. Once this is done when you enter bootloader mode on your radio the bootloader version will be displayed top right on the X20S screen. Once you have completed this step the Ethos suite can also be used to update the radio firmware in a couple of simple steps.

The latest firmware is directly available from the github here https://github.com/FrSkyRC/ETHOS-Feedback-Community/releases

 

[Raymond Gaskins]

If you down load the latest Ethos suite v1.2.8 (I'm using the PC version) then download the bootlaoder file v1.2.8 and put it in a folder on your pc. Then all you need to do is start the Ethos suit then plug in your X20S with the radio power OFF. A DFU Flasher line will appear in the tools menu above the Image Tool saying DFU Flasher. Use this tool to navigate to the downloaded bootloader file to update the radios bootloader. Once this is done when you enter bootloader mode on your radio the bootloader version will be displayed top right on the X20S screen. Once you have completed this step the Ethos suite can also be used to update the radio firmware in a couple of simple steps.

The latest firmware is directly available from the github here https://github.com/FrSkyRC/ETHOS-Feedback-Community/releases

Henny,
Thank you for your help. I will try this as soon as I get home this evening.
Thank you once again.
Raymond

 

[Raymond Gaskins]

Henny,
I followed your instructions and successfully installed the bootloader on my TandemX20s. I then downloaded the latest firmware version off of GitHub tans used the Ethos Suite to upgrade the firmware and it started out well but then the writing firmware on flash froze? See attached picture. What next?
Raymond

 

[Raymond Gaskins]

Henny,
Looks like I “jumped the gun.” I disconnected the Tandem and closed the Ethos Suite and reconnected in bootloader mode and selected the X20S and it says the firmware is up-to-date.
Guess the frozen screen is just a software bug or perhaps the way it is supposed to work.
Thanks again.
Raymond

 

[HENNY]

I have seen a couple of cases where the flashing stopped for no reason. I suspect a cause maybe due to the transmitter trying to charge from a USB connection where the PC can't supply enough current causing the voltage to drop enough so the TX processor stops working. So a suggestion is to charge the TX before performimg the USB connected updates.

 

[Raymond Gaskins]

I have seen a couple of cases where the flashing stopped for no reason. I suspect a cause maybe due to the transmitter trying to charge from a USB connection where the PC can't supply enough current causing the voltage to drop enough so the TX processor stops working. So a suggestion is to charge the TX before perform and USB connected updates.

Thanks for the advice, battery for TX was above critical level but I had used it a lot trying to figure out how to get the bootloader updated. Will remember to charge the transmitter first before trying updates as this makes perfect sense.
May the force stay with you!
Raymond

 

[HENNY]

Another way to install a new Bootloader is copy the bootloader file to the SD card and navigate to it click on the file and install it.

 

[Raymond Gaskins]

Another way to install a new Bootloader is copy the bootloader file to the SD card and navigate to it click on the file and install it.

Henny,
I actually copied the new bootloader file to the SD card and tried to install it but the option to flash it was not available to me. See the first two screen shots at the beginning of this thread. This failure to be able to flash the bootloader is the reason for my reaching out for help. The first photo shows the bootloader present after installation on the SD and the second photo shows my options, none of which was to install or flash it.
Raymond