SoftRF Versions Save

:airplane: Multi-functional, compatible DIY general aviation proximity awareness system

1.5

1 month ago

New features

Two more of hardware platforms (SoCs) that the SoftRF technology is able to operate with:

  • Renesas RA4M1        - ARM Cortex-M4F core @ 48 Mhz
  • Espressif ESP32-C6   - two RISC-V cores with 2.4 GHz radio

Renesas RA4M1

  • I/O board:   Dragino Lora/GPS


  • modes: Normal (default)
  • hardware:
    • Renesas RA4M1 MCU
    • GNSS: Quectel L80-R
    • Radio: Semtech SX1276
    • Output:      default: USB CDC ACM      optional: Wi-Fi UDP      optional: Bluetooth LE
    • Sensor(s):      optional: Bosch BMP(E)280

Espressif ESP32-C6


Major improvements

Common

  • more accurate RF Tx packets counter
  • UC6580 GNSS ident fix
  • SX12xx and CC13x2 radios: align legacy protocol carrier frequency setting with Nordic nRF905 100 kHz (LF) or 200 kHz (HF) resolution. This change has effect for New Zealand and South Korea only.
  • build infra for Bosch BME68x sensor(s)

ESP32

  • build is possible for Espressif recent ESP32-C2, ESP32-C6 and ESP32-H2 SoCs
  • Midi Edition
  • Ham Edition
    • monitor of a voice frequency 1
    • a JSON setting to override 'Classic' APRS carrier frequency in use
    • PTT button function with NFM voice transmit feature on a single (emergency) user-defined 2m/70cm band frequency 1
    • playback of a pre-recorded weather/traffic/other advisory voice message (WAV file) from micro-SD card into air with BOOT+PTT buttons press 1
    • a JSON setting to apply R22 ADC workaround to a certain T-TWR V2.0 boards
    • a JSON setting for SA8X8 radio squelch level 1
    • APRS Tx with SA868 'Open Edition' radio
    • support for LilyGO T-TWR V2.1

1 - valid for SA868 with NiceRF firmware only

EFR32

  • build is possible for a Silicon Labs EFR32 Series 2 target 

Please, read commits history for more information.

Known issues

  • same that previous Release 1.4 has ;
  • access to Academy WebUI pages may fail when heap memory level is low (< 6 KBytes). Use BLE or UDP with caution - they reduce free memory space considerably ;
  • Arduino Uno R4 WiFi device may lose some NMEA/GDL90/D1090 data when Serial is selected as the output port ;
  • some residual pixels may stay on the Midi Edition TFT display after Rx/Tx counters wrapping over 999 value.

Binary downloads and flashing instructions

WARNING

  1. This upgrade will reset your SoftRF settings down to factory default values. Please, follow these "backup and restore" procedures prior to executing the update
  2. ESP32 only: you may try "Web update" method if your current firmware version is rc7-9 or 1.0-1.4, otherwise do:
  3. S76G only: follow these instructions to update your Dongle Edition firmware. It is also recommended to reset your SoftRF Dongle settings back to factory default values by following this procedure.

Prime MkII, MkIII, Badge or Dongle owners! I will reject any claims if you, by any reason, will fail to upgrade or fail to recover after un-successful update! If you are not sure that you can manage the update successfully - think about to stay on 1.4 or to buy a new board with pre-installed 1.5.

Source code build instructions

1.4

6 months ago

New features

  1. Three more of the radio protocols that the SoftRF technology is able to operate with:
  1. very first firmware release for SoftRF Ham Edition
  • base board: LilyGO® T-TWR Plus


  • modes: Normal (default)
  • hardware:
    • Espressif ESP32-S3 SoC
    • GNSS:      built-in Quectel L76K
    • Sub-1Ghz radio:      built-in NiceRF SA868
    • Output:      default: Type-C USB CDC ACM      optional: Wi-Fi UDP or TCP      optional: Bluetooth LE      optional: UART 38400, 8N1
    • Display:      built-in: 1.3" I2C OLED
    • Storage:      optional: micro-SD card
    • Battery:      optional: 21700 Li-Po

  1. very first firmware release for SoftRF Midi Edition
  • base board: Heltec Wireless Tracker


  • modes: Normal (default)
  • hardware:
    • Espressif ESP32-S3 SoC
    • GNSS:      built-in UniCore UC6580
    • Sub-1Ghz radio:      built-in Semtech SX1262
    • Output:      default: Type-C USB CDC ACM      optional: Wi-Fi UDP or TCP      optional: Bluetooth LE      optional: UART 38400, 8N1
    • Display:      built-in: 0.96" 80x160 TFT
    • Battery:      optional: Li-Po 1000 mAh


  1. Flight Recorder feature for SoftRF Prime Edition Mark III


Major improvements

Common

  • fix for PFLAA 'Aircraft Type' field format
  • update of uCDB library
  • add driver for UC6580 GNSS chip

ESP32

  • activated reception of all 4 GNSS satellite constellations for Prime Mk.III with Ublox M10
  • activation of Beidou satellites receive function for Quectel L76K
  • use of 16-bit HM-10 BLE UUIDs
  • update of NeoPixelBus library
  • ADC calibration safety check
  • BLE Adv. improvement
  • build with most recent Arduino Core 3.0 ( when necessary )
  • made build possible for ESP32-C6 SoC
  • support for APRS-via-LoRa (PRoL) radio protocol
  • ESP32-S3: basic support for Open Remote ID radio protocol (Wi-Fi transport only)
  • Prime Mk.III: a choice to use FlarmNet CDB file by an appropriate JSON setting

nRF52

  • activation of Beidou satellites receive function
  • use of 16-bit HM-10 BLE UUIDs
  • support for APRS-via-LoRa (PRoL) radio protocol
  • basic support for Open Remote ID radio protocol (Bluetooth 4 transport only)
  • a choice to use FlarmNet CDB file by an appropriate JSON setting

RP2040

  • transition on Arduino Core 3.2.2
  • update of Pico-PIO-USB library

Please, read commits history for more information.

Known issues

  • same that previous Release 1.3 has ;
  • it takes approx. 2 seconds to transmit a Classic or LoRa APRS packet into air. Wi-Fi, WebUI, buttons, Bluetooth and other functions may not be accessible at this time interval ;
  • Remote ID feature is experimental and currently enabled for ESP32-S3 and nRF52 based SoftRF Editions only. This new feature may or may not work as as expected ;
  • Badge may lose OGN aircraft data setting when upgraded from Release 1.3. Use SoftRF on-line UI tool to apply 'GliderNet' setting manually or update firmware up to Release 1.5;
  • settings.json file may have no effect when a device is in factory default state. Apply WebUI (or SoftRF Tool app) dummy 'Save & Restart' action once to fix it.

Binary downloads and flashing instructions

WARNING

  1. This upgrade may reset your SoftRF settings down to factory default values. Please, follow these "backup and restore" procedures prior to executing the update
  2. ESP32 only: you may try "Web update" method if your current firmware version is rc7-9 or 1.0-1.3, otherwise do:
  3. S76G only: follow these instructions to update your Dongle Edition firmware. It is also recommended to reset your SoftRF Dongle settings back to factory default values by following this procedure.

Prime MkII, MkIII, Badge or Dongle owners! I will reject any claims if you, by any reason, will fail to upgrade or fail to recover after un-successful update! If you are not sure that you can manage the update successfully - think about to stay on 1.3 or to buy a new board with pre-installed 1.4.

Source code build instructions

1.3

1 year ago

New features

Two more of hardware platforms (SoCs) that the SoftRF technology is able to operate on:

Espressif ESP32-S3

  • modes: Normal (default)
  • hardware:
    • Espressif ESP32-S3 SoC
    • GNSS:      built-in Ublox MAX-M10S or Quectel L76K
    • Sub-1Ghz radio:      built-in Semtech SX1262
    • Output:      default: Type-C USB CDC ACM      optional: Wi-Fi UDP or TCP      optional: Bluetooth LE      optional: UART 38400, 8N1
    • Display:      built-in: 1.3" I2C OLED
    • Sensors:      IMU:                  QST Corp. QMI8658      magnetometer: QST Corp. QMC6310      air pressure:      Bosch BME280
    • Storage:      optional: micro-SD card
    • Battery:      optional: 18650 Li-Po 2500 mAh

Espressif ESP32-C3

Major improvements

Common

  • minor adjustment for deviation of radio frequency used by P3I (PilotAware) protocol
  • 3 dB increase in sensitivity of SX1262 radio at cost of extra 2 mA of Rx active current
  • FANET 'Zone 2' (N/S America, AU, NZ, JP) regional RF band settings
  • 'AUTO' and 'UK' RF bands are deprecated

ESP32

  • build with most recent Arduino Core for ESP32 2.0.7 ( when necessary )
  • suppress numerous GSA sentences output unless 'NMEA TCP' setting is selected ( SkyDemon use case )
  • support for RISC-V ( ESP32-C3 SoC )

nRF52

  • supply NMEA 'heartbeat' message to WebTop Serial or WebTop USB
  • DEPG0150BN E-paper display self-detect procedure

CC13x2

  • new 'G load' and 'Traffic' OLED pages for Uni Edition

RP2040

  • transition on Arduino Core 3.1.1
  • support for Raspberry Pico W (2.4 GHz wireless) target:
    • Wi-Fi AP
    • WebUI
    • Wi-Fi UDP data output
    • Bluetooth SPP data output
  • VSYS voltage monitor for Raspberry Pico/Pico W targets

STM32

  • build with recent Arduino Core for STM32 2.4.0 ( when necessary )
  • activation of IGC encryption feature for Balkan Edition

Please, read commits history for more information.

Known issues

Binary downloads and flashing instructions

WARNING

  1. This upgrade may reset your SoftRF settings down to factory default values. Please, follow these "backup and restore" procedures prior to executing the update
  2. ESP32 only: you may try "Web update" method if your current firmware version is rc7-9 or 1.0-1.2, otherwise do:
  3. S76G only: follow these instructions to update your Dongle Edition firmware. It is also recommended to reset your SoftRF Dongle settings back to factory default values by following this procedure.

Prime MkII, MkIII, Badge or Dongle owners! I will reject any claims if you, by any reason, will fail to upgrade or fail to recover after un-successful update! If you are not sure that you can manage the update successfully - think about to stay on 1.2 or to buy a new board with pre-installed 1.3.

Source code build instructions

1.2

1 year ago

New features

Two more of hardware platforms (SoCs) that the SoftRF technology is able to operate on:

  • NXP Semiconductors LPC4320          - dual ARM Cortex-M4F and M0 cores
  • STMicroelectronics     STM32WLE5   - ARM Cortex-M4F core with sub-1Ghz radio

NXP Semiconductors LPC4320

  • base component: HackRF One
  • modes: Normal (default)
  • hardware:
    • NXP Semiconductors LPC4320 MCU
    • GNSS: optional Ublox or MTK based module
    • Radio: built-in Software Defined Radio (SDR)
    • Output:      default: USB CDC ACM      optional: UART 38400, 8N1      optional: Wi-Fi UDP      optional: Bluetooth SPP
    • Display:      optional: 3.2" TFT ( PortaPack H2+ ) or      optional: 0.96" I2C OLED
    • Sensor(s):      optional: Bosch BMP280

STMicroelectronics STM32WLE5

  • modes: Normal (default)
  • hardware:
    • STMicroelectronics STM32WLE5 SoC
    • GNSS: external Ublox-7 module
    • Radio: built-in Semtech SX1262
    • Output:      default: USB CDC ACM
    • Display:      optional: 0.96" I2C OLED
    • Sensor(s):      air pressure:      Bosch BME280      magnetometer: STMicroelectronics IIS2MDCTR
  • certificate: CE

Major improvements

Common

  • apply NMEA compliance filter to ADS-B callsign
  • certain improvements of 'legacy' radio protocol implementation
  • better NMEA data compliance to FTD-12/14 specs
  • Ublox M9 and M10 GNSS modules detect logic
  • update of device Id mapper
  • PGRMZ NMEA sentence is better compliant to Garmin specs

ESP32

  • build with most recent Arduino Core for ESP32 2.0.5 ( when necessary )
  • support for AXP2101 PMU ( T-Beam V1.2 )
  • support for ESP32-S3 SoC
  • emit traffic alert events over Bluetooth LE MIDI
  • build of D1090 input data parser ( ESP32-S2/3 only )
  • fix for OTA firmware update function ( with espota.py )
  • compute maximum sketch space applicable for Wi-Fi OTA firmware update

nRF52

  • MPU9250 IMU sensor detect logic
  • 'G load' meter function and the EPD screen
  • emit traffic alert events over Bluetooth LE MIDI
  • build of GxEPD2 driver for DEPG0150BN e-Paper display
  • fix of improper date in PCF8563 RTC library
  • fix for improper aircrafts data scroll function ( by the sensor touch )

CC13x2

STM32

  • build with most recent Arduino Core for STM32 2.3.0 ( when necessary )
  • support for STM32WLE5 SoC ( BB-STM32WL , Ebyte E77 , Seeed E5 , AcSiP ST50H , RAK 3172 )
  • update of RTC and LowPower libraries

RP2040

  • transition on Arduino Core for RP2040 2.2.2

SAMD21

BCM283X

  • receive of 1090 MHz ES (ADS-B) air traffic with RTL, HackRF One or MIRI SDR USB devices
  • make use of 'libmodes' library to demodulate and decode 1090 ES (ADS-B) air traffic
  • D1090 input data parser

LPC4320

  • make use of 'libmodes' library to demodulate and decode 1090 ES (ADS-B) air traffic

Please, read commits history for more information.

Known issues

  • same that previous Release 1.1 has ;
  • USB data I/O may fail on ESP32-S3 platform. It may cause a complete stop of NMEA output. It may cause a system reboot. Thus, use with caution.

Binary downloads and flashing instructions

WARNING

  1. This upgrade may reset your SoftRF settings down to factory default values. Please, follow these "backup and restore" procedures prior to executing the update
  2. ESP32 only: you may try "Web update" method if your current firmware version is rc7-9 or 1.0-1, otherwise do:
  3. S76G only: follow these instructions to update your Dongle Edition firmware. It is also recommended to reset your SoftRF Dongle settings back to factory default values by following this procedure.

Prime MkII, Badge or Dongle owners! I will reject any claims if you, by any reason, will fail to upgrade or fail to recover after un-successful update! If you are not sure that you can manage the update successfully - think about to stay on 1.1 or to buy a new board with pre-installed 1.2.

Source code build instructions

1.1

2 years ago

New features

Three more of hardware platforms (SoCs) that the SoftRF technology is able to operate on:

Raspberry Pi RP2040

Microchip SAM D21

ASR Micro ASR6601

  • very first Release for SoftRF Octave Concept


  • up to eight of joint (MCU & RF) modules connected - simultaneous processing of up to 8 radio protocols
  • base component: Ebyte E78 module


  • modes: Normal (default)
  • hardware:
    • ASR Microelectronics ASR6601 SiP Radio: built-in Semtech SX1262
    • GNSS: Quectel L80-R or U-blox NEO 6/7/8 (sold separately)
    • Output:      default: UART 38400, 8N1      optional: Bluetooth SPP
    • Display:      optional: 0.96" I2C OLED
    • Sensor(s):      optional: Bosch BMP(E)280

Major improvements

Common

  • fine tuning of 38400 symbol rate for P3I protocol on SX127x radio
  • work around certain GNSS chipsets that may report positive fix with inactive per-second pulses
  • RF Tx loopback guard added
  • SoftRF 'heartbeat' NMEA sentence
  • estimate (when able) a UAT978 traffic GEO altitude by the traffic BARO altitude combined with own aircraft's GEO & BARO altitude values
  • SX127x radio state transition guards added

ESP32

  • support for OGN/IGC encryption
  • made build possible with most recent Arduino Core 2.0.2 (ESP-IDF 4.4)
  • made build possible for ESP32-S2 SoC target

nRF52

  • support for OGN/IGC encryption
  • fix for regression of async. screen update with SYX 1948 revision of D67 display
  • fix against unwanted WDT restart when NMEA (or GDL90/D1090) data flow is directed onto USB and the recipient got disconnected
  • transition onto Arduino Core 1.2.0
  • reduced sleep current for T-Echo with ZD25WQ16B flash

PSoC4

  • made build possible with most recent Arduino Core version (1.4.0)
  • support for a generic ASR6501 module
  • TCXO or XTAL ASR6501/2 radio clock selector
  • avoid false OLED detect when I2C has no pull-ups

CC1310

  • support for RSM (QFN 4x4) package

CC1352

  • support for OGN/IGC encryption

BCM283X

  • made GNSS PPS signal processing possible

Please, read commits history for more information.

Known issues

Binary downloads and flashing instructions

WARNING

  1. This upgrade will reset your SoftRF settings down to factory default values. Please, follow these "backup and restore" procedures prior to executing the update
  2. ESP32 only: you may try "Web update" method if your current firmware version is rc7-9 or 1.0, otherwise do:
  3. S76G only: follow these instructions to update your Dongle Edition firmware. It is also recommended to reset your SoftRF Dongle settings back to factory default values by following this procedure.

Prime MkII, Badge or Dongle owners! I will reject any claims if you, by any reason, will fail to upgrade or fail to recover after un-successful update! If you are not sure that you can manage the update successfully - think about to stay on 1.0 or to buy a new board with pre-installed 1.1.

Source code build instructions

1.0

2 years ago

New features

  • very first firmware release for SoftRF Bracelet Edition
  • base board: LilyGO® T-Impulse


  • modes: Normal (default)
  • hardware:
    • AcSiP S76G SiP
    • GNSS: built-in Sony CXD5603GF
    • Radio: built-in Semtech SX1276
    • Output:      default: USB CDC ACM
    • Display:      built-in: 0.49" I2C OLED
    • Sensor(s):      built-in: TDK InvenSense ICM-20948 Inertial Measurement Unit
    • Battery:      built-in: Li-Po 250 mAh

Major improvements

Common

  • do not transmit true vertical speed value over air when 'stealth' mode is active (applicable for Air V6, OGNTP and FANET protocols)
  • support for most recent revision of SX1276 silicon
  • lower SX1262 sleep current
  • GDL90 'Ownership Geometric Altitude' reporting is diverted toward compliance with official specs (uses WGS-84 ellipsoid once again)

ESP32

  • RF activity scheduling scheme that is based on time slots and radio channels (applicable for Air V6 and OGNTP protocols)
  • added device information BLE service
  • fix for the user button function on T-Beam v02-v07

S76G

  • RF activity scheduling scheme that is based on time slots and radio channels (applicable for Air V6 and OGNTP protocols)
  • added proper device information into USB descriptor
  • preliminary support for S76G (a variant of the SiP for domestic China market)

PSoC4

  • RF activity scheduling scheme that is based on time slots and radio channels (applicable for Air V6 and OGNTP protocols)
  • fix for OLED de-init procedure
  • update of GNSS PPS GPIO mapping to support revision V1.1 of CubeCell-GPS board

nRF52

  • transition onto Arduino Core 1.1.0
  • RF activity scheduling scheme that is based on time slots and radio channels (applicable for Air V6 and OGNTP protocols)
  • made use of $PSKVC NMEA sentence to provide Badge Edition UI settings control. See on how it looks like in SoftRF Tool application:

  • support of Zetta Device ZD25WQ16B 2MiB QSPI flash memory IC
  • show aircraft data from OGN DDB located in built-in 2MB QSPI flash memory storage

  • show OGN DDB stats and own aircraft's data on e-Paper display at boot time

  • e-Paper screen rotation setting (0/90/180/270 degrees)
  • e-Paper 'power off' screen saver
  • asynchronous e-Paper screen update and better response on button(s) press & release
  • update of nRF52 bootloader binaries with VBUS (USB) supply voltage sensing fix
  • fix for double restart issue upon settings change
  • better NMEA compliance to FTD-12 ver. 7.14
  • SensBox-compatible BLE service (use it with most recent XCSoar for Android)
  • 'Baro' page can display the altitude value either in meters or feet now
  • added proper device information into USB descriptor

CC1352

  • RF activity scheduling scheme that is based on time slots and radio channels (applicable for Air V6 and OGNTP protocols)

Please, read commits history for more information.

Known issues

  • 'short' and 'medium' press of T-Beam v1.x AXP192 PMU 'power' key may not function properly when the 18650 Li-Po battery has low charge level (3.3-3.4 V).   Use 'long' press to apply 'hard' power off action instead ;
  • Badge may fail to boot up or may work unstable when battery charge is low, even while being powered from USB source. Please:
  1. turn the T-Echo power off ,
  2. connect to a USB charger ,
  3. wait certain time for the battery to get some charge (at least up to 3.7 Volt) ,
  4. power the T-Echo on.
  • SoftRF Tool version 1.2 may fail to read/write settings from/to a device connected by USB cable. Try to disconnect and reconnect again - this typically does the trick.

Binary downloads and flashing instructions

WARNING

  1. Badge Edition only: this upgrade may reset your SoftRF settings down to factory default values. Please, follow these "backup and restore" procedures before doing the update
  2. ESP32 only: you may try "Web update" method if your current firmware version is 1.0-rc7 , -rc8 or -rc9, otherwise do:
  3. S76G only: follow these instructions to update your Dongle Edition firmware. It is also recommended to reset your SoftRF Dongle settings back to factory default values by following this procedure.

Prime MkII, Badge or Dongle owners! I will reject any claims if you, by any reason, will fail to upgrade or fail to recover after un-successful update! If you are not sure that you can manage the update successfully - think about to stay on RC9 or to buy a new board with pre-installed 1.0.

Source code build instructions

1.0-rc9

3 years ago

New features

Two more of hardware platforms (SoCs) that SoftRF firmware is able to operate on:

Nordic nRF52

  • very first RC for SoftRF Badge Edition
  • base board: LilyGO® T-Echo


  • modes: Normal (default)
  • hardware:
    • Nordic nRF52840 SoC
    • GNSS: built-in Quectel L76K
    • Radio: built-in Semtech SX1262 or SX1276
    • Output:      default: Bluetooth LE      optional: USB CDC ACM      optional: UART 38400, 8N1
    • Display:      built-in: GooDisplay® 1.54" SPI e-Paper
    • Sensor(s):      built-in: Bosch BME280
    • Battery:      optional: Li-Po 1000 mAh

Cypress PSoC4+

  • modes: Normal (default)
  • hardware:
    • ASR6502 SoC Radio: built-in Semtech SX1262
    • GNSS: built-in Luat Air530
    • Output:      default: UART/USB 38400, 8N1      optional: Bluetooth LE
    • Display:      built-in: 0.96" I2C OLED
    • Sensor(s):      optional: Bosch BMP(E)280
    • Battery:      optional: Li-Po 600 mAh
  • certificates: CE and FCC

Major improvements

Common

  • Israel and South Korea regional radio settings
  • display firmware version and region code on 0.96" OLED boot-time splash screen
  • two more information pages for 0.96" OLED display: mixed and sensor (when applicable)
  • use of a push button to: 1) cycle these infopages in a loop, 2) enter into sleep mode, 3) wakeup
  • show N.A on the OLED when battery voltage value is not available
  • update of OGNTP RF channel selection for certain world regions
  • fix for negative FANET lat/lon values
  • improved GNSS module(s) management
  • update of traffic acceptor logic
  • improved remote configuration by private NMEA sentences

ESP32

  • been built against of most recent ESP32 Arduino Core 1.0.5
  • reset of u-blox GNSS module to factory default settings (when necessary)
  • 'power' button on Prime Mark II has multiple functions assigned
  • BLE 'battery service' added
  • produces a tone with the Standalone buzzer to spot pilot's attention onto LED ring (traffic updates)

ESP8266

  • produces a tone with the Standalone buzzer to spot pilot's attention onto LED ring (traffic updates)
  • fix against regression of UAV mode ( #99 )

S76G

  • performance settings for Sony CXD5603GF GNSS
  • TCXO function
  • reduced sleep current

CC13XX

  • fix for green LED was not lit in 'bridge' and 'receiver' roles ( #103 )

Please, read commits history for more information.

Known issues

  • 'short' and 'medium' press of T-Beam v1.x AXP192 PMU 'power' key may not function properly when the 18650 Li-Po battery has low charge level (3.3-3.4 V).   Use 'long' press to apply 'hard' power off action instead ;
  • very short keypress may not work on Badge. Make a more distinct one ;
  • Badge may lose reception for certain amount of radio packets ;
  • Badge may restart 2 times after a settings change ( https://github.com/lyusupov/SoftRF/commit/7e6438a98c7d2ef7c831fd2424083d794d612420 ) ;
  • SoftRF Tool version 1.2 may fail to read/write settings from/to a device connected by USB cable. Try to disconnect and reconnect again - this typically does the trick.

Binary downloads and flashing instructions

WARNING

  1. ESP8266 and ESP32. This upgrade may reset your SoftRF settings to factory default values. Please, follow these "backup and restore" procedures before doing the update
  2. ESP32 only: you may try "Web update" method if your current firmware version is 1.0-rc7 or -rc8, otherwise do:
  3. S76G only: follow these instructions to update your Dongle Edition firmware. It is also recommended to reset your SoftRF Dongle settings back to factory default values by following this procedure.

Prime MkII or Dongle owners! I will reject any claims if you, by any reason, will fail to upgrade or fail to recover after un-successful update! If you are not sure that you can manage the update successfully - think about to stay on RC8 or to buy a new board with pre-installed RC9.

Source code build instructions

1.0-rc8

3 years ago

New features

Radio

  • support for most recent and advanced sub-1 GHz radios on the market, such as:
  • these protocols are available for a SoftRF device with SX1262 radio:
    • Legacy
    • OGNTP
    • P3I
    • FANET
  • these protocols are available for a SoftRF device with CC1352R radio:
    • UAT ADS-B @ 978 MHz 1
    • Legacy
    • OGNTP
    • P3I

1 - UAT is receive only

TI CC1352R

  • hardware:
    • TI CC1352R GNSS: external (3.3 Volts u-blox NEO 6/7/8 is recommended) Radio: built-in (CC13XXR) or external (SX12XX SPI) Output:      default: UART 38400, 8N1 Display:      optional: 0.96" I2C OLED Sensor(s):      optional: I2C BMP(E)280 barometric pressure sensor Power:      SensorTag: 2x AAA eco-friendly Ni-Zn ( 1.6 Volts ) rechargable batteries      LaunchPad: external USB power supply
  • certificates: CE, FCC and IC
  • firmware installation or update:
    • by Bluetooth Low Energy "over-air-download" (OAD) method from a smartphone/tablet with Simplelink SensorTag (Android) or TI SensorTag (iOS) application

Major improvements

Common

  • 'static' aircraft type is now available to mark dangerous static objects
  • OLED POST splash screen for GNSS, radio and barometric sensor probing status
  • SoftRF device now indicates with OLED when RF transmitter is switched OFF
  • fix for incorrect reporting of own deviceID as a traffic when itself is being relayed by near genuine OGNTP or FANET device ( #76 )

ESP32

  • support for TTGO T-Beam 1.1 with either SX1276/8 ( inside HPD13/4A module ) or new SX1262 ( HPD16A ) FSK and LoRa radio IC
  • Semtech SX1262 radio support through (customized) BASICMAC library
  • WebUI setting for SX1276 radio carrier frequency correction

ESP8266

  • been built against of recent ESP8266 Arduino Core 2.6.3
  • WebUI setting for SX1276 radio carrier frequency correction

Raspberry Pi

  • BCM2835 library is updated to work with Raspberry Pi 4
  • fix for always the same Device Id
  • fix for some corrupt OGNTP packets in RELAY mode ( #74 )

CC13XX

  • remote (serial) sleep/wake-up feature to control Uni by SkyView EZ power button
  • remote settings change by SoftRF SkyWatch or WebTop WebUI
  • EEPROM emulation library added
  • 2nd UART support for CC13X2R (in hardware) and for CC13X0 (emulated by Sensor Controller)
  • u-blox 6/7/8 GNSS power saving

STM32

  • been built against of most recent STM32 Arduino Core 1.9.0
  • remote (serial) sleep/wake-up feature to control Dongle by SkyView EZ power button
  • remote settings change by SoftRF SkyWatch or WebTop WebUI

Please, read commits history for more information.

Known issues

  • boot after sleep mode with Prime Mk2 may not function properly when 'noname' I2C OLED is connected. To get rid of that - use a complete power off instead.

Binary downloads and flashing instructions

WARNING

  1. ESP8266 and ESP32. This upgrade will reset your SoftRF settings to factory default values. Please, follow these "backup and restore" procedures before doing the update
  2. ESP32 only: you may try "Web update" method if your current firmware version is 1.0-rc7, otherwise do:
  3. S76G only: follow these instructions to update your Dongle Edition firmware. It is also recommended to reset your SoftRF Dongle settings back to factory default values by following this procedure.

Prime MkII or Dongle owners! I will reject any claims if you, by any reason, will fail to upgrade or fail to recover after un-successful update! If you are not sure that you can manage the update successfully - think about to stay on RC7 or to buy a new board with pre-installed RC8.

Source code build instructions

1.0-rc7

4 years ago

New features

STM32

  • modes: Normal (default) or UAV
  • hardware:

    • AcSiP S76G GNSS: built-in Radio: built-in Output:      default: UART (PA9/PA10) 115200, 8E1      optional: USB CDC ACM Display:      optional: 0.96" I2C OLED Sensor(s):      optional: BMP(E)280

    • "Blue Pill" (STM32F103C8 128k) Radio: RFM95 (SX1276) Output:      default: UART (PA9/PA10) 38400, 8N1      optional: USB CDC ACM Sensor(s):      optional: BMP(E)280 Optional:      genuine OGN low-level RF IC driver(s): 1          RFM69 (SX1231)          SX1272          SX1276          Si4032

      1 - OGNTP is the only radio protocol available with OGN driver(s)

TI CC1310

Major improvements

Common

  • UAT (ADS-B 978 MHz) data packets decoder
  • better MAVLINK 1.0 compliance
  • use of protocol supplied aircraft's callsign, when able (GDL90 & UAT)
  • improved 'parity' of Legacy data
  • fix for baro altitude and vertical speed reporting over OGNTP protocol
  • fix for incorrect medium and high altitude reporting over FANET radio protocol #64
  • fix for 'parity' of OGNTP data
  • improved PFLAU NMEA sentence handling

ESP32

  • been built against of most recent ESP32 Arduino Core 1.0.4
  • support for TTGO T-Beam V10 (a.k.a. V1.0)
  • fix of Web firmware update method
  • can receive UAT traffic with use of SoftRF-UAT module 2
  • power saving feature: turn Wi-Fi off after 10 minutes of no activity
  • turn Prime Mk2's status LED on when power is up 3
  • flash with Prime Mk2's status LED when battery level is becoming low 3
  • turn Prime Mk2 off ( 'standby' ) when battery level is very low
  • fix of u-blox NEO-M8N detection (certain GPS f/w revision affected) #59
  • BLE improvements

2 - valid for Standalone Edition only 3 - valid for TTGO T-Beam V05-V07. May or may not work on V10.

ESP8266

  • been built against of most recent ESP8266 Arduino Core 2.5.2
  • fix for regression of UAV mode since RC4
  • power saving feature: turn Wi-Fi off after 10 minutes of no activity

Raspberry Pi

  • can receive UAT traffic with use of SoftRF-UAT module
  • improved SX1276 radio detection and warmup
  • fix for operation with nRF905 radio
  • better format compliance of vertical speed reporting in PFLAA sentences

Please, read commits history for more information.

Known issues

  • may fail to boot on a board if it uses PICO-D4 variant of ESP32
  • may fail to operate on Raspberry Pi 4

Binary downloads and flashing instructions

WARNING

  1. ESP8266 and ESP32. This upgrade will reset your SoftRF settings to factory default values. Please, follow these "backup and restore" procedures before doing the update
  2. ESP32 only. "Web update" method is NOT applicable for this upgrade: 4

4 - you may try "Web update" if your current firmware version is 1.0-rc6+ .

Prime MkII owners! I will reject any claims if you, by any reason, will fail to upgrade or fail to recover after un-successful update! If you are not sure that you can manage the update successfully - think about to stay on RC6 or to buy a new board with pre-installed RC7.

Source code build instructions

1.0-rc6

5 years ago

New features:

ESP32

  • NMEA TCP Service on port 2000 (AIrConnect compatible)

Raspberry Pi

Major improvements:

Common

  • light increase of RF transmit power 1
  • more GDL90 and D1090 output options to choose from
  • GDL90 ForeFlight Id message
  • 866 MHz RF band for India
  • minor "legacy" radio protocol compatibility improvements
  • 2-color WebUI battery voltage value

1 - valid for SX1276 radio and for certain world regions only

ESP32

  • been built against of most recent ESP32 Arduino Core 1.0.1
  • work around incorrect geoid separation value in GGA NMEA sentence of certain low-end GNSS chipsets
  • GDL90 and D1090 Bluetooth output options are available
  • watchdog reset timer (5 seconds)

Please, read commits history for more information.

Known issues

  • To be compatible with most of EFB software on the market, MSL Ownship Geometric altitude is reported over GDL90 data link. This approach is a deviation from official GDL90 standard. SkyDemon EFB seems to be the only exception - it follows the specs and expects to receive an altitude, relative to WGS-84 ellipsoid. Those of SkyDemon users who fly in an areas where geoid separation value is significant (more than VDOP) should consider to terminate GDL90 and operate with NMEA TCP ("AirConnect") connection method instead.

  • Web firmware update feature is inoperative on ESP32

Binary downloads and flashing instructions

WARNING

  1. ESP8266 and ESP32. This upgrade will reset your SoftRF settings to factory default values. Please, follow these "backup and restore" procedures before doing the update
  2. ESP32 only. "Web update" method is NOT applicable for this upgrade:

Prime MkII owners! I will reject any claims if you, by any reason, will fail to upgrade or fail to recover after un-successful update! If you are not sure that you can manage the update successfully - think about to stay on RC5 or to buy a new board with pre-installed RC6.

Source code build instructions