A smarter way to update OpenTX SD card contents?

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Have I been doing it wrong all this time? Here's a smarter way to update OpenTX SD card contents. The "Synchronize SD" function of OpenTX Companion.

[@JoshuaBardwell]

If you are interested in a true 2-way synchronization, look into rsync or (for Windows only) robocopy. The OpenTX "sync" just copies files over and updates them if they are newer or the contents changed. If files have been deleted in the source, OpenTX "sync" will not delete them in the destination. FWIW this is the reason I have always avoided this method and just copy over the new contents to an empty SD, then set up any custom stuff manually.

[@rasmus80g]

True sync with sd content source is bad... It will delete your custom files!!!

[@Ryet9]

and I didn't read the pinned comment b4 posting.... welp

[@LudwigBrechter]

"Microsoft SnycToy" may also be a good tool to use. You can tell it how to behave with regards to new/changed/deleted files (ignore, overrite, delete, etc.) and also if it should only synchronize in one direction (e.g. PC to SD) or both and you can also ignore certain files by their name, extension, etc.

[@GeorgiesGirlFPV]

good video, thanks

[@MrAlucardDante]

You have barely scratch the surface on this one, it is a really handy tool. For a more in depth look, I’d recommend RC Video Reviews classes kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYOkmJl-icyXkLs

[@adamward9310]

Joshua thank you for doing what you do. I am disabled and live in the middle of no where. Learning lots from your posts. If I ever get back on my feet going to send my love and support your way.

[@nickvledder]

Those who live in the middle of nowhere are the ones to envy, as I want to share.

[@Jonosolongo]

Hi Josh, been watching your videos for a long time, just wanted to say you are a legend in my book, I look up to you as a source of inspiration and want you to know how much I appreciate your videos and effort and will support you in any way I can 😎

[@kencroft7933]

You are a saver of my sanity. I kcuffed about all weekend after upgrading to opentx 2.4.14 and had stupid errors. The reason was that I had totally messed-up the sdcard contents update. Your method worked very well taking the card out of the TX16 and plugging it into the computer. I am now a subscriber and not far from forking out some dosh in your direction. [I will get over it...probably.]

[@Saifbak16]

Your videos are so professionally made, your information properly structured and your presentation is soo good for all types of audiences. Superb !!!

[@ainsleyisrael6603]

You made my morning JB I love the little squirm , I am going to do this today, thankyou.

[@MCsCreations]

Pretty interesting indeed! Thanks, Joshua! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@drewbird336]

You did everything correctly minus deleting the language packs you did it on the radio side should have done on the new firmware update side located on your computer and also the SD card in the radio so when it does synchronize they're missing from both and there is nothing to sync. Hope this helps

[@quadroneld4401]

Oh those reactions to yourself and inside jokes are a joy to watch! Someone who does not always take himself too seriously, but who knows his business.

[@Terry_Fritz]

Now I know what that button does. Thanks for taking the dive for me.

[@HDgodfrey]

I guess it's fine... translation, ok it's faster and avoids the issues when doing it the way "we" always have but I hate being told Im wrong when technically there is no wrong or right in this scenario. Your the man JB thanks as always!

[@Retset]

I manually move over just the folders I need and it's very quick, even plugged into the radio. That said, I use Amber so am not moving sounds which is, I guess, what takes all the time.

[@airdevil21]

Thanks I can use this when i will try to update my jumper t lite.

[@bracesport]

with the companion you can decide how it synchronises - both ways, one way etc...

[@ron2298]

Thank you once again you saved the day

[@ScowlerJase]

I always put the SD card in my computer and copy the new contents over to it using the merge option ( not the replace option ). It just copies the newer or modified files over leaving everything else intact. Simples.

[@kantony6694]

Love the peacock dance in the beginning haha

[@timmytson1]

Lmao the wink before intro 😂

[@TechnicallyTom]

What happens if you have an alternate sound pack? The file names are the same. I would expect the custom sounds to get overwritten. The last update I seem to remember some of the files being moved around. I have to wonder if the “sync” would end up with the old and new versions on the card because the names and/or locations had changed.

[@matix3-]

Hey Josh! Thanks for the great content as usual 👍 your "Joshua Bardwell's kwadbox shirt " on Rotor Riot's website is that you with the mohawk?

[@sandcrabronco]

It is synchronizing the files you downloaded, all of the language files were downloaded so it synced them too, it mirrors the source as it should.

[@Gungineer007]

Yep. Delete the unzipped language folders.

[@alienmartian22]

It sync the folders and files that is the same name as the source and target. Any extra files in target will be remain intact but any missing in target will be added according to the source. If you delete the sounds folder on both source and target, then you will not see that appear again in target radio.

[@ilusaosemlimite]

Hey Joshua, thanks for these! Quick question, when should I upgrade my radio? Dunno if updating OpenTx is the same as updating the radio firmware, pretty pretty new to fpv.

[@KernsJW]

I have done it that way for awhile. It does synchronize them, just not in the way you are thinking. It takes the new contents and makes sure the SD card matches. Delete the language packs before starting from the new contents. It doesn't take from the SD and update the new. I am not sure what the best word would be. It makes sure the SD has the newest date for each file between the two locations

[@sharkfpv]

Great video man didn’t knew that

[@johncarold]

Hi Josh Great video on the openTX, I just don't know enough about computers to get myself out of trouble when something goes wrong. And it always does, I just tried to download Betaflight for my phone, so I don't have to take my computer to the field. I couldn't even get that to work. Thanks again for the video and information.

[@KwaddawK]

If you are trying to do it with bluetooth Check the MSP is set right in ports tab on BF. It uses a Uart and needs to be set up under ports. I had this issue but now it works.

[@cfusername]

I keep a local copy of the content and sync it with the SD card. Since I run Linux, I use the Krusader file manager for this. On Windows, Total Commander will provide the same functionality. I prefer this to an automated rsync process, since sometimes I want to keep certain files or only update or remove selected files. It’s still annoying and usually the reason I hesitate, when it comes to upgrading OpenTX.

[@rasmus80g]

Well if it did a Tru sync it would have deleted all your custom files as well... And that would have been a bad thing. I did not know about this tool but I always put the sd card into my PC when doing this and just dragging the new stuff over... doesn't take that long. not an hour for sure. so basically will perform the same thing as windows but might skip files with same size and date!?! Or what sync criteria is been used?

[@markcloudchaser874]

Do you know what is strange, i don't own a racing quad, but I always love watching your videos, always smash the like button, I just like to try and learn you know. When your son gets older, he will be great at FPV, awesome, Good Job 👍 👊 from the UK, I do own a DJI Mini 2, that's fun, but I would love a nazgul 6s, all day long.

[@yvesporters3379]

Thx a lot. I still think that the update from OpenTX itself, should also update the filesystem... Every other software update system that I know, works like that... But anyway, this is an improvement. I no longer have to be afraid to loose settings.

[@TheSnow520lee]

I use on the Mac SyncFolder… does the same.

[@dansmith9406]

Its quicker if you take the sd card out of the radio and put it directly in your computer!

[@genivos]

I was immediately thinking that when he was selecting the radio source and made the comment about the sound files to delete .. at least I always do that. Even if you have to copy the complete SD card, local in the computer is the way.

[@DavidMullins1]

Sync may have an issue between file dates on destination card and local drive. If FILE/System DATE comparison option is OFF then sync may have Source or Destination Priority or conflict issue. To be sure you want to delete other Lang sound files, you may have to delete BOTH on Source and Destination BEFORE you sync again. HOWEVER, if sync time is an issue, deleting Lang sound files should not impact sync times too much. Sync or Replicate should only change FILES of DIFFerence, either on Source or Destination. Make sure you understand the difference between BACKUP and SYNC and Replication.

[@airheadbit1984]

EdgeTX Companion File/Synchonize SD ->Sync. Direction is were you decide what and which.

[@laurynasagejevas1200]

Wouldn't a true sync delete your custom files?

[@secretagb]

That's literally what happened to me last time I used the Sync option..this was like several months ago though.

[@martr]

Usually quicker to do it manually, because you dont have to go through the hassle of replacing all the custom files the sync has removed.

[@aronsilburn4720]

Is there a video on the best widgets for openTX

[@fnkycoldmedina]

when you do this does it wipe out your model setups?

[@juggalizzle75]

I don't know how you do it. I avoid making comments yet alone make videos due to the inevitable annoyance of people responding with nonsense. Thanks jb

[@hrhodes2768]

i checked and you can customize the direction of file transfer so it stops copying folders back into the folder on your pc EDIT: you also have to add hello.wav to the excludes list if you want to keep your startup sound

[@JoshuaBardwell]

You can customize the direction but there is no proper sync that would delete files in the destination that were gone in the source.

[@pierrefpv]

@@JoshuaBardwell If you did that you would lose your custom scripts, etc ;-)

[@hrhodes2768]

@@pierrefpv but you could add the .lua extension to the list

[@danjensen9425]

I have two taranis xd9 plus tx . In one I broke the usb connection while racing on a racing simulator but was able to use a wireless connection to still practice on the sim. I want to update that broken tx with open TX so I can have crossfire on it. Can I take the sd card out and load everything not using the usb connection then put it back in and it’s good to fly or if not can I take the sd card out of my good TX put the sd card from the bad usb one in good tax load everything in it and be good to fly crossfire in both transmitters ? Basically I want them both to use crossfire. Thanks , on a side note I’m so freeking computer stupid my head hurts but I do astrophotography acquisition completely on a laptop . That was insane to learn and took over a year . Hope is not a good plan.

[@melbournesubtropicfruits9474]

Whats improved in the update -my TX16 is working ok with previous & ive heard alot of problems after updating - i might get a new 32g card and do this then and copy my models over that took forever to setup? My basic theory is if it aint broke dont fix it 😝

[@Mikeylikesit1968]

Or how I found out that you can update your bootloader when a new update comes out from Opentx

[@MilesofBeard]

I cant even get my Xlight pro to connect to 3 different computers and cant find a single answer to my issue and how to fix it on line. I have tried updating drivers and trying any way to get it to pop up on my computers with different cords as well with no luck. The radio says its connected and also asks to open it as a joystick or a usb ssd and clicking either on the radio does nothing on the computers

[@remielmasloco]

I have the Radio X9d ACCST, but my laptop does not recognize it, it only sounds when I connect and StM32 BOOTLOADER appears below but the radio or the SD card does not appear, I want to update my Radio, how can I solve this I have Windows 7

[@maxrackstraw]

you'll bet that i updated my SD card contents, my tx and rx yesterday... dammit joshua... 24 hours late mate! haha

[@alex_bundock]

Hey! I have the Jumper T-Pro and I've already put the SD card contents onto the SD card, but they're not showing up on the radio! At least when I go to tools the only option is "Spectrum (INT)" - can anyone help?

[@wnewbury4]

I have a QX7 2.2.0. Why should I update? It works now and if I try to update, there is a chance that it will no longer work.

[@hrhodes2768]

why has everyone including myself updated their radio yesterday before you made this video xD

[@UNLOCKEDANDOVERCLOCK]

Is open TX and Edge TX the same thing or different?

[@kibbycabbit]

That’s very smart! Reduce number of write on SD cards.

[@BennyAlex98]

i just put the SD card in my USB card reader, than copy all files into the folder and if its ask to overwrite an file, I will click yes. So my files stay in place and it goes really fast over an normal USB SD card reader.

[@BigWillieFPV]

Does this work for EdgeTx?

[@raffman4266]

Sir joshua is there any way to download old opentx firmware versions?

[@Elias_travels]

good video

[@Shauny_D]

I tried this and the process freezes up around 1400 files every time. Had to do it manually. Now if I plug my radio tx16s in to usb both joystick or storage mode the radio shuts off and goes into emergency mode. I reflashed to 2.3.14 but still have same issue. Went to a nightly build 2.3.12n5 and no issues there...

[@isl8436]

I think we can use sync directions. But this doesn't remove files it seems

[@user-ic3rr1nw8r]

Does this work with EdgeTX?

[@markmuir7338]

Here was me expecting the new method to be a git checkout and pull to update. That would be a true synchronization and you could backup your scripts via a local branch. Oh well.

[@mepanza]

How necessary to update the sd card?

[@firejeep2009]

Look at the options you had both directions selected

[@JoshuaBardwell]

Obviously. The point is there is no way to get a true sync where deleted files are removed.

[@overfly_pt]

Top 👍👌

[@tobias8705]

Hey Joshua I have a problem with my FrSky Horus x12s. I made a little video an would like to send it to you. My Horus crashes all the time. Do you know that problem?

[@sb_boiler]

привет, Я купил jumper tprov2 и пытался обновить прошивку встроенного модуля elrs, ничего не получалось, Я решил обновить прошивку как в инструкции. Я получил отзеркаленый экран.. что делать подскажите

[@lowtone20hz]

If you have the Amber sound pack installed on your SD card, will this synchronizing overwrite the Amber sounds? Or do they have different file names altogether?

[@JoshuaBardwell]

Yes it'll override the custom sounds if the filenames match up. So you wouldn't want to do that.

[@madladdan]

Just change sync direction. Much faster only from computer to radio.

[@HeliZero]

..so you learned something today .. ;o)

[@k1ortia]

Hi, im Joshua Bardwell. And today im going to learn something...Lol

[@DiogoFilipeR]

What if some audio file was updated and it updates on top of your custom one? 🤔 I rather keep doing it manually, I copy all my custom models, scripts, images... To the new downloaded folder on the computer, and then I copy everything to the sd card and everything will already be there. (delete everything from the sd card before copying over and do a backup before if you want to be safe)

[@johnperreco5227]

Joshua, i love the videos. i watched the diatone roma f5 video and purchased one and loveit. i just bought the v2 version and cannot get it to work . im bound to reciever and it wont talk to flight controller radiomaster radio frsky reciever xsr. i also have rxsr but cant get it to bind. frustrating . im fairly new to quads ,i have some emax freestyle s and the tinyhawk too. im really stuck . what do you sugest?

[@JoshuaBardwell]

XSR pinout is different from rxsr pinout so that's probably why it won't work. But why won't the rxsr bind???

[@johnperreco5227]

@@JoshuaBardwell the reciever wont go to bind mode. i get the three lights solid when i hold the button and power up. i tried to flash it to the latest version and still does it . i purchased a second rsxr to check and it does the same

[@JoshuaBardwell]

If you get 3 lights solid then the RX is in bind mode. At that point, if it refuses to bind, there is another issue (most likely firmware mismatch).

[@johnperreco5227]

@@JoshuaBardwell thanks I will try a different firmware and see

[@gregorydahl]

I found an app for android to " move sd card " files or contents from sd cards to internal memory or from internal memory to sd card . It kind of copied everything in the phone to the sd card and photos and files and dcm, download , documrnts , haystack , computer stats , kitchen sink , bthrm sinc , all transferred but it worked . Even jb voice files showed up .

[@Johnn_T]

I know you’ve heard this 1000 times but I’ve been doing this for years ever since Bruce Simpson introduced me to open TX! How did you not know this??😂

[@JoshuaBardwell]

I knew it existed, but I had tested it before and didn't find it to work very well. I felt safer just clearing my SD card contents and manually copying over the stuff I knew I needed. But after a recent video, I found out a lot of other people were using it, so I wanted to make a video documenting it.

[@cliffbrumfield7870]

I noticed that your have downloaded version 2.3.14 open tx, have you had a problem with windows reporting an error when searching for an update. also I have problems with this update and wanted to roll back to version 2.3.13 but could not find anywhere on the internet on how to do this. I also tried to find out how to do a "full factory reset" but no luck. Thanks for you help.

[@JoshuaBardwell]

You can download 2.3.13 here. www.open-tx.org/2021/06/24/opentx-2.3.13 To reset your radio, assuming you have a color-screen radio like RadioMaster or Jumper, simply delete the RADIO and MODELS folders on your SD card.

[@cliffbrumfield7870]

@@JoshuaBardwell Thank you for your quick reply. yes I have the TX16s , I could not get the version 2.3.13 to install but then I did not delete the RADIO and MODELS will give it a go. Thanks again

[@adilsongoliveira]

I remove the SD from the radio and use a 2 step process where I first sync the new sd contents with a local copy of the SD in my hard drive and then sync with the SD itself. I do this for 2 reasons: 1) if something happens with the SD I already have a fresh copy available and 2) Keeps the SD image used by companion fresh. I use rsync for that instead of relying on Companion.

[@JoshuaBardwell]

At least rsync does a proper sync vs. Companion.

[@adilsongoliveira]

@@JoshuaBardwell Exactly. Very precise and as fast as it can be.

[@pav2k]

It can't sync the files you've deleted because it doesn't know if it was made by purpose or not

[@blackimp4987]

Thanks but no I won't ever let a program choose which files remove update or whatever. Sync is good if it perfectly works and it works exactly as you expect. Otherwise it's better doing things manually whehter you unplug from your tx its card and put into a reader or plug your tx to your pc directly

[@Storrsy]

I watched your edge TX video then you posted this. Does that mean after flashing Edge TX for the video you switched back to Open TX? If so, why?

[@JoshuaBardwell]

I make tutorials about lots of things. Just because something shows up in a video doesn't mean it's my daily driver. Also videos are not always released in the order they are recorded.

[@Storrsy]

@@JoshuaBardwell thanks for replying . I flashed Edge TX using your video just because,you know, I could. I love your content and it has helped me so much since joining this mad community of FPV. Keep up the great work.

[@bleeksbentbits3150]

Failed, AGAIN, I have a couple of leads & they all work, but my radio never goes into USB mode. Pulled SD card & tried to update direct in laptop using 'Sync' method. Didnt update my radio & I dont know why, looks like it only 'updated' the Companion. All sync settings were same as yours. STILL stuck on version 2.1.6 since I bought my Taranis x9D+se new. NEED LUA scripts so I can get this blasted Crossfire to bind to an old secondhand quad & rx & then update it, I HOPE... Please JB, can you help me? Ive been banging my head on this wall for two years now!

[@JoshuaBardwell]

I think you emailed about this right? I replied there.

[@bleeksbentbits3150]

@@JoshuaBardwell Sorry about that- I wrote message here first as Email 'puter was locked up at time, finished here & other lappy freed up so copy & pasted into Email to be doubley sure... Will sit down this arvo/evening & try again, AGAIN...... Thank you once more for your help!

[@WX4CB]

you didnt realise about the "direction" drop downs so that it only syncs in one direction? :D

[@JoshuaBardwell]

You can customize the direction but there is no proper sync that would delete files in the destination that were gone in the source.

[@MT-xy7fw]

In that case, you should delete both original sd card and the new downloaded language before you sync.

[@guuskoelman8254]

When looking to the SDcard content most files on the new SD card are empty and often the rest is nearly similar. The reason for update is for me unclear and maybe the developers could give a hint which files are necessary for working together with the new OpenTx version. I confess sometime I only copy the new opentx.sdcard.version on my SD card in my transmitter.

[@trevorimpulsebuyguy6398]

Hmm

[@beach-time]

I keep hearing about this supposed pre-installed SD card.

[@aztrose1023]

wait you guys don't just take the sd out and plug it straight into the computer?

[@jklong03]

Not needed if you use the synchronization functionality AND the direction arrows correctly. It is much easier and faster even over USB to only overwrite outdated files.

[@aztrose1023]

@@jklong03 it doesn’t seem like it in this video, when I do the radio and SD separately I can rewrite all of the contents in less than 30 seconds

[@Tobywan79]

just rename?

[@bonafidepirate]

Time for a rebrand? fpvknowsalot? :D j/k

[@WX4CB]

he didnt know about the "direction" drop downs so that it only syncs in one direction though :D

[@JoshuaBardwell]

You can customize the direction but there is no proper sync that would delete files in the destination that were gone in the source.

[@jklong03]

Yeah, I find that as I have grown in my knowledge I often have found myself ahead of Joshua's methods. But OMG, post a similar sentiment in a FB Group, any group, and watch the fanboys get their flamethrowers out and point them directly to you😅

[@MrDeathFPV]

Arm your quads

[@dr07828]

give credit where credit is due...

[@gmivisualsjason3729]

I reckon your gonna keep doing it the same way you've done before..........

[@Ryet9]

$ rsync -avu /from/somewhere/ /to/over/here rsync - Initial release: June 19, 1996; 25 years ago Edit: JB mentions this in his PINNED comment, that I neglected to read in my haste, TINYwhoops

[@EnglishTurbines]

I can do it faster the old way, manually populating the folders...As for that SD card Synchronizing....jeez, really?...😳😳😳🙄🙄🙄😀🇬🇧

[@odyss160]

I really done see thre need to always update the sdcard content. From my observation, it's just looking for the correct file name and nothing seems to be important at all to have. I've seen radios run without them and I don't ever see anything significant in any of the folders on every fresh, updated download that's critical to have. It's just a waste of time.

[@JoshuaBardwell]

The last major change I can remember was when the Tools menu was introduced in 2.3.something.

[@CGKFPV]

first

[@dr07828]

your only synchronizing files that are changing. If it deleted files that were not on the sd card, then all your customer scripts and sounds and widgets etc would get deleted lol. Are you for real? You would completely void all of the benefits that this provides.

[@JoshuaBardwell]

The point is that syncing folders correctly is a solved problem and this method is not a complete solution.

[@dr07828]

@@JoshuaBardwell thick bro. If it worked they way you suggest, then you would have to copy all of your custom files into the source sdcard directory. You should look up the definition of file synchronization. What the tool is doing is the exact definition of file synchronization. And rsync is a tool with an abundant number of ways to use beyond basic file synchronization. damn any time someone corrects you, you just get all cocky. Even when your wrong.

[@JoshuaBardwell]

I disagree that this tool is syncing. A folder sync will result in 2 folders with identical contents. This is a copy of new files and update of existing files, but does not delete files in destination that are not in source.

[@dr07828]

@@JoshuaBardwell lol you can disagree all you want. Your incorrect. The definitions for types of file management are set. And there is no "folder sync" there is file synchronization. Why don't you take a few minutes and look up the definition of file synchronization. Then you can give me an apology.

[@JoshuaBardwell]

Ok so like let's take an example of a sync utility. Like rsync. Which has the word sync in the name. Can it synchronize a folder structure so that files not present in the source are deleted from the destination? Why yes it can. And that's my point. rsync is a true sync utility. The OpenTX SD card sync tool is incomplete.

[@The_Privateer]

Still not a very efficient or smart way. There are a plethora of free tools and utilities out there that perform actual file sync. This video is what happens when a 'drone guy' tries to do 'computer guy' stuff. Thank goodness he *doesn't* do more 3D printer videos.

[@JoshuaBardwell]

You mean tools like rsync or robocopy which I mention in the pinned comment?

[@johnyfido]

really, is this a joke, the fpv knowitall didnt know this, mate your years behind alot of the time, yawn!