Yuneec Q500 Drone - How To Do A Firmware Update

Learn more about the Q500: bit.ly/1HVDwst
In this how to video, Matt talks you through the process of doing a firmware update for the Yuneec Q500 drone, in addition to the ST10 transmitter and CGO2 camera. If you have any questions about this process, please ask us in the comments box below.
If you would like to read more about this quadcopter, visit Modelflight today:
www.modelflight...
A magnificent offering from Yuneec, the Q500 drone comes ready-to-fly with a full HD camera and transmitter featuring video downlink and FPV functionality.

[@shawnmcnew3390]

Flawless. Thanks. Bunch of babies who don't know how to pause/rewind complaining about your precision and accuracy. My updates went through seamlessly.

[@vocvisa]

best video on youtube

[@scottfurlong5475]

Matt Thanks to you, I was able to update the ST10+ controler and the CGO3 camera but I'm not having any luck with the GUI to Q500.

[@gibbyshane78]

Make sure you create a new account on yuneec website and register your quadcopter with serial number located on bottom of aircraft.....after that read VERY carefully....you must make sure you have installed proper drivers for your computer to even recognize your copter....thanks so much for video....only issue I ran into was when I tried to update the TX it kept failing due to time out.....after three attempts I simply restarted the TX and followed procedure again making sure to click the upper left hand patch first than the update button and success

[@ABritinthPhilippines]

Yeah I noticed that too, where did you get the updates for the S10 and camera and could you be a little more specific about not opening the zip file if this could cause damage to the S10? Regards Chris

[@modelflight]

Hi Chris Carter, unfortunately the updates for the S10 and camera are not available. However, if any updates are made available, they should be accessible on Yuneec's website (on the same page where we downloaded the firmware update). We apologies for any confusion caused. We wanted to mention the S10 and camera updates so our viewers would know, in principle, how to download and install them if they became available. Regarding the ZIP file, we should clarify that no damage will be caused to the S10 if the file is not opened. The worst that could happen is that the update will not be installed. Hope that all makes sense. Please let us know if you have any other questions.

[@ABritinthPhilippines]

Modelflight No that's OK, I through I was experiencing the early stages of senile dementia? I will know how to do it now, thank you. Regards Chris

[@modelflight]

Chris Carter glad you worked out how to do it. We wouldn't wish senile dementia upon anyone!

[@NorthOlbo]

Good video if you can pause it! I downloaded the firmware for my ST10+ and do not see a RF file, only TX. Is there no longer this file?

[@NorthOlbo]

+Jim Shoe there is no RF file now, his video is out of date on that. But I did the TX file and successfully updated. The first time I set my SD card in with a tiny gap and closed the metal clip. It didn't read anything of course. I set it in properly and it read the new file when I set it to update.

[@toysoldier46552]

+Jim Shoe I would reformat the card then try again, if that does not work then check to ensure you have it set properly.

[@ericr5561]

Hey guys - I have one of the original Q500's (not even the +) and I've flown it for a few years now without ever updating the firmware. One question I never seem to resolve or find an answer to is whether or not it's necessary to even do a firmware update, especially if you're not having any issues whatsoever. In other words, I've flown for years with no issues, no bugs, etc. So is there really any benefit or reason for me to update my firmware? I feel like I run the risk of running into issues if I do vs. leaving well enough alone. i.e. don't fix what isn't broken. Thanks in advance.

[@kevlec1947]

Matt, please show us the Updates for the Q500 4K the ST10+ and CGO3 Camera

[@alfindigo]

the ST10 update instructions seem wrong, i couldn't update my system, kept getting update failure. best to download the instructions from Yuneec, it is a different process

[@lloydgarland8544]

Appreciate the information but would like you to show the procedures in a little more detail and maybe slower. Thanks

[@vr4operator]

Camera update. When I put the sd card in and turn on ONLY the Q500 4K with CGO3, all I get is a blinking green light on the camera. I had no issues updating the drone or transmitter, but the camera is killing me. I've tried different sd cards, reformatted no luck, tried using one that had pics from the drone (so I know it worked fine in the camera), no luck. I wish there was a forum on the Yuneec website Any help would be appreciated, thank you in advance!

[@stephenstrassen1135]

any idea where i can send my whole unit and radio for set up or repair if needed?? im in uk and bought what i thought a clean trusted used twice unit being stuck in a wheel chair thought it would be great to give me a hobbie untill my legs are sorted.. but i pressed the reset as couldnt get any where now cant see battery power or move the cam up and down as before. wont start up. did all up graded firm where but doesnt see the ones of the q500 on the radio as is a internet link seems to be a bin file. iv been messing for a few days and now got a head ache. for 2pins i could throw it . but cost me 500 pound for a massive setup. with cases..please help if you can. i am prepared to send it off to let a shop or a yuneec specialist set everything up and if needed repair then ok, but gosh is doing my head.. one frustrated guy here . steve

[@RemoteChief]

Again I have been on over150 flights with the Q500 and I have updated once before. I also have two Q500s and one I personally rebuilt and have flown it many times. This has nothing to do with physical wires. The q500 became unresponsive right after initiating an upgrade and now the app claims it is not connected m. My other q500 works fine but I am now afraid to upgrade to v4 now but I wanted to start using watch me feature. This is a firmware issue nothing to do with wires I checked in case but no this is firmware not a physical issue thank you for responding

[@modelflight]

Hi Remote Chief, that is peculiar. I just spoke with our technical/service team about your issue and unfortunately they are not certain what could be causing this problem, apart from the other two physical suggestions we raised with you earlier. Our best suggestion right now would be to speak to the retailer that sold the Q500 to you. We are very sorry that we have been unable to solve your problem in this instance, but please let us know if we can be of assistance in any other way. Thank you for your understanding.

[@scottfurlong5475]

11 attempts I made to update the ST10+. First 10 didn't work....Update failure. Time out! Attempt number 11 worked! I didn't do a darn thing different. I followed your instructions to the letter and it took 11 attempts. This is very frustrating! Still no response between the GUI and Q500.

[@scottfurlong5475]

Hi Matt, I'm with Daniel Walker in that I also can't get my Q500 4K to connect to GUI. I'm using windows 10, downloaded the 'setup executable' file and nothing. GUI displays 'Disconnected. Trying port COM5'. The USB interface programmer's LED is flickering blue. Spent an hour on the phone with Yuneec support and the lady just wants me to uninstall and reinstall everything. She says it's simple and I must be doing something wrong. That could be true but this issue is all over the internet, it seems to be a wide spread issue. Surely there is a solution. I have been two weeks trying to get this bird in the air because I have to update it for a no fly zone. I confirmed the 'setup executable' install. Under 'device manager' it shows the USB SERIAL CONVERTER and when I plug in the connector, USB SERIAL PORT COM5 shows up under ports. What's going on?

[@andyventers3800]

Following the instructions, but can't get the usb to connect to the computer. When I plug it in I here the sound, but nothing opens up or connects. When I open q500 GUI it says disconnected in the bottom left. Working with a pc on windows 7.

[@Cosmic89147]

I am following this to a T but for whatever reason I cannot put the update files on the micro SD card. I have no idea what to do and legitimately know body is able to help me. Cheers.

[@RemoteChief]

i was upgrading to version v4 and i got a corrupt file error now my bird wont be recognized by the app or the transmitter, have any ideas how to fix ? great videos

[@modelflight]

Hi Remote Chief, thank you for your positive feedback. Regarding your question, we just wanted to make sure that your transmitter's firmware is up-to-date. At this stage, this is the only reason why we think this problem could be occurring. Please let us know if you have any further questions about this.

[@RemoteChief]

Nothing to do with the transmitter I was updating the drone and now the drone will not be recognized by the app so I cannot update or even seen any data

[@modelflight]

Hi Remote Chief, that is strange. The only other option that we can think of is to check the wires and pins on the Q500's mainboard. They may have come loose or been damaged. If this does not solve the issue, please let us know.

[@jorgesarmiento4994]

Matt.. First of all...Very thanks for your detailed instrucctions , Sadly I loose the way... I Followed the instructions to update my ST10 unit but apparently I used the wrong update file (for the ST10 +). Now my ST10 drive turns on white, I do not see the characters as only some horizontal stripes appear. My question is if you know any way to recover my unit. I will be very grateful if you can help me because I really like flying my Q500.

[@eonoe11]

Jorge Sarmiento I also have a bricked controller. My sorry it's I was advised by ayuneec tech to perform the upgrade from their downloaded firmware update software. He did not tell me the critical mistake I would commit if I used the 10+ software on my ST10 and all that was available for the controller was the ST10+! In other words, they screwed me. Now I must pay postage and 80 bucks an hour and wait several weeks for it to be repaired! If you have found a way to diy repair, let me know.thanks

[@chuckvazquez5578]

Hi Matt. I just check the website and there wasnt any firmware files except for the Q500. Also what does the firmware change in the ST10?........thank you.

[@georgebeorn159]

Modelflight Sir, will speeding up the transmitter and improving the algorithims reduce the latency of the video to the ST10 from the camera? Thanks

[@modelflight]

Hi Chuck Vazquez I just spoke to Matt about your question. Unfortunately Yuneec only have the firmware files for the Q500. Nevertheless, we wanted to show you the process through which radio and camera can be updated, in case Yuneec does release firmware updates for these devices in the near future. Regarding the ST10, the firmware update should speed up the transmitter and improve the algorithims, but I am afraid this is all we know at this stage in time. If you have any other questions,though, please let us know.

[@modelflight]

Hi George Beorn, unfortunately we are not too sure about that. Reductions in latency would probably be the result of firmware updates to the camera and, at this stage, those firmware updates are not available. Please let us know if you have any other questions though.

[@chuckvazquez5578]

Thank you for checking into it.

[@dutchk9833]

Also I see a Telementary update. Does that update in in the bird or the controller?

[@Alex-dr9zu]

How to update gimbal? I've a 4k edition. thank you

[@jwest150]

Do you have to calibrate the q500 after you update the firmware? Do you re-pair the ground station to the drone after the update too?

[@modelflight]

Hi Joseph S. West, to the best of our knowledge, you do not have calibrate the Q500 after you update the firmware. We can also confirm that you do not need to re-pair the ground station to the drone after the update either. Please let us know if you have any more questions about this.

[@thomaadam5874]

Modelflight

[@jwest150]

I updated the firmware on the quad and the controller and the calibration was still intact.

[@kevlec1947]

Show us the 4K and ST10+ updates.

[@BearWitmer]

After installing the controller GUI and firmware (double checked to make sure it's there) I get as far as putting the card in the controller. Then the controller doesn't recognize the sd card. All suggestions appreciated.

[@IRUNM4N]

I had the same issue, even after a few tries. I reformatted the card and it worked perfectly. 16gb or less by the way. Ideally use the same card that came with the controller.

[@thuganomics7284]

Does the Q500 come with that USB adapter?

[@dutchk9833]

Nice video. My bird updated fine as did my camera. When I try to update the controller it doesnt see the files? I have tried two different type class 10 64G micro sd cards. Do the controller support that size of a card? That is my last deduction why it wont see the file?

[@dutchk9833]

Dutch K9 Well I answered my own question. My neighbor came over with his 8G card out of his phone and let me use it and I put the software on it and tried it. It did not do the system update, but saw the firmware update which my 64G didnt see. Looking at the files in the system zip, I believe my system files were up to date as it was so there was no update for the system, but there was for the firmware. Guess I need to buy an 8G sd card.

[@scottwilliamson7276]

+Dutch K9 Thank you so much for that information. I have scoured forums and you are the only one with an intelligent response for the same issue i was having. Everyone kept telling me i was doing something wrong. Being in an industry that i deal with firmware updates on a daily basis it was highly unlikely, but i did start to question my technical abilities. It didn't even occur to me about the capacity. i would have figured since you can record to the ST10 the capacity would be similar to the quad but apparently not. I bought my Q500 on consignment and the included 8GB was corrupted. Again thank you. Now i too will go buy a 8GB micro sd. Were you able to find out what the capacity actually is for the ST10, and what class is needed?

[@dutchk9833]

Noi I had an old 8g as well, so I use it since firmware upgrades are not huge. I couldnt figure it out either and then wondered if it could support a 64g or not. I was using a quality sd card, so my guess would be more of a size issue than manufacture. Glad yours worked. Pretty poor setup how they did that.

[@dutchk9833]

I will have to look at class when i get home.

[@PITDAWGHYDROs]

wheres the video for the camrea???

[@janeschannel7631]

Hey i'm trying to follow the instructions but my computer wont even let me open the GUI file, I own a mac. It says it does not recognize it. Is there a way i can bypass this security setting on my computer?

[@modelflight]

+SkyDrone For the GUI I’d have the customer contact us on 08 8186 4250, Cheers, Matt

[@janeschannel7631]

Yes, i own a Mac as well and i had to do bypass the security. Go to your settings and under security turn off your firewall then you can go back and turn it back on after.

[@PITDAWGHYDROs]

need a better video for cg02 update i did what you said and no purple light.

[@robertpa13]

Can you please tell me how to turn on the microphone on Q500+.?

[@JPG23]

Once you're able to get a video feed from the craft to the transmitter, click on the "Settings" icon in the lower right (above "Model Select"), acknowledge by clicking "OK" and now move the "Audio Switch" selector to "ON". While you're in this menu, you may also select your video resolution (Q500+/4K) and calibrate your Compass and Accelerometer.

[@danjwalker]

My Q500 4K isn't even recognized as connected by the GUI. :( I tried updating the firmware (though I don't think I need to since I just bought the drone and the last FW was released in 2015.) I followed all the steps but nothing happens. Could it be the USB programmer that I've never used? Very bummed that I can't find a solution.

[@scottfurlong5475]

Have you found a solution to your connection issue? I just purchased the Q500 4K and I can't get it to connect.

[@danjwalker]

Unfortunately not. I posted my plight to the Yuneec forums and have not received an answer. I also called their support. They called me back the next day early in the morning on Saturday and I missed it. I haven't heard back from them since leaving another message. I even bought a replacement USB programmer and that didn't help either.

[@scottfurlong5475]

This is absolutely ridiculous! $1000 dollar piece of flightless junk if I can't get it updated. And now my ST10+ won't update. 'Update failure. Timeout'. Ahhhh!

[@mikegarner1942]

Could you please slow down a little on the download and zip file stuff... Whew! You lost me at just locate your download. Thanks

[@karlhammer5135]

HELP ME ! ! I'm stuck with my work! I installed the latest version of the software (firmware / upload March 3, 2016) at ST10+ (my Q500P) and I have a lot of problems !!! I just wanted to know if I can re-install the previous version (which I saved) simply remains after the procedure itself, or is it more complicated, and you have another method to execute? Thanks for your attention and cooperation >>> Kolibri by Italy ☜㋡☞ THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR VIDEOS ☜㋡☞

[@RiotFran101]

Can someone else with this drone please explain why i need to format the memory card before and after filming on the drone??

[@drohnenlufaufnahmen1329]

Do you have make a downgrad for the TS10

[@modelflight]

Hi Drohnen Lufaufnahmen, you will have to make a download for the ST10, if that is what you are asking. As yet, a firmware update is not available on Yuneec's website, but hopefully this video has shown you the process through which the download can be made.

[@randyroache2183]

You mean all I have to do to update the CGO2+ is just put it on a sd card, insert it in the camera and turn the drone on..thats it? I don't have to go thru the 'gui' like Yuneec explain to do?

[@modelflight]

Hi Randy Roache, actually we would recommend that you go through the GUI as Yuneec explained. Unfortunately this GUI was not available when the video was made, so it would be a better solution.

[@garyrushing4538]

Modelflight Where can I find the instructions for using the GUI to update the CGo2? I can't find any instructions and so far Yuneec support has not gotten back to me about this issue.

[@modelflight]

Hi Gary Rushing, Yuneec sent us some details about using the GUI to update the CGO2. We have copied their instructions below: "The easiest way to update the gimbal firmware is to use the Q500 GUI. You need to connect your gimbal with your computer via USB programmer (need to use the adapter that come from the Q500 accessory kit ). Open Q500 GUI, click the 'Firmware' on the top left of the GUI. Then you will see the programmer window. Select the gimbal firmware that you want to upload. Click 'Update'. Power on the gimbal. It should update automatically." We hope that assists you. If you have any further questions, please let us know.

[@BigAcegoff]

Could you suggest best type micro card for the CGO2 Camera

[@modelflight]

Hi BigAcegoff, any brand of micro card will work for the CGO2 camera. If possible though, we would recommend getting a fast micro card (Class 10 ideally) for optimal performance. Please let us know if you have any other questions.

[@scottwilliamson7276]

+Modelflight What is the largest card you can put in the ST10 controller (notST10+)

[@gfdfperte4248]

My fermware is 1.01 and 1.01 Do i need to change?

[@mostjun2559]

May I ask the CGO2_310B00 original factory binding remote controller password

[@uptowndisco2]

old post , but default password is 1234567890

[@davejohnson5443]

Anybody know how to relink the camera, some how i lost my conection, it keeps asking for a password and i dont have one.

[@jeffmorari4315]

i have a red on the outer scriin what does that mean

[@balsadustmaker]

Just tried (several times) to update my ST10+ with the latest update and it keeps giving me an update failure, Reason: Timeout. Does this mean I have to put it in a corner like a child (lol) ? Anyone have any ideas?

[@modelflight]

balsadustmaker Most of the time, when you see this error, the firmware update is successful. Can you check the version of the firmware? Cheers, Matt

[@balsadustmaker]

Modelflight The build number in my transmitter is st10+v01b15c and is still there. I was trying to load in the st10+v01b21c firmware.

[@balsadustmaker]

+Modelflight my transmitter has ST10+v01b14c and I am trying to upgrade to ST10+v01b21c.

[@erwinbaeb9452]

how do you do that ??? i see nothing in my computer ????????????????????can you fixs that for my visit my location thanks

[@bond007mlt]

On the website yuneec.com/support I couldn't find the firmware update for the CO2 camera. Could you please help find this firmware? Thanks

[@modelflight]

Hi John Ellul, our apologies, we should have made it clearer in the video that the firmware update for the CGO2 camera is not yet available. However, when Yuneec releases updates, you should be able to find them on their Support page and install them as per our video instructions. Please let us know if you have any questions about this.

[@bond007mlt]

Modelflight Thanks for your reply. The video is very well explained.

[@louiselabelle9018]

Seems so simple and I quess should apply to all Q500 series is'nt it

[@kotorichan6020]

Not compatible for ST10+ , becarfull !

[@daveellis2947]

too fast to follow you can you slow it down and maybe redo? not sure how much time they allow you to video...was fast for us rookies

[@serval_fpv]

Although a helpful video.. but like whats been mentioned below several times.. whats the point in rushing a guide ? it seems you only aim this video at experienced RC fliers, now im used to firmware updates on PC`s, bios etc etc.. so i know how it works.. but you have to also cater for 1st time users of quads.. so it would certainly help a lot of the members if you were a bit more thorough in explaining things..and slower would help :/

[@RemoteChief]

Norie M non rushed all details

[@gfdfperte4248]

Hi thanks for taking the time for making the vid, but Can you please slooooooooooow down for us new bee's

[@GunPilot]

Thanks for the video but it is waaaaaaaay to fast, to the point of being fairly useless to me. Would like to see a much slower video instruction clip.

[@brainwashed7244]

waste of time too fast