Quick Answer
Use ESC Configurator in Chrome or Edge to read BLHeli_S ESCs and flash compatible hardware to Bluejay. For an ESC already running AM32, use the official AM32 Configurator. Remove every propeller, connect the flight controller by USB, then connect a LiPo so the ESCs are powered. Do not guess the firmware target.
Choose the Correct Firmware and Tool
The old article sent Bluejay users to BLHeliSuite32, which is the wrong tool. Bluejay is built for BLHeli_S-compatible EFM8 Busy Bee hardware; AM32 is for supported ARM-based ESCs. Our rule is simple: read the existing firmware and target first, then flash. If the configurator cannot identify the ESC, stop rather than trying a similar-looking file.
| Current hardware or firmware | Correct tool | Safe action |
|---|---|---|
| BLHeli_S on compatible EFM8 ESC | ESC Configurator | Flash the matching Bluejay target |
| Bluejay | ESC Configurator | Update or change settings |
| AM32 with AM32 bootloader | AM32 Configurator | Update the exact hardware target |
| Blank ARM ESC or another 32-bit firmware | Hardware programmer first | Install the correct AM32 bootloader before firmware |
For the feature differences, read our BLHeli_S, Bluejay and AM32 comparison. The Micro Air Bluejay 60A 4-in-1 ESC is an example of ready-to-use Bluejay hardware; the MicoAir AM32 55A 4-in-1 ESC arrives on the ARM-based route.
How to Flash Bluejay with ESC Configurator
- Remove the propellers. Inspect the power leads and motor joints before applying battery power.
- Connect USB and the LiPo. USB powers the flight controller; the battery powers the ESC. Open ESC Configurator in a Web Serial-compatible browser.
- Connect and read settings. Select the flight controller serial port, then confirm that every ESC appears with its current BLHeli_S layout.
- Save evidence. Take a screenshot of the original settings and note motor direction before changing anything.
- Choose Flash All. Select the current stable Bluejay release and the target matched by the configurator. Bluejay supports DShot150, DShot300 and DShot600 plus 24, 48 and 96kHz PWM.
- Let all four writes finish. Do not unplug USB or the battery. Read settings again and confirm the same Bluejay version on every ESC.
- Verify in Betaflight. Enable bidirectional DShot, save and reboot. Check RPM telemetry and its error rate with the props still removed.
Do not copy someone else's startup-power values blindly. Bluejay's current documentation warns that excessive startup power can burn a stalled motor or ESC. Start from the project's recommended settings, then find the lowest values that start your own motors reliably. Our Bluejay PWM frequency guide covers the next tuning step.
How AM32 Flashing Is Different
If the ESC already has an AM32 bootloader, the official AM32 Configurator can update it through Betaflight passthrough. Read the detected target, select the matching release, flash, power-cycle and read it back. AM32 supports DShot300/600, bidirectional DShot, variable PWM frequency and KISS-standard ESC telemetry.
Converting a blank ARM ESC or replacing another 32-bit firmware is not the same job. AM32's official documentation requires a bootloader matched to the MCU and signal pin, installed with a supported hardware programmer such as an ST-LINK. Only after that can the main firmware be loaded through a configurator. If your exact target is absent from the compatibility list, do not flash it.
FAQ
Why does ESC Configurator detect the flight controller but no ESCs?
The usual cause is that the LiPo is not connected, so the flight controller has USB power but the ESC does not. If battery power is present, close Betaflight Configurator, reconnect Web Serial and check the signal harness.
Can I mix Bluejay and BLHeli_S on one four-in-one ESC?
Do not fly a mixed set. Flash and verify all four channels so firmware, timing and telemetry behaviour remain consistent.
Can a failed Bluejay flash be recovered?
Often, but not always through flight-controller passthrough. Bluejay documents C2 recovery using the programming pads and a compatible programmer; that is a bench repair, not a file-selection experiment.