OFS3(+) Firmware Update 17.17 - Next-Generation VTS Control Loop Update

OMPHOBBY is proud to introduce the most significant firmware update since OFS3’s release! Firmware 17.17 introduces our new VTS control algorithm, which elevates the flying characteristics of OFS3(+) to the highest standards in helicopter control theory, building on completely new algorithms and smarter control laws with dynamic modification of the control loops based on advanced data fusion, all derived from a deep, data-driven understanding of 100-200 size rotor dynamics. This update makes OFS3(+) the most advanced micro heli flight controller on the market, and is available completely free of charge for all customers. Firmware version 17.17 is recommended for all users.

⚠ Attention: Important notes below feature list – please read before updating! ⚠

The new VTS control system runs completely in the background and requires no user adjustment. Still, we are breaking out some parameters not accessible before to explore and tune the system exactly to your liking:

• Response Boost
• Swashplate Rotation
• Control Input Filter

While developing VTS, we have made some changes to existing parameters:

• Rotation Rate and Feedforward parameters are now permanently coupled between Basic and Expert modes, adjusting basic mode Rate and FF through the LED menu will reflect correctly in app, and vice versa
• Integral limit is now set automatically with your cyclic ring limit, making user adjustment superfluous. Those parameters have been removed from the app.

⚠ Important notes ⚠

OFS3(+) firmware 17.17 will, automatically and without user confirmation, perform a one-time targeted reset of the relevant control loop parameters after flashing from 15.20 or earlier. This reset will not affect your customized collective pitch, software throttle values, expo and rotation rates and general tail tune, so you can continue flying with your preferred settings right away. Due to the control loop changes, familiar rate and expo settings may feel slightly different in 17.17. We recommend re-tuning as required.

When using ExpressLRS, the telemetry ratio should be changed to 1:32. While still delivering fast telemetry updates, this change improves the quality of the control signal significantly based on our testing. All other settings remain unchanged.

Previous PID tunes, specifically swashplate P, I, D and F values, will expressly NOT be compatible with firmware 17.17 anymore and it is STRONGLY recommended to re-tune if you’re after a certain flight-feel that deviates from the defaults. If you have a custom setup on firmware 15.20 that you want to archive, we recommend taking screenshots of the relevant app pages BEFORE updating, as previous main rotor control loop settings will be lost on update.

Due to popular demand, we have increased the default rotation rates for pitch and roll on M2 V3 PRO, M2 V3 SPORT and M1 V3 PRO. We have also increased the default collective pitch on M1 V3 PRO. Be aware of this when performing a parameter reset.

The accompanying app updates are under review by Apple and Google and will be released as soon as possible. 17.17 can be used with the existing app, though some functionality may not work 100% as expected, and the new parameters will not be adjustable yet. As this is a massive shift in parameter handling and scope, after the app update, compatibility with firmware 15.20 and earlier cannot be guaranteed anymore.

Should any issues with flight performance arise after the update, we recommend resetting OFS3(+) first to ensure that the correct defaults for every parameter have been loaded. Should issues persist, do not hesitate to contact OMPHOBBY.

Enjoy!

Team OMPHOBBY