'Genuine' Castle Firmware on Traxxas or other re-branded Castle ESCs

[LizardXO-1]

Finally, I managed to find a way to flash 'genuine' Castle firmware to Traxxas and other re-branded versions of castle controllers. The decryption of the SQLite file is not necessary, it is actually possible with an older version of the Castle Link software which still uses an MS Access database.


Currently, it should work with the following controllers:

- Traxxas Mamba Monster Extreme Firmware V1.34 (XO-1)
- HPI Blur Firmware V1.24 (re-badged Mamba Monster, HPI Savage)
- Traxxas ET-3S Firmware V1.32 (probably re-badged Mamba Max Pro, Traxxas Funny Car)


So far I have flashed two Traxxas Mamba Monster Extreme controllers and one HPI Blur to Castle Mamba Monster Firmware V1.46 without problems.

Please somebody try it with the ET-3S (should be a 6S capable MMP then).
I think it should be possible to flash other Castle-based controllers also.



Howto:
------

Things you need:

1. Castle Link Software V3.40.0 from Castle:
http://castlecreations.com/downloads...all_3.40.0.exe

1. Latest Castle Link Software (3.56.17 as of now) from Castle:
http://castlecreations.com/downloads...ll_3.56.17.exe

2. Modifed settings.mdb file:
http://filestore.to/?d=H7SYXKMOOL


Steps:


1. If you have a Traxxas controller, make sure that Live Link is disabled
and that it's 100mph unlocked (XO-1 version)

2. De-install any previously installed Castle Link Software

3. Install Castle Link Software V3.40.0

4. Replace settings.mdb file with modified settings.mdb file
Usually located in C:\Program Files (x86)\Castle Creations\Castle Link

4. Start Castle Link software
You should only see the about and the Software Tab.
Do not use any function other than firmware update!

5. Go to Software Tab and flash any firmware you like.

6. Exit Castle Link Software

7. De-Install Castle Link Software

8. Make sure that "C:\Program Files (x86)\Castle Creations\Castle Link folder" is empty

9. Install latest Castle Link Software

10. Flash latest firmware

Now you have a genuine Castle controller with the latest available firmware on it!

[Wolfslash16]

Wow! That's awesome! Thanks for sharing! I wonder if any one can confirm if the hacked ET-3s can use 6s?

[LizardXO-1]

Word on the forums is, that it's just a software limitation. If I had one, I would check if the capacitors on it are 35V types and if yes, go for it

[Jws1982]

Word on the forums is, that it's just a software limitation. If I had one, I would check if the capacitors on it are 35V types and if yes, go for it

+1 my only concern on the et-3s is the cap voltage rating, specifically the one on the power leads. I would bet the internal caps are the same as the MMP, but the power lead caps are only on the ET-3s. The voltage level may not be high enough for 4s-6s operation.

[goatn]

+1 my only concern on the et-3s is the cap voltage rating, specifically the one on the power leads. I would bet the internal caps are the same as the MMP, but the power lead caps are only on the ET-3s. The voltage level may not be high enough for 4s-6s operation.

Just remove the cap on the power leads. Its only purpose is to eliminate spark when plugging your battery in since there is no on/off switch. I removed mine the day I got it and have had no issues. I am however not able to get his file for the modified settings to download.

[robster888]

Awsome!! ...i will bookmark this,..thanks for sharing!

[RallyX3s]

any updates on the et-3s? lets get atleast 4s

[LizardXO-1]

Sorry, don't have any reports yet about the ET-3s.

I just noticed the link to the settings file expired.

Here are two new links (both same file, just different filehoster)
http://filestore.to/?d=GF6EVM9OLN
http://ul.to/m90kil5l

[Nicolasmj]

did as instructed on my et3s running firmware 1.46 now. I don't have any batteries higher than 3s to test though.

[Nicolasmj]

I got it to arm on 6s. If anyone has ever been stuck in staging mode like I was(gutless). This hack unlocks the torque limiter option which can then be disabled. Now mine works perfectly with my crawler motor with a sensor cable.

[mwe-maxxowner]

What benefit would I see to doing this on my mamba monster extreme?

[goatn]

I am needing help with downloading the File. Im trying to do this to my et3s. Any help would be appreciated.

[LizardXO-1]

Thanks for reporting success here, Nicolasmj.

goatn, Here is another mirror:
http://www.traxxas.com.ar/castle/settings.zip

I would not remove the extra capacitors on the wires, instead add some additional ones. When running a controller near it's limits some extra caps are always a good idea.

Generally, one should be aware that you need to keep currents within reasonable range when running 6s on such a small ESC. I guess you would need a motor with a fairly low kV (1600-2000 maybe) but still reasonably small (36mm diameter, about 60mm length) to get a healthy and efficient setup with 6s and the MMP.

mwe-maxxowner:
Castle has fixed the cogging issue with firmware 1.45, and also did some reliability improvements like these:
Bug fix: Output power could jump inappropriately when motor is having difficulty starting. Could result in ESC damage.
Bug Fix: Throttle glitch could cause excess stress on esc.

[danielhr77]

Here is another mirror:
http://www.traxxas.com.ar/castle/settings.zip

That's my site, free and no bandwidth issues... PM me and let me know if you need to upload a new file, I have no problem in hosting files like this... I'm uploading the Castle software too now...

[goatn]

Thanks for reporting success here, Nicolasmj.

goatn, Here is another mirror:
http://www.traxxas.com.ar/castle/settings.zip

I would not remove the extra capacitors on the wires, instead add some additional ones. When running a controller near it's limits some extra caps are always a good idea.

Generally, one should be aware that you need to keep currents within reasonable range when running 6s on such a small ESC. I guess you would need a motor with a fairly low kV (1600-2000 maybe) but still reasonably small (36mm diameter, about 60mm length) to get a healthy and efficient setup with 6s and the MMP.

mwe-maxxowner:
Castle has fixed the cogging issue with firmware 1.45, and also did some reliability improvements like these:
Bug fix: Output power could jump inappropriately when motor is having difficulty starting. Could result in ESC damage.
Bug Fix: Throttle glitch could cause excess stress on esc.

Thanks, I will give it another try tonight and report back!

[mwe-maxxowner]

Thanks! I think I might try my mm extreme. Is there any danger in harming the ESC in this process? Also might try to pick up an et-3s.

[RavenLS1]

could someone please rehost the Modifed settings.mdb file please.

[LizardXO-1]

RavenLS1:
The last link I have posted and the ul.to link should work.

mwe-maxxowner:
Yes, there is the general risk of turning your ESC into a paperweight if something goes wrong (your computer or the Castlelink program crashes during the upgrade for example). But that is the risk associated with any firmware upgrade, no matter what type of device.

[atclauss]

Can anyone verify that the et3s can be used with more than 3s lipos

[YamilR]

I bought a new XO-1, and I'll be using my Airtronics MT4 remote, I have not started the car yet since I'm waiting on lipo's. Do I have to go thru all the process shown above? or can I just plug the ESC to my laptop and run the castle firmware

[goatn]

For whatever reason, this will not work for me. I download the 3.4 version of castle, I download the settings file. I replace the standard settings with the modified one and open castle link. It tells me that there are newer versions. I click no when it asked if I would like to update then it flashes up an invalid controller. Thats it. The only tab that is on my castle link is the "about" tab. oh,and I am trying to do this for a et3s esc.

[RallyX3s]

For whatever reason, this will not work for me. I download the 3.4 version of castle, I download the settings file. I replace the standard settings with the modified one and open castle link. It tells me that there are newer versions. I click no when it asked if I would like to update then it flashes up an invalid controller. Thats it. The only tab that is on my castle link is the "about" tab. oh,and I am trying to do this for a et3s esc.

Oh man that's a bummer. If you keep trying let us know if you have succes ! Because I have a et3s too

[Wolfslash16]

For whatever reason, this will not work for me. I download the 3.4 version of castle, I download the settings file. I replace the standard settings with the modified one and open castle link. It tells me that there are newer versions. I click no when it asked if I would like to update then it flashes up an invalid controller. Thats it. The only tab that is on my castle link is the "about" tab. oh,and I am trying to do this for a et3s esc.

Man that's too bad. Let us know if you get it to work. Also, if any one else gets it to work for a ET-3s please chime in.

[LizardXO-1]

goatn:
Maybe your controller has another firmware version than 1.32, it's only working for 1.32 with the settings file I made.
What makes me wonder is that it first says there is a new version available. Are you sure it did say that for the controller firmware version? Maybe it wanted to update your CastleLink and not the controller (?)

I need the "ID" of the controller firmware, to obtain it, please do the following:
Use CastleLink Software 3.40 with the original Castle settings file and connect the ESC.
CastleLink should give you an error message that the controller is not supported and an ID like "TM01132" in parentheses after that.


danielhr77:
Thanks for hosting the file again

YamilR:
If you just want to run an aftermarket radio, you only need to unlock the ESC so that it will allow speeds above 50mph (using the Traxxas radio) and then disable the Castle Link Live feature with the standard Castlelink software. No need to flash firmware.

[goatn]

OK, both of my controllers are on version 1.33, which makes sense why it's not working. It does not give me the option to revert back to the 1.32 firmware.
So, as soon as I get to work I will download castle 3.4 and get you the number it gives me.
Thanks for all the help!

[goatn]

Ok, Here is what I got after downloading the 3.4v of castle link.
"There is a newer version of castle link available. If you choose to update to the new version, castle link will be closed and you will be redirected to our webpage"

Then I connect my esc and this message pops up.
" the device connected is either not a castle creations controller or may have software on it that is newer than the software on your computer"
The code it gives me is (TM01133)
I hope this helps and you can get this figured out, as I am very anxious to try this.
Thanks again, for all your efforts!!

[LizardXO-1]

Okay I think I have got it now.

Try this settings file with the ID for the ET-3S FW 1.33 included.
http://filestore.to/?d=FOB43VH4Z5

It should give you firmwares from 1.21 to 1.32 to choose from. Downgrade to 1.32 first and after that you should be able to use the latest Castlelink to upgrade to higher versions.

[goatn]

Awesome!
Will give it a try

[goatn]

IT WORKED!!! Im currently on 1.46v

[RallyX3s]

IT WORKED!!! Im currently on 1.46v

does it work with 4s???

[goatn]

does it work with 4s???

It will work on 6s

[LizardXO-1]

cool

danielhr77: Could you host the updated settings file again? The filestore mirror doesnt work for long.


Digged through the settings file some more. After Goatn's success I am pretty much positive now that it can be done with almost all castle-based controllers.

Here is a List with the controllers that most likely will be upgradeable too:
Axial AE-2 (F330C)
Axial Vanguard
Axial Vanguard (F541V6)

Duratrax Element (F541)
Duratrax Element (F541V6)

HPI Motiv (F310C)
HPI Blur (F310C)
HPI Blur (F360C)
HPI Vapor (F541)
HPI Vapor (F541V6)
HPI Vapor Pro (F541)
HPI Vapor Pro (F541V6)
HPI Qbase (F360C)
HPI Brushed (F330C)

Losi MSC-MXPRO (F360C)

Traxxas Mamba Monster (F360C)
Traxxas Mamba Max Pro (F360C)
Traxxas Marine (F541)
Traxxas Spartan (F541V6)

[danielhr77]

danielhr77: Could you host the updated settings file again? The filestore mirror doesnt work for long.

Done! All files at: http://www.traxxas.com.ar/castle/

PM me if you need to upload more files, I'll send you my email address, it's faster that way...

[Demstwenties]

cool

danielhr77: Could you host the updated settings file again? The filestore mirror doesnt work for long.


Digged through the settings file some more. After Goatn's success I am pretty much positive now that it can be done with almost all castle-based controllers.

Here is a List with the controllers that most likely will be upgradeable too:
Axial AE-2 (F330C)
Axial Vanguard
Axial Vanguard (F541V6)

Duratrax Element (F541)
Duratrax Element (F541V6)

HPI Motiv (F310C)
HPI Blur (F310C)
HPI Blur (F360C)
HPI Vapor (F541)
HPI Vapor (F541V6)
HPI Vapor Pro (F541)
HPI Vapor Pro (F541V6)
HPI Qbase (F360C)
HPI Brushed (F330C)

Losi MSC-MXPRO (F360C)

Traxxas Mamba Monster (F360C)
Traxxas Mamba Max Pro (F360C)
Traxxas Marine (F541)
Traxxas Spartan (F541V6)

I was able to do this today for my ET3S converting it to a 'Castle MMP'. Im interested in doing this now for my Spartan and M41 using the MXL-6s ESC. I think it comes back as a 'Castle MM2'. What is the modified settings file I need? Anyone done this the VXL-6S?? Thanks!!!

[FnFancy]

I was able to do this today for my ET3S converting it to a 'Castle MMP'. Im interested in doing this now for my Spartan and M41 using the MXL-6s ESC. I think it comes back as a 'Castle MM2'. What is the modified settings file I need? Anyone done this the VXL-6S?? Thanks!!!

I don't think the mxl6s needs to be flashed, unless traxxas did something different for the boat esc. The mxl6s from my erevo plugs right in to castle link as a mm2. If anything it might update the software. The vxl6s isn't a rebadged castle esc, it's a traxxas original. Not sure if it will be compatible with castle link.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[Demstwenties]

I don't think the mxl6s needs to be flashed, unless traxxas did something different for the boat esc. The mxl6s from my erevo plugs right in to castle link as a mm2. If anything it might update the software. The vxl6s isn't a rebadged castle esc, it's a traxxas original. Not sure if it will be compatible with castle link.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

If I plug it into the Caste link, it shows up as a Traxxas Spartan, not a MM2. There are no firmware upgrades for it either, just the original release. I can't find anything anywhere of people doing these, just read in the forum (as I quoted in post #188) that it should be possible.....I tired several different modified settings files and doing the same process as I did to flash the ET3s to a MMP, but it didn't work and was only recognized as the Spartan ESC....

[FnFancy]

If I plug it into the Caste link, it shows up as a Traxxas Spartan, not a MM2. There are no firmware upgrades for it either, just the original release. I can't find anything anywhere of people doing these, just read in the forum (as I quoted in post #188) that it should be possible.....I tired several different modified settings files and doing the same process as I did to flash the ET3s to a MMP, but it didn't work and was only recognized as the Spartan ESC....

Interesting, I wonder why the mxl6s from the erevo is different than a mxl6s in a spartan?

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[phildogg]

Great news. Thanks to all. Time to buy a esc. Lol

[LizardXO-1]

New mirror for the latest settings file with ET-3s v1.33 support:
http://ul.to/u081hui4

[Guano]

Lizard, any way to assist with my Losi MSC-MXPRO issues? I'm getting the same messages as Goatn...my parenthesis ID in the message is ('LP01139'). I cannot remember which software is currently on it, I do know it's NOT the v1.32 as I didn't know to keep it before updating to the updated Losi one?

Thanks in advance!