--- title: DRIVE Firmware 3.2 Update Guide slug: bootloader createdAt: 2026-05-04T23:55:43.085Z --- This guide covers the process for updating a Hargrave Technologies GateKEEPER motor controller from DRIVE firmware version \<3.2 to 3.2 and above. :::hint{type="danger"} Updating the bootloader has the possibility of bricking the unit. If the bootloader update fails the unit will be non-functional and will need to sent to Hargrave Technologies for repair. It is critical that the unit remains powered for the entire duration of the bootloader update process. A power loss during the bootloader update can brick the unit. ::: ## Requirements Please ensure the following requirements are met prior to starting the process. - GateKEEPER motor controller (ESC) running DRIVE firmware ≥2.0 - Communication with the motor controller through one of the following: - USB on supported units - DNA enabled DroneCAN connection at 1Mbit/s - Access to the Hargrave Configurator or a tool that supports native DroneCAN firmware updating (e.g. DroneCAN gui tool). ## Update Process Overview The process for updating the bootloader to version 1.2 and updating the firmware to 3.2 is as follows: ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/MIXUvgEo5LjmssoyMwenk/zIRSpWdZFslGg3yD_qyKV_image.png) ## Bootloader 1.2.0 Bootloader 1.2.0 was introduced to support larger firmware sizes alongside features and performance improvements. DRIVE firmware 3.2 and above require bootloader 1.2.0, bootloader 1.2.0 is backwards compatible with all released firmware. A special firmware has been provided to update the bootloader and facilitate the update to 3.2. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/MIXUvgEo5LjmssoyMwenk/rgOVcbAt22FNj7lYrh9ZV_image.png) ## 1.2.0 Bootloader Updater The bootloader updater is a special firmware that enables the following: - Updating the bootloader to 1.2.0 if required. - Allowing the larger firmware sizes supported by bootloader 1.2.0 to be flashed to the unit. ### Update Process 1. Ensure the above requirements are met 2. Load the bootloader updater onto the unit, this process is the same as a standard firmware update. 3. Wait for the device to restart and update the bootloader. You must wait for the flashing aqua LED before proceeding to the next step. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/MIXUvgEo5LjmssoyMwenk/tarts490GndI8yvbxCXSh_image.png) 4. Once the bootloader has successfully updated, update to 3.2 or other firmware. 5. Once the new firmware is installed the device is ready to use. ### Links The bootloader updater can be installed or downloaded using the Hargrave Configurator: :InlineCtaButton[]{label="Hargrave Configurator" docId docAnchorId externalHref="https://configurator.hargravetechnologies.com/firmware" openInNewTab="true" noFollow="false"} The updater can also be downloaded from the following direct links: :::CtaButton{label="Bootloader Updater - microDRIVE LP" externalHref="https://api.hargravetechnologies.com/v1/esc/GK/firmware/1.2.0-bootloader_updater_microDRIVE_LP/bin" openInNewTab="true"} ::: :::CtaButton{label="Bootloader Updater - microDRIVE LPi" externalHref="https://api.hargravetechnologies.com/v1/esc/GK/firmware/1.2.0-bootloader_updater_microDRIVE_LPi/bin" openInNewTab="true"} ::: :::CtaButton{label="Bootloader Updater - nanoDRIVE 4LPi" externalHref="https://api.hargravetechnologies.com/v1/esc/GK/firmware/1.2.0-bootloader_updater_nanoDRIVE_4LPi/bin" openInNewTab="true"} ::: ## Updating to 3.2 When updating from firmware versions ≤3.1 to ≥3.2 you must first update to the bootloader updater before installing ≥3.2. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/MIXUvgEo5LjmssoyMwenk/m8q9i6PdKvzDT0rDIyJm4_image.png) ## Downgrading from 3.2 Downgrading firmware from 3.2 to an earlier version simply requires installing the older firmware as normal. Firmware 3.2 and bootloader 1.2 are backwards compatible for installing older firmware versions. ![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/MIXUvgEo5LjmssoyMwenk/aCkToAZuFcL28VHRkSi9S_image.png) ## Q\&A ### Can I downgrade the bootloader after I have updated? No, there is not currently a method to downgrade from bootloader 1.2 to bootloader 1.1. Bootloader 1.2 is fully backwards compatible with existing firmware releases. ### Can I go back to an older firmware version after updating the bootloader? Yes, bootloader 1.2 supports all released versions of firmware. ## Troubleshooting ### After updating and restarting the unit displayed a solid yellow light and is still operating the previous firmware. This indicates that the bootloader updater did not properly load onto the device and the device recovered to the previous firmware. Check the stability of your connection to the device and re-attempt the update. ### The update to 3.2 fails when updating from 3.1 or below. You must update to 3.2 from previous firmware versions by first updating to the bootloader updater and then installing 3.2 ### After updating to 3.2 motor drive does not work and the unit is reporting a bootloader error in the Hargrave Configurator. Confirm that the unit has bootloader version 1.2 installed, if it displays version 1.1 or below please install the bootloader updater firmware. ### The device is unresponsive and the LED is not illuminated. Leave the device powered for 30 seconds, if the device is still unresponsive power cycle the unit and wait 30 seconds. If the device is still unresponsive after a restart, contact support.