How-to update Scorpion Tribunus ESC firmware
Version 1.1
How to connect your Tribunus ESC to PC - Update/Programing
This guide explains how to connect your Scorpion ESC to a computer for programming or software updating. If you are new to this process or haven't done it in a while, pay close attention as the procedure may have changed. The 'Old Tribunus Programmer' will not work with new ESCs or firmware versions.
Step 1 - Downloading the Software
Download the latest Sproto Program from the Scorpion Website. ⚠️ If you have the "Old Tribunus Programmer", it will not work with new ESCs or new Firmware Versions. Ensure you download the latest Sproto Programer for Tribunus, ClubRace, and Mini Z ESCs. Scorpion Downloads
Windows 10 Users: If you are using Windows 10, you may not need to download separate drivers as they are usually included in the Sproto Program download.
S Mode Warning: If your computer is running Windows 10 and has "S Mode" enabled, you will need to turn it off before installing the Sproto Software. How to switch out of S Mode.
You may be prompted by User Account Control asking if you want to allow an app from an unknown publisher to make changes to your device. Click "Yes" ▶️.
Troubleshooting Installation: If the Sproto App does not run after installation, try deleting the following paths within the Sproto folder:
C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\SprotoC:\Program Files (x86)\Sproto
Step 2 - Registration/ Sign In
Install the Sproto program. You can either register for a new account or sign into your existing Sproto account. If creating a new account, you can set the program language. After registration, you will receive a confirmation code via email (this may take a few hours). BE SURE TO CHECK YOUR SPAM FOLDER if you don't see the email.
Registration/Login Interface Description: The Sproto interface presents fields for 'User name', 'Password', and an option to 'Save password'. Buttons include 'Register', 'Restore', 'Login', and 'Cancel'. A separate registration view shows 'User name', 'Email', 'Language' (with 'English' selected), 'Password', and 'Confirm' fields, with 'Login', 'Register', and 'Cancel' buttons.
Step 3 - Selecting which Programmer to Use
Within the Sproto program, select the programmer you wish to use. There are different options for various Scorpion ESC models:
- Older Tribunus ESCs: For models like 06-80A, 06-120A, 12-130A, 14-200A, Tribunus II 14-200A, and 14-300, select the "Tribunus ESC Configurator".
- Newer Generation Tribunus ESCs: For models with a USB port on the side (programmable directly via USB cable, without a VLinkII cable), such as the Tribunus II 06-120A and future versions from 2020 onwards, select the "Tribunus II Configurator".
- Car ESCs: For car applications, choose the "Vanguard" Programmer.
Note on finding configurators: If you haven't updated your SPROTO app recently, you might not see the "Tribunus II Configurator". In this case, click the "Search" button and search for "Tribunus II Configurator", then install it.
Programmer Selection Interface Description: The Sproto platform window shows options like 'Scorpion', 'Tribunus ESC config...', 'Tribunus II configura...', and 'Vanguard S2-50 ETS'.
Step 4 – Hooking up your ESC to PC
Option #1 (Older Tribunus ESCs): Connect the VLink II Cable to your PC and the ESC's PC port. Ensure you use the included Diode adaptor. You can then apply power to the ESC. The motor does not need to be connected for programming. ⚠️ You must use the VLINK II Cable; the original VLINK Cable will not work.
Components Description: Image shows a 'Scorpion VLink II Cable' and a 'Diode Adaptor'.
Option #2 (Newer Generation Tribunus ESCs): For models like the Tribunus II 06-120 with a side USB port, you can use the VLink II cable as described above, or connect the ESC directly to the PC using a USB cable. When using the USB cable directly, you do not need to power the ESC separately, as the USB cable will provide power for programming.
Step 5 - Launching the Programmer
Click the "Play" ▶️ button in the top right corner of the Sproto window to launch the selected programmer, or simply double-click the programmer icon you wish to open.
Programmer Interface Description: The 'Tribunus II configurator (v.1.win.26)' window is displayed. It shows tabs for 'ScorpionTest', 'Installed', 'Recent', 'Search'. Under 'Installed', 'Tribunus ESC config...' and 'Tribunus II configura...' are listed. A detailed description of the 'Scorpion TRIBUNUS II 06-120A ESC SBEC' is provided, including specifications like Max Continuous Current (120 Amps), Peak Current (150 Amps), Operating Voltage Range (11-26.1V), BEC Output (5.1V - 8.3V, 10A continuous), Size (76.7 x 36.5 x 25.4 mm), Weight (120g), and compatibility with Mikado VBAR Control, Futaba SBUS Telemetry, JLOG/RS32. It also notes a new hardware design, stronger BEC, and that a USB connector eliminates the need for a VLINK Cable for programming or updates. A link to the manual 'TribunusII06-120.pdf' is also present.
Connection Troubleshooting: ***Special Note*** If your ESC connects and then disconnects constantly, it indicates you are not using the correct configurator. Ensure you are using the proper one for your ESC model.
Step 6 - Changing values and “SAVE” new settings
The ESC programming menu allows you to configure all aspects of your ESC, check logs, monitor power output, and update the ESC firmware. After making any changes, the modified values will change color. Once you have finished setting your desired values, click the "SAVE" button to apply these new settings to the ESC. The ESC will then shut off and re-initialize.
Programming Interface Description: The Sproto platform window shows a programming interface with various settings. Key parameters visible include 'Device name' (Tribunus ESC-65-120A), 'Device mode' (PID with recalculated value), 'BEC voltage V' (8.27), 'Current' (0.5A), 'Out Power' (0.0%), 'Rotation direction' (cw), 'BAT voltage V', 'Communication protocol', 'CPU temp C' (11.0), 'MSFT temp C' (21.0), 'BEC voltage V', 'Power cons Ah' (0.0), 'Timing adv' (0), and 'Sync state' (OK).
Step 7 - Updating Firmware
Click on the "FW List" tab. Here you can view the currently loaded firmware version and select to update to the latest available version. The interface shows options like 'Save cfg', 'Load cfg', 'Log upd', 'Log save', 'Log Load', 'Default cfg', and 'Log clear'.
Firmware Update Note: ***Special Note*** When updating the firmware, the ESC settings are reset. It is crucial to note your current settings before updating, or save your configuration, and then re-program or re-load them after the update is complete.
