But what exactly is "248 firmware"? Unlike a specific official release from the Pixhawk project, "Pixhawk 248" typically refers to a community-optimized or legacy build—often associated with or specific custom forks that emphasize low-latency control loops, aggressive tuning for racing quads, or bug fixes for older 2MB flash-limited Pixhawk variants (like the original Pixhawk 1 or FMUv2 boards). The number "248" may appear in bootloader versions, parameter lists, or release candidate tags.
Version 3.2.4 (248) was the peak of the original "Inertial Navigation" (INAV) based EKF (Extended Kalman Filter). Pilots reported that 248 firmware offered: pixhawk 248 firmware
Ensure you have the correct "MavLink" drivers installed. On Windows, Mission Planner usually installs these for you. But what exactly is "248 firmware"
The (predominantly ArduCopter 3.6.8) is a testament to the robustness of the open-source autopilot community. While it lacks modern conveniences like Lua scripting, terrain following, and advanced EKF fusion, it remains the last great firmware for older Pixhawk hardware. Version 3
With ArduPilot 4.5+ out, why would anyone install "248 firmware"? Several niche scenarios make it relevant:
Often preferred by researchers and those needing deep integration with the ROS (Robot Operating System)