EMAX E8 ELRS Configurator/Serial Drivers

The EMAX E8 ELRS Configurator is a Windows utility for communicating with the EMAX E8 ExpressLRS transmitter through its USB-C serial connection. It allows users to read and change transmitter settings, including output power, packet rate, telemetry rate and binding key. The utility also supports firmware updates when a compatible firmware file is supplied separately.

Available Software

EMAX E8 ELRS Configurator

• File: EMAX E8 ELRS Configurator.exe
• Purpose: Configure transmitter settings and perform firmware updates.
• Firmware files are not included with this download and must be obtained separately.

Silicon Labs USB-to-UART Driver

• Manufacturer: Silicon Labs
• Purpose: Provides the serial connection required for Windows to communicate with the transmitter.
• Install this driver if Windows does not recognize the E8 or no COM port appears in Device Manager.

Installation and Setup

1. Download and install the Silicon Labs USB-to-UART serial driver.
2. Restart Windows if prompted.
3. Connect the EMAX E8 ELRS transmitter to the computer using a USB-C data cable.
4. Open Device Manager and expand Ports (COM & LPT).
5. Check that the Silicon Labs USB-to-UART device appears with an assigned COM port.
6. Launch EMAX E8 ELRS Configurator.exe.
7. Select the correct COM port and click Connect.
8. Click Read to retrieve the transmitter's current settings. Change the required options and click Write to save them.

Firmware Update

The firmware file is not included with the Configurator. You must obtain a compatible firmware file separately before attempting an update.

For the serial firmware upgrade procedure:

1. Turn off the transmitter.
2. Hold the R4+ button while pressing the power button.
3. Wait for the mode indicator to flash green and the center indicator to remain solid green.
4. Connect the transmitter to the computer using a USB-C data cable.
5. Open the EMAX serial upgrade utility and select the assigned COM port.
6. Click Open Port, select the compatible firmware file and click Update File.
7. Wait until the transfer reaches 100%. The transmitter should power off automatically when the update completes.

Troubleshooting: If no COM port appears, try another USB-C data cable, preferably one known to support data transfer. Reconnect the transmitter and refresh the available ports. Check Device Manager for a missing or incorrectly installed Silicon Labs driver.

Important: Do not disconnect the transmitter during a firmware update. Use firmware intended for the EMAX E8 ELRS hardware revision; an incompatible firmware image can prevent the transmitter from starting correctly.