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How to Back Up and Restore SD Card Contents for EdgeTX Radios

Applies to: All EdgeTX radios (e.g., RadioMaster Zorro, TX16S, MT12, etc.) running EdgeTX 2.5 or later
Last Updated: April 29, 2025

This article guides you through backing up and restoring the contents of your EdgeTX radio's SD card. Since EdgeTX 2.5, all configurations (models, radio settings, scripts, and images) are stored on the SD card, making backups straightforward. Regular backups protect your settings before firmware updates, SD card replacements, or troubleshooting.

Backing Up SD Card Contents

Follow these steps to create a complete backup of your EdgeTX radio’s SD card:

  1. Power On and Connect the Radio  

    • Turn on your radio (e.g., RadioMaster Zorro, TX16S, or MT12).  
    • Connect it to your computer using a USB-C cable.  
    • When prompted on the radio’s screen, select USB Storage (SD).

  2. Locate the SD Card  

    • Your computer will recognize the radio’s SD card as an external drive (e.g., “EdgeTX SD” or a similar name).  
    • Open the drive to view folders like MODELS, RADIO, FIRMWARE, SOUNDS, and IMAGES.

  3. Copy the Contents  

    • Copy all folders and files from the SD card to a safe location on your computer (e.g., a folder named “EdgeTX_Backup_2025-04-29”).  
    • For a minimal backup, focus on the MODELS (model profiles) and RADIO (radio settings) folders, but copying everything ensures you preserve sound packs, scripts, and images.

  4. Verify the Backup  

    • Confirm that the copied files include radio.yml (in the RADIO folder) and modelXX.yml files (in the MODELS folder).  
    • Eject the SD card from your computer and disconnect the radio.

Best Practice: Label backups with dates (e.g., “Zorro_Backup_2025-04-29”) and store multiple versions to revert to different configurations if needed.

Restoring SD Card Contents

To restore your SD card contents (e.g., after replacing the SD card or recovering from an issue):

  1. Prepare the SD Card  

    • If using a new SD card, format it to FAT32 (not exFAT). Use a card up to 32GB for compatibility (8GB is typically sufficient).  
    • If reusing the existing SD card, ensure it’s functional and not corrupted.

  2. Connect the Radio  

    • Power on the radio and connect it to your computer via USB-C.  
    • Select USB Storage (SD) when prompted.

  3. Restore the Files  

    • Full Restore: Delete all contents on the SD card (or format it), then copy the entire backed-up folder structure (e.g., MODELS, RADIO, SOUNDS, etc.) to the SD card’s root directory.  
    • Partial Restore: To restore specific models or settings, delete only the MODELS and/or RADIO folders on the SD card, then copy the backed-up MODELS and RADIO folders from your computer.  
    • Ensure file names (e.g., modelXX.yml) do not conflict with existing files to avoid overwriting.

  4. Verify and Test  

    • Eject the SD card from your computer and disconnect the radio.  
    • Power on the radio and navigate to the Model Select screen to confirm your models are listed.  
    • Check Radio Setup to verify settings (e.g., stick mode, voice language).

Note: If you’re restoring to a new SD card, you may need to download the latest EdgeTX SD card contents from EdgeTX’s GitHub releases and merge your backed-up MODELS and RADIO folders.

Troubleshooting

  • “No SD Card” or “Storage Warning” Error  

    • Ensure the SD card is inserted correctly and formatted as FAT32.  
    • Try a high-quality SD card (e.g., SanDisk), as factory-supplied cards may fail.  
    • Re-download SD card contents from EdgeTX’s GitHub if files are missing or corrupted.

  • Radio Enters Emergency Mode  

    • This occurs if the radio.yml file is missing or corrupted. The radio will create a default radio.yml, but you can restore your backed-up version.  
    • Check the SD card slot and contacts for physical issues.  

  • Models Not Appearing  

    • Verify that modelXX.yml files are in the MODELS folder and not in the DELETED subfolder.  
    • If transferring models between radios, use EdgeTX Companion to convert .otx files for compatibility.  

  • Computer Doesn’t Detect SD Card  

    • Ensure the radio is powered on and in USB Storage mode.  
    • Try a different USB cable or port. For Mac users, ensure the SD card is not locked or misformatted.  

If issues persist, contact EdgeTX support or visit the EdgeTX User Manual for detailed guidance.

Additional Tips

  • Regular Backups: Back up your data every 3–6 months or before applying firmware updates to safeguard your configurations.  
  • EdgeTX Companion Alternative: You can use EdgeTX Companion to back up models and settings as .otx files, but copying SD card folders is simpler for EdgeTX 2.5+.  
  • SD Card Maintenance: Avoid using SD cards larger than 32GB, as they may require special formatting. You can always use the SD card properly from your computer.  
  • Model Sharing: To share a model (e.g., on a RadioMaster MT12), copy the specific modelXX.yml file to the BACKUP folder of the target radio’s SD card and use the “Restore Model” option.  

For further assistance, explore the EdgeTX GitHub repository or join the EdgeTX community forums.