StratuxWhich Stratux image should I run? v2.0 or pre-release
Stay on Stratux v2.0 stable if your receiver works, and try the v2.0-pre6 pre-release only if it fixes a problem you actually have. Pre6, released 21 October 2026, is a testing build, so run it from a spare microSD card and keep your current card as the fallback.
What is on GitHub today
GitHub lists three recent images: v2.0 stable, v2.0-pre5 and v2.0-pre6. The stable release is the one GitHub marks "Latest". Its tag is v2.0-pre4 and its image is dated 27 February 2025. Pre5 followed on 2 March 2026 and pre6 on 21 October 2026, both marked as pre-releases (Stratux releases, read 2026-11-02).
| Image | Date | Status on GitHub |
|---|---|---|
v2.0 (tag v2.0-pre4) |
27 Feb 2025 | Stable, "Latest" |
| v2.0-pre5 | 2 Mar 2026 | Pre-release |
| v2.0-pre6 | 21 Oct 2026 | Pre-release |
The download page has the links. Download only from there or from GitHub, and unzip the file before you flash it.
What pre6 changes
Pre6's release notes are mostly fixes for things that go wrong in the field. The ones most owners would notice, quoted from the release notes:
- "Restart dump1090 when it crashes without requiring SDR unplug/replug." If your 1090 traffic stops and only a replug brings it back, this is the fix.
- "Fix .deb SD card update mechanism for overlay filesystem" and "Fix updates failing on read-only root in stage 2." Both are about installing updates on the read-only root filesystem.
- "Update wpa_supplicant.conf.template for open client networks." This is for connecting Stratux to an open Wi-Fi network as a client.
- "Add BMX160 IMU support." This is for builds with that sensor.
- "Add OGN/FLARM source prefix legend to traffic help," and a documented set of SoftRF tracker settings in the help page.
- "Add 3D printable case designs for various Stratux configurations," plus an HTTP and WebSocket API reference in the docs.
The notes don't say how well each fix has been tested on real hardware. Treat them as claims to try, not guarantees.
Who should try pre6, and who should wait
Try pre6 if you have one of the problems above and can test on the ground first. Wait if your unit works, if you fly with it next week, or if you'd have no spare card and no time to reflash. Pre-releases are for testing and can have rough edges (download page).
A safe way to try it:
- Get a second microSD card. Leave your current card untouched.
- Download the pre6 image, unzip it and flash it with balenaEtcher, as in Update the Stratux software.
- Power on, join the Stratux Wi-Fi network and check the version number in the web interface, then GPS, 1090 traffic and your EFB's connection.
- If anything looks off, put the original card back and report what you saw on Discord or GitHub.
Two more things to know. Moving between v1.x and v2.0 is a flash, not an over-the-air update (download page). And settings you changed may not carry over to a fresh image, so write down your region and any custom settings first.
What stays the same
Hardware advice doesn't depend on the image. Use a 2 A or better power supply, hand-tighten the antennas, and keep the vents clear. See Power and shutdown and Inside Stratux. If you bought a pre-built receiver, check the version number in the web interface before you decide whether you need a different image at all.
Frequently asked questions
What is the latest stable Stratux release? v2.0, from February 2025, the release GitHub marks "Latest". Pre5 and pre6 are pre-releases.
Is pre6 safe to fly with? It is a testing build. Try it on a spare card, test on the ground, and keep your known-good card.
Do I need to reflash to try it? Yes. Flash the image to a card. A second card lets you swap back quickly.
Where do I download Stratux? From the download page or GitHub releases only.
Next step
Open the Stratux web interface and note your version number, then read the pre6 release notes and see whether any line describes a problem you have.