diff --git a/libraries/AP_HAL/AP_HAL_Boards.h b/libraries/AP_HAL/AP_HAL_Boards.h
index 993d61d45a..49ce5ee5e3 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_HAL/AP_HAL_Boards.h
+++ b/libraries/AP_HAL/AP_HAL_Boards.h
@@ -71,6 +71,7 @@
 #define HAL_BOARD_SUBTYPE_CHIBIOS_MINIPIX       5006
 #define HAL_BOARD_SUBTYPE_CHIBIOS_CRAZYFLIE2    5007
 #define HAL_BOARD_SUBTYPE_CHIBIOS_OMNIBUSF7V2   5008
+#define HAL_BOARD_SUBTYPE_CHIBIOS_GENERIC       5009
 
 /* InertialSensor driver types */
 #define HAL_INS_NONE         0
diff --git a/libraries/AP_HAL/board/chibios.h b/libraries/AP_HAL/board/chibios.h
index e435ad3926..50a9633fc7 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_HAL/board/chibios.h
+++ b/libraries/AP_HAL/board/chibios.h
@@ -71,3 +71,7 @@
 #define HAL_COMPASS_LIS3MDL_NAME "lis3mdl"
 
 
+#ifndef CONFIG_HAL_BOARD_SUBTYPE
+// allow for generic boards
+#define CONFIG_HAL_BOARD_SUBTYPE HAL_BOARD_SUBTYPE_CHIBIOS_GENERIC
+#endif