Documentation
Quick Start Guide:
Download arcOS 22.1.1 "Bristlcone" ISO
FREE
ISO hosted @ SourceForge.net (~4GB)
MD5SUM: a92bcae17488717eae05f64d645f240e
Once you've obtained a copy of arcOS, verify the MD5 checksum of the ISO to ensure the file is not corrupted.
From a Linux system, verify the checksum with the following command:
user@host:~$ md5sum /path/to/downloaded/iso/file.iso
*The above is an example only. Replace the path appropriately.
From a Windows system, verify the checksum with the following command:
Open the Windows command line. Press Windows + R, type "cmd" and press Enter.
certutil -hashfile C:\Path\To\Downloaded\ISO\File.iso MD5(Tip: You can drag and drop a folder from Windows Explorer to insert the path.)
*The above is an example only. Replace the path appropriately.
Using an appropriate tool, write the ISO image to the USB drive.
Note: If using Rufus to write the ISO image, be sure to use the "DD" method, with no other changes to the recommended defaults.
For a convenient cross-platform solution, consider using the Raspberry Pi Imager, as it is capable of writing ISO images to disk (even non-RPi images).
Windows Users: Secure Boot, Fast Startup, and BitLocker may hinder booting from a USB device.
Note: Secure Boot settings are in the machine BIOS. Fast Startup settings must be changed from within Windows.
Enable USB boot devices in the BIOS of the computer. There are many different computer manufacturers, and the keystrokes required at boot time to enter the BIOS settings vary. A quick web search of the manufacturer and model should provide the information needed to gain access (usually, pressing an F1-F12 key).
Once configured to boot from USB devices, save the settings, and power off the computer. Insert the arcOS USB drive, and power on the computer to boot arcOS from the USB drive.
Once booted into arcOS, follow the prompts, and you will be ready to go in moments.
Take some time to read through the Field Manual!
After "Station Setup" has completed, a copy of the Field Manual is located in the home directory (accessible using the "folder" icon in the bottom panel).
Introduction to arcOS:
arcOS is a customized Linux distribution, based on Linux Mint (currently version 22.1 "Xia"). arcOS is a live operating system booted from a USB device, meaning no installation to the hard drive is required. When arcOS is booted for the first time, any free space on the USB device is made available as persistent storage. This space (an exFAT partition) is called "arcHIVE". When the system is powered off (or rebooted) any data and configurations not saved to this persistent storage will be lost.
System Requirements:
- Intel or AMD 64-bit processor (arcOS will NOT run on ARM devices like the Raspberry Pi or Apple M-series processors)
- 8GB+ RAM
- Graphics/network/audio supported in the Linux kernel
Note: Laptops/desktops pulled from use in corporate environments are good candidates which can be afforadbly obtained.
USB Device Requirements:
- 16GB+ capacity (arcOS will occupy ~4GB, with the rest available as persistent storage
- USB 3.0 strongly recommended
- Here are two that have been tested with good results:
- Samsung BAR Plus
- Samsung FIT Plus (Low profile)
Warning: All USB storage devices will fail eventually. Use a reputable brand, and backup any important data regularly.
Computer-to-Radio Interface:
- arcOS is optimized for "out-of-the-box" use with the simple and affordable Digirig Mobile device.
GPS Devices:
arcOS works with nearly any GPS device recognized by gpsd on Linux. Two affordable (u-blox7 based) options are:
- VK-162 (External antenna w/ ~6ft cable)
- VK-172 (Small "dongle" style)