New features for FAST machines in latest update

FAST – a backronym for ‘Fast Access to Storage Technology’ – is the name given by Andy Marks of RISCOSbits to a new range of machines launched at the 2023 Southwest Show – machines that do exactly as the acronym suggests, by accessing the PCIe port on the Raspberry Pi Compute Module to provide up to four full-speed SATA ports.

At launch, Andy promised a regular upgrade cycle for anyone who buys a FAST computer, and he says the latest update – the second release for 2024 – brings the range back in line with the standard builds (which I imagine must refer to the mainline version of RISC OS in use). On top of that point, however, the update brings with it a host of new features:

Firstly, wireless networking is now possible on FAST systems – with a choice of which networking stack is used; the one from RISC OS Open Ltd, or the latest beta from RISC OS Developments Ltd.

As an adjunct to this, Andy notes that where the machine comes in a metal case, it’s likely that an external antenna will be needed – and RISCOSbits has a stock ready, so users can buy what they need from a friendly RISC OS face.

Secondly, eMMC storage is now usable on Pi 4 Compute Modules, so FAST machines can now make use of this as well – including for the system firmware.

Thirdly, SD and eMMC drives now sport sensible numbering – with the SD card seen as ::0 (as floppy disc drives – remember those? – once were on RISC OS systems), and the eMMC drive as ::4, the traditional RISC OS number for the first hard drive.

Andy notes that FAST will continue to be issued on SD media, but can provide it on eMMC by special request.

As well as these headline items, the latest release brings a number of other features with it – as well as some fixes – and the system also appears to be marginally faster than the previous release in January, according to Andy, who adds that users may or may not see this, depending on the drives in use in their machines.

Upgrades to the latest version of FAST are free to existing customers. For those yet to take the plunge, there are a number of options available from the RISC OS FAST website, ranging from a kit system (CORE) at just £99, all the way up to the top end FURY for £499.

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