RISC OS 5.18 for Iyonix and Beagleboard
Posted by Steve Revill Fri, 24 Feb 2012 23:46:00 GMT
New RISC OS ROM release (version 5.18)
RISC OS Open (ROOL) are pleased to announce the immediate release of the very latest stable RISC OS ROM release featuring no less than 340 improvements since the last even numbered release.
This is an official release that has been vetted by Castle Technology (Castle) for the Iyonix PC desktop computer and RComp Ltd (RComp) for the BeagleBoard xM based ARMini.
You can download RISC OS 5.18 free of charge from this page.
This software is subject to continual improvement and work has already commenced on RISC OS 5.19! Using the convention of even numbers for stable editions and odd numbers for development editions, users can feedback any issues seen to make it into the next version.
Notes for the Iyonix PC
The new ROM image should be able to upgrade all versions of RISC OS from version 5.07 or later and is provided with a flash programming tool (which also takes a backup of the previous version just incase you wish to go back).
As the ROM now includes the USB mass storage drivers and SharedSound mixing software, some of the module location numbers have changed. Because the *UNPLUG settings only remember the module location numbers you may need to review any unplugged modules after the upgrade to ensure the desired ones are unplugged, and that crucial modules are not left unplugged by mistake.
A softloading version allows compatibility testing prior to reflashing the onboard memory chip.
Notes for users of Beagleboard and derivatives
Simply replace the file called “riscos” on the SD memory card, or rerun !SDCreate which is included in the download with the development editions.
The operating system now supports hardware CMOS memory fitted on a carrier board plugged into one of the headers on the motherboard, this permits saving of common configuration settings which will be retained when the power is off. CMOS memory carrier boards are available now from the ROOL store and are suitable for use on the original Beagleboard, Beagleboard xM, and Pandaboard.
As the ROM now includes the SharedSound mixing software, some of the module location numbers have changed. Because the *UNPLUG settings only remember the module location numbers you may need to review any unplugged modules after the upgrade to ensure the desired ones are unplugged, and that crucial modules are not left unplugged by mistake.
Notes for the ARMini
RComp will be contacting owners with details to guide them through installing the new version. RComp will also manage distribution of the CMOS memory carrier boards to their customers with active support membership.
Notes for all users
Putting together this latest release takes considerable time and effort, as well as using the bandwidth allocation for the server that this website runs on. Anyone downloading RISC OS 5.18 is encouraged to donate a few pounds to one of the open bounty scheme items to help fund changes into the future.
Thanks for the release! It seems to be working fine on my Iyonix.
Hello :)
HELP !!
Not for me.
After FLASHING the ROM and told to restart the computer.I did but after booting up I get the error that the keyboard is not connected and with the asterix symbol.I if then type *desktop it does come up with a small screen resolution and showing 5.18 in the task manager.If I try to double click on any app I get the error message " file ifthere " not found..
I get this error if I try to restore thye orginal 5.16
Please help :(
PS using a pc to write and read to forum.
Brian
Sounds like you need to reread the press release, paying particular attention to the line which includes the word UNPLUG in capitals.
The IfThere command is in BootCommands, my money is it’s unplugged.
So to Sprow, sorry as not familar with what to do.What should I type at the prompt? The keyboard does respond when typing.But I have no idea what module has been unplugged.I have mange to install a new ROM image every time and this is my first encounter with a problem.
Regards.
Brian
To list currently unplugged modules:
*unplug
To plug a module back in:
*rmreinit [module name]
When I upgraded, I made a note of the unplugged modules, and plugged them in. Then after I had upgraded and restarted with 5.18 I unplugged those modules again (with *unplug [module name]).
Thanks Michael
Progress!
I reinstalled the modules and restarted
and all looking good.
Thanks very much for your help at this late time of night.
Regards.
Brian
For a summary of the changes from RISC OS 5.16 to 5.18, take a look at this page