Arc is a customized Redpill Loader for DSM 7.x that enables Xpenology installation with enhanced hardware support, addons, and guided setup options.
Arc addresses the challenge of deploying Synology's DSM operating system on non-Synology hardware by providing a bootloader with semi-automated installation and multiple customization options built in. The tool works as a boot helper independent from DSM itself, allowing users to run the full DSM system on different hardware configurations through a guided installation process rather than requiring manual configuration.
Arc suits users building network-attached storage systems on non-Synology hardware who want a streamlined installation experience with hardware flexibility. The project emphasizes that it is free and will remain free, and explicitly states it is released for educational and learning purposes only, with commercial use forbidden. The README makes clear that Arc is based on full DSM rather than vDSM, and warns that custom modifications to prebuilt bootloader images could cause data destruction.
Development activity shows consistent engagement with the project maintained through regular updates and refinement of the loader functionality. The maintainers have built an ecosystem around the core loader, including a separate essential variant with reduced size, a beta release channel, and companion tools like Arc Control as a DSM app and Arc Utilities for additional functionality. The project acknowledges its foundation in prior community work on the Redpill loader project, indicating an iterative approach to enhancing and extending existing solutions.
