This is a testing release for early adopters who would like to help test new firmware features. We've tested this release on our systems, but we want to cast a wider net to catch any bugs before the final release.
- Latest Release Candidate
2025-07-01_795ef1fa- SD Loader simplified - if you flashed a previous version you MUST update via uf2 (last time, thats why it's a pre-release!)
- Default to 200MHz clock now that it's the default in the PicoSDK
- Fixed PicoW/Pico LED on common firmware.
- Fixed build issues
2025-06-29_d67a0bf0- Buttons! https://github.com/BlueSCSI/BlueSCSI-v2/wiki/Buttons
- Correct check for exfat fragmentation
- Old binaries
2025-06-28_8716a8ec- Fixed initiator.
- Tested SCSI->USB bridge.
- Added new option for drives to start ejected.
- Various other fixes.
- Old binaries
2025-06-19_caeb4674- initial pre-release- Old binaries
Known Issues
- None!
Flashing
- Pico 1/Pico 1-W/Pico 2/Pico 2-W: Use the
BlueSCSI_Universal_*.uf2 - SD Updates use the binary that matches the Pico you have (1 or 2)
Reporting Issues
If you encounter any issues, please open a GitHub Discussion, join the Discord channel #bluescsi-v2-dev, or reach out on the socials BlueSky and Mastodon.
Changes
SD Card Bootloader Added Back
We've restored the ability to update your firmware via SD card. Place the appropriate bin file onto the root of your SD card and power cycle the BlueSCSI.
Note: During the early release some aspects of the bootloader may change and you'll need to reflash via .uf2.
Fixes: #77
Present SD Card as USB Mass Storage
Plugging your BlueSCSI into a computer will now present the SD card as a USB Mass Storage device. This allows you to easily copy files to and from the SD card without needing to remove it from the BlueSCSI.
NOTE: The USB connection speed is USB 1.1. This can be disabled via the ini setting EnableUSBMassStorage=false.
USB -> SCSI Bridge Mode
Want to boot your Windows 11 computer off that old SCSI drive? This will allow you to do that. This is currently disabled in this build as it needs more testing.
Present SCSI Images via USB Mass Storage
Instead of presenting the SD card contents, you can present the images on the BlueSCSI to your computer. This allows you to work with files directly on an image. Note: Your computer must support the file system of that image.
Enable it via: USBMassStoragePresentImages=true
Fixes #13
Fast20 20MB/s SCSI Bus Timings
We now support Fast20 SCSI bus timings, which allow for up to 18MB/s transfer speeds.
See: https://github.com/BlueSCSI/BlueSCSI-v2/wiki/Ultra-SCSI-Fast20-OverClock
Buttons on I2C Hardware
Allow users to disable I2C and choose standard buttons instead. Not everyone needs a full screen and controls; some just want a simple button to select the next CD.
Buttons Enabled for Hardware with SW1/SW2 Pins
Allow users to hook up to two buttons to any BlueSCSI that has pins labeled S1/S2. It will automatically configure them to any removable drives such as CDs. You will also be able to manually set them if you have more than two removable drives.
Interactive USB Console
You can now interact with the BlueSCSI via a USB Serial connection. Currently, the available commands are: reboot, reboot into bootloader, and reboot into USB Mass Storage mode. This is useful for debugging and development. Ideas for new commands are welcome! This replaces PR #215.
Other
- Updated frameworks:
- SdFat 2.2.3 (Fixes #258)
- Arduino core 4.3.0
- Bug fixes:
- Fixed issue with ROM drive overwriting firmware (#98)
- Various other bug fixes and improvements.
Coming Features
These are features we hope to include in this release cycle, but they may be delayed depending on our availability.
BlueSCSI Toolbox Firmware Updater
Pushed to next release, it's July 1st!
Add the ability to update your BlueSCSI firmware via the BlueSCSI Toolbox.
This will allow you to update your BlueSCSI without needing to access the SD card or USB connections. Most of the work is done on this, but the nine retro platforms we support will need to be updated and tested.
Future
My goal this year is to finish a few of the projects I have already started.
BlueSCSI Web Toolbox
This is actually mostly done, but has a few rough edges.
I2C Screen/Controls
This is mostly done but will coincide with a different project's release.
BlueSCSI NeXT Toolbox
I'm stuck on this one with the UI elements; I may just release a command line version of this.
Thanks
Thanks to all the pre-pre-release testers for catching bugs and feedback!
Thanks to all the contributors!
And thanks to you for testing and using BlueSCSI.