I recently patched my DSM 7.2.1 to 7.2.2, and it involves upgrading the bootloader stored on my usb drive. This is relatively straightforward, you can use rufus for windows users, or dd on Mac/Linux. For the unaware, ever since my DS920+ power supply bricked, I decided to DIY my own NAS using Arc Loader. This is to allow me to utilise better components, cpu, ram, motherboard, and yet enjoy the full features of Synology (yet).

Although there is a large community who runs this without owning a Synology, Synology has been clamping them down by disabling features such as Advanced Media Extensions (AME) 3.x, Active Backup for Business. I needed AME for be able to backup my HEVC photos automatically with Synology Photos. This is a critical feature for me. I could actually use the same SN/Mac from my original NAS, but I threw the broken NAS away.

The good news is that there are workaround for everything you need available, but this also comes with risk. You don’t know when will community support disappear, and you’ll be stranded with a unsupported hardware. Also the unavoidable risk of running bootloader/codes that are planted with malicious softwares. Anyway I won’t be talking about these right here.

This upgrade felt as if everything gone wrong, it almost feels like an entire installation. I spent hours in the night trying to figure out what went wrong. From troubleshooting Native VLAN, VLAN tagged, network policy rules, enabling ARC patch, enabling AME patch, resyncing my photos, re-indexing my files. I was worried that I would lose my data. This triggered me to purchase a external USB drive to do regular backup intervals, and possibly another drive or remote drive (Google Drive or Storage VPS) infuture to keep my data at a further remote site (backed up weekly). I considered the price and instant value I get, I prefer to start with Synology Hyper Backup first.

Some day if I’m richer i’ll pay for a Google Drive 2TB (SGD $50/yr) where I can rclone encrypted backups, or rsync my encrypted data into a storage VPS.

After understanding how Arc Loader really works through this upgrade, I feel more confident in the next upgrade.

Alright, so right after the upgrade, in DSM 7.2.2 Arc Loader 1.5.9, you’ll need to use your Discord and register your hardware ID that is provided by Arc Loader. You will find it in Arc Config Mode on boot. Once you keyed in your hardware ID, you’ll unlock the Arc Patch which provides unlocked access to Synology QuickConnect, LetsEncrypt Certificate renewal, AME patch, etc. I needed the automatic renewal of certificate renewal, it’s relatively easier than running your own acme.sh. After that, you need to Rebuild Arc Loader, Reboot to DSM, go to Package Center and install AME 3 (link is found in Arc Wiki), run AME 3 and follow instructions. Once done, you’ll should be able to see this below.

In summary, the dev Chris posted the instructions on his discord couple of days ago. https://arc.auxxxilium.tech/

enable arc patch, enable "ame patch" and "allowdowngrade" addons, build, install ame 3 linked in wiki, reboot, done

Synology made it really easy and targets a sweetspot for power users and home users. Although recently they deprecated a few critical functionality (Video Station, Surveillance Station), it’s not something that I use right now. I hope Synology Photos doesn’t go away, otherwise there is no more reason for me to purchase another Synology infuture.

I also run containers and proxmox backups on this box. It’s providing tons of value at a very low power consumption of TDP 10W.

Alright, goodnight.