Summary of Kobol’s Open-Spec Helios4 NAS SBC Features 4x SATA 3.0 Ports
Kobol launched the open-spec Helios4 NAS SBC, originally crowdfunded in 2017. Powered by a Marvell Armada 388 SoC with 2GB ECC RAM, it supports up to 48TB storage via four SATA 3.0 ports. The system includes USB 3.0, GbE, and fan headers, available as Basic or Full Kits at fixed prices following the campaign's conclusion.
Parts used in the Helios4:
- Marvell Armada 388 SoC
- SolidRun MicroSoM A388 module
- 2GB DDR3L ECC RAM
- 4x SATA 3.0 ports
- 4x SATA cables
- 2x Molex interfaces
- 2x USB 3.0 ports
- Full duplex GbE port
- microSD slot
- mini-USB-to-serial port
- I2C headers
- GPIO headers
- PWM fan headers
- DC jack for 12V/8A adapter
- HDD power connectors
- Reset button
Singapore-based startup Kobol has successfully launched its open-spec “Helios4” NAS (network-attached storage) SBC and fanned system. In May 2017, Kobol tried to launch the open-spec Helios4 SBC and fan-equipped system for NAS on Kickstarter. Though a total of 337 backers helped to raise $74K for the Helios4, Kobol fell short of its $110K funding goal.
The Helios4 NAS SBC runs Debian on a Marvell Armada 388, a dual Cortex-A9, 1.6GHz SoC with cryptographic and XOR DMA engines with 2GB ECC RAM and offers 1x GbE, 2x USB 3.0, and 4x SATA 3.0 ports for up to 48TB. Kobol no longer offers the low “early bird prices” of the Kickstarter campaign, but pricing is otherwise the same as the standard 2GB RAM packages. The 1GB packages are discontinued. The Helios4 Basic Kit (SBC only) is available at $176.12 and a Full Kit with SBC, fans, and 4x SATA is available at $194.46. Both of the kits ship with 2GB of DDR3L ECC RAM.
The Armada 388 SoC and 2GB of error-correcting DDR3L are made available via a SolidRun MicroSoM A388. This Linux-ready module was first announced as the 38x-MicroSoM and is also referred to by Kobol as the A38x MicroSoM. Kobol’s new SBC sports with 4x SATA 3.0 ports, 4x SATA cables and 2x Molex interfaces “to dual SATA power cable”. The clever design lets the user connect up to 48TB storage. Also, Helios4 features 2x USB3.0 port and a full duplex GbE port. A microSD slot and a mini-USB-to-serial port for the console are too present. Other features incorporate I2C, GPIO, control panel, and PWM fan headers. A DC jack connects to 12V/8A adapter, and there are HDD power connectors and a reset button.
Read more: Kobol’s Open-Spec Helios4 NAS SBC Features 4x SATA 3.0 Ports
- What processor does the Helios4 use?
The Helios4 runs on a Marvell Armada 388 dual Cortex-A9 1.6GHz SoC. - How much storage capacity can the Helios4 support?
The device supports up to 48TB of storage using its four SATA 3.0 ports. - Can I buy the Helios4 at early bird Kickstarter prices?
No, Kobol no longer offers the low early bird prices from the original campaign. - Does the Helios4 come with 1GB or 2GB of RAM?
Both kits ship with 2GB of DDR3L ECC RAM, while 1GB packages are discontinued. - What is the price difference between the Basic Kit and Full Kit?
The Basic Kit costs $176.12 and the Full Kit costs $194.46. - How many SATA cables are included in the kit?
The kit includes 4x SATA cables along with 2x Molex interfaces. - What power adapter does the Helios4 require?
The device connects to a 12V/8A adapter via a DC jack. - Is the Helios4 compatible with Debian?
Yes, the Helios4 NAS SBC runs Debian on the specified hardware.
