Last update: 2026/02/20
Reanimator allows Silicon Graphics IRIX network installation using a Raspberry Pi (tested on Pi3/4/400 versions) or VirtualBox
Download link: https://mega.nz/folder/7jJGlSSS#d25XyA8RhKJyoU2uSrlasw
Select a version to download:
- Lite (Reanimator-Pi-server-SD16GB-no-images.img.tar.gz): ~740 MB, no IRIX images included, automatically download the images you need or customize your own IRIX installation. Versions available for downloading: 5.3, 6.2, 6.5.0, 6.5.7, 6.5.22 and 6.5.30.
- Full (Reanimator-Pi-server-SD16GB-IRIX-included.img.tar.gz): ~9 GB, includes several IRIX versions for offline installation: 5.3, 6.2, 6.5.22 and 6.5.30.
- Experimental (Reanimator-Pi-server-SD16GB-no-images-netatalk-2.1.6.img.tar.gz): ~1 GB, the Little image but including support for AppleTalk 2, protocol used on old Mac computers.
- If you don't have a Raspberry Pi, please try using the VirtualBox version (Debian i386-IRIX install.vdi.tar.gz), ~550 MB, it's much slower but still functional.
- Mirrors on kawa and fsck.technology. Thanks for your storage!
Tested sgi models:
| sgi model | IRIX versions | tester | date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indy R4400 150 MHz, 24-bit graphics | 5.3 6.2 6.5.0 6.5.7 6.5.22 | Linux-RISC | |
| Octane2 R12000 400 MHz, ODYSSEY V6 | 6.5.30 | Linux-RISC | |
| Indy R4400 200 MHz, 24-bit graphics Indy R4400 150 MHz, 8-bit graphics | 5.3 6.2 6.5.x | kikems | |
| O2 R5000 180 MHz | 6.3 | kikems | |
| O2 R5000 180 MHz O2 R12000 400 MHz | 6.5.4 6.5.7 6.5.22 | kikems | |
| Octane R10000 250 MHz | 6.5.22 | kikems | |
| Indigo 2 R4400 250 MHz, Extreme Impact | 5.3 6.2 6.5.4 | kikems | |
| Crimson | 5.3 | kikems | |
| Indigo R4400 Elan | 5.3 | VisualCortexLab | 2024-08-23 |
| O2 R5000 300 MHz | 6.5.22 | kawa | 2026-01-19 |
Tested non-sgi computers or non-IRIX OS:
| model | OS | file |
|---|---|---|
| AlphaStation DS10 | Debian NetBSD OpenBSD Tru64 | http://archive.debian.org/debian/dists/lenny/main/installer-alpha/current/images/netboot/ https://cdn.netbsd.org/pub/NetBSD/NetBSD-9.2/alpha/installation/netboot/ https://cdn.openbsd.org/pub/OpenBSD/7.1/alpha/ vmunix1 (generated using RIS) |
| Indy R4400 150 MHz, 24-bit graphics | Debian GNU/Linux 4.0 Etch | http://archive.debian.org/debian/dists/etch/main/installer-mips/current/images/r4k-ip22/netboot-boot.img |
Restoring Reanimator image
Initial configuration
Accessing files
IRIX install guide
Advanced topics:
Network setup
IRIX diskless workstation documentation
(classic and limited) sgi IRIX diskless workstation documentation
Migrating VirtualBox image to qemu. Tested on a M3 Mac for Jamie Honnaker, thank you!
Support for other systems:
Support for Alpha systems
Installing Debian GNU/Linux on SGI Indy
Change log:
1.2.4
- Custom menu support
1.2.3
- support for Raspberry Pi TNFS Server Package (FujiNet https://fujinet.online/download/)
1.2.1
- return to tftpd: Octane (among others) won't boot with tftpd-hpa. Please, download the image again.
1.2
- IRIX 6.3 available for download, tested by kikems (thanks!)
- automatic checking and creation of directories under /home/irix and /diskless
- update from 1.1: just update Reanimator scripts from the Internet
- updated install guide
1.1
- tftpd replaced by tftpd-hpa
- pub directory for ftp
- simplified paths for tftp: removed heading "i/"
- Alpha systems netboot template (check /etc/bootptab)
- updated documentation and videos
1.0
- Diskless workstation support, visit this page for instructions.
- NFS v4 disabled
- IPv6 disabled
0.9
- Raspberry Pi: network assistant to select wired or Wi-Fi connection to the Internet. The RBPi will work as a router for your sgi computer, allowing access to the Internet through your Wi-Fi network
0.8
- IRIX downloads from the Internet
- added Midnight Commander to browse directories
- update Reanimator scripts from the Internet