GS/OS FST files?

["RedskullDC" <RDC@oz.org>]

Hi All,

Are there any docs on the internal format of FST files for 6.0.1? (Official 
or otherwise).

I'm aware that the tech notes make it clear that Apple refrained from 
releasing details, since the internal format of the FST files would change 
from version to version.

I'm toying with the idea of making a USB host expansion card for the Apple2 
using the (relatively new and cheap) "vinculum" chip from FTDI.
A ready made parallel based development module exists which could easily be 
connected to a 6821 PIA, or even something simpler.
Here is an example:
http://www.dontronics-shop.com/product.php?productid=16621

The Module comes with firmware which will read/write to USB Flash disks in 
FAT format using a simple protocol.

There is no BLOCK read/write interface exposed however, so formatting a USB 
flash drive in ProDOS format would be impossible without re-writing the 
firmware on the chip itself (which is possible however).

A patch for DOS3.3 should be easy, since the "File Manager" interface is 
reasonably well documented in "Beneath Apple DOS".
Imagine DOS3.3 volumes considerably larger than 143K!

ProDOS-8 I am not sure about. I don't have much in the way MLI doco. Is 
anything other than the BLOCK interface exposed?

GS/OS would be possible using an FST, since it is possible to read/write a 
number of other formats. Info seems scarce though.

Any comments?

Red.