Re: GS/OS FST files?

["Glenn Jones" <glenn.jones@a2central.com.remove-6sj-this>]

 To: RedskullDC
Hi Red,

RedskullDC wrote:
> 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).

I have (had) a similar interest when I heard about this chip. I sent 
their tech support a request for block level access. They do have a so 
called diagnostic block read support but no write.

************************
My initial inquiry - Oct 16th 2006

Hello, I have been reviewing the commands available with the various 
firmware modules. I see you have a sector read command but not write. Is 
it possible to get a version of the firmware that supports both so that 
custom non FAT file sytems can be accessed?


Their initial response back on - Oct 17th 2006

I have put this to the development team and will let you know.

************************
My Follow up on - Jan 9th 2007

Hi Gordon, I was just wondering if you had an update for me?


Their second response back on - Jan 9th 2007

I do not have any new firmware as yet.

The team is currently working on adding slave port functionality and 
will review feature upgrades after that.

************************

Perhaps it's time to ask again  :-)


> 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.
>
>
> --- Synchronet 3.13a-Win32 NewsLink 1.83



You may want to look at GHI electronics as well - they came out with a 
similar chip (ARM in sheeps clothing) months before FTDI and they 
support block level access. Their bare chips are a little more expensive 
then the vinculum.

They do support most HID devices, Mass Storage and printers. They were 
aiming to support wifi at one point but put that on the back burner afaik.


You might want to have a look @ 
http://www.ghielectronics.com/download/general/comparison.pdf


Glenn
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