The EPS, VFX-SD, SD-1, and the EPS-16 PLUS share the same
disk format although the directory information is slightly dif-
ferent. The disk contains data on both sides with 80 tracks
numbered 0 - 79 on each side. Each track has ten 512 byte sec-
tors numbered consecutively from zero to nine. I will refer to
the two sides of the disk by referring to the disk drive head
used to read each side. The heads are numbered 0 and 1. Data is
stored on both sides of each track before moving to the next
track. The following examples should clarify this.
BLKS TK HD SC
00-09 0 0 0-9 data is first stored on Track 0, Head 0, Sectors 0-9
10-19 0 1 0-9 data is next stored on Track 0, Head 1, Sectors 0-9
20-29 1 0 0-9 data is then stored on Track 1, Head 0, Sectors 0-9
this process continues until....
-1599 79 1 0-9 the last track - Track 79, Head 1, Sectors 0-9
Each sector is referred to as a block of data. The blocks on the
EPS, EPS-16, SD-1, and VFX-SD disks are numbered from 0 - 1599.
The following formula calculates the block number from the track,
head, and sector number:
Block = (((Track x NH) + Head) x NS) + Sector
where NH = Number of Heads, NS = Number of Sectors per Track
Since we know that NH = 2 and NS = 10, the formula can be written:
Block = ((Track x 2) + Head) x 10) + Sector
The track, head, and sector number can be calculated from the
block number as follows:
Track = Integer(Block/20)
Head = Integer((Block - (Track x 20))/10)
Sector = Block - (Track x 20) - (Head x 10)
"Integer" refers to the appropriate integer function for the
programming language used. Sample Turbo Pascal routines are
included to show how to convert back and forth between blocks,
tracks, heads, and sectors.
***************************************************************
TURBO PASCAL LISTINGS
Function Block (Trk, Hed, Sct : Word) : Word ;
begin
Block := (((Trk SHL 1) + Hed) * 10) + Sct ;
end ;
Procedure GetTrkHedSct (Block : Word; var Trk, Hed, Sct : Byte) ;
var Temp : Word ;
begin
Sct := Block MOD 10 ;
Temp := Block DIV 10 ;
Hed := Block MOD 2 ;
Trk := Temp DIV 2 ;
end ;
Sample Calls:
FirstDirectoryBlock := Block(0,0,3) ;
GetTrkHedSct(FirstDirectoryBlock,Track,Head,Sector) ;
***************************************************************
Since IBM-PC disks are formatted with nine sectors per track
(numbered from 1 - 9), the standard DOS functions can't be used
to read the Ensoniq disks. However, by setting up the proper
parameter table and making calls directly to the BIOS, you can
use the BIOS to read the disks. If you don't know what the BIOS
is, there are several good books on the subject. You can proba-
bly pick one up at your local book store. I don't intend to go
into the details of calling the BIOS - such a discussion belongs
in a computer magazine. However, it is important for you to
understand that it takes special programming to read these disks,
and you probably should not attempt this unless you really know
what you are doing.
A software program for IBM-PC compatible computers is avail-
able from Giebler Enterprises. This program will read, copy,
format, and display EPS, EPS-16 Plus, SD-1, and VFX-SD diskettes
on the PC. Individual files or entire diskettes can be copied to
a hard disk drive for storage or examination. (Great for sending
your latest "sure hit" to friends over modems.) The disk copy
feature formats the disk while copying and can be used to make
multiple copies of Ensoniq diskettes which could be quite useful
for third party sound or sequence developers. Just select the
correct disk file on the hard disk and make as many copies as you
need. The program will also display SQ-80 directories although
the program can't format SQ-80 diskettes at this time. Disk
labels including directory listings can be printed for the disk-
ettes. As a special introductory offer, anyone who purchases
Version 1.0.2 of the software will be granted unlimited software
upgrades for a reasonable ($5.00) handling charge. Version 1.0.2
will also use free space on your hard disk drive to copy disk-
ettes (EPS, VFX-SD, SD-1, EPS-16 PLUS) without the repetitive and
tedious disk-swapping normally required with the Ensoniq key-
boards. An IBM-PC or compatible with a 3 1/2" diskette drive is
required. During the introductory offer, the software is avail-
able for only $18.00 (free shipping in the U.S.) New York resi-
dents - add appropriate sales tax. Contact: Giebler Enterprises,
8038 Morgan Road, Liverpool, New York, 13090-2009.
EPS & EPS-16 PLUS Sector Information
BLK TK HD SC Sector Information
0 0 0 0 Unused - Repeating 2 byte pattern of 6D B6 (hex)
1 0 0 1 Device ID Block (similar to VFX-SD)
2 0 0 2 Operating System Block
3 0 0 3 Main Directory (1st sector)
4 0 0 4 Main Directory (2nd sector)
5 0 0 5 File Allocation Block
6 0 0 6 File Allocation Block
7 0 0 7 File Allocation Block
8 0 0 8 File Allocation Block
9 0 0 9 File Allocation Block
10 0 1 0 File Allocation Block
11 0 1 1 File Allocation Block
12 0 1 2 File Allocation Block
13 0 1 3 File Allocation Block
14 0 1 4 File Allocation Block
15...1599 Unused - Repeating 2 byte pattern of 6D B6 (hex)
SD-1 & VFX-SD Sector Information
BLK TK HD SC Block Information
0 0 0 0 Unused - Repeating 2 byte pattern of 6D B6 (hex)
1 0 0 1 Device ID Block (similar to EPS)
2 0 0 2 Operating System Block
3 0 0 3 Main Directory (1st sector) Points to Sub-Directories 1 - 4
4 0 0 4 Main Directory (2nd sector)
5 0 0 5 File Allocation Block
6 0 0 6 File Allocation Block
7 0 0 7 File Allocation Block
8 0 0 8 File Allocation Block
9 0 0 9 File Allocation Block
10 0 1 0 File Allocation Block
11 0 1 1 File Allocation Block
12 0 1 2 File Allocation Block
13 0 1 3 File Allocation Block
14 0 1 4 File Allocation Block
15 0 1 5 Sub-Directory 1 (1st sector)
16 0 1 6 Sub-Directory 1 (2nd sector)
17 0 1 7 Sub-Directory 2 (1st sector)
18 0 1 8 Sub-Directory 2 (2nd sector)
19 0 1 9 Sub-Directory 3 (1st sector)
20 1 0 0 Sub-Directory 3 (2nd sector)
21 1 0 1 Sub-Directory 4 (1st sector)
22 1 0 2 Sub-Directory 4 (2nd sector)
23...1599 Unused - Repeating 2 byte pattern of 6D B6 (hex)
DEVICE ID BLOCK (Block 1)
The Device ID Block contains the following 40 byte pattern (re-
peated to fill the entire block on a newly formatted disk). The
keyboards only read the first occurrence of the pattern. In
fact, they overwrite the rest of the block with unused data when
storing files. Except for changing the disk label on the EPS-16,
you shouldn't need to write to this block.
00 80 01 00 00 0A 00 02 00 50 00 00 02 00 00 00 06 40 1E 02
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 49 44
(All values in Hexadecimal)
The EPS-16 PLUS has a disk name stored in the first occurrence of
the above pattern. For the disk name 'DISK000', the first pat-
tern would appear as follows:
00 80 01 00 00 0A 00 02 00 50 00 00 02 00 00 00 06 40 1E 02
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 FF 44 49 53 4B 30 30 30 49 44
( D I S K 0 0 0 )
Byte Description
1 Peripheral Device Type
2 Removable Media Device Type
3 Various Standards Version #
4 Reserved for SCSI
5-6 Number of Sectors per Track (10 Sectors)
7-8 Number of Read/Write Heads (2 Heads)
9-10 Number of Cylinders (80 Tracks)
11-14 Number of Bytes per Block (512 Bytes)
15-18 Number of Blocks on Diskette (1600 Blocks)
19 SCSI Medium Type
20 SCSI Density Code
21-30 Reserved for later use
31-38 EPS-16 Disk Label (preceded by FF)
39-40 Device ID Signature = "ID"
SD-1 & VFX-SD OPERATING SYSTEM BLOCK (Block 2)
The Operating System Block for the VFX-SD contains the following
30 byte pattern repeated to fill the entire block:
00 00 06 29 00 00 00 00 00 01 00 00 00 00 00
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 4F 53
(All values in Hexadecimal)
The first four bytes represent the number of free blocks remain-
ing on the diskette and changes as files are stored. Bytes 9 and
10 are used to indicate that the diskette is for the VFX-SD
family instead of the EPS. The last two bytes are the ASCII
characters "OS". The remainder of the block after the first
occurrence of the pattern fills with unused data when files are
stored on the diskette.
EPS & EPS-16 OPERATING SYSTEM BLOCK (Block 2)
The System Information Block for the EPS contains the following
30 byte pattern repeated to fill the entire block. MA, MI, RM,
and RI are 00 except for the first occurrence of the pattern:
00 00 06 31 MA MI RM RI 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 4F 53
(All values in Hexadecimal)
The first four bytes represent the number of free blocks remain-
ing on the diskette and changes as files are stored. If the
operating system is not stored on the disk, MA, MI, RM, and RI
are all 00. If the operating system is stored on the disk, MA is
the major revision level, MI is the minor revision level, and RM
& RI are the minimum internal ROM Revision level for the operat-
ing system stored on the disk. For the EPS rev. 2.40, MA = 02,
MI = 28, RM = 01, and RI = 00 (hex). Bytes 9 and 10 are 00 for
the EPS and EPS-16. The last two bytes are the ASCII characters
"OS".
Once again, the keyboards appear to read only the first occur-
rence of each pattern. These patterns are for formatted disks
without any files stored. Once files are stored, the information
beyond the first occurrence of the patterns may change.
Ensoniq EPS & EPS-16 Directory Entries
The EPS and EPS-16 use the main directory to store file directory
entries and sub-directory entries. When a sub-directory (File
type 2) is created, the first entry in the sub-directory is set
to File type 8 to point back to the parent directory. Each
directory and sub-directory can hold 39 entries and there is no
limit to the number of sub-directories that can be created.
However, in most practical applications you would run out of disk
space long before filling the directory.
Ensoniq VFX-SD & SD-1 Directory Entries
The VFX-SD & SD-1 use the Main Directory only to store the loca-
tion of the four sub-directories. The directory entries and file
information are always written into the sub-directories. Each
sub-directory can hold 39 entries for a total of 156 files per
disk (numbered 0 - 155). If the Sequencer Operating System is on
the disk, it is stored starting at Track 1, Head 0, Sector 3
(Block 23). The directory entry for the Sequencer Operating
System is stored in the last location of Sub-Directory 4 (direc-
tory entry # 155). Each directory entry contains 26 bytes of
data as described below:
Directory Entry Format (EPS, VFX-SD, SD-1, EPS-16)
Byte Information
01 Type-dependant Information (reserved on EPS)
02 File Type - see list of types
03-14 File Name (EPS 12 bytes) (VFX-SD 11 Bytes followed by 00)
15-16 File Size (in blocks)
17-18 Number of Contiguous Blocks
19-22 Pointer to First Block Location
23 File Number 0 - 59 for each VFX-SD file type, (reserved on EPS)
(Multi File Index on EPS-16)
24-26 File Size (24 bit Byte Count) (VFX-SD), (reserved on EPS)
The File Number for the VFX-SD determines the bank number and
position of the file when displayed on the keyboard. The first
byte of a directory entry for some of the VFX-SD and SD-1 file
types has the following definitions:
File Type Definition & Possible Values
6 Programs Bank # (0-9)
30 Programs 00 = Banks 0-4
01 = Banks 5-9
10 Presets 00 = Bank A
01 = Bank B
30 Sequences 00 (00 hex) = No Programs Stored Banks 0-4
01 (01 hex) = No Programs Stored Banks 5-9
16 (10 hex) = 30 Programs Stored Banks 0-4
17 (11 hex) = 30 Programs Stored Banks 5-9
32 (20 hex) = 60 Programs Stored Banks 0-4
33 (21 hex) = 60 Programs Stored Banks 5-9
(Bank Numbers are for Sequences AND Programs)
60 Sequences 00 (00 hex) = No Programs Stored
16 (10 hex) = 30 Programs Stored Banks 0-4
17 (11 hex) = 30 Programs Stored Banks 5-9
32 (20 hex) = 60 Programs Stored
(Bank Numbers are for Programs Only)
The VFX-SD currently doesn't allow 30 Programs
Operating Sys 00 (hex) = VFX-SD Sequencer Operating System File
FF (hex) = SD-1 Sequencer Operating System File
Ensoniq EPS, EPS-16, SD-1 & VFX-SD File Types
00 (00) = Unused (or Blank)
01 (01) = Eps Operating System
02 (02) = Sub-Directory
03 (03) = EPS Individual Instrument File
04 (04) = EPS Bank of Sounds
05 (05) = EPS Sequence File
06 (06) = EPS Song File
07 (07) = EPS System Exclusive File
08 (08) = Pointer to Parent Directory
09 (09) = EPS Macro File
10 (0A) = SD-1 or VFX-SD 1 Program File
11 (0B) = SD-1 or VFX-SD 6 Program File
12 (0C) = SD-1 or VFX-SD 30 Program File
13 (0D) = SD-1 or VFX-SD 60 Program File
14 (0E) = SD-1 or VFX-SD 1 Preset File
15 (0F) = SD-1 or VFX-SD 10 Presets File
16 (10) = SD-1 or VFX-SD 20 Presets File
17 (11) = SD-1 or VFX-SD 1 Sequence/Song File
18 (12) = SD-1 or VFX-SD 30 Sequence/Songs File
19 (13) = SD-1 or VFX-SD 60 Sequence/Songs File
20 (14) = SD-1 or VFX-SD System Exclusive File
21 (15) = SD-1 or VFX-SD System Setup File
22 (16) = SD-1 or VFX-SD Sequencer Operating System
23 (17) = EPS-16 Plus Bank File
24 (18) = EPS-16 Plus Effect File
25 (19) = EPS-16 Plus Sequence File
26 (1A) = EPS-16 Plus Song File
27 (1B) = EPS-16 Plus Operating System
(Values in parenthesis are in hexadecimal.)
EMPTY DIRECTORY BLOCKS
The first sector of an empty directory or sub-directory contains
all zeros. The second sector contains all zeros except for the
last two bytes of the sector. Those two bytes contain: 44h 52h
which are the ASCII characters 'D' and 'R' respectively.
EMPTY FILE ALLOCATION BLOCK
An empty file allocation block contains all zeros except for the
last two bytes of the sector. Those two bytes contain: 46h 42h
which are the ASCII characters 'F' and 'B' respectively. Each
File Allocation Block contains 170 three-byte entries. Each
block on the disk has a corresponding entry in the file alloca-
tion blocks. Each zero entry indicates that the corresponding
block is unused. A value of one indicates the end of a file. A
value of two indicates a bad block on the diskette. Each non-
zero entry points to the next block in a file. The first 15
entries for an EPS or EPS-16 disk and the first 23 entries for a
VFX-SD disk are set to one. See the example below for clarifica-
tion.
READING A FILE USING THE FILE ALLOCATION BLOCKS
To read a file from the disk, the system must first read the
directory entry for the file to locate the beginning of the file.
The directory entry points to the first block of the file. If
part of the file is contiguous, the system would start reading
the file at the first block and continue until all the contiguous
blocks (as specified in the directory entry) have been read.
After reading the last contiguous block, the system would read
the corresponding entry in the file allocation block and read the
block the entry points to. This process would continue until the
file allocation entry equals one signifying the end of the file.
Refer to Alan Smith's two articles in the Transoniq Hacker for
more information on reading Ensoniq Dos files. (Issue #45, page
11; Issue #70, page 9)
To write a file to the disk, the system must first check to see
if the file name is already being used. If so, the system should
prompt the user to see if the existing file should be deleted.
If so, the system should delete the file and then determine if
there is enough free blocks on the disk to hold the new file. On
the VFX-SD, the system must also make sure there is an available
file number for that file type. If so, the system should read
the file allocation table (FAT) from the disk. If the disk has
enough contiguous free blocks to hold the file, the system should
store the file as one contiguous file. This speeds up access to
the file since the system doesn't have to keep looking at the FAT
to locate the next block. However, the FAT is maintained and
updated even if the file is contiguous. If there isn't enough
contiguous free blocks, the system should locate the first free
block and start storing the file. After writing each block, set
the FAT entry for that block to point to the next free block.
This process would continue until the last block was written to
the disk. Set the FAT entry for the last block to 01 to indicate
the end of the file. Write the updated FAT back to the disk.
Subtract the file size (in blocks) from the number of remaining
free blocks and rewrite the system information block on the disk.
Finally, write the directory entry to the disk.
File Allocation Table Example
End File | End File | End File | Next Blk | Empty | Empty
00 00 01 00 00 01 00 00 01 00 00 23 00 00 00 00 00 00
The first three entries in the above FAT indicate that the end of
the file has been reached after reading the corresponding block.
The next entry indicates the system should read block 23 (hex)
after reading the corresponding block. The next two entries
indicate that the corresponding blocks are empty and available
for use. Again, refer to Alan Smith's articles for more informa-
tion on the file allocation tables.
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