Apple II Share

Project Overview

The idea behind the project

This project turns the Apple II Disk II experience into a practical, self-contained system. The user can keep a large collection of Apple II disk images on an SD card, select and mount them from the Apple II, and manage the collection through a network connection instead of repeatedly removing the card and moving it to a computer.

The goal is convenience without sacrificing compatibility: the Apple II continues to see a device that behaves like a real floppy drive, while the network side provides a modern way to manage files.

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How the three parts work together

1

Apple II and STM32 Disk II emulator

AppleIIDiskIIMyStm is the STM32F411 firmware derived from the SmartDisk II / Disk II emulator project. It reads and writes Apple II disk-image files on the SD card and reproduces the timing and behaviour expected by the Apple II. This is what allows the Apple II to use the device instead of a physical 5.25-inch Disk II drive.

The STM32 side keeps the disk emulation active, handles SD-card access through FATFS/SDIO, and mounts the selected image for the Apple II. The normal Apple II operation does not require a PC to remain connected.

2

ESP32 network bridge

AppleIIDiskIIMyEsp32 is the Wi-Fi and web bridge. It provides the browser interface, connects to the STM32 over UART, and transfers files between the remote API, the ESP32 local storage, and the STM32 SD card.

The ESP32 and STM32 communicate through a framed UART protocol. File-list, delete, upload-begin, upload-chunk, upload-end, and upload-abort commands allow network operations without disturbing the core Disk II emulation.

3

Apple II Share remote API

api.apple2share.com is the central web application and file library. It stores file metadata in SQL Server and file payloads in the configured storage directory. Users can upload disk images, organize them into directories, and download them whenever they need them.

Access is protected with a username, password, and UserKey. Each user has private files by default. The owner can select Share for an individual file, making it available to all authenticated users; selecting Unshare makes it private again.

What the user can do

  • Use the device as a replacement for the physical Apple II floppy drive.
  • Keep disk images on the SD card and select them from the Apple II without using a computer.
  • Upload files to the SD card over Wi-Fi instead of removing the card, connecting it to a computer, copying files, and reinstalling it.
  • Build a personal library of disk images at http://api.apple2share.com.
  • Browse and download library files from the ESP32 interface whenever needed.
  • Perform file transfers while the Apple II remains connected; everyday library management does not require shutting down the Apple II.
  • Share a selected file with all other authenticated users without making the rest of the personal library public.

A typical workflow

1

Prepare the device

On first start, if Wi-Fi credentials are not saved, the ESP32 creates the A2DISK-SETUP access point. Connect a phone or computer to it using password 12345678, then open http://192.168.4.1 and enter the normal Wi-Fi SSID and password.

2

Connect to the library

Open the ESP32 interface at http://apple2share.local or its assigned IP address. In Settings, enter the API URL, username, password, and matching UserKey. The interface also shows the DNS servers received after Wi-Fi connection.

3

Build the SD-card collection

Open the remote file list, select a disk image, and download it to the ESP32/STM32 storage. The file then appears in the local or floppy list and can be mounted for the Apple II.

4

Use and maintain the library

Upload new disk images from the device, delete files that are no longer needed, and share only the files intended for other users. The Apple II can continue to be used as the collection is maintained.

Privacy and sharing model

Every uploaded file belongs to the user who uploaded it. It is private unless that user explicitly selects Share. Other users can see and download shared files, but they cannot delete them or change their Share/Unshare state. The administrator can manage users and has administrative access to the file list.

The project combines the authenticity of the STM32 Disk II emulator with the convenience of Wi-Fi file management. The SD card remains the working disk library; the remote API is the personal and shared library used to populate it.