downgrading ipod 3rd generation to 2.0.1

[fennectech]

Im trying to set up an ipod 3rd generation to use with mac os9 but im unable to get an OSX system running   ive found a firmware binary in this package here https://tinkerdifferent.com/threads/2-0-1-firmware-for-ipod-3rd-generation.282/ but i dont have a way to install it.   would it be possible to use ipodpatcher to install the Firmware file inside this zip onto a 3rd generation ipod? (the one with the light up buttons between the clickwheel and display   im hoping to get it set up as a macpod   i have access to os9 windows 11 and linux.

[rockbox_dev123]

Can you create a virtual machine and pass through the iPod USB device? I've restored iPods this way using a Windows XP VM and old versions of iTunes without issue.

[saratoga]

Never tried to change the Apple firmware version, but Ipodpatcher says it can do that:  https://www.rockbox.org/wiki/IpodPatcher.html#A_45_45write_45partition_40_45w_41_filename.img