OS/2 Shareware BBS: 2 BBS/02-BBS.zip/max2_int.zip/MAXIMUS.FAQ

Text File | 1996-10-28 | 8KB | 193 lines

I have been asked to explain and define how to set up a Maximus BBS to be
accessed over the Internet.

Well, having done it I have agreed to write down what I did, but I am a
little embarrassed, as most of the work is done by Raymond L. Gwinn's SIO
software.

Having said all of that, here is what I recommend:

*****************************************
Part 1 -
*****************************************

Install SIO from Raymond L. Gwinn (remember this is SHAREWARE not freeware,
Ray's drivers are excellent and he deserves to have you register them).

When you install SIO, make sure you install all of your normal com ports and
make sure you install VSIO and VX00 as well.

Here is an example of a standard SIO configuration lines in the config.sys:

DEVICE=C:\BIN\SIO.SYS (1:115200,3F8,4,-,) (2:115200,2F8,12,-,)
DEVICE=C:\BIN\VSIO.SYS
DEVICE=C:\BIN\VX00.SYS

You will notice that in this example I have configured my COM2 com port to use
IRQ 12, instead of the standard IRQ 3.

When you set up SIO in your config.sys file, make sure that you configure a
virtual port (it doesn't really exist) for the internet connections.

Here is another example:

DEVICE=C:\BIN\SIO.SYS (1:115200,3F8,4,-,) (4,INTERNET:2e9,3,-)
DEVICE=C:\BIN\VSIO.SYS
DEVICE=C:\BIN\VX00.SYS

The important part here is that you use a com port that doesn't really exist.

After doing this, you will need to reboot your computer.

*****************************************
PART2
*****************************************

Now comes the real interesting part:


After you have made the SIO command line changes, and rebooted, you
must first activate TCP/IP.  Users of the IBM Internet Access Kit must
initiate a connection in the normal manner before Vmodem will start.
After TCP/IP is activated, type Vmodem at any OS/2 prompt.  The Vmodem
display attempts to simulate a modem display.  An activity log will
start at the bottom of the display and scroll up to the bottom of the
simulated LED display.  If you wish, you can use "START /min Vmodem"
to invoke Vmodem in your TCP/IP start up scripts, TCPEXIT.CMD is the
best place.  Hit Control C if you wish to terminate Vmodem, but you
must leave it running if you want Virtual Modem support.

This window will have representations for the com port number, what
the auto answer S register is set to, and the DCD RI OH RD SD DTR DSR
and CTS lights.  All of this is near the top of the window.

Once Vmodem is started, any access to COM4 (in this example) will go
out over the Internet.  Bring up your favorite terminal program, or mailer,
configured for COM4, and type "AT?" for a list of supported AT
commands.  To dial out, type ATDT inetaddr.com, of course you must use
a real Internet address.

The current implementation of Vmodem works only with the
Internet Access Kit (IAK) that is included with OS/2 V3, OS/2 V4 and IBM's
TCP/IP V2.0 with the August 1994 CSD applied.  Contact IBM for
information about obtaining their TCP/IP and the CSD update.

Prior to executing Vmodem, you should have TCP/IP installed and
operational on your system.

Users of the IBM Internet Access Kit (IAK) and IBM's SLIP be sure to
execute MODE COMn DTR=ON somewhere before you attempt to dial in.

Vmodem implements a Telnet server meaning that inbound Telnet
connections are accepted.  The "well-know name" for the Telnet server
is VMOTelnet.  The default port is the standard Telnet port, 23.  The
port used by the Telnet server can be changed by adding a line to the
SERVICES file in your ETC directory and assigning VMOTelnet to another
port.  This can also be done to disable the Telnet server part of
Vmodem.

*****************************************
PART 3
*****************************************

Now you have a com port pointed directly at the internet.  Just configure
your mailer or set the WWIV port for MAXIMUS to point to that com port and
you are "on the internet" with your BBS.

Now for the things to remember:

For some reason, I have no idea why, your mailer or MAXIMUS needs to set the
port speed to 57600.  If you set it to 115200 it won't work.

You may still be able to use the very same exebbs file you had before, well
at least a copy of it, but you have to make sure that MAXIMUS is configured for
MULTI-LINE operation.  Make sure all of your MEC or MEX files are passing
the com port handle and not the default from within the CTL files.
Setting up for multi-line operation is much more complex and complicated
process than getting up on the internet, but there are other FAQs concerning
that particular issue.

*****************************************
EXTRA STUFF YOU MAY WISH TO READ
*****************************************

Vmodem is a part of a larger package collectively known as SIO.  The
entire package collectively known as SIO is ShareWare.  It is not free
software or freeware.  The ShareWare version of SIO is distributed
electronically.  One may check their favorite electronic hangout for
the latest version of SIO.  The latest copy of the ShareWare version
is always posted for downloading from the BBS at 1-304-255-7903 or
vmbbs.gwinn.com and www.gwinn.com.  ShareWare versions of SIO can also
be downloaded from the CompuServe Forum OS2BVEN, library 4.

Registered versions of SIO are distributed by US Mail and
electronically from the SIO Distribution and Support BBS.  Users
desiring to register electronically, may call the BBS and register on
line (1-304-255-7903 or vmbbs.gwinn.com) and www.gwinn.com, and
immediately download their registered version of SIO.  Use the ORDER
command at the main BBS prompt.

As of this writing, there are several BBSes available for incoming
calls using Vmodem.  Their Internet addresses are listed in the SIO
package.



                           DIALING EXAMPLES

Vmodem will translate any "*" (asterisk) in the dialing string to a
"." (dot).  Some terminal programs refuse to pass the dot, but should
pass the asterisk because it is a key on telephone keypads.

The following are a few dialing examples to numeric type internet
addresses.

atdt198.96.20.209              Steven Bonisteel in Canada
ATDT194*70*36*10               Jon Morby in England

Vmodem implements two different Internet protocols, Telnet and VMP.
VMP is Vmodem to Vmodem only, but is true binary while Telnet it not.
The Internet protocol that Vmodem uses when making an outgoing connect
is specified in the ATDT command by preceding the Internet address
with a pound sign "#".  If the pound sign precedes the Internet
address, then VMP is used. Otherwise, Telnet is used.  Again, the
reader should note that VMP should be used only when you know your are
connecting to another Vmodem on the remote.

                                Telnet

Vmodem implements a Telnet server meaning that inbound Telnet
connections are accepted.  The "well-know name" for the Telnet server
is VMOTelnet.  The default port is the standard Telnet port, 23.  The
port used by the Telnet server can be changed by adding a line to the
SERVICES file in your ETC directory and assigning VMOTelnet to another
port.  This can also be done to disable the Telnet server part of
Vmodem.

The best Telnet Client to use to connect to a Vmodem Telnet Server is
a terminal program also executing under Vmodem.  Vmodem can
concurrently act as a Client and Server, meaning Vmodem can connect to
itself on the same system.  This feature is a very good testing tool.
Of course, you can connect from a remote system as well.

IBM's Telnet Client

IBM's Telnet seems to be a little finicky, but I did get it to connect
and work with a Vmodem host.  I executed IBM's Telnet with the
following command line:

          telnet -t ANSI -c NONE

In addition, after Telnet loads I had to enter the following:

          toggle crlf

BE SURE TO ENTER THE ABOVE COMMAND AFTER EXECUTING IBM'S TELNET.
Things are really screwy if you do not.


I can be reached at [e-mail] or 1:133/5050 if you have any questions
or recommendations for this document.

Chuck Robinson