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RBBS-NET Set-Up Documentation - Version 6 - March 15, 1989
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│ HORIZON RBBS-PC 17.1D │
│ Horizon RBBS is a Not For Profit Service of Horizon Information Services │
╞══════════════════════╤═════════════════════════════╤═════════════════════╡
│ 35+ Online Games │ FREE 5 Day TRIAL Period │ Conferences Areas │
│ Trade Wars - 1000 Sec│ │SYSOPS COMM QBasic│
│SIDroids-Stellar Quest│ 986 Meg ONline with CD ROM │ DOORS FANTASY │
│ RBBS-Net 8:930/0 │ VISITING SYSOPS WELCOME! │GAMES FORSALE│
╞══════════════════════╧═════════════════════════════╧═════════════════════╡
│Sysops: Mike Davis NODE 1: (214)881-9346 24 hrs/day 7 days/week │
│ Kevin Gibson NODE 2: (214)424-3831 300/1200/2400/9600 with │
│ Voice : (214)578-1194 U.S Robotics HST Modems │
╘══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╛
Omen Technologies Zmodem (DSZ) NOW available for file operations
Now with 986 Meg of files ONLINE with the PC-SIG CD ROM
Setup Documentation for RBBS NetMail
3/15/89
Version 6
RBBS-NET Set-Up Documentation - Version 6 - March 15, 1989
TABLE OF CONTENTS
i. Table of Contents.......................................... 1
1. Introduction .............................................. 2
2. Common Definitions and Terms .............................. 3
3. Required Programs used for NetMail and Explanations........ 5
4. General Setup of RBBS NetMail: ............................ 7
4.1. Creating DOS Directory Structure..................... 8
4.2. Modifying RBBS CONFIG for NetMail.................... 9
4.3. Creating Batch files and what they do................ 9
4.4. AREAS.BBS file....................................... 10
4.5 AREAS.NET file....................................... 10
4.6 U.S. Robotics HST Modem Setup........................ 11
4.6.1 HST Modem Settings............................ 11
4.6.2 Binkley Term Settings......................... 12
4.6.3 RBBS Config Settings.......................... 13
4.6.4 Special Settings for NS16550AN UART........... 13
5. Specific Program Configurations:........................... 14
5.1. Front End Mailer.(BEXE_200.ZIP)...................... 14
5.1.1 BINKLEY.BAT Setup............................. 14
5.1.2 BINKLEY.CFG Setup............................. 14
5.1.3 BINKLEY.BAN Setup............................. 14
5.2. Mail Packaging Programs.............................. 15
5.2.1 OMMM (OMMM_140.ZIP)........................... 15
5.2.2 RBBSPACK (RBBSPACK.ZIP)....................... 16
5.2.3 ARCA2PK (ARCA2PK.ZIP)......................... 17
5.3. Mail Processing Programs............................. 17
5.3.1 ConfMail (CONF_400.ZIP)....................... 17
5.3.2 Renum (RENUM410.ZIP).......................... 17
5.3.3 ReplyLnk (REPLYLNK.ZIP)....................... 17
5.4. NetMail Editors/Readers.............................. 18
5.4.1 Netmail (NetM0988.ZIP)........................ 18
5.4.3 SmlNet (SMLNET1D.ZIP)......................... 18
5.4.3 NED (NED100.ZIP).............................. 18
5.5. FOSSILS.............................................. 19
5.5.1 X00.SYS (X00v111b.ZIP)........................ 19
5.5.2 OPUSCOMM (OCOM_531.ZIP)....................... 19
5.5.3 Video FOSSIL(VIBM_110.ZIP).................... 19
5.6. Nodelist Processing.................................. 19
5.6.1 PARSELIST (PLST_130.ZIP)...................... 19
5.6.2 QSORT (QSORT30.ZIP)........................... 19
5.7 Miscellaneous Utilities.............................. 20
5.7.1 File Requests (PLEZ_210.ZIP).................. 20
5.7.2 Outbound Area Management -(AMAX_200.ZIP)...... 20
5.7.3 Echo Management - AreaFIX (AF_110.ZIP)........ 20
5.7.4 Echo Statistics - EchoStat (ECHOSTAT.ZIP)..... 21
5.7.5 Julian Dates - DayNumber (DAYNBR.ZIP)......... 21
6. Files provided with this documentation ................... 22
(1)
RBBS-NET Set-Up Documentation - Version 6 - March 15, 1989
1.0 Introduction:
The process of adding RBBS NetMail to your BBS is not really a difficult
one, but it is time consuming and precise work. It involves the
implementation of several programs that you probably are not familiar with
and would be thoroughly lost if all you had were the documentation to read
to get set up. This is the situation I found myself in when trying to
setup NetMail. Michael White, Rod Bowman, and Bob Westcott were great
helps in getting underway, but their easy familiarity with terminology
that I was just hearing for the first time made it very difficult for me
to even be aware of questions to ask. The purpose of this text is to show
step by step how I set up my BBS in its current operating condition. As
updates to this document are released they will contain changes that
reflect my growing knowledge of NetMail processing as well as to cover new
program releases.
This is a typical description of how a netmail session might proceed:
At midnight you have an Event scheduled that temporarily takes the BBS
offline and runs the ConfMail program. It goes and looks at the ECHO
message areas to see if there are any new messages created that day. If
there are, it gathers them all together and ARCs them into a bundle that
is addressed to your HOST where you get your mail from. OMMM runs and
uses ARCA (NOTE:or PKARC) to pack all the outgoing NetMail messages into
packets and puts an address on them. RBBSPACK then archives the messages
and echos together with PKPAK or ARCA and readdresses the messages per a
control file to ROUTE them to their proper destinations and to tell
BINKLEY what priority is assigned. It also creates a POLL statement that
will cause your HOST to be called. RENUM then runs and deletes old
messages to make room for the new ones you will get that night from your
HOST.
BinkleyTerm is then reloaded by the batch file and then it reads the
nodelist created by the Parselist nodelist compiler and calls your HOST.
The HOST detects that the incoming call is from another BinkleyTerm and
not a BBS Caller so it exchanges greetings (YooHOO.... YooHOO/2U2 ). Any
files or messages that the HOST has waiting for you are then downloaded to
your computer. Also, if there were files you had ready to go to your HOST,
they will be sent at this time. After downloading, if mail has been
received, your BBS will again go offline and run ConfMail to unpack the
new mail and it will begin "Scanning" and "Tossing" (looking to see if the
messages are duplicates of ones you already have then copying them into
the proper directory area for that topic of message). ReplyLnk will be run
and will determine if any of the new messages are replies to previous
messages and, if so, will link them together into a message thread.
Finally, BinkleyTerm will reload and be ready to take any calls to your
BBS.
If it IS a HUMAN BBS caller, Binkley will exit tots batch file and load
the BBS and the user can proceed as normal. When he logs off, it will
reboot back to Binkley.
Sounds real easy doesn't it? <GRIN>
(2)
RBBS-NET Set-Up Documentation - Version 6 - March 15, 1989
2.0 Common Definitions and Terms:
ARCMAIL are mail messages that have been archived using a utility like
ARCA or PKARC (the 2 most commonly used). ARCMail packets will generally
have an extension like MO1 or TU2 indicating the day of the week it was
prepared. Some of the Mail packers do not create an intelligent
extension. RBBSPACK used in this setup will provide this information.
ATTACH (As in File ATTACH) is a method by which a file may be attached to
an outgoing message so that it will be sent out at the same time. Usualyy
the message is to inform the other party that a file has been transmitted.
A dummy message may also be setup (by AMAX or PLEASE) that will cause the
file to be sent but no actual message will be transmitted. CONTINUOUS
MAIL refers to a class of mail that can be sent during regular events due
to the fact that the destination system can receive mail at all times.
CRASH MAIL is not what happens to your system when you try to run NetMail
the first time.<small attempt at humor). This refers to a classification
of a message that is to be sent immediately. Its operation is usually
restricted to the Sysop of the sending BBS only.
ECHOMAIL or ECHOS are sets of conferences that are distributed nationwide
in a large party line setup. Everything you send will be seen by all
other BBS's carrying that conference. These are usually topics of
specific interests, ranging from programming, politics, xrated, and Star
Trek. There are over 200 ECHO conferences currently available.
FOSSIL - Fido Opus Standard Interface ....... A FOSSIL is a program or a
device driver that handles communications with the COMM ports. It is
especially useful for programs like mailers that make heavy use of them.
It allows the Interrupts to be recaptured by the comm program to make sure
that communications are handled properly. For more information, read the
FIDO Technical Standard Documents on FOSSILS or the file that comes with
OPUSCOMM and X00 (The two FOSSILS mentioned in these docs).
FREQ is an abbreviation for FILE REQUEST. It is possible to attach a
request for a file to a message going to a system. This is often used to
distribute needed system program updates, newsletters, and nodelists.
Programs such as AMAX can be used to generate a FREQ from a specific
NET/NODE. RBBS Netmail has established a Software Distribution Center
(8:8/11) that you can FREQ files from. In addition, most HOSTs also have
extensive FREQ setups on their own systems. FREQing is available on
Horizon 23hrs/day (930/1 & 2). No FREQs honored during National Mail Hour.
FTSC - Fido Technical Standards Committee. This is the group that sets up
the rules that all this operation is run by. They make sure that all of
the setups into their network are compatible.
HOST is the BBS that you send and receive your messages to/from. The
HOST's Net/Node NUmber usually ends in a 0 like 930/0 although the actual
address you call for mail may be 930/1 as it is in this area.
NETMAIL refers to messages that are directed to specific persons and/or at
specific addresses. These type of messages may cost considerable money in
phone bills to the Sysop if they are not monitored. Each NetMail message
is akin to making a long distance phone call.
NET/NODE NUMBER is the number given to your by your Network BOSS that is
an address for your BBS. The full address is: ZONE:NET/NODE ..mine is
8:930/0.
(3)
RBBS-NET Set-Up Documentation - Version 6 - March 15, 1989
NODELIST is a listing of all the BBS's that are participating in the
NetMail network and contains their Net/Node number, BBS Name, Sysop's
Name, City, State, Telephone numbers, Max Baud rate, and whether the BBS
can handle continuous mail operation. This file is generally processed
into a compiled version so that the terminal program (Binkley) can use it.
ORIGIN LINE is the line in a message that identifies the BBS from which
the message originated. This line is developed either by the first line
in the AREAS.BBS file or by a separate ASCII Text file called ORIGIN that
you can write.
PACKET is a compressed message file that is encoded with a BBS's net/node
number in hexadecimal so that it may be sent or picked up. A packet may
have an extension of .PKT. Usually this packet will be archived and the
extension changed to .CLO, .HLO or some other designator that will tell
the mailer program what priority to assign to this packet and whether to
send it or not.
POLLING is the act of requesting messages from the HOST or BOSS that you
are assigned to.
SCAN/TOSS - You will hear about this procedure and see it displayed on the
screen when ConfMail or RBBSMail is running. It is the procedure by which
the Mail handling program looks at the mail packets and breaks them up
into their individual messages and then "TOSSES" them into the proper
conferences. Then the areas are "SCANNED" for new messages and packets
are created in the OUTBOUND area.
ZONES were created to identify individual geographic areas, and of late,
identify the NET systems other than FIDO. For example, FIDO USA is Zone
1, RBBS-NET is Zone 8, and AlterNet is Zone 7. These zones are used to
help identify where mail is to be sent. Simply having net/node numbers is
no longer adequate due to the large number of systems online today. There
would be duplicated numbers if not for the zone identifier.
If there are any other terms, you need information on, please let me know
and i will add them here for the next release.
(4)
RBBS-NET Set-Up Documentation - Version 6 - March 15, 1989
3.0 General Description of Program Operation
Required Programs Used for NetMail
BEXE_200.ZIP - BinkleyTerm 2.0 - This program is the key in the whole
operation. It acts as a front end to the entire operation and handles all
communications. It will answer the phone (instead of RBBS) and load the
BBS if it is a human caller or it will initiate a mail exchange sequence
if the caller is another BinkleyTerm. The operation is handled by a batch
file and a config file (BINKLEY.BAT & BINKLEY.CFG) that sets up the
operation and schedules when events are to occur, like calling your BOSS
to send/receive your mail, renumber messages, delete old messages, etc.
CONF_400.ZIP - Conference Mail by Bob Hartman..The heart of the ECHOMail
operation. This program de-ARCs mail packets sent/received on your BBS
and copies them into the proper mail message areas. It also collects new
messages from your BBS and ARCs them up for sending. The file AREAS.BBS is
needed for this program to work properly. This is a file you will have to
create. A detailed commented example is provided in this setup.
NETM0988.ZIP - NetMail doorware by Bob Westcott & Rod Bowman. This is a
door you run that reads the FIDO format messages and allows your users to
read them online and respond to them. A file called AREAS.NET must be
created for this program to tell it what conferences you are carrying and
where they are. A sample AREAS.NET is included with these docs.
OMMM_140.ZIP - OPUS Matrix mail Masher. This program reads the outgoing
NetMail messages and copies them to the OUTBOUND holding area, it then
adds an extension to the files that are to be sent based upon the action
that is to be taken with them, CRASH MAIL (SEND NOW!), ARCHOLD (hold for
pickup), ARCCM (ARC and send to your BOSS when event time comes), and many
more.
RENUM410.ZIP - This utility is used to renumber the NetMail messages as
old messages are deleted and new ones are added. It also allows deletion
of old messages by their date and you can use it to set a maximum amount
of messages in any particular message area.
REPLYLNK.ZIP - This program reads the messages for topics and joins
messages together that are replies from a previous message so that when
you read them you can follow the thread of a message.
SmlNet1D.ZIP - SmlNet is also a NetMail reading door written by Darwin
Collins of Silicon City RBBS that the NetMail door mentioned above.
AREAS.NET is not needed for this door, but information similar to areas.net
is stored in the smlnet.cnf configuration file. A SMLNET.CNF file is
included in these docs.
X00v111b.ZIP or OCOM_531.ZIP - This file is a FOSSIL Driver and must be
added as a device driver in config.sys in order for BINKLEY to operate.
This particular driver will work in most IBM and close compatible
machines. NOTE: If you are running in a Multi-tasking environment under
DESQview, you may have some problems with X00. In that case I recommend
using OCOM_531.ZIP. If you can't find version 5.31, then version 5.30 with
a patch that is available on my system is adequate. It has a FOSSIL 5
driver that allows DV to operate properly. It is called from the command
line instead of as a device driver. Both of these also support the FIFO
buffer on the 16550A UART for high speed communications.
VIBM_110.ZIP - This is called a video FOSSIL and will allow BinkleyTerm to
be displayed in color. At least OPUSCOM ver 5.30 or X00 ver 1.10a must be
present for this to work.
(5)
RBBS-NET Set-Up Documentation - Version 6 - March 15, 1989
Optional Programs You might use
PLST_130.ZIP - In order to know who to call for mail, and also who is in
your network, there is a file called a NODELIST. It is a complete listing
of ALL BBS's in the network with their names, sysop names, tel numbers,
and max baud rate and whether it can accept Continuous Mail. The typical
text nodelist must be converted to a format that Binkley can use.
Parselist takes the nodelist and performs the compile. It also calls
QSORT which will provide a sorted Text File of the BBS's and Sysops and
deletes the duplicates.
NED - This program is a message reader/editor that allows you to view your
NetMail and ECHOs offline. It also allows you to send and request files
from other BBS's.
PLEZ_210.ZIP - PLEASE is a program that allows simple file requests and
transfers to be made.
AMAX_200.ZIP - This program allows you to see what's going on in the
outbound area and also to create a quick file attach. This need is
reduced somewhat by the "Outbound Mail" window in the new BinkleyTerm. But
at times, this program is indispensable. These docs assume that this
program will be used.
AF_110.ZIP - AREAFIX allows you to add or delete conferences coming to
your system automatically.
[NOTE: You don't actually have to use this program to run this function if
your HOST has it installed on his system.
(6)
RBBS-NET Set-Up Documentation - Version 6 - March 15, 1989
4.0 General Setup:
NOTE: Plan to spend at least 5 evenings in implementing this operation.
Following this general outline will reduce the time your board is not
accessible to your users to one evening.
* Contact the LOCAL HOST and make arrangements for a NET/NODE Number.
That is the FIRST step you should undertake. Complete the file
NODELIST.INF that is in the NET-DOCS.ZIP archive and upload this
information to the HOST.
* Take the first evening to read over this document and print out the
docs for all the required files. Look through the docs to get familiar
with their layout and the files required to add this to your system.
Look at the echos.lst that is in this file and decide which echo
conferences you'd like to carry. Send a message to your HOST BBS
with the names of those conferences.
* The logical step for evening #2 is to create the directories and
unarc all the program files in the correct areas. Then begin to
prepare the batch files and configurations. A tree structure of
how my directories are organized is detailed below along with a
list of what programs go into each directory. In the ROOT-DIR.ZIP
file are two smaller files called AUTOEXEC.ADD and CONFIG.ADD.
They are the commands you would have to add to your autoexec.bat
and config.sys depending on your setup. The files are commented.
* Evening #3 will probably be spent in actually running Binkley and
seeing if the modem will answer and then boot your BBS. You may want
to compile a NODELIST at this time using Parselist. Parse.bat will
run this operation.
* Evening #4 will be in implementation of an actual poll of your HOST
and the setup of the NetMail door. If you sent a message listing
your desired conferences on Night #1, then you probably will receive
a packet from your HOST with a number of messages by now. You may
want to send a message or two via Net to someone locally like your
HOST or to anyone via ECHO mail and see if you get a reply.
* Evening #5 is a troubleshooting night. You may allow selected users
on the Netmail doors at this point to see if there are any bugs.
Hopefully you now have some messages in your conferences that you
can look through to make sure they are coming correctly. Look in the
BAD_MSGS directory to see if any of the messages are going to
incorrect areas.
(7)
RBBS-NET Set-Up Documentation - Version 6 - March 15, 1989
4.1. DOS Directory Structure -The first step is to create the DOS
directories where the files will be placed:
This is a sample of how my directories are setup:
Directory Tree Files in Directory
C:\ ROOT Directory ------------------------>> X00v111B.ZIP/OCOM_531.ZIP
(UnZIP LAST!)ROOT-DIR.ZIP
\┬─BINKLEY─────┬ ------------------------->> BEXE_200.ZIP,CONF_400.ZIP
│ ├─FILES───────┬─TEMPNEWS OMMM_140.ZIP,RENUM410.ZIP
│ │ └─TEMPNODE REPLYLNK.ZIP,RBBSPACK.ZIP
│ ├─MESSAGES AMAX_200.ZIP,PLEZ_210.ZIP
│ ├─OUTBOUND ECHOSTAT.ZIP,DAYNBR.ZIP
│ └─WORK PLST_130.ZIP
│ (UnZip LAST!)BINK-DIR.ZIP
│
├─RBBS --- Your RBBS Files -------------->> SMLNET1D.ZIP
│ (Unzip LAST!)RBBS-DIR.ZIP
│
└─MAIL────────┬─80XXX ---------------->> You will create a directory
├─ADAM for EVERY conference you
├─ASIAN-AM will have. You can name
├─ASKACOP them anything that DOS
├─ASTRONOM will allow up to 8 chars.
├─AT&T AREAS.BBS also MUST have
├─ATARI the SAME DOS directories
├─AUDIO by name that you create.
├─AUTO
├─AUTOMOTI
├─AVIATION
├─BAD_MSGS --------------->> This is the area that any
├─BAT message that ConfMail can't
├─BEYOND read or figure out where its
├─BIBLE supposed to go will be put.
├─BINKLEY Look in here every couple of
├─CBM days to see if there are any
├─CDROM problems with mail.
├─CD_ECHO
├─CHATTER
├─CLIPPER
├─ and so on....
After you UnZIP these program files, you copy the files from the setup
docs into their proper directory.
BINK-DIR.ZIP into C:\BINKLEY
ROOT-DIR.ZIP into the Root of C:\
RBBS-DIR.ZIP into C:\RBBS (or wherever your BBS is at)
IMPORTANT NOTE: Copy the program files into the directory first and unARC
them. Then copy the other files. This is so you don't overwrite the
custom written files with the generic ones that came with the program.
(8)
RBBS-NET Set-Up Documentation - Version 6 - March 15, 1989
4.2. RBBS Config Setup for NetMail
Load RBBS Config and change the following steps:
(This is for RBBS 17.1+:)
Step 163 RBBS recycle method ..change to SYSTEM (This is so RBBS will
boot back to BINKLEY after a caller hangs up otherwise RBBS would just
boot itself and you'd never get back to BINKLEY.
Step 221 This is where you normally set your COMM ports, but now there are
two additional steps. BinkleyTerm requires the use of a FOSSIL driver
(explained elsewhere) so after you tell RBBS COM 1 or COM 2, you answer Y
to use FOSSIL support. It then asks for the port address. Std addresses
are: Com1 = 3F8 COM2 = 2F8
Step 262 ...NetMail to invoke is...,BINKLEY .
4.3 Batch Files
Almost the entire operation of NetMail is performed automatically through
the interaction of many batch files. This is basically how the batch
files operate:
When a call comes in, BinkleyTerm makes a decision whether the caller is
another MAILER or a HUMAN caller desiring a BBS session. If its a HUMAN
caller, BinkleyTerm will generate an ErrorLevel and exit to its batch file.
The errorlevel to call the BBS is equal to the calling Baud rate divided
by 100..so that a 2400 baud caller would cause Binkley to output an error
level of 24. You will notice in the batch file that Errorlevel 24 calls
the label Get RBBS.
How BinkleyTerm calls the BBS System:
The GetBBS label creates a file called BBSBATCH.BAT. It contains
a single line that says:
SPAWNBBS 2400 1 356 (baud rate - node - time until event)
SPAWNBBS.BAT is provided in this setup and is run to call RBBS.BAT.
SPAWNBBS.BAT tells RBBS:
CD\RBBS
RBBS.BAT %3 %1 %4
RBBS.BAT will then be run and it will load RBBS with the command line:
RBBS-PC 1 /%1 /%2 %3 (/ARQ may be appended if Error Correcting modem)
How BinkleyTerm Runs the Mail Programs:
If a call comes in and BinkleyTerm recognizes the call as another MAILER,
then handshaking takes place and a MAIL session is initiated. Following
completion of the mail transfer, Binkley will Exit to its batch file
(BINKLEY.BAT) and execute a command based on the parameters set up in the
Event file and the batch file. The batch file and event files are
provided and are commented in detail to explain their operation.
(9)
RBBS-NET Set-Up Documentation - Version 6 - March 15, 1989
4.4. Now create your AREAS.BBS file
AREAS.BBS is used by CONFMAIL to know which ECHOS you are carrying and to
whom you are routing them to. A commented AREAS.BBS file is provided in
the BINK-DIR.ZIP archive. The general format of AREAS.BBS is:
;System name & Sysop name for Origin line in messages
Horizon RBBS-PC Dallas-FT Worth Net Coordinator ! Mike Davis
;Then add the following to tell it what conferences you have
;DIRECTORY AREA NODE 1 NODE 2 NODE 3 ETC
C:\MAIL\AD&D AD&D 930/1 <- Your BOSS's Node)
C:\MAIL\BINKLEY BINKLEY 930/1
C:\MAIL\HST HST 930/1
C:\MAIL\CONSULTI CONSULTING 930/1
C:\MAIL\BAD_MSGS BAD_MSGS (NO NODES HERE) This is a special one for YOU
etc..........
Now repeat for every conference. Make sure the name of the conference
exactly matches the ECHOLIST.TXT file and that they properly reference the
DOS subdirectories you created earlier. REMEMBER: The DOS directories
can be named anything that is LEGAL in DOS, BUT the AREAS name of the
conference MUST match the REAL name of the conference as shown in the
ECHOLIST. A current ECHOLIST is provided with these docs.
The entry in the column called NODE 1 is for whom you receive mail from
(Your HOST). Nodes 2,3,4 etc are NODES who you share conferences with
if other nodes poll YOU for their mail.
4.5 AREAS.NET file
(For NETMAIL Door ONLY. If you are using SmlNet, then delete this file.)
The AREAS.NET file is similar in appearance to the AREAS.BBS file, but
doesn't need an ORIGIN Line or NODE numbers. A sample file has been
provided in the BINK-DIR.ZIP file. It is simply a text file with the path
and the name of each conference. This file is used by the NetMail door to
know where to look for the files and what to call the message areas.
Example:
C:\Mail\BINKLEY BINKLEY
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RBBS-NET Set-Up Documentation - Version 6 - March 15, 1989
4.6 U. S. Robotics Courier HST Modem Setup
The US Robotics 9600 baud HST modem is the most common one found in
Netmail systems. Due to this, we have provided the detail setup
procedures for this modem. Note that the new HST 14400 modem will have
the same settings for NRAM but the BINKLEY.CFG and FOSSIL settings will be
different. On the new Dual Standard modem, the NRAM settings are also
slightly different. Please carefully note where the standard settings
differ for the new 14400 and Dual Standard modems. We have set up separate
tables for the different modems.
4.6.1 Settings for USR Courier HST
------ HST 9600 Settings
HST DIP Switch Positions:
1-U 2-U 3-D 4-U 5-D 6-U 7-U 8-D 9-D 10-U
NRAM Settings:
X7 F1
&A1 &B0 &G0 &H3 &I0 &K0 &M4 &N0 &P0 &R2 &S1 &Y1 (9600 HST) (14400 HST-&B1)
&A2 &B1 &G0 &H1 &I0 &K0 &M4 &N0 &P0 &R2 &S1 &Y1 (Dual Std)
S02=043 S03=013 S04=010 S05=008
S06=002 S07=045 S08=002 S09=006
S10=010 S11=070 S12=050 S13=000
S15=000 S19=000 S21=010 S22=017
S23=019
------ HST 14400 Modem
HST DIP Switch Positions:
1-U 2-U 3-D 4-U 5-D 6-U 7-U 8-D 9-D 10-U
NRAM Settings:
X7 F1
&A1 &B0 &G0 &H3 &I0 &K0 &M4 &N0 &P0 &R2 &S1 &Y1
S02=043 S03=013 S04=010 S05=008
S06=002 S07=045 S08=002 S09=006
S10=010 S11=070 S12=050 S13=000
S15=000 S19=000 S21=010 S22=017
S23=019
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------ HST Dual Standard
HST DIP Switch Positions:
1-U 2-U 3-D 4-U 5-D 6-U 7-U 8-D 9-U 10-U
NRAM Settings:
X7 F1 B0
&A2 &B1 &G0 &H1 &I0 &K0 &M4 &N0 &P0 &R2 &S1 &Y1
S02=043 S03=013 S04=010 S05=008
S06=002 S07=045 S08=002 S09=006
S10=010 S11=070 S12=050 S13=000
S15=008 S19=000 S21=010 S22=017
S23=019
The easiest way to set the NRAM is with Binkley itself in Terminal Mode.
Bring up Binkley..type ALT-T and it will go to terminal mode. Type ATI5
to see current NRAM settings. Compare against above list. Change only the
ones different from what you have.. (Make sure you finish the line with
&W to write it to NRAM). Check settings with another ATI5 when finished.
4.6.2 Binkley Term Settings
----- HST 9600 and HST 14400
In Binkley.cfg, change Prefix to : ATDT
In Binkley.cfg, change Init string to: |~ATZ| or ATE1S1=0| (If no answer)
In Binkley.cfg, change Busy string to: ATM0H1|
In Binkley.cfg, change Answer string : ATA|
----- HST Dual Standard
In Binkley.cfg, change Prefix to : ATB1DT
In Binkley.cfg, change Init string to: ATZ|~~ATS7=45|
In Binkley.cfg, change Busy string to: ATM0H1|
In Binkley.cfg, change Answer string : ATA|
NOTE: The AA (AutoAnswer) LED on the front of your modem will no longer
light up each time Binkley resets..Binkley now takes over the job of
answering the phone.
All this assumes that you have NOT yet installed the NS16550AN UART on
your Serial Board.
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RBBS-NET Set-Up Documentation - Version 6 - March 15, 1989
4.6.3 RBBS Config Settings:
In RBBS Config, set Open Modem at: 9600 and set CTS to ON.
4.6.4 Special Settings for NS16550AN UART chips
NOTE: If you have installed an NS16550AN High Speed buffered UART on your
Serial Comm Board, then it is a major advantage to set up the link speeds
to 19200.
Only one NRAM setting needs to change:
&B0 becomes &B1 (14400 HST and Dual Std already have this setting)
In Binkley.cfg change the BAUD rate to 19200 (38400 for HST 14400 and Dual
Standard Modems). With 38400 set here, Binkley will show a -27136 in the
Baud rate in the window. The new Binkley (2.10) will have this fixed!
If you run OPUSCOMM as a FOSSIL driver:
Change the command line in Binkley.bat that calls OCOM_CFG to:
------- HST 9600
If you run OPUSCOMM as a FOSSIL driver:
Change the command line in Binkley.bat that calls OCOM_CFG to:
OCOM_CFG I C L1=19200 S1=2048,2048
or if you are using X00.SYS.. change the line in CONFIG.SYS to read:
DEVICE=X00.SYS B,0,19200 T=512 R=8192
------- HST 14400 and HST Dual Standard
If you run OPUSCOMM as a FOSSIL driver:
Change the command line in Binkley.bat that calls OCOM_CFG to:
OCOM_CFG I C L1=38400 S1=2048,2048
or if you are using X00.SYS.. change the line in CONFIG.SYS to read:
DEVICE=X00.SYS B,0,38400 T=512 R=8192
NOTE: You must run X00 Version 1.11B in order to perform properly at htis
speed.
* In RBBS Config, you now change your setting to Open Modem at to 19200 and
also tell RBBS to leave modem at initial rate. (RBBS does not have a 38400
setting although that may change in future versions)
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RBBS-NET Set-Up Documentation - Version 6 - March 15, 1989
5.0 Specific Program Configurations
5.1. BINKLEYTERM SETUP:
I recommend that you print the DOCS for reference and for your own
personal customization as you get more familiar with the system.
5.1.1 BINKLEY.BAT
See the separate file setupbat.net for this file and an explanation of
what it does.
In your AUTOEXEC.BAT it is recommended that you set an environment
variable for Binkley.. SET BINKLEY=C:\BINKLEY Also set up c:\Binkley in
your PATH.
5.1.2 BINKLEY.CFG SETUP:
The BINKLEY.CFG file that I provided should be moved in here. You need to
make some changes to it..so get out a text editor and look through it. It
is well commented.
If there is an option that you do not use..it has a ; in front of the
line.
*** VERY IMPORTANT NOTE ***
ANYTIME YOU CHANGE BINKLEY.CFG YOU MUST RUN BTCTL.EXE. This creates the
file MAIL.SYS & BINKLEY.PRM that CONFMAIL and other programs need to run.
Binkley itself doesn't use these files.
5.1.3 BINKLEY.BAN - We mentioned in the .CFG how you could add the
statement BANNER and write a one line AD for your BBS. Binkley.ban is a
simple ASCII test file that will display INSTEAD of the banner line in
BINKLEY.CFG if you want an expanded opening screen for callers.
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RBBS-NET Set-Up Documentation - Version 6 - March 15, 1989
5.2 Mail Packaging Programs
5.2.1 OMMM_140 Setup
OMMM is a multi-function program. It reads the NetMail area and copies
any new mail to the OUTBOUND directory. It also uses ARCA to pack up any
messages to the addresses specified in the messages. Then it flags the
message packets it created and mark the messages CONTINUOUS, NORMAL,
DIRECT, or HOLD depending on what it sees in the OMMM.CTL file for that
address. OMMM is also multi-zone capable. It will allow you to address
messages to networks other than Zone 8 (RBBS-NET). For the purposes of
this setup, only the NetMail reading is used. RBBSPACK is used to ARC up
the packets and address them to the proper location.
This is how OMMM is called in the BINKLEY.BAT file:
:HoldMail
OMMM -ic:\binkley\binkley.prm -mc:\binkley\messages -hc:\binkley\outbound
-cc:\binkley\ommm.ctl -d
Goto Start
:SendMail
OMMM -ic:\binkley\binkley.prm -mc:\binkley\messages -hc:\binkley\outbound
-cc:\binkley\ommm.ctl -d
Goto Start
The commands -i, -m, -h, -c, -d, and -s all have special meanings that are
necessary for operation:
-i - is OMMM's path to its INFO file which tells it where all the system
files are. -m - is the location of the area where MESSAGES can be found.
If you don't specify this, OMMM will read the MAIL.SYS file created by
BINKLEY to find it. -h - is the HOLD area where outgoing mail is kept for
processing by OMMM. -c - tells OMMM the name and the path of the control
file. I use OMMM.CTL. -d - disables conversion of OPUS dates back to the
older FIDO format. -s - tells OMMM what schedule to operate from.
An OMMM.CTL file is provided with the BINK-DIR.ZIP file and resides in the
BInkley subdirectory. It is simply a dummy file containing a single
semi-colon.
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RBBS-NET Set-Up Documentation - Version 6 - March 15, 1989
5.2.2 RBBSPACK
RBBSPACK will pack up the mail using ARCA or PKPAK depending on the
setting on the command line and set the status of the packet according to
the control file. A sample RBBSPACK.CTL file is included in the docs that
you can customize for your own purposes. Note that the comments will have
to be removed from this file.
;*************************************************************************
;* Delete this BOX of comment lines after you modify the file. Add your *
;* HOSTS Net/Node number below to replace 930/1. Leave other semi-colons *
;* in file. *
;* *
;* SCHED A causes all the messages on your board to be gathered together *
;* under one ARCed file and to be held for your HOST until ready to POLL.*
;* *
;* SCHED B UNHOLDS the messages to your HOST and tells BINKLEY to call. *
;* *
;*************************************************************************
;
SCHED A
ZONE 8
ROUTE 930/1 OTHERS
;
SCHED B
ZONE 8
UNHOLD 930/1
POLL 930/1
;
RBBSPACK is called from the command line in Binkley.bat as follows:
This line runs OMMM and RBBSPACK according to SCHED A in the RBBSPACK.CTL
file. It holds all mail until the proper time of transmission. OMMM also
reads the NetMail message area, copies them to the OUTBOUND area and ARCs
them up. ***** NOTE: Put YOUR Zone:Net/Node number after RBBSPACK -A8:*****
This command line is setup to use PKPAK (The -UP parameter). If you would
rather use ARCA then change the parameter to -UA.
(Part of label HoldMail)
RBBSPACK -A*:***/* -SA -PC:\BINKLEY\OUTBOUND -CC:\BINKLEY\RBBSPACK.CTL -UP
-LC:\BINKLEY\RBBSPACK.LOG -CH -CC -V
Goto Start
The next line RUNS SCHED B in RBBSPACK.CTL and causes your HOST to be
POLLED for mail, and will also UNHOLD any mail you have for him. Change
your Net/Node here too.
(Part of Label SendMail)
RBBSPACK -A*:***/* -SB -PC:\BINKLEY\OUTBOUND -CC:\BINKLEY\RBBSPACK.CTL -UP
-LC:\BINKLEY\RBBSPACK.LOG -V
Goto Start
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RBBS-NET Set-Up Documentation - Version 6 - March 15, 1989
5.2.3 ARCA2PK Setup
If you decide to use OMMM in a fully functioning manner and replace
RBBSPACK as the Packer/Addresser, then you may need this program. Since
the ARCA program is so slow, many Sysops have decided to use PKARC. This
utility translates the call from OMMM for ARCA to PKARC. Actually there
is no setup for this program. All you do is deARC it in the same directory
as Binkley and OMMM. Then when OMMM runs and tries to pack using ARCA,
this program will activate and cause PKARC to be run. If you are using
PKPAK, rename PKPAK to PKARC and it will work just fine.
5.3 Mail Processing Programs
5.3.1 Confmail Setup
Other than deARCing CONFMAIL.ZIP in the C:\BINKLEY subdirectory there are
no other actions that need to be taken. The BINKLEY.BAT makes extensive
use of this program in performing its functions. The AREAS.BBS is also
extensively used and MUST be correct or many messages will be lost into
the bad messages area.
The CONFIG.DOG file that is included works with CONFMail to add the
net/node number to the end of the origin line and provide path information
to many other mail programs as to the location of your NetMail area and
your Files directory. Put this program into the same directory as
ConfMail.
5.3.2 RENUM Setup
Other than deARCing RENUM410.ZIP into c:\BINKLEY , there is no action
required. The statements in BINKLEY.BAT will take care of the operation of
this file. To show you what it is doing the statement in the BINKLEY.BAT
I provided is:
RENUM -D 10 -N 1 25 -R C:\BINKLEY\MESSAGES
This statement will delete any NetMail messages over 10 days old (-D 10)
and it will save the first message and then delete the remaining messages
until 25 are remaining (-N 1 25), and then it will renumber the messages
and create the reply links (-R).
Your Binkley.bat file will have a similar line for every echo conference.
You can adjust the parameters in each line depending on how many messages
you want in each area or how long you intend to keep them.
5.3.3 ReplyLnk
ReplyLnk goes in the Binkley subdirectory and is run by the Binkley.bat
file after mail is imported. The file ConfMail.out is used to store what
conferences were unpacked by ConfMail and then Replylnk acts on those
conferences to determine which messages are replies to previous ones.
Then the mail reader can follow the thread of a message.
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RBBS-NET Set-Up Documentation - Version 6 - March 15, 1989
5.4 NetMail Editors/Readers
5.4.1 NetMail by Rod Bowman & Bob Westcott
If you run doors this is easy..if not then you have to learn a little..
For now I assume you run them..if you use monitor or GMON..set it up as
any RBBS door. I also recommend that you create a NET.BAT file and allow
users to call the Netmail door directly from the doors menu instead of
having to go through a monitor each time. An AREAS.NET file is provided to
help with the setup. I use an RBBS MACRO called N.MCR that calls the door
by typing N from the main menu. Look in the RBBS docs on how to set up a
MACRO.
NET.BAT:
NETMAIL %1
(That's all there is to it)
*** Make sure you add the name NET in CAPS to all versions of your MENU5
MENU5<(C/G)>. Now users can access it by typing : D NET from the main
menu. [I have a N.MCR file set up so users can type N].
OK..now run NETINIT.EXE and answer the questions:
Net number : *** (Whatever you have been assigned)
Node Number :* (what you have been assigned)
Messages: C:\binkley\messages
Seadog or Binkley <B>
Using ECHOMAIL <Y>
Where is file listing ECHOS C:\BINKLEY\AREAS.NET
5.4.2 SmlNet by Darwin Collins
This door is very similar in function to the one above and can be called
by a batch file. However this batch file should be configured somewhat
differently:
NET.BAT
If EXIST TIMEOFF%1.DOR delete TIMEOFF%1.DOR
SMLNET %1
Smlnet doesn't have an initialization program to run, but there is a file
called SmlNet.cnf that you need to edit to put in your name, BBS name and
Net/Node number as well as to tell it where all the files are. It also
doesn't use the AREAS.NET file. See the sample Smlnet.CNF file enclosed. A
SmlNet.DSZ file is also enclosed to setup how the program will use DSZ. A
nice feature of SmlNet is that you can extract messages you want to read
to a file, ARC them up and download them. Then you can read them offline
at your leisure instead of tying up the BBS. You can run SmlNet locally
by ALT-F1 from Binkley.
5.4.3 NED Setup
Ned is a nice little ONline message reader/editor that also allows you to
create file attaches and requests. The only setup necessary to use this is
CONFIG.NED (which is enclosed with this file) and AREAS.NED (a file
similar to AREAS.NET and an example is enclosed). Just type NED to run
it. Or if you set the message reader in binkley to NED, then the READER
command, ALT-R will load it.
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RBBS-NET Set-Up Documentation - Version 6 - March 15, 1989
5.5 FOSSILS
The only general thing I can say about FOSSILs is that if one doesn't
work, then try the other. Personally, I use OCOM_531 and find it causes
less conflicts in my system, but that may not be the same as yours.
5.5.1 X00.ZIP
Add a line in your CONFIG.SYS that says:
DEVICE=X00.SYS (This is simplest one)
5.5.2 OCOM_531.ZIP
In this file, you will find two major files, OPUSCOM1.COM and
OPUSCOMM.COM. The first is for a single node operation and the second
covers 2 COMM ports at the same time. To add this, just add a line in your
AUTOEXEC.BAT that says OPUSCOM1 (or OPUSCOMM). You may also want to modify
this operation slightly by using OPUS_CFG.EXE to lock your fossil to a
permanently high rate or to create buffers for transfers.
5.5.3 VIBM_110.ZIP
This file has 2 programs, VFOS_IBM.COM and VFOS_BIO.COM. Try the first
and if you encounter a problem, try the second. To use this, add it into
the AUTOEXEC.BAT right after the OPUSCOM1 line (or anywhere in autoexec if
you use X00 since it is loaded by CONFIG.SYS)
NOTE: If you run a video fossil with X00, you must use version X00 1.10a
or later or it will NOT work.
5.6 Nodelist Processing
5.6.1 Parselist Setup
The first step is to create a configuration file for Parselist. I have
provide one with these docs that should allow you to get underway with a
minimum of changes. See the comments in the config file for explanations.
Also, you MUST have QSORT in the same directory as Parselist to facilitate
sorting the nodelist.
5.6.2 QSORT
QSORT is required by the Parselist Nodelist compiler to make a sorted text
file for viewing. QSORT needs to be in the same directory as Parselist or
at least in a DOS Path.
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RBBS-NET Set-Up Documentation - Version 6 - March 15, 1989
5.7 Miscellaneous Utilities
5.7.1 File Requests - PLEASE Setup
PLEASE is a very simple program to use. To request a file from another
BBS, simply type:
PLEASE GET filename.ext FROM NET/NODE
To send a file:
PLEASE SEND C:\PATH\filename.ext to NET/NODE
You can add the word NOW to the end of the line if you want to do a crash
file request.
5.7.2 Outbound Area Management - AMAX Setup
AMAX can be run directly from Binkley or from the command line by typing
AMAX. The new AMAX does not require FOSSIL support and can do file
attaches/requests and messages. ALT-F2 will activate AMAX from
BinkleyTerm.
5.7.3 ECHO Management - AREAFIX Setup
You WILL need a password from your host in order to modify which
conferences you receive. Whether you ADD or DELETE a conference, AREAFIX
will return a NetMail message back to you and tell you what happened. The
procedure of running AREAFIX is extremely simple. All you have to do is
send a private NETMAIL (Must be netmail not an echomail message) to your
HOST address to AREAFIX. The subject must be your password and then some
optional parameters like -R and -L. There is a file with the docs called
AREAFIX.USE that explains in detail how to use this feature. A sample
message from you might be:
From: John Doe at 930/7
To : AREAFIX at 930/1
Subject: PASSWORD -R -L
-COMM
-XXX
COMICS
--- (This is required to show end of msg)
The above will cause the echos COMM and XXX to no longer be sent to you,
but COMICS will now be added. The -R will cause your HOST to send you an
update of what he is has listed to send you. The -L will cause a new
ECHOLIST file to be sent. A -Q will cause your HOST to send a list of all
echos available from him as well as what you are setup to receive.
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RBBS-NET Set-Up Documentation - Version 6 - March 15, 1989
5.7.4 ECHO Statistics - ECHOSTAT
The Binkley.Bat that is provided with these setup docs contains the
statements to provide daily and weekly bulletins of mail that you receive.
You can customize the last line for each bulletin to determine where you
want it placed on your BBS for you or your users to view it. The lines in
Binkley.Bat are well commented as to how this program works. When this
program RUNS is set up by the Binkley.evt file. Note that this program's
data files reset at midnight, so you MUST run a forced event prior to
midnight for the daily events or the week's data will be lost. In
addition, for a weekly event, you must run the program prior to midnight
Saturday or that week's data will be overwritten.
5.7.5 Julian Dates - DayNumber
Many times I have found that I'd like to perform some action on a file
according to its date. The DayNumber program allows you to perform any
DOS command on a file and add a Julian Date to the filename to distinguish
when the task was performed. I use this utility in a simple manner to
keep multiple copies of the BINKLEY.LOG file which are all named the same.
The old setup simply renamed the existing log to Binkley.old so that you
had the current list and one that was a day old. Sometimes, I like to go
back a week and see something that occurred. I run an event just after
midnight that arcs up the current log and renames it BINKLOG.### (Where
### is the Julian Date for the previous day). I copy these out to a safe
area and let them accumulate until I no longer need or want them. There
are many other things that can be done with this program also. This setup
is included in the BINKLEY.BAT file. You should customize the path as to
where you want the archived files to be stored.
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RBBS-NET Set-Up Documentation - Version 6 - March 15, 1989
6.0 Files provided with this documentation:
SETUP6.ZIP - Archived document that consists of:
NET-DOCS.ZIP - Setup documentation consisting of:
AREAFIX.USE - Users guide to AREAFIX
NODELIST.INF - Info YOU need to provide HOST for Net/Node Number
OPERATE.DOC - Hints on how to operate your system
README.1ST - Info on changes in this version and any errata
SETUP.DOC - This file
BINK-DIR.ZIP - Files to go into Binkley directory consisting of:
AREAS.BBS - Example of an AREAS.BBS file
AREAS.NET - Example of an AREAS.NET file (For NetMail door)
BINKLEY.BAT - BinkleyTerm BATCH file
BINKLEY.CFG - BinkleyTerm CONFIG
BINKLEY.EVT - BinkleyTerm EVENT file
BINKLEY.BAN - Example of opening screen when someone logs on.
CONFIG.DOG - File used by ConfMail to get zone:net/node number
OMMM.CTL - Dummy Control file for OMMM
ORIGIN - Example of ORIGIN line file for Messages
PARSE.BAT - Typical batch file to call Parselist.
PARSELST.CFG - Parselist Nodelist compiler configuration file
RBBSPACK.CTL - Control file for RBBSPACK
SPAWNBBS.BAT - File called by Binkley to load BBS
RBBS-DIR.ZIP - Files to go in BBS directory consisting of:
AREAS.NED - AREAS List for NED message Reader/Editor
CONFIG.NED - Sample Config file for the NED Editor
RBBS.BAT - Batch file that loads the BBS
SMLNET.CNF - SmlNet configuration file.
SMLNET.DSZ - DSZ (Zmodem) reference file for SmlNet
ECHOLIST.ZIP - Current list of available echos
RBBSLIST.ZIP - Current version of RBBS Nodelist
If you have any problems, give me a voice call at 214-578-1194 any evening
from 6-10PM (Central Time) EXCEPT Fridays.
SUGGESTIONS ALSO WELCOME! (and highly encouraged).
Regards,
Mike Davis
Sysop - Horizon RBBS
3/15/89
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