#: 3546 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 17-May-90 00:02:42 Sb: ACIA Info Fm: Scott t. Griepentrog 72427,335 To: all I haven't called into CIS for a while... went through a month of messages and discovered a lot of people have questions about ACIAPAK under OS9. So I figured I'd put together some of the things I've learned from making my hardware and software run a login system with networking that is practially 100% reliable. 1) The basics of the RS232 Pak: It responds to addresses 0xff68 to 0xff6b. It *NEEDS* to have an IRQ line (via CART) to the CPU so that it can force the CPU to pull each character out of it's buffer as it comes in. 2) The basics of an Multi-pak in relation to RS232 pak and OS9: Works with only one pak in the Multi-pak, because the pak switches the CART line to only one slot at a time. ACIAPAK driver forces it to a particular slot (#?) so that even while disk access are occuring (although NOT! floppy non-halt disk accesses) the CPU can pull data out of the ACIA. 3) It is possible to put multiple ACIA ports on the CoCo. Requires that you change the address of each additional RS232 pak by re-wiring it slightly (15 or less operation). If using a Y-cable, just plug extra paks in. If using a Multi-pak, you must tie the CART signal from all the slots and the card edge together to bypass the internal switching. NOTE: the CART line on CoCo goes low when *any* device needs servicing. Because it is normally pulled high with a resistor, any device that needs to be read just pulls it low - more than one pak or other device pulling the CART line down at the same time is not a problem, even if one is saying "service me" and one is not. 4) In the CoCo3, the CART line goes through the GIME before getting to the CPU. This is a problem, as the GIME will occasionally (maybe once in a thosand) not signal the CPU that it received a CART interrupt. This is what causes the ACIAPAK lockup syndrome - the easiest fix is done by wiring a certain diode in a certain way. This was documented recently in Rainbow (I have actually been giving these away with install docs with software purchases for almost 2 years now). #: 3547 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 17-May-90 00:08:26 Sb: ACIA Info Fm: Scott t. Griepentrog 72427,335 To: all 5) When operating a call-in line, the ACIA generates a problem because it will ignore incoming data when there is no CD signal present. The usual way around this is to force CD on the modem. Problem with this is that you then loose the capability to sense CD dropping so you can kick the user off the system. Or, you let CD go normal, and loose the CONNECT message when he calls in telling you what baud rate he is at. I developed a device I call a CDI (carrier detect interface) which does the same thing that some more expensive modems (like the MT224E) can do- CD is left high (going to computer), except for a few seconds after the carrier is actually lost, which kicks the user off. Then it goes back high so that you get the next CONNECT. I will post docs on building CDI's... 6) The ACIAPAK driver has a handy feature that will automatically kill any processes with an open path to it's port when CD is lost. Set the type or parity code to 0x10 (bit 4 high) to enable this feature. 7) Oh, when putting multiple RS232 paks on your system, you can use them under OS9 by just making copies of T2 and renaming the descriptor and changing the address to match the new devices. I have had up to 4 Rs232 paks running in one machine at one time, with no data lost. 8) You can run ACIAPAK outputing at up to 19200, but generally you will tend to loose characters inputing at anything faster than 2400. If anybody has a better aciapak with bigger buffers that works reliably at faster rates, let me know. This limit is imposed because of the buffer size of ACIAPAK and the overhead required by OS9 to get data in/out. 9) Once the IRQ patch (see #4) has been taken care of, communication is 99.99% reliable. The only bug I still encounter occurs when a call-in user drops carrier having first stopped output via ^S or end of page. The process won't die because it is locked on output. To reset, first send a kill to the process and then do a 'echo >/t2', and hit ^E twice. This causes the #: 3548 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 17-May-90 00:13:32 Sb: ACIA Info Fm: Scott t. Griepentrog 72427,335 To: all Argh. It cuts off my messages. I'll put the whole text along with the CDI info when I finish keying it in the file section... Scott Griepentrog, sysop@root (StG-net), StG@hummer.iupui.edu (arpa-net) #: 3581 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 19-May-90 07:13:13 Sb: Univ. of Cal BBS Fm: James D. Denboer 76226,2273 To: All The University of California has set up a BBS with info about 20TH ANNUAL INSTITUTE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE July - August 1990 We're testing to see how many people will call via modem to find out about high-level computer science and engineering short courses we offer in Silicon Valley and on the UC Santa Cruz campus. These are summer short course institutes 25 relevant, cutting-edge seminars and workshops in -- Language Programming/ Object Oriented Programming / Networking /Computer Documentation /Fuzzy Theory / Geographical Information Systems/Fault Tolerant Computing We have nationally-recognized instructors teaching, with some of whom are the creators or chief developers of new techologies. The number to call is 415 524 9625 (24 hours) 1200/2400-8-N-1 and follow online login instructions. #: 3905 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 28-May-90 21:14:54 Sb: #RiBBS off-line reader Fm: J SILLIMAN 72355,1207 To: ALL I was wondering if there is anyway that we could put together an off-line mail reader/reply package for RiBBS. I have seen it done MANY other ways for the IBM and the boards it runs, but if we could get an off-line reader as well, it would be great. I think I know someone that might be able to help with this, but I will have to see. He is a sysop of one of the IBM boards and is very good at the Tech stuff. We might be able to get some ideas from him. Do I have any takers for this little venture? I am the sysop of Hill Top BBS and you can call the board at 201-638-5698 and leave a message or leave a message here RiBBS needs to keep MOVING!!!!!!! Guy Silliman Hill Top BBS There is 1 Reply. #: 4007 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 30-May-90 19:32:25 Sb: #3905-#RiBBS off-line reader Fm: Bruce Isted (UG VP) 76625,2273 To: J SILLIMAN 72355,1207 (X) ~ Guy, There's a local fellow who's been working on a FIDO mail reader program for OS-9, and he might be a good one to get in touch with. Look for Bill Beaton on the OS-9 and/or CoCo echoes on fidonet. He doesn't get on any of the pay services himself, but I can put you in touch with him directly if need be. Bruce There is 1 Reply. #: 4129 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 05-Jun-90 20:29:38 Sb: #4007-RiBBS off-line reader Fm: J SILLIMAN 72355,1207 To: Bruce Isted (UG VP) 76625,2273 THanx, I am just getting my board on the echo, so I will be picking up those conferences thanx again #: 4301 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 12-Jun-90 12:36:19 Sb: New BBS Fm: judd terrell 72217,714 To: 73617,3042 Thanx for stopping by the Thermal Fusion BBS... You're welcome to visit any time you like... Please add the information to your next BBS update.... Thermal Fusion BBS operates 24 hours a day 3/12/24 8-n-1 located in Fountain Inn, SC (803) 862-7544... Thanx... Judd... #: 4531 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 20-Jun-90 22:11:02 Sb: #4301-New BBS Fm: WAYNE LAIRD 73617,3042 To: judd terrell 72217,714 (X) got judd, stay tuned for the next release in mid july. best, wayne #: 4588 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 24-Jun-90 07:07:15 Sb: #login Fm: Everett Chimbidis 76370,1366 To: all Need to get the login from level 1 . Can you upload it? also can you send a copy of the patched version for lev 2? Press !> #: 4597 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 24-Jun-90 10:00:00 Sb: #4588-#login Fm: Steve Wegert 76703,4255 To: Everett Chimbidis 76370,1366 (X) Everett, There area several logins in the library already that far exceed the capabilities found in the stock utility. Have you had a chane to look? Steve There is 1 Reply. #: 4620 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 24-Jun-90 21:30:57 Sb: #4597-#login Fm: Everett Chimbidis 76370,1366 To: Steve Wegert 76703,4255 (X) I have All of these BUT all have more than I need! NEED THE STOCK ONE! There is 1 Reply. #: 4631 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 25-Jun-90 07:53:38 Sb: #4620-login Fm: Steve Wegert 76703,4255 To: Everett Chimbidis 76370,1366 (X) Gee Everett, THe Login I reference is about as stock as they come. The only diference, as I recall, is Peter encrypted the password ... as it _should_ be. Steve #: 4598 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 24-Jun-90 10:10:30 Sb: #4588-login Fm: Steve Wegert 76703,4255 To: Everett Chimbidis 76370,1366 (X) Everett, The file LOGIN.AR in LIB 9 is a pretty hardy replacement for te stock stuff. Play with that and see what you think. Give a shout if you need more info. Steve #: 5204 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 14-Jul-90 20:28:07 Sb: Hill Top BBS Fm: J SILLIMAN 72355,1207 To: all Guess what!!!!! ZDD . 3 CD ZD4 ZDD? 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 @DY @DDY After almost 3 months of waiting for it, it is finally here!!!!! Hill Top BBS is finally on the largest mail echo system in the world. Thats right, Net/Node 1:107/319 is officially HILL_TOP_BBS Open 23 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year (Well, almost) Hill Top BBS, supporting the Tandy Color Computer, with 20+ online games, and fido-net echo and net-mail, invites ALL users to sign on and take a look! At present we have 20 megs of online storage space, looking to expand as soon as possible. If you are into fun and games, like online games, and enjoy echo mail conversation, give us a try... (908)638-5698 ^^^ New, New Jersey area code 3,12,2400 baud #: 5489 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 23-Jul-90 20:53:01 Sb: BBS Fm: judd terrell 72217,714 To: 73617,3042 Wayne, just an update on Thermal Fusion BBS... Now running On-Line Games... OS-9 and limited non-OS-9 support for CoCo 1/2/3... Look forward to new bbs list when available... Current number for Thermal Fusion, (803) 862-7544... Fountain Inn, SC.... Thanx... Judd... #: 5492 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 23-Jul-90 21:29:09 Sb: APBBS Editor question Fm: Zack Sessions 76407,1524 To: 76576,2715 Mike, I am taking a second look ar APBBS. Well, actually my first look, since when I first downloaded it a year ago, I never really looked at it. I have it about ready to come up, but am running into a minor glitch. You have some low level IO routines which you only include as a merged packed file. One of these routines, datin, I think, is used by the editor to input each line. Apparently, that routine don't like commas, cuz when I enter a message line which contains a comma (or commas), everything after the first comma is ignored. Is there a fix available for this? Zack #: 5493 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 23-Jul-90 22:10:23 Sb: Art BBS wanted Fm: Bob Gale 71211,2616 To: All Does anyone know of any art oriented BBS? Any genre/media will do. Doesn't have to be an OS-9 system. Please send me E-Mail. Thanks in advance, ArtBase #: 5567 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 26-Jul-90 00:00:05 Sb: #5492-#APBBS Editor question Fm: Mike Guzzi 76576,2715 To: Zack Sessions 76407,1524 (X) Well it depends on what version of APBBS your using. if its the version availabe for download here its version 2.XX.XX and is old and obsolete and I lost all source code to it (thats why i strongly urge hard disk backups now) version 3.00.00, 3.01.12/15, and 3.1.26 are commercial versions. since then i have corrected that and about a thousand other bugs and made improvements which is why its so obsolete. but i can tell you this. when logged in locally the editor uses the INPUT command for the text and thats why commas aren't allowed. in the newer versions (with newer drivers) i replaced all that with inkey and my own getchar routines to bypass a bug in INKEY and ACIAPAK (still legit code) and the commas are not a problem. APBBS Version 2.XX.XX is really tough to work with, everything is hard-coded and my docs were something to be desired. i wrote that for my use only and thats it... version 3.00.00 and higher is a different story with a full manual, enviroement files (no hard-coded) and a better I/O system to get the higher baud rates plus tons of other improvements. if you wish to see the latest version call my BBS at 717-586-2771 24hrs a day. APBBS can be purchased from Second City Software (yes they are still with us but laying low for a few months) the cost is $39.95. Mike There is 1 Reply. #: 5580 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 26-Jul-90 10:05:39 Sb: #5567-APBBS Editor question Fm: Zack Sessions 76407,1524 To: Mike Guzzi 76576,2715 I may send SC a check, then! I suppose the commercial version does not include sources, eh? One thing I really DO like about the version in the libs is that you did include sources. With them, I could add new features that I wanted, and change some of the wording of some of the messages and such. Not a bad job, though, really. Zack #: 5627 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 28-Jul-90 01:27:25 Sb: Hawaiian BBS Fm: John Wight 76370,2100 To: all To COCO users in Hawaii: (Are there any?) There is now a BBS in Hawaii run on and dedicated to COCOs of all kinds. There are large COCO, and OS-9 libraries, as well as lots to read, and lots of GIF and MAC pictures. It is The Color Computer Library which has moved from Seattle to Honolulu, HI. The number is 1-808-845-5299 300/1200/2400 baud. Featuring RiBBS v2.0 and FIDONET #: 5649 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 28-Jul-90 11:46:43 Sb: #5580-APBBS Editor question Fm: Mike Guzzi 76576,2715 To: Zack Sessions 76407,1524 (X) Actually up to now no source was included. SCS currently has 3.1.15 and I will be making 3.1.26 the last version (its out as a download file off my system) but they will carry it. Since the MM/1 will take alot of time to work on I decided not to come out with Version 4.0 of APBBS on the CoCo3. the next revision will be an MM/1 version only. NOW I will be making the source available for users if they want.. probably a charge for it so it will make sure people have a reason for wanting it instead of "the heck of it" unlike version 2.0 source code... this one is better documented and cleaner. Mike #: 6028 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 12-Aug-90 13:13:31 Sb: #remote login question Fm: Zack Sessions 76407,1524 To: ALL I am in the process of setting up my OS9 Level 2 system up for remote logins using the standard tsmon/login package. I have a strange situation, though. I have patched SHell+ V2.0 so that my shell prompt is "What now? ". notice the space in between "What" and "now", and the space after the "?". This was done by putting a $06 at those locations in the binary. My problem is this. When I login to device /t2 through tsmon/login the $06 is not interpeted as a space, but as a null character, so my shell prompt becomes "Whatnow?", with no spaces at all. Any way around this? Zack There are 2 Replies. #: 6030 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 12-Aug-90 14:06:12 Sb: #6028-#remote login question Fm: Steve Wegert 76703,4255 To: Zack Sessions 76407,1524 (X) I'm confused (Mark: So what else is new?). Why $06? Wouldn't $20 be a space? What have I missed? Steve There is 1 Reply. #: 6052 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 12-Aug-90 19:25:56 Sb: #6030-#remote login question Fm: Zack Sessions 76407,1524 To: Steve Wegert 76703,4255 (X) I first tried a space. When I patched the prompt to be "What now? " with $20 in the two space locations, I get the prompt "What". It became apparent that the FIRST space encountered signalled the end of the prompt string. I forget who, but someone recommended using a $06 where I wanted imbedded spaces, tried it and it works. Only not with device /T2. Works fine in VDG and regular window devices, though. So, any ideas? Zack There are 2 Replies. #: 6067 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 12-Aug-90 22:04:59 Sb: #6052-remote login question Fm: Mark Griffith 76070,41 To: Zack Sessions 76407,1524 (X) Zack, Interesting.....a $06 is an ACK, so maybe something is eating it on your remote end. You might try changing it to an $A0 since that is a space with the MSB set. Maybe the other end will just strip the high bit and leave you with showing a real $20. Of course, on your CoCo it'll show as a dot ".". Reminds me of the time years ago when someone said Tandy was selling CoCos in Canada with the "OK" prompt changed to "Eh?". Bruce Isted will appreciate this (grin). Mark #: 6093 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 13-Aug-90 12:05:20 Sb: #6052-remote login question Fm: Pete Lyall 76703,4230 To: Zack Sessions 76407,1524 (X) Zack - I used to use the underscore ('_')... Pete #: 6056 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 12-Aug-90 19:41:35 Sb: #6028-#remote login question Fm: Bill Dickhaus 70325,523 To: Zack Sessions 76407,1524 (X) Zack, Probably your terminal (or terminal emulation software if using another computer) is throwing the $06 away, have you tried other values, like $20 (as Steve suggested)? Bill There is 1 Reply. #: 6064 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 12-Aug-90 21:58:39 Sb: #6056-remote login question Fm: Zack Sessions 76407,1524 To: Bill Dickhaus 70325,523 (X) As I mentioned, $20 would work fine for "normal" VTxxx terminal emulation, but it doesn't work for standard window devices locally. When I used $20 as the imbedded spaces, I got a prompt of "What". The FIRST apces signals the "end of the prompt string". Since I use my system more locally, I will probably leave it like it is for now. Zack #: 6156 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 16-Aug-90 01:08:37 Sb: #NEW BBS Fm: DAVID HENSLEY 73030,3717 To: ALL Hey, OS-9'ers, there is a new BBS in North Dakota featuring OS9. It's new but we have a good selection. The name is BIO-CHIP BBS and is loc There is 1 Reply. #: 6162 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 16-Aug-90 08:03:15 Sb: #6156-NEW BBS Fm: Mike Ward 76703,2013 To: DAVID HENSLEY 73030,3717 David, your message got truncated, probably right about where you were going to include the phone number for your BBS. Try again and be sure to hit every 70 characters or so as you type. Mike #: 6172 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 16-Aug-90 22:25:11 Sb: New Login utilities Fm: Mark Griffith 76070,41 To: All New Login package: I have recently uploaded a complete login package for OS9/6809. This archive includes Login (of course), adduser, last, password, and chown utilities. This login package provides many features, such as logging user commands via Shell Plus' logging facility, logging errors during the login process (useful to see who is trying to get in), and much more. This package was developed over a period of several years by many different OS9 users. All I did was add some stuff to it, and put it all together into one archive. Why should you download this? Besides the features mentioned above, this Login will be the default login package for use by (but not required for) the upcoming OS9/UUCP port. Take a look. Mark #: 6201 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 18-Aug-90 19:41:05 Sb: #adduser difficulties Fm: James Jones 76257,562 To: Mark Griffith 76070,41 (X) Got login.ar and uncrated it this morning, and tried "adduser." It didn't seem to do anything to /dd/sys/password--not even create it. Am I doing something wrong? (I typed "adduser" at the shell, gave it a loginid and a user number when prompted to do so, and no complaints or error messages appeared.) There is 1 Reply. #: 6208 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 19-Aug-90 08:05:26 Sb: #6201-#adduser difficulties Fm: Mark Griffith 76070,41 To: James Jones 76257,562 (X) James, Did you already have a /dd/sys/password file or where your relying on adduser to create it? Reason I ask is I think there is a small bug in either the library or the docs. If you fopen() a file with the "a+" mode (open/create for read and write), and that file does not already exist, then nothing is created. In fact, it doesn't return an error code either. If this is what happend to you, just create a password file....you don't even have to put anything into it. I always had a password file on my disk so I never saw this. I'll change the code to create the file fisrt if it doesn't exist. Thanks Mark There is 1 Reply. #: 6211 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 19-Aug-90 10:33:05 Sb: #6208-adduser difficulties Fm: James Jones 76257,562 To: Mark Griffith 76070,41 (X) I tried it once with a non-existent file, and once with a file containing only a carriage return. I'll try it after doing a "merge /nil >-/dd/sys/password" and let you know what happens. #: 6215 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 19-Aug-90 23:58:58 Sb: #6162-NEW BBS Fm: DAVID HENSLEY 73030,3717 To: Mike Ward 76703,2013 (X) Thanks, if for some reason it doesnt take it is the BIO-CHIP BBS located in Minot AFB ND. Phone is 723-4554 operating 8/N/1 open 9PM to 7AM every day. Thanks again. #: 7419 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 16-Oct-90 16:17:15 Sb: New CoCo3 BBS! Fm: Zack Sessions 76407,1524 To: ALL Announcing the newest CoCo3 BBS, The BBS by the Sea! Hosted by myself, Zack Sessions, ColorSystems. Access time is currently limited to: 8AM until 5PM and \___Sunday thru Thursday 5PM until 11PM (limited access) / 24 hr Friday and Saturday (full 24 hr/7 day support in the not to distant future) 2400/1200/300 8N1 (919) 675-1847 (using "The Astral Plane" BBS Software for OS9 Level 2 by Mike Guzzi) #: 7656 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 22-Oct-90 15:19:48 Sb: #Extended BBS hours Fm: Zack Sessions 76407,1524 To: ALL The BBS by the Sea! announces new extended hours of operation. Onw online for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 1200/2400 bps 8N1. (still having problems with 300 bps). Zack Sessions, SysOp There is 1 Reply. #: 7665 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 22-Oct-90 17:16:08 Sb: #7656-#Extended BBS hours Fm: Bill Dickhaus 70325,523 To: Zack Sessions 76407,1524 (X) {Zack, I think you left something important out of the previous message, won't we need a phone number to get to the "BBS by the Sea"? Or do you know something we don't? ;-) Bill There is 1 Reply. #: 7680 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 22-Oct-90 21:16:06 Sb: #7665-Extended BBS hours Fm: Zack Sessions 76407,1524 To: Bill Dickhaus 70325,523 (X) Whoops, hee, hee, sorry 'bout that! The number for The BBS by the Sea! is [D (919) 675-1847. #: 8279 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 17-Nov-90 16:17:35 Sb: shell+ 2.1 Fm: Marcelo Katzeff 72520,640 To: All Does anyone know a way to prevent Shell+ 2.1 from printing the time and date as soon as it is forked? I don't mean in the prompt but just before it is ready it prints 'Shell+ v2.1 90/11/13 18:51:34'. I would like to keep it from printing the time and date. The reason is this : I am running a BBS, under RiBBS v2.0. It allows users access to shell commands. It forks login fine and the user may enter their name and password, but as soon as the shell is forked there comes up about 20 'ERROR #214' or 'ERROR #215' and then it exits. Shell+ works fine with the origonal ACIAPAK, but for some reason when it is called through the ACIAPAK that is patched for RiBBS it is not happy. The original shell works for us, but it is not the same, as you may know. I figure the printing of the time to be the problem because it appears to be the only difference between the two shells on startup. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. #: 8448 S8/BBS Systems/TSMon 28-Nov-90 17:15:51 Sb: detecting carr-loss Fm: Joseph Cheek 76264,142 To: all How does one detect a carrier-loss under OS-9? The expected Error 220 does not seem to occur after every one. can anyone help?/ thanks . . . Press !>