The Sinclair QL Forum

Hi,
Are there any retro BBSs left?

Can I use this to get QL to BBS online
https://github.com/mecparts/RetroWiFiModem

What software do I need for TELNET and is there a BlueWave reader?

Hi

I first tried the TheOldNet serial to Wifi modem (https://www.tindie.com/products/theoldn ... puters-v4/) but firmware bugs make it unuseable due to double characters echoing no matter what you do in config.

After many hours of trying to get that to work I recently bought this:
https://www.tindie.com/products/8bit_br ... -modem-v2/

This second one works perfectly with the QL and I have been online on various BBSs without problem.

I use QLTerminal by Jan Bredenbeek from the "QL Homepage" site linked at the top of these forums: https://dilwyn.theqlforum.com/internet/index.html

Search for QL BBS and you will see that there is at least one still active (based in Italy, but in English too)

You will need a cable for QL (or Spectrum +3) to Serial. I got mine from https://www.retrocomputershack.com/

Update: I'm not near my QL right now, but I think that I had to get a female to female adapter for the cable to modem linking.

Sparrowhawk wrote: Mon Nov 18, 2024 10:42 am After many hours of trying to get that to work I recently bought this:
https://www.tindie.com/products/8bit_br ... -modem-v2/

This second one works perfectly with the QL and I have been online on various BBSs without problem.

I use QLTerminal by Jan Bredenbeek from the "QL Homepage" site linked at the top of these forums: https://dilwyn.theqlforum.com/internet/index.html

Search for QL BBS and you will see that there is at least one still active (based in Italy, but in English too)

You will need a cable for QL (or Spectrum +3) to Serial. I got mine from https://www.retrocomputershack.com/

I have serial cable. So this wi fi rs232 modem.
Do I need to replace old Intel chip to get faster rs232 and thus wi fi?
How to Telnet to QL or any retro BBS?
What about Blue Wave reader?

vox wrote: Wed Nov 20, 2024 7:21 am
Do I need to replace old Intel chip to get faster rs232 and thus wi fi?

I have a Hermes chip in my QL, and I believe that yes this makes faster connectons more stable. But it's not necessary if you stick to (I think) 9600 baud or below - other better informed minds can correct me if this is wrong.

How to Telnet to QL or any retro BBS?

I set the baud rate on the QL using the BAUD command, then I open the terminal program, set the baud rate to match, and off I go - you will need to issue AT style commands - if you are not familiar with these: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hayes_AT_command_set
The Wifi modems usually have a command to store your current network access point and password so that you do not have to reset themeach time.

What about Blue Wave reader?

I have no idea what this is, sorry.

Sparrowhawk wrote: Wed Nov 20, 2024 9:49 am What about Blue Wave reader?

I have no idea what this is, sorry.
[/quote]

Package reader for BBS comm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Wave_(mail_reader)

I would pay for some open source m68k port or so.

Great, where can u buy heremes? I ve used 14k and above, I dont wish to downgrade

Re Hermes:
Try asking Rich (RWAP on these forums) or look at his auction site and click the "Notify when back in stock" button: https://www.sellmyretro.com/offer/details/2448

BlueWave - I don't believethat such a thing exists on the QL, but I could be wrong. Take a look at that link I posted before for the mailing software available for the QL. (https://dilwyn.theqlforum.com/internet/index.html)

I'm pretty new to BBSs and so forth, not having had a modem back in the 80s. So it's all a journey of discovery for me too, albeit 40 years behind the curve

Jonathan Hudson ported over an e-mail reader for QDOS. It can be found here:

https://dilwyn.theqlforum.com/internet/qdosemail.zip.
Internet SMTP/Send POP3/Receive email for uQLx and QPC2 users with TCP/IP access facilities

There is also:

https://dilwyn.theqlforum.com/internet/qpop3.zip
PE/POP3 client for internet mail

Not sure what the difference is, but they might be worth looking into.

Tim

[quote=swensont post_id=60021 time=1732140020 user_id=362

Not sure what the difference is, but they might be worth looking into.

Tim
[/quote]

Thanks a lot of useful sw there.

Found QWK reader, which is close enough
read140.zip The Reader 1.40 QWK off-line reader under PE (202K) (Beginners Club) [15/1/05]

Hello,

You can check my post:
viewtopic.php?t=4748
A lot of info and a guide (you can download it) that I am sure will be helpful for you.

Take care!