[vcf-midatlantic] VCFed BBS finally happening

[Joseph Oprysko]

I'd like to clarify a few things in regards to the BBS as well as the limit
on the number of modems, and connectivity.

The requirements provided to me for designing the BBS mainly revolved
around the fact that it's a museum exhibit.
1. Would not be functioning 24/7
2. To provide visitors to the museum the experience of dialing into a BBS,
mainly observing the slow speeds as well as being able to hear the modem
negotiation as it connects.
3. Require very little user interaction to start/shutdown the system and
not requiring expert knowledge to keep it running.

The ability to dial in externally as well as the ability to telnet in were
more of 'wants' than requirements. This really isn't being designed as a
"Production" BBS.  While it likely can be modified as such in the future,
it's mainly to provide the "experience" of a BBS from the 80's.

Once the exhibit is configured and functioning properly, if there is enough
support and requests for expandion or additional functionality, those will
be addressed at a future time.

Thanks,

Joseph Oprysko


On Thursday, October 13, 2016, Joseph Oprysko <joprysko1 at gmail.com> wrote:

> I don't believe it provides the option, but I will double check while
> configuring the system.
>
> On Wednesday, October 12, 2016, John Heritage via vcf-midatlantic <
> vcf-midatlantic at lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org
> <javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','vcf-midatlantic at lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org');>>
> wrote:
>
>> Does MajorBbs ask for 40 vs 80 columns ?
>>
>> On Oct 12, 2016 14:13, "Evan Koblentz via vcf-midatlantic" <
>> vcf-midatlantic at lists.vintagecomputerfederation.org> wrote:
>>
>> > Everyone,
>> >
>> > We've had various talk / starts / stops about an authentic-ish dial-up
>> BBS
>> > through the years. Now it is finally coming true.
>> >
>> > The most recent plan was to use Asterisk, but that is overkill, a lot of
>> > maintenance, and would require an expensive telephony card. I asked Joe
>> O.
>> > to research something better. He came back with this:
>> >
>> > http://www.excelltel.com/en/enproductslist.asp?id=612
>> >
>> > It's an 8-port analog PBX with a GSM module. We bought it on Amazon for
>> > $98.49.
>> >
>> > Joe will connect this via modem to a PC running MajorBBS (possibly
>> > virtualized). We'll connect modems and vintage computers to the analog
>> > ports. Visitors and VCF East exhibitors/visitors will be able to dial
>> in at
>> > 300-2400bps, hear the handshake, and connect to our BBS just like in the
>> > glory days. People can also telnet in directly to the PC thanks to our
>> LTE
>> > modem, or they can call in remotely once we buy a GSM SIM card (to be
>> > considered after the main system is up and running).
>> >
>> > The PBX won't arrive until sometime next month because it shipping from
>> > China.
>> >
>> > Joe suggested that someone can draw the standard VCFed logo using ASCII
>> > art, and BBS users can watch it fly by a line at a time when they
>> connect.
>> > I endorse that idea!
>> >
>> > Joe will answer any technical questions. Keep in mind we selected this
>> > approach because it's affordable, low maintenance, and the simplest way
>> to
>> > reach the goal. Some people wanted us to use all period hardware, or
>> modern
>> > servers that were WAY more than we needed, or a high-end PBX, etc. ....
>> > this one is "just right" for us.
>> >
>>
>
>
> --
> Normal Person: Hey, it seems that you know a lot.
> Geek: To be honest, it's due to all the surfing I do.
> Normal Person: So you go surfing?
> Normal Person: But I don't think that has anything to do with knowing a
> lot...
> Geek: I think that's wrong on a fundamental level.
> Normal Person: Huh? Huh? What?
>


-- 
Normal Person: Hey, it seems that you know a lot.
Geek: To be honest, it's due to all the surfing I do.
Normal Person: So you go surfing?
Normal Person: But I don't think that has anything to do with knowing a
lot...
Geek: I think that's wrong on a fundamental level.
Normal Person: Huh? Huh? What?