Sinclair Retro BBS online!

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Outsoft
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Re: Sinclair Retro BBS online!

Post by Outsoft »

janbredenbeek wrote:
Outsoft wrote: Jan on real QL we need that can work perfectly too with colours, text, etc.

is compatible too?

The blue become BLACK, seems that something is wrong on 4 colour mode ;)
The old version changed blue to red to avoid that problem.
But on QPC2 this is undesirable since it can handle the full 8 (and even more) colours in hi-res mode.
You can turn off colour mode by the way. Maybe I should add an extra option '4 colour mode'?

later, Jan.
Waiting for you for make new tests on Real QL ;)

Thanks dear.


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Outsoft
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Re: Sinclair Retro BBS online!

Post by Outsoft »

In less than 24 hours I added BBS support for:

a) Textual Web Navigation (Unix Lynx)

b) IRC client (very basilar but works!!!)

c) Weather forecast (from now only for USA & CANADA)


I'm studying with Tomas Kral how to add e-mail full support...I've got a very nice unix program but he can't work in VT100 terminal..

The official e-mail of the BBS is active and can send and receive:

outsoft@retrobbs.sinclair.homepc.it


Stay tuned ;)


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Outsoft
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Re: Sinclair Retro BBS online!

Post by Outsoft »

Outsoft wrote:In less than 24 hours I added BBS support for:

a) Textual Web Navigation (Unix Lynx)

b) IRC client (very basilar but works!!!)

c) Weather forecast (from now only for USA & CANADA)


I'm studying with Tomas Kral how to add e-mail full support...I've got a very nice unix program but he can't work in VT100 terminal..

The official e-mail of the BBS is active and can send and receive:

outsoft@retrobbs.sinclair.homepc.it


Stay tuned ;)
Other updates:

a) E-mail client where will be soon connected the 2 italian Sinclair ML lists so all can read and reply as "Sinclair_BBS" user

b) IRC client new version: super fine and with auto log as "Sinclair_BBS" user on QL channel ;) Simply need to make a /join #qlforum to chat ^_^

c) RSS feeds client just connect on out Preservation project feeder + QL Forum too!!!

Enjoy ;)

P.S.: Jan please update as soon as possible QL TERM for make possible Download and Upload on QPC2 and then on Real QL use the 4 colour mode accurately, very thanks ;)


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janbredenbeek
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Re: Sinclair Retro BBS online!

Post by janbredenbeek »

Outsoft wrote:
P.S.: Jan please update as soon as possible QL TERM for make possible Download and Upload on QPC2 and then on Real QL use the 4 colour mode accurately, very thanks ;)
Sorry, but I have a daytime job too ;)

The 4 colour mode will be an easy fix. For Download and Upload I have to do a bit of debugging to see what's going wrong in Xmodem.
As for the external Zmodem, I think the XPR modules of QTPI are the best candidate but their interface seems rather complicated to implement.
I got the source code of QTPI from Jonathan's site and might take a look in it to see if there's an easy fix to make it work with Telnet (it works now for 50%, I get the login screen but can't type anything in response).

later, Jan.


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Outsoft
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Re: Sinclair Retro BBS online!

Post by Outsoft »

janbredenbeek wrote:
Outsoft wrote:
P.S.: Jan please update as soon as possible QL TERM for make possible Download and Upload on QPC2 and then on Real QL use the 4 colour mode accurately, very thanks ;)
Sorry, but I have a daytime job too ;)

The 4 colour mode will be an easy fix. For Download and Upload I have to do a bit of debugging to see what's going wrong in Xmodem.
As for the external Zmodem, I think the XPR modules of QTPI are the best candidate but their interface seems rather complicated to implement.
I got the source code of QTPI from Jonathan's site and might take a look in it to see if there's an easy fix to make it work with Telnet (it works now for 50%, I get the login screen but can't type anything in response).

later, Jan.
Is absolutely OK for me too ;)

I'm a full daytime job too ^_^

So waiting for adaptation of QTPI for QPC2, great job!!!

The Ansi coding of QTPI is very good: our BBS is perfect on it.

Best regards.


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janbredenbeek
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Re: Sinclair Retro BBS online!

Post by janbredenbeek »

A new QLTerm version 2.35 is now available at https://files.bredenbeek.net/s/hbqfO4RAV38nvRI
This fixes the '4 colour' problem by auto-detecting the platform it runs on. On QPC in 256 or high colour mode it automatically switches to 8 colour mode.

I'm working on native Telnet support including file down- and upload but this will take some more time as the serial I/O routines have to be reworked since Telnet is not an 8-bit transparent protocol (it uses CHR$(255) as control character so this has to be escaped).

I'm also trying to figure out how to make use of more than 8 colours on QPC2. I know there are SBASIC commands COLOUR_PAL and COLOUR_24 to change the palette but I'm looking for documentation to do this from machine code.
Any ideas?

later, Jan.


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Outsoft
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Re: Sinclair Retro BBS online!

Post by Outsoft »

janbredenbeek wrote:A new QLTerm version 2.35 is now available at https://files.bredenbeek.net/s/hbqfO4RAV38nvRI
This fixes the '4 colour' problem by auto-detecting the platform it runs on. On QPC in 256 or high colour mode it automatically switches to 8 colour mode.

I'm working on native Telnet support including file down- and upload but this will take some more time as the serial I/O routines have to be reworked since Telnet is not an 8-bit transparent protocol (it uses CHR$(255) as control character so this has to be escaped).

I'm also trying to figure out how to make use of more than 8 colours on QPC2. I know there are SBASIC commands COLOUR_PAL and COLOUR_24 to change the palette but I'm looking for documentation to do this from machine code.
Any ideas?

later, Jan.
Great job!!!


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Outsoft
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Re: Sinclair Retro BBS online!

Post by Outsoft »

http://telnetbbsguide.com/bbs/sinclair-retro-bbs/

New features added in the last month like:

a) Linux applications operable via Sinclair Machines (Calendar, Calculator, network analyzer, the ARPANET)

b) such FXnet newsgroups, Usenet (with the legendary COMP.SYS.SINCLAIR) and active Retronet for messages both in reception and sending customized per user

c) Inter chat that allows you to connect all of the Mystic BBS group and chat with them as well as see which users of each BBS is connected or not to the system in real time

d) text-based Web browser that allows your to be able to surf the internet Retro Machines

e) Electronic Mail: dedicated box BBS connected with Italian and English Mailing list Sinclair with the possibility of user response with the BBS

f) IRC finally available and connected directly to QLFORUM English channel

g) Feeds associated with Italian ML and our project Preservation QL

h) over 32,000 files available for our beloved (for still being tested right now, are not enabled downloads for copyright reasons and material selection)

Other interesting features are in development.

You connect with the Linux terminal or Mac via telnet or via the web directly clicckando the above link.

With Windows, you can download TeraTerm which is a great free terminal and log on by typing the address and selecting the standard Telnet port 23 connection.

For connect it directly via a Sinclair machine please watch my video here (in Italian from now):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvgtBJeej9M

We are waiting, even just to say hello or comment.

Good Retro passion at all !!!


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Outsoft
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Re: Sinclair Retro BBS online!

Post by Outsoft »

Outsoft wrote:
Derek_Stewart wrote:Hi,

If the serial cable is okay then there maybe a hardware problem. The QL uses a Texas Instruments 1488 for serial port transmission and a 1489 for receiving. Maybe the 1488 is not working correctly.

To quote Tony Firshman's Trouble Shooting Guide:

SERIAL PORTS. If -12v and +12v lines OK, then problem usually lack of
outgoing RS232. Try the 2x33k -12v pull up to 19/21 of 8302. Illogical
I know but it DOES cure the problem very often. Similarily open network
sockets (centre pin not making contact when plug removed) have been known
to affect serial ports. These must be some internal effects in the 8302.
Failing this, remove IC25 (1488) and replace in socket.
I remove using specialist hot air gun, but Black & Decker electric paint
stripper used CAREFULLY will work. Direct AWAY from plastic parts and don't
overheat. Lever off IC ONLY when solder is fully melted.
Then try different combinations of 8302/1488. I find some 8302s output less
than 2v to pin 2 of 1488 - should be 2.5 or so I am told.

Note on issue 6 boards the HAL should be socketed and swapped as well. The
incoming data is buffered via this (in place of IC27 on issue 5 boards).
YES - the official circuit diagram IS wrong!
Finally a solution, thanks Derek!!!

I think my QL is affecting by this problem.

I've buyed a UK QL so I will test the serial port on it.

Next I can send to you my Italian QL and then you can check that chip If is ok or not.

Thanks a lot!!!

--Simon
Still got this problem on my QL ITA :-(

Also the printer start to receive strange characters when I make a reset or a NEW command...


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Dave
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Re: Sinclair Retro BBS online!

Post by Dave »

What are the characters you're getting? They might give us a clue if it is a bit error or something else.

My first instinct is to suspect IC25, the 1488, receiving noise from the 8302. That's where I'd start looking. I have a logic analyzer and that's the first place I'd look. Either the 1488 is noisy for some reason, or it is cleanly converting an input from the 8302.


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