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Telnet - Getting your TI on the Internet & TI BBS's


Omega-TI

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Okay, here I go again, thinking up stuff....

 

Those of you using the HDX modification know that it's one of the slickest things to come along for quite some time. Another wonderful aspect of this HDX program is that it will link to other programs and funnel the information between them, like TI99 Print for instance. This got me to thinking, how about a "TI 99 TELNET" program? :thumbsup:

 

The idea of the TELNET program would be to link the slower TI to your PC, which is of course is connected to the Internet. This program could be designed to allow the user with a standard program like TELCO to access the BBS's on the internet as the TI 99 TELNET program would handle all the required protocols for telnet usage. I suppose someone with an old TI could even hook it up and run a BBS, just like in the old days.

 

Does this sound interesting to anyone?

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A simpler and more viable option is to purchase a serial/ethernet server, such as a Lantronix device (UDS-10, etc). Connect it to your TI's serial port with a cable, just like you would a modem, and you can establish outbound telnet sessions to a BBS, or whatever, and use whatever terminal program you wish. I have successfully done this using Telco and TE2 on the TI, and with Port on the Geneve.

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A simpler and more viable option is to purchase a serial/ethernet server, such as a Lantronix device (UDS-10, etc). Connect it to your TI's serial port with a cable, just like you would a modem, and you can establish outbound telnet sessions to a BBS, or whatever, and use whatever terminal program you wish. I have successfully done this using Telco and TE2 on the TI, and with Port on the Geneve.

 

That is a really good option to be sure! I'll probably go your suggested route if a software solution does not come to fruition. I can be patient for the next few months though, I already have enough on my plate at the moment to keep me occupied. I also have an unopened Y-Adapter waiting for something to do too, so I'm half-way there. I'll tell you one thing though, the gadget will have to be cheaper than what Amazon.com wants their their last one <HERE>. Wow!

 

I gotta admit though, a 100% software solution would be so cool and elegant cool. Anyone who already has the Internet and an HDX in their TI could just download and go!

 

Now all this begs the question; does anyone have a listing of BBS's available to hook up to?

 

They are much cheaper on Ebay I notice! This is real cool, one end to the router, the other to the TI.

$(KGrHqZ,!qIFJcbh9ydnBSZn-DWgk!~~60_57.J

Of course the beauty of your solution, any TI-PEB user could use Telco and go for it! No HDX needed!

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I forgot, but there is also a PC program called "tcpser" (http://manned.org/tcpser/e8754729) which should be able to accomplish this without the use of a hardware device. Never tried it myself, but alot of the Commodore guys use it. Check it out:

 

(of course technically you are using the PC as a hardware device in this case)

 

Edited by Mad Hatter
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You should be able to get a used UDS-10 for around $20 if you keep an eye on eBay. I have two, both of which I got for under $20 each. This guy keeps an up-to-date listing of Telnet BBS's: www.telnetbbsguide.com

The only TI/Geneve BBS on the "net" is mine: telnet Heatwavebbs.com (running on a Geneve with Tim's S&T software).

 

 

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You should be able to get a used UDS-10 for around $20 if you keep an eye on eBay. I have two, both of which I got for under $20 each. This guy keeps an up-to-date listing of Telnet BBS's: www.telnetbbsguide.com

The only TI/Geneve BBS on the "net" is mine: telnet Heatwavebbs.com (running on a Geneve with Tim's S&T software).

 

 

 

Only one little TI board in the whole world? :_( I'm glad to hear there is at least one, of course that explains why you are so knowledgeable about the subject too! :-D

I'll keep my eyes open on Ebay, but I just have to ask, once I get one, I'll be able to ask you about configuration information, correct?

 

Honestly, I'm still hoping for an HDX software solution, that way I'll NOT need any more &$%ing cables to add to the "rats nest". Because going this route I see adding (1) an ethernet cable, and the (2) dual 25 pin RS-232 cable and the (3) power cable and of course the (4) Lantronix box.

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So it sounds like you are just wanting to not get *another* hardware device, because if the HDX uses a PC, when then the PC is technically your hardware device, just like a Lantronix (or whatever brand) device. And when you BBS'ed back in the day, the modem was your hardware device. I think that tcpser program could accomplish what you need just by connecting a serial cable between your TI and your PC, no HDX required. If you were to get a Lantronix I would be more than happy to help you with the setup. Of course I am just familiar with the older UDS series (UDS-10, 100, 1000, 200). If you were to look for one I would recommend the UDS-10 model, as I had a few strange issues with the UDS-1000 model.

 

And I just mentioned my BBS being the only TI/Geneve board accessible via the internet, but there has always been the Hidden Reef, which has been open alot longer than mine. It is dial-up only: 718-448-9402, running on a TI.

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So it sounds like you are just wanting to not get *another* hardware device, because if the HDX uses a PC, when then the PC is technically your hardware device, just like a Lantronix (or whatever brand) device. And when you BBS'ed back in the day, the modem was your hardware device. I think that tcpser program could accomplish what you need just by connecting a serial cable between your TI and your PC, no HDX required. If you were to get a Lantronix I would be more than happy to help you with the setup. Of course I am just familiar with the older UDS series (UDS-10, 100, 1000, 200). If you were to look for one I would recommend the UDS-10 model, as I had a few strange issues with the UDS-1000 model.

 

And I just mentioned my BBS being the only TI/Geneve board accessible via the internet, but there has always been the Hidden Reef, which has been open alot longer than mine. It is dial-up only: 718-448-9402, running on a TI.

 

Yeah, my den is getting rather crowded, the last thing I want is yet another cable going to the PC from the TI. I only have three USB ports on the side of my laptop, so if I got another device that hooked up to the PC, I'd have to get yet ANOTHER cable device if the form of a USB hub.

USB

Also, it would seem kind of a waste to have two connections from the TI to the PC. The Lantronix device would eliminate that, as I could go directly from the TI/Lantronix to the Internet router.... BUT if there was an HDX program, I would need nothing else, that seems a rather elegant solution to me.

 

Now your idea is PERFECT for people without an HDX. Heck, even Nano-PEB users could probably benefit! All things being equal, I may end up going this route if a software solution does not come about, but I'll really have to be sure it's worth it to me as there is a lot of stuff to get and hook up. If I get bored, I'll have a bunch of stuff to store or get rid of, that would not be an issue with a HDX software program.

 

By the way, if any of you with TI-RS-232 cards are thinking of going the Lantronix UDS-10 route, and already have something hooked up to the RS-232 you might want to consider one of these Y-Cables pictured below. MDUDE has four more up for sale < HERE > and you simply cannot build them for less.

 

My Y Cable

Edited by --- Ω ---
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You should be able to get a used UDS-10 for around $20 if you keep an eye on eBay. I have two, both of which I got for under $20 each. This guy keeps an up-to-date listing of Telnet BBS's: www.telnetbbsguide.com

The only TI/Geneve BBS on the "net" is mine: telnet Heatwavebbs.com (running on a Geneve with Tim's S&T software).

 

 

 

I have ti files on thekeep.net too, and dialout to the last dialup TI BBS The Hidden Reef via my modem

 

Greg

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I have ti files on thekeep.net too, and dialout to the last dialup TI BBS The Hidden Reef via my modem

 

Greg

 

It's been so many years, but I seem to remember that the TI had a different pinout arrangement for the RS-232 than the regular IBM compatibles... is that right?

If so, I'll need the pinouts to make up a cable if I go this route. At the very least I'll need a GENDER changer too because my Y-Adapter and the Lantronix device have the same bloody connector.

gallery_35324_1027_50662.jpg

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Yes it has this pinout:

http://www.mainbyte.com/ti99/hardware/cables/modem_cable.html

 

Greg

 

 

 

It's been so many years, but I seem to remember that the TI had a different pinout arrangement for the RS-232 than the regular IBM compatibles... is that right?

If so, I'll need the pinouts to make up a cable if I go this route. At the very least I'll need a GENDER changer too because my Y-Adapter and the Lantronix device have the same bloody connector.

gallery_35324_1027_50662.jpg

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Kevin you are correct regarding the different pinouts; a straight-through cable will not work. There are a few routes you can go:

1) Do it the old-school way and make your own cable.

2) Get a serial wiring adapter and arrange the pins accordingly (I can help you with this if needed), then attach the adapter to one end of a serial cable and you're in business.

3) The easiest solution is to get a serial "smart" cable:

https://www.smart-cable.com/catalog?action=display&key=100

 

By flipping a few switches these will auto-configure to whatever equipment you are using. So you could use it with your TI/Lantronix, TI/real modem, or whatever.

I have an older model of the same SC-817, it is what I use when I "dial" out, works great.

 

In fact I even have a spare, still in box with instructions, and if even comes with a gender changer and 6' of serial cable, so it would be all you need. It's just gathering dust, so if you decide to go ahead with this project and find yourself in need of one, drop me a PM. It would be a STEAL compared to what they want for them online.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's been so many years, but I seem to remember that the TI had a different pinout arrangement for the RS-232 than the regular IBM compatibles... is that right?

If so, I'll need the pinouts to make up a cable if I go this route. At the very least I'll need a GENDER changer too because my Y-Adapter and the Lantronix device have the same bloody connector.

 

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Kevin you are correct regarding the different pinouts; a straight-through cable will not work. There are a few routes you can go:

 

In fact I even have a spare, still in box with instructions, and if even comes with a gender changer and 6' of serial cable, so it would be all you need. It's just gathering dust, so if you decide to go ahead with this project and find yourself in need of one, drop me a PM. It would be a STEAL compared to what they want for them online.

 

sc817.jpg

 

If I eventually go this route, I would definitely make my own cable over buying one from them, as they want $99.99 for the thing. Without my own cable I would have two boxes and a gender changer hanging off the Y-Adapter. With only one TI BBS to access, I'm not sure the cost to benefit ratio works for me. The more I think about it, an HDX program would sure make life simpler. But since you say, "...a steal compared to what they want...", I'm open to a PM on the subject. :) Thanks!

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Is there a 80 col ANSI compatible terminal program that will work with the F18A? Not really sure where to post this one...

 

I know TELCO will do ANSI in 80 column WINDOWED format (like TI-Writer). I believe, it was "arcadeshopper" who mentioned a few months ago that someone was looking into modifying it, but that is the last I ever heard of it. That would be so cool if it ever came to pass!

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@arcadeshopper

 

Greg,

I have a question for you, I'm assuming, knowing the proper IP address, two people running TI's with Telco could hook their TI's up together anywhere in the world and chat or transfer programs in real time. Could you post the procedure and how that is done? Thanks!

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@arcadeshopper

 

Greg,

I have a question for you, I'm assuming, knowing the proper IP address, two people running TI's with Telco could hook their TI's up together anywhere in the world and chat or transfer programs in real time. Could you post the procedure and how that is done? Thanks!

 

Erm.. with what set up? You could both log on to my bbs and email files to each other :) and use the chat teleconference, play some online games.. :)

 

Greg

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I was thinking of two people with Lantronix devices on either end. One calling the other, terminal software on both ends.

Set one up to accept telnet sessions, I don't personally have one so I can't help with specifics. You will not be able to see what you type. they see your typing, you see your typing. Unless you are running a BBS on one of the computers, or some other software that does the communication for you. Terminal software is dumb.. one direction..

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Set one up to accept telnet sessions, I don't personally have one so I can't help with specifics. You will not be able to see what you type. they see your typing, you see your typing. Unless you are running a BBS on one of the computers, or some other software that does the communication for you. Terminal software is dumb.. one direction..

 

Okay, I thought the Lantronix had some sort of menu interface.

 

I in the old days', seem to remember a command for local echo that would enable one to see what they typed on a terminal to terminal connection, so I'm assuming that still available.. Now that was around 30 years ago, so I might not be remember it all correctly. This will all seem fast compared to the the early day's with a really lame TE-II and a TI 300 baud acoustic modem.

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