BBS Software for Linux

[W4OTN]

Anyone know of any BBS software for Linux?

[n5pvl]

There is a Linux version of F6FBB which is the best BBS software available for Linux.

FBB:  http://www.f6fbb.org/

If you like to tinker and are not particular about performance and compatibility issues, there are two versions of NOS that have BBS capability, TNOS and JNOS.

TNOS:  http://sourceforge.net/projects/tnos/

JNOS:  http://ronhashiro.htohananet.com/am-radio/packet/jnos.html

I do not recommend JNOS or TNOS because 'problem child' members of the HF BBS network often run these programs. Routing screw-ups, misdirected messages and other embarrassments are common with these software packages.

Any of these programs including FBB can be used with Linux to have an "amateur radio" BBS that does not use amateur radio, instead doing all message forwarding over the internet, but only an thoughtless moron would do something that rude to their fellow hams and so destructive to the hobby.

[kd5mkv]

I am running Ubuntu 9.04 (linux user for 4 months, just easier to use) I tried FBB, my problem was the 23 individual channels to setup. I am not sure what I am suppose to configure? I cannot find anything for XP windows. And I have never used 300 baud on my tnc. Finding it very difficult to find a connection, my audio tones are 2100 and 2300hz on a mfj-1278. I am interested in the 14.105 net. Does anyone know how I might begin? Steve KD5MKV

[KQ0I]

Don't use it myself, but there is a version of FBB for Linux, and plenty of instructions around on how to install.
73  Mark  KQ0I
Des Moines, IA

[n5pvl]

I am running Ubuntu 9.04 (linux user for 4 months, just easier to use) I tried FBB, my problem was the 23 individual channels to setup. I am not sure what I am suppose to configure? I cannot find anything for XP windows. And I have never used 300 baud on my tnc. Finding it very difficult to find a connection, my audio tones are 2100 and 2300hz on a mfj-1278. I am interested in the 14.105 net. Does anyone know how I might begin? Steve KD5MKV

Howdy, Steve!

Running a BBS is one of the more advanced activities possible with Packet. Before you start off on a BBS, you should put in some time using a regular terminal program on HF.

This way you will gain confidence of your HF setup as far as the equipment goes, and when you go over to BBS operation, it will just be a matter of switching out the software on an equipment setup that you are already familiar with.

14.105 is the best place to experiment with HF Packet. As the propagation heats up, there should be some 1200 baud activity on 10 meters too.

Ten meters is the only HF band where 1200 baud Packet is legal. - Everywhere else on HF, it has to be 300 baud.

[kd5mkv]

Here is my old reply Charles, My setup is exactly what you described. I have been distracted by family duties and am making the time to put a few minutes a day for such projects. As I dont have anyone to forward messages, no netrom,telnet features to speak of.
  And QST ran an article this year on the 105 network, what a surprise to see that! Anyway will muddle thru! Steve kd5mkv

[KR0L]

Hi folks,

I have gathered some info on FBB at

http://wiki.complete.org/FBB

(which you are all welcome to add to).

Of note: F6BVP is now maintaining it, and you won't find the latest releases on f6fbb.org.  There is an xfbb mailing list that you would be well-advised to join and ask your questions on -- that IS found in f6fbb.org.

The recommended setup in Linux is to use the kernel's AX.25 stack.  This is the most powerful and best-integrated AX.25 stack anywhere.  Then you can just set up FBB to talk to the kernel, rather than having to do the serial bits itself.  (And in this way, you can still use your packet setup for multiple other things simultaneously).  I have some Linux packet tips and links at http://wiki.complete.org/LinuxPacketRadio