The College of Packet Radio Knowledge The FBB

The College of Packet Radio Knowledge The FBB Packet Bulletin Board System Presented By Betsey Doane, K 1 EIC

Objectives n Explain the characteristics of the FBB PBBS n n n List some advantages of this software Use the command set to perform a variety of tasks at a level beyond the basic Use one FBB server

What is FBB PBBS n n n Developed by F 6 FBB Implemented first in CT by N 4 GAA in early 90’s Forwards data using compression Additional “FBB servers” can be made available Gives the SYSOP many tools with which to control the BBS to enhance the experience for users

Why Use FBB? n n FBB PBBS is compatible with Flexnet and other packet networks Exercise: What does this imply?

Implications BBS is connected to a Node on the Network

Different Ways to Connect to BBS n n Use the M command from associated node Example: q q q C W 1 HAD M Connection is established with W 1 HAD-4

Different Ways to Connect (2) n n Connect to the node Connect to the BBS q q C W 1 HAD-4

Different Ways To Connect (3) n C WX 1 CT-4 V W 1 HAD

Traffic Auto-routed Through Network n n n Each BBS forwards to others No forwarding is allowed on user frequencies except as an absolute last resort in an emergency Forwarding is done on the backbone The best path from one board to another is used! This is possible because the BBS is connected to a node on the network via a virtual or software port!

Summary of Commands

Set the Display q q q n Turn paging on or off with the OP command Paging on shows 25 lines; press <enter> to continue Paging off scrolls to end of buffer Get shorter prompts in expert mode; use X to set mode—toggle command

Listing Messages q q q LM – List Mine LN – List New messages to me L - List All messages on the BBS since last connected LB – List Bulletins LT – List Traffic

More List Commands n n n L< {call sign} List messages from call sign L> {call sign} List messages to call sign Can use with zip codes: q L> 06* q L> 03251 q L> ARES LS {subject} Lists messages with the given subject L@ {BBS} Lists messages AT BBS or distribution list q L@ CTBBS q L@ ARESCT q L@ USBBS q L@ TRIBBS q Be careful of spacing: L@ followed by a space!

Reading Commands n n RM – Read Mine RN – Read New messages to me R {message#} – Read a message R<, R> - same as L< L> q R> 06*

The K Command n n Kill messages with the K command K {message#} q q K 23512 23513 23514 23612 K> 06* Contact SYSOP if you kill wrong message number!

S Commands n n SP {call sign} Send “private” message SR {message#} Reply to message q Use SR alone to reply to current message on screen SC {message#} {call sign} Send copy of SB {TO} {@Group Name} Send bulletin SB ARES @CTBBS SB Picnic @NEBBS SB All @ CTBBS

The Multi Server n Send one message to a selected list of stations! SP MULTI SUBJECT LINE I AB 1 CR@AB 1 CR, W 1 WJB@W 1 HAD, K 1 EIC@W 1 HAD H N 1 FNE@N 1 URO ---------THIS IS A TEST MESSAGE HOPE EACH OF YOU GETS IT BETSEY /EX

One Final Note n Each line of addresses is preceded by one of the following: q q A = Action C = Copy H = Hidden I = Information Assignment: Have Fun! Enjoy your local BBS!

Have Fun!