X-Post and first of all ping...

Sorry if you already saw this elsewhere, I'm trying to use the usual channels...

Hi everyone!

I’ve searched far and wide—Google included—but detailed info on this topic seems scarce. So, if you’re considering suggesting “just Google it,” let’s skip that part. 😉 Instead, if you know of any websites, guides, or resources that explain how to run the software I’m working
with, I’d be incredibly grateful if you could share them.

Here’s what I’ve got up and running so far:

US Robotics 56K Fax External Modem: Currently figuring out how to passthrough the COM port.
DOSEMU2: Fully operational on Ubuntu 24, running on a VM.
Renegade (DOS version): Successfully launches as a door from Mystic
BBS and works perfectly.

Now, here’s what I’d like to achieve:

Telnet: Mystic seems to have this covered for now.
FrontDoor 2.20 ML: I’ve heard there’s a Telnet/BinkP-compatible version. Any thoughts or guidance on this?
Fastecho, Allfix, or Internet Rex: I’m planning to set these up as
part of the workflow.
Ideally, Mystic would pass control of both Telnet and the modem (currently virtual) to FrontDoor. The idea is that FrontDoor would
handle dial-up users and, just like in the old days, distinguish between
a human caller (who gets passed to the BBS) and a mail call.

This whole "dial-in access" project is really just a passion project for
me. It’s a challenge I’ve set for myself, and while I’m not expecting anyone to actually call in, I’m hoping to replicate the experience using VoIP to mimic PSTN lines. It’s a bit of a nostalgic dream, but one I’m determined to make happen.

Here’s where I need help:

I’ve started working through FrontDoor’s setup—paths, configurations, etc.—and I’ll tackle Fastecho, Allfix, or IREX next. However, I’m unsure how to handle outgoing mail via BinkP, so user mail flows seamlessly over Telnet. Any advice on that?
Is this even worth all the effort? I’m having fun with it, but I’d love to hear if anyone else has walked this path or has insights to share.

If you’ve done something similar or have suggestions, I’d love to hear from you. This project is a labor of love, and every bit of advice
helps. Let’s bring some retro magic back to life!

Hasta la vista, baby!

--
Atentamente/Regards
David G
SysOp @SkyNet BBS (bbs.skynetbbs.com:20023)

--- Mystic BBS/NNTP v1.12 A48 (Linux/64)
* Origin: SkyNet BBS Colombia bbs.skynetbbs.com:20023 (4:930/1)

Hello David.

<On 23Jan2025 21:06 David Gonzalez (4:930/1) wrote a message to All regardingRetro BBS Setup >

This whole "dial-in access" project is really just a passion
project for me. It's a challenge I've set for myself, and
while I'm not expecting anyone to actually call in, I'm hoping
to replicate the experience using VoIP to mimic PSTN lines. It's
a bit of a nostalgic dream, but one I'm determined to make
happen.

Though this might not help you directly, my system, running under OS/2 has been using a version of VModem to handle the few dial-up calls that come in. There are equals for this in several operating systems including Windows

Here's where I need help:

I've started working through FrontDoor's setup'paths, configurations, etc.'and I'll tackle Fastecho, Allfix, or IREX
next. However, I'm unsure how to handle outgoing mail via BinkP,
so user mail flows seamlessly over Telnet. Any advice on that?

Binkd is generally the answer. There is a version for Windows as well as for several other operating systems including linux as well as of OS/2 like I use. Internet Rex's BinkP is problematic and there is no update for it.

Is this even worth all the effort? I'm having fun with it,
but I'd love to hear if anyone else has walked this path or has
insights to share.

I've been doing this for almost 30 years now, starting off with a DOS system with NO internet. Had to use dial-up for everything, but back then, the telco lines were copper pairs, and with good luck you could achieve relatively high modem speed connections; a snail's pace compared to now-a-days, but it was okay back then - it worked.

If you've done something similar or have suggestions, I'd love
to hear from you. This project is a labor of love, and every bit
of advice helps. Let's bring some retro magic back to life!

Best regards,
Marc

... COLLEGE LAW #9: If an instructor says "It is obvious...", it won't be.
--- timEd/2 1.10.y2k+
* Origin: Sursum Corda! BBS-Huntsville,AL-bbs.sursum-corda.com (1:396/45)
Best regards,
Marc

... COLLEGE LAW #9: If an instructor says "It is obvious...", it won't be.
--- timEd/2 1.10.y2k+
* Origin: Sursum Corda! BBS-Huntsville,AL-bbs.sursum-corda.com (1:396/45)

--- Squish/386 v1.11
* Origin: Sursum Corda! BBS-Huntsville, AL-bbs.sursum-corda.com (1:396/45)