Intro & C-Net 64 DS2 BBS
Michael Bendure
By now some of you folks out there have at least seen a couple
messages from me so now I guess its time to officially announce my
intensions here on the Internet. First, a little about myself.
My name is Michael Bendure and I've been using Commodore Computers
since 1982 when I took a class in High School in Computer Science Math.
We used the Commodore Pet machines with a whopping 16k. I spent alot of
time in that class learning Commodore BASIC and writting a couple card
games and one Tripple Yahtzee game I was pretty proud of. :)
After High School I didn't get to play around with the 64 until around
85-86 when my parents bought one to play games on. When the 64C's came
out they got one of those and a 1541-II disk drive. At the time I had
Nintendo and a few games and offered a trade to my parents since they
didn't like waiting on the games to load. This started a long and
enjoyable relationship between me and the 64, since I had some
programming experience and quite a few games that the parents had
purchased. I rewrote my Yatzee game on the 64 and played through most of
the ones the parents had bought when I found a Q-Link disk and an offer
for a 1670 modem. Interested, I bought the modem and joined Q-Link. I
found that there was no local dialout to Q-Link and that got extremely
expensive. Then I found out about BBS's.
There was a local BBS in my area running C-Net 128 v4.0, called
Computer Dungeon run by a guy named Rex Walters. Rex had all the C-Net
versions from C-Net 64 v8 to the then current C-Net 128 v4.0. After being
a user for a while and calling all over the country to other BBS's,
racking up 1,000's in phone bills over a two year period. I then decided
to setup my own BBS. Rex sold me C-Net 64 v12.0 in 1989 and I began
modding the BBS to my liking and I bought another 1541-II and a 256k 1764
REU to run the BBS on. I ran that BBS for a while until I heard about the
then current 64 release, C-Net 64 DS2 v2.0. I called the C-Net support
BBS, then Future World and got the info that a even newer release was in
the works.
In December of 1990 I purchased the newly released C-Net 64 DS2 v2.5
which boasted CMD and JiffyDOS support as well as reliable 2400 baud
routines, which v12.0's was a little flakey. I purchased a Aprotek C24
modem and switched to the DS2 release. The BBS was incredibly fast
compared to v12.0. There were a few bugs that were easily remedied by
calling the new C-Net Support BBS run by Jim Selleck and reading the
Message Base or downloading the fixes. The REU routines made the BBS
extremely fast but the only thing you could put on it were the DSP or
program files. Wanting more I heard about the RAMLink from our local
Commodore Club and put myself on the waiting list for one of those. I
finally got the RAMLink in 1991 and began testing it with C-Net 64 DS2
v2.5. This was really amazing, I could put SEQ, PRG and REL files on the
RAMLink with the REU plugged in and no major problems, or so I thought. :)
At this time I was also beta testing DS2 Network v2.75 with the
author, Gary O'Brien. I discovered a problem between C-Net's read and write
routines and that of the RAMLink. Since the Network used the same
routines that C-Net did, those files were affected as well. There were
two other Sysops running the RAMLink at this time so I confirmed the
problem with them. Then I took it to both Jim Selleck, the author of
C-Net 64 DS2 v2.5 and Doug Cotton and Mark Fellows at CMD. We found that
the problem was with the RL-DOS in RAMLink, then v1.4. CMD was patient
with me as we tested a couple different ROM's, before we came to v1.7
which took care of the problem. Thanks CMD..:)
Since this time I've been running Cygnus X-1 BBS on RAMLink with C-Net
64 DS2 v2.5 with no problems at all. I even upgraded to a CMD HD and
found that C-Net 64 DS2 also worked using the Sub-Directories and all the
Emulation partitons. C-Net flew on the RAMLink so I upgraded it to 9 Megs
of RAM and placed the whole BBS, except for the UD's on the RAMLink.
About this time Jim Selleck started working with Ken Pletzer to help
distribute C-Net Amiga. This took most of his time and C-Net 64 DS2
suffered from no more updates from Jim, although he still kept up with
sales and somewhat with support. Gary O'Brien was going full force with
the Networking program, making it compatible with both v2.0 and v2.5 of
C-Net 64 DS2. Gary dropped the v2.75 and went on to v2.80, v3.0 and
finally v3.03 of DS2 Network. This last version of the Network became the
most efficient of all the previous versions.
Gary O'Brien was having problems with his Lt. Kernal HD and lost all
the source to not only the Network, but also several Online games that he
wrote for C-Net 64 DS2. Frustrated and not wanting to reinvest in the
Commodore, Gary bought a PC and retired the Commodore. He then turned
over the Main Hub of the Network and distribution to Brian Williams,
Master of Cyberspace BBS. Brian also had HD problems and upgraded to a
PC, so I became next in line to take over the Network.
At this time Gary was still involved a little as he passed on the last
few mods to the Network and a slew of online games. Realizing that he
probably would never program on the 64 again, he then passed on the
distribution and programming rights to me for further development of the
Network. This began my major project of seriously debugging the Network,
adding a few mods here and there and expanding it to connect with other
BBS systems.
I've approached 20 or more Sysops/Programmers about the conversion
idea I had with no success. Most thought it was a cool idea, but none had
the time or interest in actually doing the code. C-Net Amiga folks simply
laughed, C-Net 128 people didn't think it was possible, MEGA-NET folks
threatened to sue me for some stupid unfounded reason and Fred Dart of
Image wouldn't have no part of it, since he considers C-Net nothing more
than a rip-off of Image. (Which is actually the other way around)
Finally, Lee Loftis, a programmer for C-Net 128 and co-author of Pearako
Network called me about his ideas on the Network. We came up with the
name CommNet and I purchased C-Net 128 v6.0 from Perspective South to
assist in the conversions. I originally wanted an Exclusive C-Net Network
that would combine C-Net 64, 128 and the Amiga version, but CommNet
sounded even better.
Unfortunately, RMS bought the rights to C-Net 128 and Lee started
working with them to create v7.0 and put CommNet on the shelf. I decided
to go ahead and start getting all the 64 BBS's together, while Lee takes
on v7.0. I finally found an Image Sysop who was interested in the idea
and a day later we had Image and C-Net connected and operating well. I
contacted Fred Ogle of Color 64 about the idea and he also wanted to see
their Network expand. I offered my services and he sent me Color 64 v8.0
and the manual to try and rewrite their Network. Unfortunately the postal
service wiped the disks and I had no way of viewing the code. Fred won't
answer my email on Genie, Sonic Temple BBS or anywhere else, so Color 64
is out of the picture, unless someone out there has a copy that they can
write the conversions for it.
Noticing that the C-Net 64 support was mainly being handled by myself
through the Network and by a few of the other Networked Sysops, I
approached Jim Selleck with a proposition. He agreed and I'm now the
distributor and support center for C-Net 64 DS2 v2.0, v2.5 and upcoming
v3.0. Jim still runs the C-Net Support BBS and will probably continue to
do so. He does have some files there that I don't, but all the fixes and
mods are documented in my notes and transfered to the current release.
I'm currently rewritting the Manual for DS2 Network v3.04, it went
from 15 original pages to over 30 and still growing. The new manual will
have all variables listed and explained. All jump routines explained. All
SEQ and REL files broke down and explained line by line. As well as a
detailed step by step setup procedure. This thing has taken longer than I
expected. :( The next release of DS2 Network is also in the works. I'm
breaking down all the larger files to make room for more features.
On the C-Net 64 DS2 side, the latest release has all the v2.5
features, plus the addition of ANSI and 5 Multi-Player Online games by
Paul Van Doleweerd. Paul also offers a free P-File disk containing all of
his games, mods and other program for C-Net for just sending him your
name and address. C-Net also now comes with both the Programmers Guide
and the Owners Manual in SEQ format. The programmers guide use to cost
19.95 extra, but now is included in the package. Rob Muscedere is the new
author of C-Net 64 DS2 and v3.0 is in the alpha stages. Rob should have
the last couple files completed any time so he can set it up for everyone
to call and check out.
Well, I hope I didn't put anyone to sleep. :) This was just my way of
introducing myself and to let everyone know a little about my background.
I am commited to continue support for C-Net 64 DS2 by continuing to
advertise here on Fido Net and in Commodore World Magazine. Look for our
upcoming ad for C-Net 64 DS2 v3.0 sometime this fall. :) I'll post a
complete feature list of both the Network and C-Net 64 DS2 next time. For
now, here's the price and contact info:
C-Net 64 DS2 v2.5+ BBS........................................$59.95
(Comes complete with the BBS, Owners Manual, Programmers Guide,
Unregistered DS2 Network v3.04, Adventure IV, Conquest, Empire v4.1,
Mountain, Murder Motel, and Star Warrior)
Upgrades from previous C-Net versions.........................$29.95
DS2 Network v3.04 (Registration)..............................$15.00
Contact:
C-Net 64 DS2 Software
c/o Michael Bendure
92 Lee Ave. Apt. N3
Newark, Ohio 43055
Voice/Info/Support: (614)/788-8568
Cygnus X-1 BBS: (614)/522-6563
Fido Net: Michael Bendure 1:226/1400
Internet: mben...@infinet.com
CommNet: Mitron @ Cygnus X-1
- -
mben...@infinet.com Fidonet: 1:226/1400 DS2 Net: Mitron @ Cygnus X-1
__________ ________ ________ ___ ___ ________ _____________
| ______ \ / ______ \ / ______ \ | \ | | | ______| |____ ____|
| | \ \ / / \_\ /_/ \ \ | |\ \ | | | | | |
| | | | \ \_______ / / | | \ \ | | | |___ | |
| | | | \_______ \ / / | | \ \| | | ____| | |
| | | | __ \ \ / / | | \ | | | | |
| |______/ / \ \______/ / / /______ | | \ | | |______ | |
|_________/ \________/ /__________| |_| \_| |________| |_|
BBS Networking for C-Net 64 DS2 v2.0, 2.5 & 3.0 also connected with Image Net
- -
Michael Bendure
: Hey.. I protest! Sure, I bought a 486 DX2/66 'puter w/all the
: accessories, but at no time did I say I upgraded. I, unlike the rest of
: the loyal clan of the Commodore, simply put all my "old" equipment in
: the closet, accepted the shot of conformism and sold out to the Way of
: the World (copyright by Bill Gates). ;)
Bummer..:)
: I swear to you, I miss saying: "...but I can't do another raster
: interrupt, dammit!"
Then un-closetize the 64 and you can say it again. :)
: btw: How is Gary these days?
Not sure, I haven't spoke to him since I found the backdoors in the
Network. Called him up to give him hell about it. :) Needless to say he
got a laugh out of it. For everyone's info, I took the backdoors out.
: "Oh, the shame.. the shame.."
That's right.. :)
Nice to see your sparkling words again. The Goddess Roxanne, sends her
love. :) Take care Brian..
- -
mben...@infinet.com Fidonet: 1:226/1400 DS2 Net: Mitron @ Cygnus X-1
__________ ________ ________ ___ ___ ________ _____________
| ______ \ / ______ \ / ______ \ | \ | | | ______| |____ ____|
| | \ \ / / \_\ /_/ \ \ | |\ \ | | | | | |
| | | | \ \_______ / / | | \ \ | | | |___ | |
| | | | \_______ \ / / | | \ \| | | ____| | |
| | | | __ \ \ / / | | \ | | | | |
| |______/ / \ \______/ / / /______ | | \ | | |______ | |
|_________/ \________/ /__________| |_| \_| |________| |_|
BBS Networking for C-Net 64 DS2 v2.0, 2.5 & 3.0 also connected with Image Net
Checkout our new WWW page at http://www.infinet.com/~mbendure/
- -
Lee Loftiss
> Brian Williams (brian.w...@vdim.com) wrote:
> : Hey.. I protest! Sure, I bought a 486 DX2/66 'puter w/all the
> : accessories, but at no time did I say I upgraded. I, unlike the rest of
> : the loyal clan of the Commodore, simply put all my "old" equipment in
> : the closet, accepted the shot of conformism and sold out to the Way of
> : the World (copyright by Bill Gates). ;)
> Bummer..:)
> : I swear to you, I miss saying: "...but I can't do another raster
> : interrupt, dammit!"
> Then un-closetize the 64 and you can say it again. :)
> : btw: How is Gary these days?
> Not sure, I haven't spoke to him since I found the backdoors in the
> Network. Called him up to give him hell about it. :) Needless to say he
> got a laugh out of it. For everyone's info, I took the backdoors out.
> : "Oh, the shame.. the shame.."
> That's right.. :)
> Nice to see your sparkling words again. The Goddess Roxanne, sends her
> love. :) Take care Brian..
> mben...@infinet.com Fidonet: 1:226/1400 DS2 Net: Mitron @ Cygnus X-1
> __________ ________ ________ ___ ___ ________ _____________
> | ______ \ / ______ \ / ______ \ | \ | | | ______| |____ ____|
> | | \ \ / / \_\ /_/ \ \ | |\ \ | | | | | |
> | | | | \ \_______ / / | | \ \ | | | |___ | |
> | | | | \_______ \ / / | | \ \| | | ____| | |
> | | | | __ \ \ / / | | \ | | | | |
> | |______/ / \ \______/ / / /______ | | \ | | |______ | |
> |_________/ \________/ /__________| |_| \_| |________| |_|
> BBS Networking for C-Net 64 DS2 v2.0, 2.5 & 3.0 also connected with Image Net