Revision as of 22:12, 15 February 2026

Installation – Pre-Configured Builds

Three pre-configured builds of Color 64 v8.1a are available in the Downloads section. Each build includes customized overlays appropriate for its intended configuration. The original, unmodified overlays are also included in the directory “D64 Masters” should you wish to revert or reference them.

SD2IEC Build (Commodore 64 / 128 in 64 Mode)

Color 64 v8.1a SD2IEC Build

This build is designed for use on a Commodore 64 or Commodore 128 (in 64 mode) utilizing an SD2IEC device assigned to drive 8. The configuration was developed and tested using an SD2IEC drive and a WiModem (cbmstuff.com).

An REU (RAM Expansion Unit) is recommended but not required. While the system operates properly without one, an REU can improve performance, particularly when loading larger overlays. Users running JiffyDOS or similar acceleration solutions may also experience improved loading performance.

Image Format

The download is provided as a 4GB SD card image. It may be written to an SD card using tools such as:

Balena Etcher
Raspberry Pi Imager

Once written to a freshly formatted SD card, the system is immediately usable with no additional installation steps required. Running +SETUP after first boot is strongly encouraged to review and customize configuration settings.

The build may be expanded beyond SD drive use through +SETUP modifications if desired.

Included Directories

The SD2IEC image includes the following pre-configured folders:

Aux1 – Auxiliary 1 drive; supports the BBS.PROFILE module (user profile area)
Aux2 – Auxiliary 2 drive
Aux3 – Auxiliary / Games drive
Uploads – Storage location for uploaded files
Downloads – Storage location for downloadable files
Dracopy – File copy utility included for system management
Help – Help and text files
Network – Supporting files for Network 1.26a
Primsgs – Private messages
Pubmsgs – Public messages
Pswd – Password storage
BBS Documents – Documentation for PC use (this manual)

If you are using TurboMaster, SwiftLink, an REU, or Lt. Kernal HD, you must re-run the BOOTMAKER 8100 program to configure the system appropriately for your hardware. Otherwise, the system is ready to operate immediately after imaging the SD card.

LTK Builds (Linux and Windows PC)

The LTK builds are designed for use with VICE and TCPSER on either Linux (tested on Kubuntu and Fedora 43) or Windows 11 systems.

These builds are pre-configured and are in a near ready-to-run state. Three Logical Units (LUs) are defined with the following assignments:

Logical Unit Assignments

LU 0 / User 0 – Programs, System files, Help files, Text files, Caller Log, Network files
LU 1 / User 0 – Public and Private messages
LU 1 / User 1–5 – Download categories 1 through 5
LU 1 / User 15 – Uploads
LU 2 / User 0 – Auxiliary 1 files (includes user signature information)
LU 2 / User 1 – Auxiliary 2 files (not utilized in this build)
LU 2 / User 3 – Auxiliary 3 files (Game area)

Build Details

LTK-specific performance modifications from the Color 64 v8.0 disks have been incorporated into the overlays as recommended by the original developers. See the “Faster Disk Access” section of LTK Specific System Requirements.
BOOTMAKER has already been completed.
Modification of Main Parameters within +SETUP is not required but strongly recommended prior to deployment.
The MODEM INIT string in +SETUP is preconfigured for TCPSER operation at 38400 baud.
Two games are pre-installed. Additional games are included on Disks 4 and 5 (D64 files) in this distribution.
After adding or modifying games, update the file “√games menu” located on LU 2 / User 3. See Adding Games for details.

Installation

Linux

1. Extract the build into your home directory. 2. Open a terminal in the extracted directory. 3. Run:

  ./vicebuild.sh

Windows

1. Extract the build into a local user directory (such as Documents). 2. No build script is required.

Optional: Email Notification Feature

If you would like to enable email notifications of BBS activity:

1. Install Python 3 (if not already installed). 2. Edit notify.py to configure:

  * SMTP server information  
  * BBS login username and password

3. Modify √BBS.INIT at lines 35705–35706:

  * Set the username and password to match notify.py  
  * Verify your PC’s IP address is correctly defined

4. Edit mybbs.sh (Linux only):

  * Remove the remark from the python3 execution line

5. While the BBS is running:

  * At the call screen, press the Up Arrow key (mapped to "\" on a PC keyboard) to enable or disable notifications.

See Email Notification Option for full configuration details.

Running the LTK Build

Linux

1. Open a terminal in the color64_v81a_ltk directory. 2. Run:

  ./mybbs.sh

This launches both VICE and TCPSER. The default port is 8502.

Windows

1. Open Windows Explorer. 2. Double-click:

  mybbs.bat

This launches both VICE and TCPSER. The default port is 8502.

Operating the System

From the READY prompt:

L +BBS – Load and run the BBS
L +SETUP – Enter system configuration
L +EDITOR – Load the screen editor

Next Section: BBS Operation

Installation

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-[[installation|Installation]] - <strong>Pre-Configured Builds</strong>
+[[installation|Installation]] – '''Pre-Configured Builds'''
-There are three pre-configured builds available in the Downloads section. All have customized overlays to work with their respective configuration, but do come with the unmodified overlays (directory "D64 Masters") if needed.
+Three pre-configured builds of Color 64 v8.1a are available in the Downloads section. Each build includes customized overlays appropriate for its intended configuration. The original, unmodified overlays are also included in the directory “D64 Masters” should you wish to revert or reference them.
-<strong>The 8.10a SD2IEC Build for use on your Commodore 64</strong>
+= SD2IEC Build (Commodore 64 / 128 in 64 Mode) =
-The SD2IEC build of Color 64 v8.1a is preconfigured build for use on Commodore 64 or Commodore 128 (in 64 mode) with an SD2IEC drive. The build created was used in this configuration, to include a WiModem (cbmstuff.com). The expected drive assignment for the SD2IEC is drive 8.
+'''Color 64 v8.1a SD2IEC Build'''
-I have run this configuration also with a REU which compliments the build nicely as the SD2IEC drive can still have minor delays in loading large overlays (unless using jiffydos or something similar).
+This build is designed for use on a Commodore 64 or Commodore 128 (in 64 mode) utilizing an SD2IEC device assigned to drive 8. The configuration was developed and tested using an SD2IEC drive and a WiModem (cbmstuff.com).
-The download is an image of a 4GB SD card that you can burn using tools like Etcher (Raspberry Pi Imager also works). It can easily be modified to go beyond just the SD drive when configuring in +SETUP. However, without modification, this build imaged on a freshly formatted SD card will have what you need to start building your BBS. You will see several folders already configured for the SD drive and they are already configured in your setup.
+An REU (RAM Expansion Unit) is recommended but not required. While the system operates properly without one, an REU can improve performance, particularly when loading larger overlays. Users running JiffyDOS or similar acceleration solutions may also experience improved loading performance.
-If you are using TurboMaster, Swiftlink, a REU or Lt. Kernal HD, you will need to re-run the BOOTMAKER 8100 program to set these up. Otherwise, you will be good to go.
+== Image Format ==
-Included folders in this build are:
+The download is provided as a 4GB SD card image. It may be written to an SD card using tools such as:
-* Aux1: Auxiliary 1 drive; User profile area supporting the BBS.PROFILE module
-* Aux2: Auxiliary 2 drive
-* Aux3: Auxiliary / Games drive
-* Uploads: Drive for uploads
-* Downloads: Drive for downloads
-* Dracopy: Copy program to help you on your way
-* Help: Drive for help and text files
-* Network: holds Network 1.26a supporting files
-* Primsgs: Private messages drive
-* Pubmsgs: Public messages drive
-* Pswd: Password folder
-* BBS Documents: for PC use – this manual.
-There are no additional installation steps other than burning the image to your SD card. Running +SETUP after you have done this though is highly encouraged.
+* Balena Etcher
+* Raspberry Pi Imager
-<strong>The LTK Builds for use on your Linux or Windows PC</strong>
+Once written to a freshly formatted SD card, the system is immediately usable with no additional installation steps required. Running +SETUP after first boot is strongly encouraged to review and customize configuration settings.
-The LTK builds were developed on both Linux (Kubuntu and Fedora 43) and Windows 11; both were with TCPSER. The builds are pre-configured and are in a near read-to-run state, with three LUs defined with the following assignments:
+The build may be expanded beyond SD drive use through +SETUP modifications if desired.
-* LU 0 User 0: Holds all Program, System, Help, Text files, Caller Log, Network files
+== Included Directories ==
-* LU 1 User 0: Public and Private messages
-* LU 1 User 1: Category 1 for downloads
-* LU 1 User 2: Category 2 for downloads
-* LU 1 User 3: Category 3 for downloads
-* LU 1 User 4: Category 4 for downloads
-* LU 1 User 5: Category 5 for downloads
-* LU 1 User 15: Uploads
-* LU 2 User 0: Aux 1 Files (includes user signature information)
-* LU 2 User 1: Aux 2 Files (currently not utilized in this build)
-* LU 2 User 3: Aux 3 Files (holds the game area for this build)
-Additional details on these builds:
+The SD2IEC image includes the following pre-configured folders:
-* The LTK specific modifications from the Color 64 8.0 disks are incorporated into the overlays as recommended by the original developers. See "Faster Disk Access" section of [https://www.color64wiki.itchybutt.org/index.php/Ltkernal LTK Specific System Requirements].
+* '''Aux1''' – Auxiliary 1 drive; supports the BBS.PROFILE module (user profile area)
-* BOOTMAKER has already been completed for system setup
+* '''Aux2''' – Auxiliary 2 drive
-* Modifications of Main Parameters (in +SETUP program) are not required, but highly encouraged. You, as the Sysop, should review selections made prior to deploying your system.
+* '''Aux3''' – Auxiliary / Games drive
-* MODEM INIT string in +SETUP has already been properly defined for this configuration for operation with TCPSER and 38400 baud.
+* '''Uploads''' – Storage location for uploaded files
-* Two Games are prebuilt with the system. Additional games are included in the D64 files (disks 4 and 5), also included with this distribution
+* '''Downloads''' – Storage location for downloadable files
-* Be sure to update the file "√games menu" on LU 2/User 3 with the games you are including with your system. See [https://www.color64wiki.itchybutt.org/index.php/Adding_games Adding Games] section.
+* '''Dracopy''' – File copy utility included for system management
+* '''Help''' – Help and text files
+* '''Network''' – Supporting files for Network 1.26a
+* '''Primsgs''' – Private messages
+* '''Pubmsgs''' – Public messages
+* '''Pswd''' – Password storage
+* '''BBS Documents''' – Documentation for PC use (this manual)
-<strong>Installation:</strong>
+If you are using TurboMaster, SwiftLink, an REU, or Lt. Kernal HD, you must re-run the BOOTMAKER 8100 program to configure the system appropriately for your hardware. Otherwise, the system is ready to operate immediately after imaging the SD card.
-* Linux users: run "vicebuild.sh" in your home user directory.
-* Window users: Download the build in your local user's directory (like "Documents").
-* If you desire email notifications of BBS activity:
-** install python3 if not installed
-** modify "notify.py" for SMTP server information and selected username and password for BBS login to the script
-** modify √BBS.INIT program at lines 35705-35706 to match username/password selected (currently they match as "username" and "password") and verify IP setting of your PC in this section as well!
-** modify "mybbs.sh": remove remark for python3 execution
-** When BBS is in operation, at the call screen, press "up arrow" (the "\" key on PC keyboard - to enable/disable feature)
-:: See [[email notification|Email Notification Option]] for full details.
-<strong>Running the LTK build </strong>
+----
-* Linux users
-** Open a terminal in the directory color64_v81a_ltk build on your computer
+= LTK Builds (Linux and Windows PC) =
-** run "./mybbs.sh" - this will launch both VICE and TCPSER, default port used is 8502
-* Windows
+The LTK builds are designed for use with VICE and TCPSER on either Linux (tested on Kubuntu and Fedora 43) or Windows 11 systems.
-** Open Windows Explorer and double-click on "mybbs.bat" - this will launch both VICE and TCPSER, default port used is 8502
-* From there you can run the BBS, Setup, or Editor (to edit screens)
+These builds are pre-configured and are in a near ready-to-run state. Three Logical Units (LUs) are defined with the following assignments:
-** L +BBS to load and run BBS
-** L +SETUP to enter BBS setup
+== Logical Unit Assignments ==
-** L +EDITOR to load editor and modify system screens
+* '''LU 0 / User 0''' – Programs, System files, Help files, Text files, Caller Log, Network files
+* '''LU 1 / User 0''' – Public and Private messages
+* '''LU 1 / User 1–5''' – Download categories 1 through 5
+* '''LU 1 / User 15''' – Uploads
+* '''LU 2 / User 0''' – Auxiliary 1 files (includes user signature information)
+* '''LU 2 / User 1''' – Auxiliary 2 files (not utilized in this build)
+* '''LU 2 / User 3''' – Auxiliary 3 files (Game area)
+== Build Details ==
+* LTK-specific performance modifications from the Color 64 v8.0 disks have been incorporated into the overlays as recommended by the original developers. See the “Faster Disk Access” section of [[Ltkernal|LTK Specific System Requirements]].
+* BOOTMAKER has already been completed.
+* Modification of Main Parameters within +SETUP is not required but strongly recommended prior to deployment.
+* The MODEM INIT string in +SETUP is preconfigured for TCPSER operation at 38400 baud.
+* Two games are pre-installed. Additional games are included on Disks 4 and 5 (D64 files) in this distribution.
+* After adding or modifying games, update the file “√games menu” located on LU 2 / User 3. See [[Adding_games|Adding Games]] for details.
+----
+= Installation =
+== Linux ==
+. Extract the build into your home directory.
+. Open a terminal in the extracted directory.
+. Run:
+   ./vicebuild.sh
+== Windows ==
+. Extract the build into a local user directory (such as Documents).
+. No build script is required.
+----
+= Optional: Email Notification Feature =
+If you would like to enable email notifications of BBS activity:
+. Install Python 3 (if not already installed).
+. Edit '''notify.py''' to configure:
+   * SMTP server information
+   * BBS login username and password
+. Modify '''√BBS.INIT''' at lines 35705–35706:
+   * Set the username and password to match notify.py
+   * Verify your PC’s IP address is correctly defined
+. Edit '''mybbs.sh''' (Linux only):
+   * Remove the remark from the python3 execution line
+. While the BBS is running:
+   * At the call screen, press the Up Arrow key (mapped to "\" on a PC keyboard) to enable or disable notifications.
+See [[email notification|Email Notification Option]] for full configuration details.
+----
+= Running the LTK Build =
+== Linux ==
+. Open a terminal in the color64_v81a_ltk directory.
+. Run:
+   ./mybbs.sh
+This launches both VICE and TCPSER. The default port is 8502.
+== Windows ==
+. Open Windows Explorer.
+. Double-click:
+   mybbs.bat
+This launches both VICE and TCPSER. The default port is 8502.
+----
+= Operating the System =
+From the READY prompt:
+* '''L +BBS''' – Load and run the BBS
+* '''L +SETUP''' – Enter system configuration
+* '''L +EDITOR''' – Load the screen editor
 Next Section: [[bbs operation|BBS Operation]]
 [[installation|Installation]]