Setup parameters
Installation – SETUP Parameters
SETUP is where you define how Color 64 will operate on your system: message limits, credit rules, modem behavior, disk assignments, directories, time limits, categories, and command permissions. If you are unsure about a specific prompt, it is usually safe to accept the default value shown in brackets and fine-tune later. The notes below explain how each option affects day-to-day operation.
Main Parameters
The Main Parameters section controls core BBS behavior such as message limits, upload/download rules, credit handling, access levels, and modem settings.
| Question | Description & Settings |
|---|---|
| Maximum lines per message | Limits the number of lines permitted in a single message. Default: 100 |
| Maximum columns per line | Sets the default word-wrap width used by local-mode tools (such as the editor). Default: 38 |
| Maximum # of messages | Maximum number of public messages retained online. When the limit is reached, older messages are deleted as new ones are posted. Default: 50 |
| Maximum password number | Sets the maximum number of member records in the √password file. Default: 100 |
| Minimum blocks-cycle msgs | Minimum free blocks required on the Public Messages drive before messages begin cycling. Default: 50 |
| Minimum blocks-allow uploads | Minimum free blocks required to permit uploads. Default: 75 |
| Maximum downloads per call | Maximum number of downloads allowed per caller session. Enter 99 for a practical “no limit.” Callers who reach the limit must log off and back on to continue downloading. Exemptions can be granted via “No DL file limit level.” |
| Download credits per call | Sets how many download-credit blocks a caller earns per block uploaded. |
| New mbr download credits | Free download credits granted to each new caller. Once used, callers must upload to earn additional credits (unless exempt). |
| Credit system exempt level | Access level at which callers become exempt from the credit system. If you are not using credits, set to 1 so all callers are exempt. |
| Max files on public msgs drive | Maximum directory entry count permitted on the Public Messages drive. The system checks after each user logoff. Recommendations: |
| Number of days to hold mail | Maximum days private mail is retained before automatic deletion. When mail is purged, an entry is written to the caller log at midnight indicating the member number affected. A safety buffer prevents mass deletion if the system clock is accidentally wrong: if calculated mail age exceeds the purge value by more than 7 days, that mail will not be deleted. |
| New User Access Level | Sets the access level assigned to new callers. Some sysops prefer Level 1 until validation; others start users higher. Default level meanings are summarized below. Typical use of levels (defaults):
|
| Mbrs expired access level | Level assigned automatically when a caller’s membership expiration date is reached. The expiration date is stored per user record and is checked at midnight. Useful for trial memberships or time-limited access. |
| Upload auto-release level | Determines what access level is required for an upload to be automatically released as a public download. Lower-level uploads can be held for sysop review. |
| System Baud Rate | Sets the maximum communications rate between the computer and modem/interface. The system can step down based on the caller’s capabilities (and modem requirements). If you are not using SwiftLink, the practical maximum is 2400. With SwiftLink, 38,400 BPS is supported in many configurations, including TCPSER, where the computer-to-modem rate can remain high even if the modem-to-modem connection is lower, depending on the “Adjust BPS to connect rate” setting. |
| DD$ MCI on | Controls whether MCI commands may print the DD$ field from a caller’s password record. DD$ is an 8-character sysop-defined note field (for example SYSOP, GUEST, REMOTE). Answer N to keep DD$ private from MCI output. |
| Using Upload Descriptions | Enables download description files (stored as @filename). Most sysops should answer Y. If directory-entry limits are a concern (notably on SFD-1001), descriptions reduce the maximum number of downloads because each file consumes an additional directory entry. Manual description creation remains possible via the Edit Download Description command. |
| Mutiple dirs. per drive | Enables multiple logical directories on the same physical drive. When enabled, the BBS prefixes uploaded filenames internally with a letter (A–Z) for grouping. Callers do not see the prefix. If you manually add files, you must rename them with the correct leading letter. If you answer N, no renaming is required and everything resides in a single directory. |
| Daily Log Backup | Enables nightly caller log backup and rotation at midnight. If N, the caller log remains a running recent-history file. If Y, the log is dated and archived daily, then cleared. Log size trimming is governed by “Caller log max size blocks” and “Caller log trim blocks,” as well as the “Minimum blocks-allow uploads” threshold. |
| Rerun on Errors | Restarts the BBS automatically after BASIC errors. Normally this should be enabled. Disable only while actively modifying/testing overlays. When enabled, STOP is disabled; breaking requires SHIFT+COMMODORE+CTRL. |
| Screen Blanking | If enabled, blanks the local sysop screen when callers read or write private mail (excluding feedback to sysop and console-local use). Use this based on your privacy philosophy and moderation needs. |
| Does your modem support DTR | Indicates whether your modem/interface supports DTR drop for disconnect. Most Hayes-compatible modems and TCPSER support DTR. Some hardware behaves better with DTR disabled (notably certain 1670 setups). If unsure, answer N. |
| Adjust BPS to connect rate | Controls whether the computer should step down its BPS rate to match the modem connect rate. Many 1200/2400 modems expect this; some high-speed setups (including many TCPSER configurations) can run 38,400 computer-to-modem regardless of connect rate. This may require experimentation depending on your modem. |
| Run Network v1.26a | Enables Color 64 Network features (sharing messages/files between participating systems). New sysops should normally answer N until the system is stable and coordination with another network sysop is complete. If enabled, you must run +net setup afterward. |
| Modem Init Command | Initialization command sent to the modem before accepting a caller. Must start with lowercase “at”. Recommended strings vary by modem type. Verbose mode (v1) is essential. If the BBS shows OK at init, the string is accepted; if it shows ERROR, remove unsupported parts and test again in a terminal. Examples commonly used: |
| Network Modem Init Command | Sent before each outgoing network call. Some sysops disable error correction for network calls if their modem’s MNP interferes. Default (ate0) has worked well for many v8.1a network setups. |
| Scratch any msg level | Level required to delete any public message (not just the caller’s own). Default: 7 |
| Category/Link level | Level required to change message category or thread link. Default: 7 |
| Merge seq file level | Level required to merge a SEQ file into a message via the editor “*” command. Default: 7 |
| Caller log delete level | Level required to delete the caller log. Default: 8 |
| Message MCI level | Level required to use Message MCI commands. Default: 2 |
| Variable MCI level | Level required to use Variable MCI commands. This should be restricted to trusted sysops due to crash potential from misuse. Default: 9 |
| No DL file limit level | Level exempt from “Maximum downloads per call.” Default: 6 |
| Min msg memory bytes | Minimum free memory permitted while editing before the system stops accepting new lines. Higher values reduce garbage-collection pauses; lower values allow larger messages. Typical values: 300–700. |
| Caller log max size blocks | Maximum size of the caller log file (blocks). If exceeded, the log is trimmed using “Caller log trim blocks.” Default: 50 |
| Caller log trim blocks | Blocks removed when trimming is triggered (by size or low disk space). Should not exceed half of “Caller log max size blocks.” Default: 8 |
| Validate via email level | Level required to validate a caller through e-mail workflows. Default: 8 |
| Edit any message level | Level required to edit any public message (not only the caller’s own). Default: 9 |
| Max chars/40 column header | Maximum header width when output is set to 40 columns. Default: 30 |
| Max chars/80 column header | Maximum header width when output is set to 80 columns. Default: 70 |
| No time restriction level | Level exempt from per-day time restrictions set in Time Limits. Default: 6 |
| Edit DL Description | Level required to edit download descriptions after viewing them. Default: 7 |
| Use fast garbage collect | Optional performance behavior. Leave at default unless you are tuning for stability/speed on your system. Default: N |
Additional Hints
- Password File Fragmentation
If you expand the password database repeatedly and suspect fragmentation (slow reads), you can rebuild cleanly:
- Use pswd tools to back up the √password file.
- Create a new blank disk/partition.
- Rerun SETUP to create a new password file at the new desired maximum size.
- Use pswd tools to restore password records.
- Copy remaining files from the old disk to the new disk.
This restores contiguity and can significantly improve performance.
- Credit Exemptions
If a caller uploads files you do not want to count toward credits, adjust their “blocks uploaded” total in Password Maintenance to remove the undesired credit.
A utility program (pswd tools) can reset upload/download counters for all callers or a single caller if you want to restart the credit system.
Credits are calculated as:
(free credits) + ((uploads) × (credits per upload)) – downloads
If credits become ≤ 0, the caller must upload more before downloading again.
SETUP – Disk Drive Assignments
This section assigns each file group to a drive. It is where you balance storage across devices for performance and capacity. If you later change your mind, you can rerun SETUP, adjust assignments, and move the affected files.
Each assignment prompt requests four values (device, drive, and init):
The device number range is 8–30. The drive number is typically 0 or 1. The init string defines how the system selects the correct partition/LU/subdirectory for that file group. The example above shows an Lt. Kernal selection of LU 0/User 0 (“!l800”) plus initialization (“!i0”). These commands are sent to the command channel whenever the associated group is accessed. See “Drive Initialization Commands” for system-specific guidance.
| Question | Description & Settings |
|---|---|
| Password File | Location of the √password file. The assigned drive must support REL files. SFD-1001 supports REL well; ICT chained partitions do not. 1581 and SD2IEC may require REL creation on a 1541/1571 first, then copying with a REL-aware copier. |
| System Files | Welcome/logoff messages, menus, membership list, membership-full file, and other system text/data. Drive should support REL files. |
| Help Files | All caller-readable help content. |
| Public Messages | Public message base and supporting files. |
| Private Messages | Private mail plus √questxx new-user application files. |
| Text Files | Caller-readable text files outside the help system. |
| Caller Log | Current caller log, “most recent call,” and optionally daily backups. |
| Program Files | All BBS overlays plus required ML files. If using REU, this must match the REU device number defined by RAMDOS. |
| Network Files | Network data and files (if Network enabled). Must support REL files. |
| AUX 1 Files / AUX 2 Files / AUX 3 Files | AUX 1: User Profile area (signatures and banners). AUX 3: Games area (if used). |
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are using the Epyx Fastload cartridge, you must use “ui” as the drive command for Program Files or you may experience intermittent lockups.
After completing the assignments, SETUP will ask “Is this correct?” Answer N to revise, or Y to continue to Upload/Download Directories.
SETUP – Upload/Download Directories
This section defines your upload/download directories (A–Z). Each directory has a name, upload/download status, access level, and its own device/drive/init settings.
You must create at least one upload and one download directory, even if you intend to restrict access. To effectively disable transfers for callers, set their access level to 9 (sysop) or 10.
| Question | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Display name for the directory (up to 30 characters). Quotes are not permitted. |
| Allow Downloads | Enables downloads from this directory. The first directory marked Y becomes the default download directory. |
| Allow Uploads | Enables uploads to this directory. The first directory marked Y becomes the default upload directory. |
| Access Level | Minimum level required to use the directory (unless it is the default upload/download directory). Use 10 to effectively disable. |
| Device, Drive, Init | Same structure as Disk Drive Assignments. |
When finished entering directories, you will return to the edit prompt. Press RETURN to continue. If SETUP loops back instead of continuing, you likely did not mark at least one upload and one download directory as enabled.
SETUP – User’s Time Limits
Time limits apply by access level:
- Per-call limits for Levels 1–5 (AM and PM), with higher levels exempt by default (controlled by “No time restriction level”).
- Time-between-calls delay for Levels 1–5.
- Daily time limits for Levels 1–9.
If a caller exceeds their time while downloading or composing a message, the system will not disconnect them mid-action. Instead, it “borrows” the extra time from the next day by storing a negative balance and restoring time nightly at midnight.
At the end, SETUP will ask “Is this correct?” Answer N to revise, or Y to continue.
SETUP – Caller Purge
Caller purge automatically removes inactive accounts based on access-level thresholds you define. Deleted accounts are permanently removed unless you restore from a √backup password file.
The purge runs nightly at midnight. A safety check prevents mass deletion if the system clock is incorrect: if the calculated inactivity exceeds your purge value by more than 7 days, the record is not deleted.
At the end, SETUP will ask “Is this correct?” Answer N to revise, or Y to continue.
SETUP – Message Categories
Defines message categories (2–18). Each category has a required access level. Callers below that level will not see or access the category.
Avoid quotation marks in category names; quotes can cause issues when reading √bbs.parms.
At the end, SETUP will ask “Is this correct?” Answer N to revise, or Y to continue.
SETUP – BBS Commands
This section lets you define each command key and the minimum access level required. You can change command letters to match your style, reserve features for higher levels, and disable unused “spare” commands by setting them to level 10.
| Key | Name | Level | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| R | Read Messages | 2 | Read public messages |
| @ | Post Office | 1 | Post Office sub-menu* |
| P | Post a Message | 3 | Post a public message |
| S | Scratch a Message | 3 | Delete a public message |
| $ | Show Directory | 1 | Display directory of current selection |
| D | Download a File | 3 | Single or multi-download |
| # | Change Directory | 3 | Select a different directory |
| U | Upload File | 3 | Upload a file |
| ! | Edit User Settings | 1 | Caller preferences (pause, delay, 40/80, etc.)** |
| F | Send Feedback | 1 | Send sysop feedback |
| C | Page SYSOP for Chat | 1 | Chat request |
| A | Alter Password | 1 | Change caller password |
| O | Logoff | 1 | Log off and hang up |
| G | Graphics On/Off | 1 | Toggle graphics |
| H | Help | 1 | Read help files |
| W | Welcome Message | 1 | Re-read welcome message |
| M | Membership List | 1 | List/search members |
| I | Information | 1 | View BBS info file |
| E | Edit a Message | 3 | Edit a public message |
| ↑ | Set Time & Date | 9 | Change system date/time |
| > | DOS Wedge | 9 | SYSOP DOS wedge |
| < | Password Maintenance | 9 | User/password maintenance |
| N | New Downloads | 3 | Scan for new downloads |
| X | Scratch a Download | 7 | Remove a download |
| T | Text Files | 2 | View text file list |
| L | Caller Log | 8 | View caller log |
| + | Multi-Upload | 3 | Multi-upload (Punter) |
| Z | View DL Description | 3 | View a download description |
| Y | Release a Download | 7 | Approve upload for public access |
| * | Games/Modules | 3 | Module menu (8.0/8.1 default) |
| 1 | Games (8.10a default) | 4 | Games menu shortcut |
| 2 | User Profile | 1 | Signature/banner editing |
| % | Protocol Select | 3 | Select transfer protocol |
| = | Post Network Mail | 3 | Network mail (if enabled)*** |
| & | Billing Maintenance | 9 | Billing/node maintenance*** |
| - | Release Public | 8 | Release public nets holding*** |
* Post Office includes: Post a Message, Read/Send E-mail, Feedback, and Membership List. Options not permitted by the caller’s access level will not be shown.
** User Settings include: page-pauser lines, character delay, and 40/80 column selection.
*** Network commands are disabled if Network is not enabled. See the Network documentation for details.
SETUP – Color Code Setup
Defines the eight color values used by the system. To change a bar, type its number and then the color control code (example: 1 then COMMODORE/7 for medium blue). Adjust until satisfied, then press RETURN to continue.
SETUP – Carrier Status
Determines how the system detects modem carrier. This is critical for stable operation. Ensure the modem is connected, powered on, and not actively connected to a caller. If necessary, disconnect the phone line to avoid false detection.
If you change modem types or relevant modem switches later, rerun SETUP and repeat this section.
Press RETURN when ready.
SETUP – Saving the Parameters
After completing all sections, return to the SETUP main menu and select option 10 to save parameters.
Two key files are created:
- √bbs.parms (stored on the Program Files drive). This includes drive assignments and system parameters required for normal operation and recovery.
- √password file (created on the drive assigned in Drive Assignments). This stores caller records including names, passwords, access, time remaining, last message read, etc.
After the initial SETUP, the password file includes a SYSOP account (member number 2) with name SYSOP and password SYSOP. Member #2 must remain reserved for SYSOP because feedback messages are delivered to this mailbox.
Before opening the board, change your sysop name/password using Password Maintenance (F6 at the waiting-for-call screen or “<” while online).
The “√” (shifted @) prefix on system files hides them from callers and prevents download access.
SETUP – Editing/Changing Parameters
To change any parameters later, rerun +setup. The existing √bbs.parms file is loaded, and previously saved values appear as defaults. Press RETURN to keep values you do not want to change, and edit only the items you do.
When finished, select option 10 again to write an updated √bbs.parms file.
If you increase “Maximum password number,” SETUP will ask whether to expand the password file. Expanding can be done immediately (Y) or record-by-record later (N). Record-by-record expansion can be slower during live operation.
SETUP – Printing the Parameters
Option 12 prints the parameters. A printer must be available as device 4 and be online. You may print a single section or all parameters.
Next Section: Prior to Running