Preconfigured builds
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