Preconfigured builds
Installation – Pre-Configured Builds
Pre-Configured Builds
Three pre-configured builds of Color 64 v8.1a are available in the Downloads section. Each build includes customized overlays tailored to its intended configuration. The original, unmodified overlays are also included in the directory “D64 Masters” for reference or restoration purposes.
SD2IEC Build
This build is designed for use on a Commodore 64 or Commodore 128 operating in 64 mode with an SD2IEC device assigned as drive 8. The configuration was developed and tested using an SD2IEC device in combination with a WiModem (cbmstuff.com).
An REU (RAM Expansion Unit) is recommended but not required. While the system functions without one, an REU improves performance when loading larger overlays. Systems using JiffyDOS or similar acceleration solutions may also experience improved load times.
The download is provided as a 4GB SD card image. It may be written to an SD card using tools such as Balena Etcher or Raspberry Pi Imager.
Once written to a freshly formatted SD card, the system is immediately usable. No additional installation steps are required. Running +SETUP after first boot is strongly encouraged to review and customize configuration settings.
If you are using TurboMaster, SwiftLink, an REU, or Lt. Kernal HD, re-run the BOOTMAKER 8100 program to properly configure the system for your hardware. Otherwise, the system is ready to operate as imaged.
Included folders in this build:
- 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)
The LTK Builds for 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)
Additional 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 LTK Specific System Requirements for details.
- BOOTMAKER has already been completed.
- Modification of Main Parameters within +SETUP is not required but is 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 instructions.
Installation
Linux users:
- Extract the build into your home directory.
- Open a terminal in the extracted directory.
- Run: ./vicebuild.sh
Windows users:
- Extract the build into a local user directory such as Documents.
- No build script is required.
Running the LTK Build
Linux:
- Open a terminal in the color64_v81a_ltk directory.
- Run: ./mybbs.sh
Windows:
- Open Windows Explorer.
- Double-click mybbs.bat.
This launches both VICE and TCPSER. 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
Optional: Email Notification Feature
To enable email notifications of BBS activity:
- Install Python 3 if not already installed.
- Edit notify.py to configure SMTP server information and your chosen BBS login credentials.
- Modify √BBS.INIT at lines 35705–35706:
- Ensure the username and password match those defined in notify.py.
- Verify your PC’s IP address is correctly defined.
- At your PC, edit mybbs.sh and 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 Option for complete configuration details.
Next Section: BBS Operation