Possibilities - Converting from Single Line to Multi-Line TBBS

Contact:   eSoft, Inc. (Makers of TBBS)
           15200 E. Girard Ave., Suite 3000
           Aurora, CO  80014
           (303) 699-6565      Voice
           (303) 699-6872      Fax
           (303) 699-8222      BBS
           support@esoft.com   E-Mail

CONVERTING FROM SINGLE LINE TO MULTI-LINE TBBS
----------------------------------------------

*** From May 1991 Possibilities Newsletter ***
*** Copyright 1991 by eSoft, Inc.  All Rights Reserved ***

Converting from Single Line to Multi-Line TBBS
by Alan D. Bryant

Our technical support and sales lines have been buzzing with questions about 
our upcoming release of TBBS 2.2.  One of the most common inquiries is from 
our existing TBBS Single Line customers, who are excited about being able to 
upgrade to a 2-line (instead of single line) version at no additional cost.  
The allure of running a multi-line system has caused many of our single line
customers to think about the move, only to be led to believe it's difficult 
or time-consuming.  But whether you're thinking about making the move from a 
single line to 2-line when available or 16-line now, it's not as hard as 
many seem to think.

A common concern is cost.  Certainly upgrading to the 16-line version of 
TBBS and buying the necessary hardware, although inexpensive by many 
measures, can put a real dent in the budget of many smaller systems or those 
that operate a BBS as a sideline or hobby.  But whether you're a one-person 
hobbyist, a small business or a major corporation, our 2-line version will 
make true multi-line too good a deal to pass up for most current single line 
systems.

How easy is it to install?

The Single Line to Multi-Line conversion has always been extremely simple.  
The software upgrade involves simply copying the revised executable program 
files from the TBBS release disks, making a brief edit to your RUNBBS.BAT 
batch file, then running CEDIT and saving the result (which will auto- 
convert your CONFIG.CTL configuration). That's it!  It's a simple process 
that takes just a few minutes.

If you'll be running 3 lines or more (with the 16- or 32-line versions) 
you'll also need to install a DigiBoard multi-port serial card.  For most 
systems this is a simple process; just follow the directions in the TBBS 
manual.  Some special situations will require a modest amount of additional 
time, but in all cases you'll just need some simple tools (a screwdriver or 
two) and less than an hour of your time.

Once you have additional serial ports and modems physically installed, you 
again run CEDIT to configure the additional lines, then test them with the 
MODEMSET program.  That's it - you're done! Connect your phone lines, and 
run the system.

If you'll be crossing versions at the same time (2.1 to 2.2 for example) 
other minor conversions may be necessary, but will either be automatic (part 
of the installation program) or a separately run program.  In either case, 
this step will take just a few extra minutes.

IMPORTANT:  You DO NOT NEED to reprogram, redesign or otherwise rework any 
of your existing system - menus, user information, message base, 
configurations and so on are either used as-is, or are automatically 
converted for you without any effort on your part!  The work you invest 
today WILL NOT be lost due to the upgrade process!

What about modems and serial ports?

For our upcoming TBBS 2.2M[2] 2-line release, you will not need a multi-port 
serial card.  You will need up to 2 conventional serial ports and/or 
internal modems, depending on whether you prefer external or internal 
models.  (HINT: With most external modems, problems are easier to diagnose 
because of their front-panel lights.  You'll also need external modems to 
grow beyond 2 lines at a later date.)  These ports -- normally COM1 and COM2 
-- must be on their own interrupt lines.  In most cases, this means that the 
2 ports you'll use for TBBS must be the only serial ports in the machine, 
otherwise interrupt conflicts will occur and TBBS will not work.  This 
prevents you from attaching serial printers, serial mice, etc. to the TBBS 
machine if you have both lines configured.

What about memory?

A 2-line system, even with options such as TDBS installed, will run in the 
base 640k of conventional memory in most cases.  You may need a very small 
amount of EMS (LIM exPANded memory) in some cases (several Expansion Modules 
installed or large defined message base parameters) but most systems will do 
just fine with 640k.

Does a local console signon take a line?

No.  This is no different in the upcoming 2-line than it has been for our 
older 16- and 32-line versions.  The local console is "line 0" and can be 
used IN ADDITION TO the outside lines.  For our 2-line version, you will be 
able to have up to 3 users online at once, 2 outside lines, plus a Sysop 
local console signon.

Do I need to upgrade my hardware?

Not usually.  An older 4.77 MHz PC or XT class machine will handle a 2-line 
system fine, as long as both lines are operating at 2400 bps or less.  If 
you wish to run two high speed, 9600 bps modems, you'll need slightly faster 
hardware (a turbo XT or an inexpensive 10 MHz 286 machine, for example).  If 
you plan on moving beyond 2 lines in the future, you may wish to upgrade to 
faster hardware now in preparation for later expansion, but you won't have 
to.

How do I get multiple lines from the telephone company?

Whether you're running 2 lines or 32 lines, this part of a multi-line system 
works the same way.  

You'll need to order the lines themselves, which are the same basic phone 
lines you would get for voice use.  Each line is independent, and will need 
to be terminated at a regular, RJ-11 style modular telephone jack, located 
near the system on which TBBS runs.  If you have 2 lines, you'll have 2 
jacks.  If you have 32 lines, you would have 32 telephone jacks.  

You'll also need to order "hunt group" or "rotary" service for the lines 
from the phone company.  This allows your callers to dial a single telephone 
number.  If that number is busy, it will "roll over" to the next available 
telephone line in the hunt group.  Your callers will only receive a busy 
signal if all lines in the group are busy.  There is normally a small 
monthly charge per line for this service.  Hint: purchasing metered service 
lines will reduce your phone bill substantially since you won't be making 
outgoing calls on the added lines. 

What about on-going maintenance?

Routine maintenance with a TBBS Multi-Line system is little (if any) 
different from TBBS Single Line.  Files areas, user accounts and system 
files are maintained the same way as Single Line, with the same familiar 
editors and third-party utilities.  Mail reading, a primary duty of most 
system operators, is made even easier because you can signon locally from 
the console without taking the system down.

What do I give up to go multi-line?

The only thing you really give up is transparent door capability, or what is 
commonly known as "Type 44" functions.  With multi-line, it is NOT possible 
to shell to DOS on a single line and run a utility or program.  Operations 
that require the use of a separate program must be done with the system 
offline.  You can still use Type 21 -- full exit to DOS -- but you will 
"kick off" all other users online at the time should you choose to use it.

When can I get on board with multi-line?

Now that you understand how simple multi-line really is, you're probably 
wondering when you can get started.  Our 2-line version will be released 
when TBBS 2.2 is available, currently projected to be in the July/August 
timeframe, although a specific release date has not yet been established.  
If you want to move from Single Line to the 2-line version for just $75, 
you'll need to wait until the new release is available.  If you want to get 
started today, or want more than just 2 lines, you can order the 16-line 
version of TBBS for just $595 (the upgrade price to move from TBBS Single 
Line to Multi-Line; TBBS 16-line retails for $895).  If you upgrade in size 
today, you will receive the same size TBBS 2.2 for free when it is released.

- END -
PS0591-7
Rev. 5/91

Copyright (C) 1994 eSoft, Inc., All Rights Reserved.  Permission granted
to distribute this file in its entirety, without modification, to any
interested party.  Any other use requires the written permission of
eSoft, Inc.

IMPORTANT:  The information herein is subject to change without notice.
Please call or write to confirm factual information of importance to you
or your organization.

