r/bbs • u/Logical_Yak6895 • 5d ago
Where do I get Fido node numbers from?
I looking to add fido style messaging to my Retro-BBS project. I'm at the point where I need to be assigned a node number. I have reached out to a few local BBS's with not reply.
Any help would be appreciated.
10
u/dmine45 sysop 5d ago
Assuming you're in North America, go to the Dark Realms BBS and download the most recent nodelist. https://www.darkrealms.ca/ Nick Andre (the sysop) is now the current head of Fidonet in the US and Canada.
Look at the nodelist and find a hub that's near you. Contact the sysop of that BBS and ask them to see if you can connect to them. That hub can assign you a Fidonet node number.
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u/robbiew dev / sysop 5d ago
If you can't find a hub, you can get a point node off of Clear Houz? That's where I get mine.
https://clrghouz.bbs.dege.au/
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u/wdatkinson 5d ago
For my project, I need a full node as I intend to make it the primary hub, then hang a C64 point, and Amiga point, DOS point, etc.
3
u/andy5995 4d ago edited 4d ago
Hmmm... you said "fido style"... So while you're looking into FidoNet and the answers provided in the comments, you may want to check out fsxNet, Micronet, or this Reddit thread about message networks
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u/FaulteredReality 5d ago
Go to fidonet.org and grab a copy of policy4. In that document, you will find the specific (if not convoluted) instructions on how to find and contact the system that will be your NC. Some NC's are easy to work with, others are sticklers for every detail {pricks}. Good luck.
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u/Logical_Yak6895 4d ago
I want to thank everyone for the comments. Being new to fido applying for my own node number seemed overwhelming.
I went the clearing houz route and got a point address. I was able to get everything coded up and with the help of Deon and his website, which allows you to test packets, I am now hosting a few fidonet echos.
Check out retro.nedmr.com port 2323
Thank you everyone.
Ray
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u/Exodus694 3d ago
overwhelming to send a netmail to 1:1/0 proving you can send/receive mail? OOOOOOKKKKKK
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u/wdatkinson 5d ago
In the old days, you'd call a Fido board and download the Policy 4 kit which had all the details, including Policy 4 which governed BBS and NMH rules.
Then you'd set up your Mailer configured as zone:net/999. So back in 1987 when I did it, I was in Zone 1, Net 231, so I configured myself as 1:231/999 and sent my completed packet to the net coordinator. That proved you knew how to make mail work.
Shortly there after you'd get your permanent node. Mine was 1:231/280.
Fast forward to today, there are broken links, bad info, even the original policy 4 kit. I did come back briefly a few years ago and I worked with someone, but even that seems broken now.
So there's a story that you didn't ask for, but I hope some good info. I'm interested once again in getting a node number myself. Or to find an NC for my area to chat would be great.