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FBB 7.00d software - Documentation
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1 BBS COMMANDS:
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Here is an overview of what the BBS-commands do:

? :
Reading the help file. Type ?[COMMAND] to obtain help on a basic
command.

> :

"Break" between channels. Type > [CALLSIGN] [TEXT] to send a text to a
connected callsign on another channel. The BBS will advice you that the text
has been delivered. This text cannot be longer than one line.
This command is not allowed in read-only mode.

= :
Connection between two channels. Type = [CALLSIGN] to get connected to a
callsign on another channel. The callsign can be connected only if it is not
busy in a command; the BBS should be idle (waiting for a command). If the
callsign is not available, you may either wait or you may cancel your 
request. The callsign currently busy in forwarding tasks cannot be 
connected. Use Ctrl-Z to leave this mode.
This command is not allowed in read-only mode.

! : Provide a short and minimal information on the BBS usage.

% : Use this command to see the status of all channels right now.

A : Abort the BBS output at any time.
When reading messages with paging, the commands N and C are available, too.
Use N to skip the reading of the rest of current message, and start on the
next message.
Use C to read the rest of the message(s) without paging. 

B or Bye :
Disconnects the BBS. Note that the "last listed" parametre is updated.
When the user does a "hard disconnect", the last-listed parametre is
NOT updated.

C : Enters the conference mode, multiconnection. 
CW: Shows a list of the callsigns involved in the current conference.

D :
Invokes the FBBDOS, or receives a file from the BBS if the command is followed
by a file name.

F : Switches to Server mode, and access to special commands.

G : Accesses the Gateway mode, if gateway is allowed in the BBS.

H : Shows short help. For help with specific commands, see the ? command.

I :
Information about this BBS. This command displays the file FRANCAIS.INF (or
another language depending upon the configuration and the language attributed
to the involved channel).

I callsign :
Gives the information on callsign taken from the white pages database.
Callsign can include wildcards.

ID : Shows how many records there are in the WP database.

I@ bbs : Gives the users of BBS found in the WP database.

IH route :
Gives the users of the hierarchical route area from WP database 
(wildcards allowed).

IZ Zip :
Gives the users of the ZIP code area from WP database (wildcards are
allowed).

J-commands list the callsigns heard by or connected on the BBS.
JK : Shows the last 20 connected callsigns.
JA : Connected callsigns on port A.
JB : Connected callsigns on port B, etc...
J1 : Heard callsigns on port A.
J2 : Heard callsigns on port B, etc...

K-commands delete messages sent by you or to you.
K msg# : Deletes a message identified by its number.
KM : Deletes all the messages addressed to you, that you don't yet 
read. The messages not read will not be deleted.

L : Lists the new messages since the last usage of this command.

LA : List messages with status A.

LB : Lists bulletins.

LC [mask] : 
List the messages which "TO" filed matches with mask. * (star) allows to
list all the messages and should be the default value. Type "LC *" to see
all messages. LC alone gives the current mask. Mask is recorded for each
user while disconnecting.

LD> YYMMDD : Lists the messages received after the specified date.

LD< YYMMDD : Lists the messages received before the specified date.

LF : List FORWARDED messages. 

LK : List KILLED messages. 

LM : Lists the messages TO YOU.

LN : Lists the NEW messages TO YOU.

LP : List PRIVATE messages. 

LU : Lists all unread messages to/from the user.

LX : List messages with status X.

LL 10: Lists the last 10 messages.

LR : Equivalent to L but the messages are listed in reverse order.

LS text : 
Searches for a text in the messages titles. Usage of wildcards is allowed.

L< Callsign :
Lists the message originated from [Callsign]. The wildcards are allowed.

L> Callsign :
Lists the messages destinated to [Callsign]. Wildcards are allowed.

L@ [BBS] :
Lists the messages VIA BBS if specified. L@ alone lists the message without
route. The wildcards are allowed.

L msg#- : Lists all messages, starting from msg#

L msg#-msg# : Lists messages between the given numbers.

M msg# File :
Transfers the text of the message msg# to the file File. This file will be
placed in the directory USERS or from the root in case of a SYSOP user.

MH msg# File : Identical, but the format is the R command.

MV msg# File : Identical, but the format is the V command.

MA msg# File :
Transfers the text of the message msg# to the file File. This file will be
placed in the directory USERS or from the root in case of a SYSOP user. The
message is appended to the existing file.

MHA msg# File :
Identical, but the format is the R command. The message is appended to the
file.

MVA msg# File :
Identical, but the format is the V command. The message is appended to the
file.

N : Enters or modifies the name (max 12 characters allowed).

NH :
Enters or modifies the Home BBS. A point deletes the current Home BBS.

NL : Enters or modifies the QRA locator.

NP : Modifies the password for the access via telephone modem.

NQ : Enters or modifies the city (Qth).

NZ : Enters or modifies the Zip Code.

O : Displays the setting of various options.

OL : Lists the available languages.

OL number : Selects a language.

ON : Shows the number-base for messages. See also ON number below.

ON number :
Defines the number of the thousand base for the messages. Example: ON 37
defines number 37000 as being the base for numbering the messages. Then the
command R 25 will cause the message 37025 to be read, although R 36025 will
actually read the message nr 36025.

OP : Validates or disables the scrolling of pages.

OP nbr of lines : Initializes the page scrolling

OR :
Validates or disables the ability to list all messages, if the user has 
access to the whole list of messages by default (See security code 256 of
INIT.SRV).

PG [program]:
PG alone gives the list of PG programs available in the BBS. If followed by
a program name gives the control to this program. The PG program can also be
called by its name. If the name is the same that an existing command, the
existing command will be replaced with the PG program.

PS : Gives the list of servers available in the BBS.

R-commands are for reading messages. Note:
When reading messages with paging, the commands N and C are available, too.
Use N to skip the reading of the rest of current message, and start on the
next message.
Use C to read the rest of the message(s) without paging. 

R msg# msg# : Reads the messages by their numbers.

RM : Reads all the messages to you.

RN : Reads all the NEW messages to you.

RU : Read all unread messages to/from you.

R> callsign : Read all messages to a callsign.

R< callsign : Read all messages from a callsign.

S[type] callsign :
Sends a message or a bulletin. If the type is not specified, it will be
processed as a private, provided the destination callsign is a valid one,
otherwise it will be considered as a bulletin.

SP callsign : Sends a private message.

S callsign @ BBSCALLSIGN :
Sends a message to a station AT another BBS through forward.
BBSCALLSIGN can be an address of hierarchical type, for example
F6FBB.FRA.EU. Type "SB ALL" to send a bulletin addressed to ALL. The
message must be terminated by a Ctl Z or /EX followed by a return. Warning:
the /EX must be in the first column.

SC Msg# Callsign @ BBSCALLSIGN :
Copies a message or bulletin to the specified callsign. Such a copy will
always be of the "personal" type.

SR [Msg# [title]] :
Replies to a message already read or formerly suppressed, or to a message
matching the specified number. If the title is not stated, it will be the
title of the read message, with the mention "Re:" placed ahead.

T :
Pages the SysOp. Should the SysOp not be available within a minute, you
will be advised accordingly and automatically returned to the normal BBS
menu.

TH : Gives access to the themes-zone. Lists messages by themes, as setup
in the file THEMES.SYS. Available commands in this zone, are
H (list themes)
L (list messages in current theme)
R msg# (read message in current theme)
number (change to theme#)
U :
Uploads a file from the user to the server of the BBS. The file will be
written in the root directory of the FBBDOS. The U command is to be typed
at the BBS prompt, it is not necessary to go to FBBDOS first.

V :
Version number of this BBS software. It gives also the number of active
messages, and the next message number.

V msg# msg# :
Reads the messages by their numbers, including the headers.

VM : Reads all the messages TO you, including the headers.

VN : Reads all the NEW messages TO you, including the headers.

W :
Lists the files which are within the user directory. This command can be
followed by a mask specifying search criteria or a directory name; in the
latter case, the directory contents will be listed.

X :
Toggles "normal" or "expert" status. "Normal" grants the extended menus,
"expert" provides only minimal information.

Y :
Binary transfer program using the YAPP protocol. As a user, you should also
have the YAPP protocol available your end, in order to be able to transfer
binary data.

YD File : Downloads a file FROM the BBS TO you.

YI [mask] : Lists the available binary files, and their description.

YN [mask] : Lists the NEW binary files since your last connection.

YU File :
Uploads a binary file from you TO the BBS. You cannot replace or
modify an already existing file.

YW [mask] : Lists the available binary files.

YZ Filename : Deletes the specified filename in the YAPP directory.

Z Filename : Deletes the specified filename in the user directory.


2 SERVER -MODE:
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The server commands are gathered in groups.

C : Connections - Statistics.
D : Documentation.
Q : QTH locator.
N : Ham Callsigns Directory ("Call-Book").
T : Satellite orbits computation.

F : Switches back to BBS mode.
B : Quit and disconnects


3 CONNECTIONS-statistics.
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Statistical data about the operation of the Server and the Traffic Log.

O : Activity of the different groups. Percentage of usage for the 
different activities.
G : Global statistics.
- Number of active messages.
- Number of connections.
- Time of connections.
- Peak traffic periods.
L : Lists the connections (Traffic Log). For each and every connection,
the channel - callsign - date and time - as well as the connection
duration are indicated. These informations are listed in reverse
chronological order.
H : Hourly usage.
J : Daily usage.
I : Users Callsign list.
List of the callsigns that have connected the server. This list is 
given in alphanumeric order.

F : Switches back to the Server main menu.
B : Quit and Disconnect.


4 DOCUMENTATION-server.
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You will find under these comments the information or documentations given
by various hams.

The documentation is organized like the image of a tree structure whose root
is defined in INIT.SRV (C:\DOCS). The directories represent the topics and
the files represent the documentation.

The selection of the topics or the documentation is made through numeral
command. The menu is presented with the form of one or several numbers
followed with their description (topics or documentations).

In the case of topics, the description corresponds to the name of the MsDos
directory. This name is eleven characters long, the dot between the name and
the extension will not appear. It is possible also to simulate the space
character with an underscore character.

In the case of documentation files, a label of 30 characters is associated
to the name of the MsDos file. The label only will be presented to the user.
To optimize the fill up of the screen, each line will contain two labels.

In the case of a user, given the right of SYSOP, the display will be
different. One line will contain only the name of the MsDos file followed by
its label.

L: L gives the list of the documentation on the current chapter.

D: Labelling of the files is made by the command D, reserved to SYSOP, or
automated through the NEWDOC server (See paragraph SERVERS, NEWDOC).
Example : D BBS.DOC Documentation of the BBS.

F : Switches back to the Server main menu.
B : Quit and Disconnect.


5 QTH-locator server:
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The QTH locator is made of 2 letters, 2 figures, and 2 letters yielding the
geographical coordinates of a station. You can translate the QTH locator into
Longitude/Latitude or vice-versa, compute the distance and azimuth between two
QTH locator or compute your Log-Sheets for contests 
(adding together distances).


Q : Converts one QTH Locator into Longitude and Latitude. The West longitude
and North latitude are given in degrees minutes, or grades.

D : Distance and Azimuth computation between two QTH Locators.
Computation of the distance and azimuth between two QTH Locators. The
distance is given in Kilometers and the azimuth in degrees.

C : Computation of the distance and azimuth between two QTH Locators. 
The distance is given in Kilometers and the azimuth in degrees.

L : Converts the Longitude and Latitude into QTH Locator. The west longitude
and north latitude can be given in degrees, degrees minutes,
or grades.

F : Switches back to the Server main menu.
B : Quit and Disconnect.


6 Callsigns-directory.
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You will find in this module the information that the users will have
accepted to leave there: name, first name, address, phone number, etc...
You will be able, as well, to update your own various information.

N : Modify your name and address.
R : Search for information about a user.
I : List the connected callsigns.
N : Modify your name and address. If the information in the file is
erroneous, or should they have changed, you can modify them with this
command. A space or a return as an answer to the question will not 
modify the content. If the content of the file is correct, 
you can skip modification by replying N to the modification request.
R : Search for information about a user. If the user is known in the file,
you will get information about him. You can concatenate the callsign
of the user who is searched for behind the command.
Ex.: R F6FBB will give information about F6FBB.
I : List the callsigns of the users who are connected the server. This 
list is sorted in an alphanumeric order.

F : Switches back to the Server main menu.
B : Quit and Disconnect.


7 Satellite orbits server:
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Satellite orbital parameters computation, and satellite characteristics.

P : Display of orbital parameters. Selected satellite orbital parameters 
display. These parameters will be used for the computation.
C : Amateur Satellites characteristics.
F : Switches back to Server main menu.
T : Satellite orbital computation.
M : Manual editing of orbital elements.

To select a satellite, type the number (a list of the satellites can be
obtained with the command L instead of the number). Once the satellite has
been selected, you will have to supply the date and the time to be taken into
account for the computation. If you only answer with a return character, the
current date (or time) will be taken. The geographical position is the QTH
Locator of the connected user, if it is known in the file. Otherwise, the QTH
Locator of the server will be used as a default. Depending on the satellites,
the computation step can be variable, and one line of parameters will be
displayed per step. This line corresponds to a minimal elevation of -5 degree
s, that means the satellite 5 degrees below the horizon.


F : Switches back to the Server main menu.
B : Quit and Disconnect.


8 FBBDOS COMMANDS:
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The syntax of the various FBBDOS commands is very close to that of 
MsDos(R).

Several specific commands have been added: PUT and GET for ASCII file
transfers. XPUT, YPUT and XGET, YGET for binary file transfers.

EDIT command for ASCII files editing.

When entering FBBDOS, the prompt shows the virtual directory in which the
user is located. There is no physical drive concept (A, C, etc...), the user
is situated in a directory defined in the INIT.SRV file; this directory
becomes the root of the available directory tree. Should the user be a SYSOP,
and if he successfully validated his privileges using the SYS command, the
root of FBBDOS will be the root of the current drive.

A file created by a user belongs to this user.
Only the owner of the file, or a SYSOP granted writing privileges (SYS
command) are permitted to delete or modify this file.

BGET file :
A binary file is downloaded from the BBS. The Autobin protocol is used.

BPUT file :
A binary file is uploaded to the BBS. The Autobin protocol is used. 

CD directory :
Changes the active directory. This command allows you to move within the
directory tree by changing the active directory. "CD.." changes back by one
directory "upstream" towards the root.

COPY Origin Destination :
Copies a file into another file. If the destination file already exists, it
must belong to the user.

DEL file :
Deletes a file. A file cannot be deleted if it does not belong to the user.

DIR [mask] :
Displays all the files contained in the directory or these corresponding to
the mask if it is specified. If the mask matches a directory name, the
content of this directory will be listed.

DOS Program Arguments :
Allows a remote SYSOP (after SYS command) to run a DOS program. This program
can not expect keyboard input. A list of arguments can be specified. The
output to the screen will be send to the remote SYSOP at the completion of
the program. If the program expects inputs, after a time-out of 2'45, it will
be aborted (if possible) and the normal operation will resume.

DU [mask] : Gives the size of the tree, and local used disk.

EDIT file :
Edition of a text file, using the line editor. If the file already exists,
it must belong to the user. Instructions on how to use the line editor is
in a seperat section of this documentation.

EXIT : Exit FBBDOS and return to the BBS or server.

GET file :
Displays the content of an ASCII file. Such a display is never scrolled by
pages, and ends with a Ctrl-Z, thus allowing ASCII file transfers from the
BBS to the user.

LIST mask :
Displays all the files contained in the directory or these matching the mask
specified. if the mask matches a directory name, the content of this
directory will be listed. Each line displays the filename and a descriptive
comment (cf YI command).

MD directory :
Creates a new directory. The new directory is appended next to the current
directory.

O : Display various options.

OL : Lists the available languages.

OL number : To select a language.

OP : Validates or disables the scrolling of pages.

OP nbr of lines : Set how many lines per page in page scrolling.

PRIV :
Access to a private directory (or return to Fbb-Dos directories). Each user
can have access to a private directory provided it has been defined by the
SYSOP (I.E. EU command). Several users may share a private directory.

PUT file :
Accepts an ASCII file from a user. The file must end with a Ctrl-Z to be
validated. If the file already exists, it should belong to the user.

RD directory :
Deletes a directory. A directory cannot be deleted as long as it is not
empty.

TYPE file :
Displays the content of an ASCII file. Eventually, this list can be scrolled
by pages.

VIEW mask :
Displays the content of all the archive files contained in the directory and
corresponding to the specified mask. 
For DosFBB and WinFBB: This function uses the FV.COM shareware.
Thanks to the authors of this last one.
In LinFBB: VIEW command of LINUX version calls FBB_VIEW program. (or any 
program defined by the variable $FBB_VIEW). fbb_view may be a shell script.


WHERE filename :
Command to find one or more files in FBBDos. Wildcards are allowed.

XGET file [offset]:
Only via telephone-modem:
A binary file is downloaded from the BBS. The Xmodem protocol is used. This command
works only on a PSTN modem port. If offset is specified, download will start
from offset.

X1GET file : Same as above, with 1K-Xmodem protocol.

XPUT file :
Only via telephone-modem:
A binary file is uploaded to the BBS. The Xmodem protocol is used. This command
works only on a PSTN modem port.

YGET file :
A binary file is downloaded from BBS. 
Via radio:
Both YAPP and YAPC protocols may be used. 
Via telephone-modem:
YGET starts the YMODEM, YMODEM-batch or YMODEM-G protocols.

YPUT file :
A binary file is uploaded to the BBS. 
Via radio:
Both YAPP and YAPC protocols may be used.
Via telephone-modem:
YPUT starts the YMODEM protocole. This is NOT available if the BBS is
running DosFBB !

ZGET file :
Only via telephone-modem:
ZGET starts download from the BBS using the YMODEM, YMODEM-batch or 
YMODEM-G protocols.

ZPUT file :
Only via telephone-modem:
YPUT starts upload to the BBS using the YMODEM protocole. This is NOT 
available if the BBS is running DosFBB !

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