While the command structure for this TNC is identical to other TAPR-2 clones, there are subtle differences seen when it comes to setting up the mailbox so that it does what we want it to do. Just a word of caution before we begin. You will need the cooperation of your BBS's Sysop in order to do this. You should also re-read the cautions that appear in part 27. This is very important - improper operating can cause problems on your LAN. We will presume you have done this by now, and we can investigate what this TNC can do.
In addition to accepting your incoming mail, the Tiny-2 can forward personal messages to your local BBS so that it can pass them through the network to their destination. It will only forward messages that are specifically designated (marked) for forwarding. There is a provision for automatically marking messages for forwarding, though. In the Tny-2, forwarding is supposed to only take place during a "reverse forward" request. In order for your TNC to get this request, it must first be the recipient of a forwarding session from your BBS. In other words, your outgoing mail will only go out to your BBS if you have received mail from your BBS.
There is a provision for forwarding to one specific mailbox/BBS, so you can "beat the system" on this. We will cover all of the pertinent commands alphabetically, so that you can follow along in your manual easily.
AUTOFWD ON
This automatically marks messages for forwarding.
CLKSET OFF
This will not allow a BBS to update your TNC clock. You may use local time, the BBS UTC.
FORWARD
This is used to manually mark messages for forwarding. No need for this, AUTOFWD is ON.
FNPMS (call-sign)
The call-sign refers to the call-sign (not alias) of the node you will use to connect to your BBS. Only one is allowed. You may also use a digipeater (not recommended) after the node call.
FPMS (BBS Call-sign)
This will be the call-sign of the BBS you will exchange mail with.
HOMEBBS (BBS Call with hierachial address)
This is your home BBS. Although there is a provision for an SSID, SSID's are not used in the hierarchical BBS address scheme and are not used here.
KILLONFWD ON
Will delete any message from your mailbox that has been sent out of your mailbox and into the BBS.This will help keep the mailbox clear so that it can accept new messages.
NODETEXT (Text String)
This is the command you send to any node used to connect to your BBS. The TNC will use this the same way you do. If you connect to node WZ9APR-1 to get to the BBS WZ9APR-5, you send the node this command:
C WZ9APR-5
Your TNC has to use the same path, so the text string is C WZ9APR-5.
In addition to these commands, there are others that are optional and may want to change. These are:
3RDPARTY (ON) or (OFF)
This allows other people to use (and possibly abuse) your mailbox. If it is off, only select people are allowed use of your mailbox.
MSGHDR (Text String)
This allows a line with "From (Some call-sign)" to appear at the top of outgoig messages. This is a preference matter, but note that BBS messages normally have this data already.
MSGROUTE (ON) or (OFF)
This will allow the forwarding path to be displayed in the message.
RFNPMS (Node call-sign)
This is the node call-sign used to get to the BBS. It is similar to FNPMS, but is used only during forced (manual) "reverse forwarding".
RFPMS (ON) or (OFF)
This forces a reverse forward. It is an immediate-mode operator command, and asks your TNC to connect to a BBS to see if there is any mail waiting for it.
TKILLOK (ON) or (OFF)
Allows any NTS traffic originating at your station to be killed by anyone connecting to your mailbox. Of course, you should be familiar with the usual operating aspects of your TNC's mailbox before getting into this seriously.
And by all means, be sure to follow your BBS sysop's advice when setting
these parameters (even if they differ from mine!) because he or she knows
their system best. And after all, this is a cooperative effort between
you and the sysop. And that is what it takes to have a truly automatic
mail system - human cooperation.
On to Part 29 - Setting up a Kantronics KPC-3 TNC for mail forwarding
Back to Part 27 - General information about setting up a TNC to forward to a BBS
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