On Mar 26, 2026 09:31am, NIGHTFOX wrote to MORTAR:

No, it can connect to, say, a BBS to download a QWK

packet. As a BBS

user, you can often download a QWK packet from a BBS to

use it with an

offline reader; SlyMail allows you to do that from

within SlyMail - It

can connect to a remote system via FTP or SSH, and that

system would

usually be a BBS, and it lets you select a QWK packet to

download, and

then read.

Therein lies the rub. Some systems (like mine) do not offer
a qwk/rep via ftp capability, so to some of us it would be a
worthless tool. Now if you could add in telnet with zmodem
ability that'd be best.

Just my $0.02 worth.
---
þ wcQWK 10.0 ÷ Over The Brink ¦ Grand Island, NY USA | brinkbbs.org

Re: RE: New offline QWK mail
By: Robert Wolfe to NIGHTFOX on Thu Mar 26 2026 02:35 pm

Therein lies the rub. Some systems (like mine) do not offer a qwk/rep via ftp capability, so to some of us it would be a worthless tool. Now if you could add in telnet with zmodem ability that'd be best.

Adding a built-in telnet client to SlyMail, with the ability to download files, seems like it could be a big task. I don't think SlyMail would be a worthless tool, as you could still use SlyMail for its offline QWK reader capabilities - That's what it is first, and I figured the built-in functionality to download via FTP/SSH would be an added convenience.

Nightfox

---
þ Synchronet þ Digital Distortion: digitaldistortionbbs.com

Hey Robert!

On Thu, 26 Mar 2026 14:35:00 +0000, you wrote:

Therein lies the rub. Some systems (like mine) do not offer
a qwk/rep via ftp capability, so to some of us it would be a
worthless tool. Now if you could add in telnet with zmodem
ability that'd be best.

Can Multimail use telnet with zmodem? How about Bluewave?

It's just a "feature" of SlyMail since I believe FTP is the most common way to upload/download QWK/REP packets, it does not need to be used. You can download the QWK packet via telnet with zmodem yourself, and open the QWK packet with SlyMail once you have it, just like you would with Multimail or Bluewave (or probably any other offline QWK readers.

Regards,
Nick

... Sarcasm: because beating people up is illegal.
--- GoldED+/LNX 1.1.5-b20260304
* Origin: _thePharcyde telnet://bbs.pharcyde.org (Wisconsin) (723:1/1)
þ Synchronet þ _thePharcyde telnet://bbs.pharcyde.org (Wisconsin)

Re: RE: New offline QWK mail
By: Robert Wolfe to NIGHTFOX on Thu Mar 26 2026 02:35 pm
Adding a built-in telnet client to SlyMail, with the ability to download files, seems like it could be a big task. I don't think SlyMail would be a worthless tool, as you could still use SlyMail for its offline QWK reader capabilities - That's what it is first, and I figured the built-in functionality to download via FTP/SSH would be an added convenience.

I'm replying to this with SlyMail. not sure what the above quote will look like, as it doesn't wrap on screen.

Couple suggestions:

an option to only show areas with new mail. and/or possibly highlight areas that have mail in the area list.

There's definitely some cursor wonkyness related to the wordwrap line above. If I put my cursor on the end of the
line (it cuts off at "big tas") the cursor shows up in the bottom right of the window. if I try to edit though,
the line splits.


I also saw a blank message from you in this area from earlier today. SlyMail showed it as a reply to some other
message, but when I tried to turn on headers, it showed most everything was blank. There was no "to" or "subject"
listed either. I wish I would have screenshotted it, but apparently I overwrote the qwk packet when I downloaded
the one containing the message I'm replying to now.

Also, that's something MM does, maybe when downloading a qwk packet, it can rename the older one (or the newer
one)?

Not sure if I'm being helpful or not :) None of these are complaints, just things I noticed. So far, it's pretty
kick-ass. I love the theming!


...When I die, I'm leaving my body to science fiction.

---
þ Synchronet þ War Ensemble BBS - The sport is war, total war - warensemble.com

One more thing - the ability to download a qwk packet via ftp is great. But the ability to upload a rep packet
would be great too :) (I didn't see an option for upload)

...What's the speed of dark?

---
þ Synchronet þ War Ensemble BBS - The sport is war, total war - warensemble.com

Re: Re: RE: New offline QWK m
By: DaiTengu to Nightfox on Thu Mar 26 2026 07:09 pm

Thanks for the reply. What version of SlyMail were you using? I released a version 0.52 this afternoon (March 26).

Nightfox

---
þ Synchronet þ Digital Distortion: digitaldistortionbbs.com

Re: Re: RE: New offline QWK m
By: DaiTengu to Nightfox on Thu Mar 26 2026 07:10 pm

One more thing - the ability to download a qwk packet via ftp is great. But the ability to upload a rep packet
would be great too :) (I didn't see an option for upload)

I added that in version 0.52, which was released today.

It sounds like you were using version 0.51 or 0.50? If so, that may explain some of the wrapping, quoting, and cursor wonkyness you mentioned. I'd recommend updating to the latest version and trying that out.

Nightfox

---
þ Synchronet þ Digital Distortion: digitaldistortionbbs.com

Re: Re: RE: New offline QWK m
By: DaiTengu to Nightfox on Thu Mar 26 2026 07:10 pm

One more thing - the ability to download a qwk packet via ftp is great. But the ability to upload a rep packet
would be great too :) (I didn't see an option for upload)

Also, SlyMail version 0.52 (which I released earlier today) has an option to upload a REP packet. :)

Nightfox

---
þ Synchronet þ Digital Distortion: digitaldistortionbbs.com

Hi Accession,
In a message to Robert Wolfe you wrote:

It's just a "feature" of SlyMail since I believe FTP is the most
common way to upload/download QWK/REP packets, it does not need to be
used. You can download the QWK packet via telnet with zmodem yourself,
and open the QWK packet with SlyMail once you have it, just like you
would with Multimail or Bluewave (or probably any other offline QWK readers.

I use that feature on your BBS every day. I wrote a program that:

1) Polls Fidonet and tosses those packets.
2) connects to your FTP site and downloads a QWK
3) Imports QWK into squish base.

When I close the offline reader it then:

4) Scans for any messages I wrote and if it finds them creates a REP
for those networks, or runs HPT scan etc for fidonet.
5) Sends fidonet mail if any.
6) Connects via FTP to your BBS and uploads a REP if it exists.

All done automatically so for me it's great since in the summer I operate
on limited bandwith when I'm in the woods.

So IMO if anyone wants to use offline mail a Synchronet BBS that's
configured to allow FTP is the perfect solution.

... Hell hath no fury like a bureaucrat scorned.


* SeM. 2.26 * paranoia: believing this tagline is about you.
---
þ Synchronet þ _thePharcyde telnet://bbs.pharcyde.org (Wisconsin)

Looks fantastic, well done. Exciting to see more offline mail readers and BBS server packages enter the scene!
---

The one I am waiting for is the one that looks like its discord and
titan mail had a baby.

***wcTaglines: Go Indians! And take the Browns with you.
---
þ wcQWK 10.0 ÷ Inland Utopia * iutopia.duckdns.org:2323

Re: RE: New offline QWK mail
By: Robert Wolfe to NIGHTFOX on Thu Mar 26 2026 02:35 pm

Therein lies the rub. Some systems (like mine) do not offer
a qwk/rep via ftp capability, so to some of us it would be a
worthless tool. Now if you could add in telnet with zmodem
ability that'd be best.

MultiMail doesn't have telnet/zmodem either, that means MultiMail is worthless? --
digital man (rob)

Sling Blade quote #19:
Doyle: I can't so much as drink a damn glass of water around a midget
Norco, CA WX: 64.9øF, 74.0% humidity, 0 mph NNW wind, 0.00 inches rain/24hrs ---
þ Synchronet þ Vertrauen þ Home of Synchronet þ [vert/cvs/bbs].synchro.net

On 3/27/2026 10:39 PM, DIGITAL MAN wrote to Robert Wolfe:

Re: RE: New offline QWK mail
By: Robert Wolfe to NIGHTFOX on Thu Mar 26 2026 02:35 pm

Therein lies the rub. Some systems (like mine) do not offer
a qwk/rep via ftp capability, so to some of us it would be a
worthless tool. Now if you could add in telnet with zmodem
ability that'd be best.

MultiMail doesn't have telnet/zmodem either, that means MultiMail is worthless?

not at all. I used Multimail back in the day.
---
þ wcQWK 10.0 ÷ Over The Brink ¦ Grand Island, NY USA | brinkbbs.org

Robert Wolfe wrote to DIGITAL MAN <=-

On 3/27/2026 10:39 PM, DIGITAL MAN wrote to Robert Wolfe:

Therein lies the rub. Some systems (like mine) do not offer
a qwk/rep via ftp capability, so to some of us it would be a
worthless tool. Now if you could add in telnet with zmodem
ability that'd be best.

MultiMail doesn't have telnet/zmodem either, that means MultiMail is

worthless?

not at all. I used Multimail back in the day.

MultiMail is probably the most widely used offline reader in use TODAY.



... Gone crazy, be back later, please leave message.
--- MultiMail/Linux v0.52
þ Synchronet þ Palantir BBS * palantirbbs.ddns.net * Pensacola, FL

Re: Re: RE: New offline QWK m
By: DaiTengu to Nightfox on
Thu Mar 26 2026 07:10 pm
I added that in version 0.52, which was released today.
It sounds like you were using version 0.51 or 0.50? If so, that may explain some of the wrapping, quoting, and cursor wonkyness you
mentioned. I'd recommend updating to the latest version and trying
that out.

Ok yeah, I was using 0.50. 0.52 seems better thus far. I'll see how the QWK download/upload stuff goe.
Still, it's pretty neat to have a new modern-esque QWK reader :)

...Power corrupts. Absolute power is kinda neat, though.

---
þ Synchronet þ War Ensemble BBS - The sport is war, total war - warensemble.com

Re: Re: New offline QWK mail
By: Gamgee to Robert Wolfe on Sat Mar 28 2026 09:51 am

MultiMail doesn't have telnet/zmodem either, that means MultiMail is

worthless?

MultiMail is probably the most widely used offline reader in use TODAY.

Right. It was a rhetorical question. :-)
--
digital man (rob)

Breaking Bad quote #9:
"Cheesedick" - I know that one [word]. How about that? - Hank Schrader
Norco, CA WX: 83.8øF, 34.0% humidity, 8 mph W wind, 0.00 inches rain/24hrs
---
þ Synchronet þ Vertrauen þ Home of Synchronet þ [vert/cvs/bbs].synchro.net

Re: RE: New offline QWK mail
By: Robert Wolfe to DIGITAL MAN on Sat Mar 28 2026 07:38 am

On 3/27/2026 10:39 PM, DIGITAL MAN wrote to Robert Wolfe:

Re: RE: New offline QWK mail
By: Robert Wolfe to NIGHTFOX on Thu Mar 26 2026 02:35 pm

Therein lies the rub. Some systems (like mine) do not offer
a qwk/rep via ftp capability, so to some of us it would be a
worthless tool. Now if you could add in telnet with zmodem
ability that'd be best.

MultiMail doesn't have telnet/zmodem either, that means MultiMail is worthless?

not at all. I used Multimail back in the day.

You can't complain about how other things are worthless to your bbs software when your software has had such a bad track record with several things.
The cost, the lack of development, and limitations have gone on for a very long Time with winserver.


--
"Before using Wildcat....This Company did not have a convenient way of
looking after some of the richest clients in the world...Now we do!"

President of BBS Sysop's Union +++ https://bbses.info/union
---
þ Synchronet þ ::: BBSES.info - free BBS services :::

Digital Man wrote to Gamgee <=-

Re: Re: New offline QWK mail
By: Gamgee to Robert Wolfe on Sat Mar 28 2026 09:51 am

MultiMail doesn't have telnet/zmodem either, that means MultiMail is worthless?

MultiMail is probably the most widely used offline reader in use TODAY.

Right. It was a rhetorical question. :-)

Oops, yes... I was in a hurry and thought I was replying to the other
guy, after his reference of having used it "back in the day"... ;-)



... Gone crazy, be back later, please leave message.
--- MultiMail/Linux v0.52
þ Synchronet þ Palantir BBS * palantirbbs.ddns.net * Pensacola, FL

Re: Re: New offline QWK mail
By: Gamgee to Digital Man on Sat Mar 28 2026 08:21 pm

Right. It was a rhetorical question. :-)

Oops, yes... I was in a hurry and thought I was replying to the other
guy, after his reference of having used it "back in the day"... ;-)

You did. :-)
--
digital man (rob)

This Is Spinal Tap quote #33:
Nigel Tufnel: Well, so what? What's wrong with bein' sexy?
Norco, CA WX: 78.0øF, 34.0% humidity, 8 mph W wind, 0.00 inches rain/24hrs
---
þ Synchronet þ Vertrauen þ Home of Synchronet þ [vert/cvs/bbs].synchro.net

Re: New offline QWK mail
By: Tiny to Accession on Fri Mar 27 2026 06:23 am

All done automatically so for me it's great since in the summer I operate
on limited bandwith when I'm in the woods.

Off topic, but is cost an issue there? I heard something recently about Starlink service.. after signing up, there's some super cheap option that basically just keeps your account active and gives you a very throttled/slow connection, which I think is unlimited. The "mini" kit was recently on sale for around 200-250usd. Sounds like something I'd try if I was in the boonies.

---
þ Synchronet þ TIRED of waiting 2 hours for a taco? GO TO TACOPRONTO.bbs.io

Hi Phigan,
On <Mon, 29 Mar 26>, you wrote me:

Off topic, but is cost an issue there? I heard something recently
about Starlink service.. after signing up, there's some super cheap

I don't really need a full internet connection when I'm relaxing. ;)

... Honk if you love peace and quiet!


* SeM. 2.26 * If Trump slaps a tariff on Canadian maple syrup... It's gonna ---
þ Synchronet þ _thePharcyde telnet://bbs.pharcyde.org (Wisconsin)

Re: New offline QWK mail
By: Tiny to Phigan on Mon Mar 30 2026 05:45 am

I don't really need a full internet
connection when I'm relaxing. ;)

I would go as far as to say that an
internet connection actively sabotages
relaxation.


--Just Post, World Is A Fuck!--

This Quality Shit-Post Brought
To You Via Commodore 64 Ultimate

---
þ Synchronet þ Vertrauen þ Home of Synchronet þ [vert/cvs/bbs].synchro.net

Tiny wrote to Phigan <=-

Off topic, but is cost an issue there? I heard something recently
about Starlink service.. after signing up, there's some super cheap

I don't really need a full internet connection when I'm relaxing. ;)

There's a lot to be said for sneakernet and QWK packets. Before I fly
anywhere, I'd download a qwk packet and respond at my leisure.



--- MultiMail/Win v0.52
þ Synchronet þ .: realitycheckbbs.org :: scientia potentia est :.

Re: New offline QWK mail
By: Tiny to Phigan on Mon Mar 30 2026 05:45 am

I don't really need a full internet connection when I'm relaxing. ;)

...as opposed to a partial internet connection? I'm not sure what "full internet connection" means? :P

Nightfox

---
þ Synchronet þ Digital Distortion: digitaldistortionbbs.com

Off topic, but is cost an issue there? I heard something recently
about Starlink service.. after signing up, there's some super cheap

I don't really need a full internet connection when I'm relaxing. ;)

Might be more relaxing to *not* have one. ;)


* SLMR 2.1a * I was a tall person before I used PKZIP...!
---
þ Synchronet þ CAPCITY2 * Capitol City Online

There's a lot to be said for sneakernet and QWK packets. Before I fly
anywhere, I'd download a qwk packet and respond at my leisure.

It was fun bbsing in a different country. I was calling bbses 5000 miles
away from home.


***wcTaglines: Bell announces, FREE call waiti¨ng"‘¨*ž8>˜
---
­ wcQWK 10.0 ­ Inland Utopia * iutopia.duckdns.org:2323

Re: Re: New offline QWK mail
By: Matthew Munson to POINDEXTER FORTRAN on Mon Mar 30 2026 08:36 pm

It was fun bbsing in a different country. I was calling bbses 5000 miles away from home.

I only ever called a long-distance BBS once or twice, and it was a company's BBS, where I was looking for something (perhaps an updated driver or something, I don't remember for sure).

These days, though, I've heard the BBS scene is still popular in China, due to China's policy of censoring things online (people can go under the radar with BBSes, as China hasn't censored them yet, apparently). I've been curious to call some, though I don't read Chinese.

Nightfox

---
þ Synchronet þ Digital Distortion: digitaldistortionbbs.com

Re: Re: New offline QWK mail
By: Matthew Munson to POINDEXTER FORTRAN on Mon Mar 30 2026 20:36:00

There's a lot to be said for sneakernet and QWK packets. Before I fly
anywhere, I'd download a qwk packet and respond at my leisure.

It was fun bbsing in a different country. I was calling bbses 5000 miles away from home.

***wcTaglines: Bell announces, FREE call waiti­ng"­­*­8>­

It is still fun. The message centers are still the most fun thing to enjoy on aBBS other than some of the 'door' games. Have fun with it!

Rixter,
telnet://ricksbbs.synchro.net:23
http://ricksbbsy.synchro.net:8080
IRC www.irccloud.com/irc/ricksbbs/channel/ricksbbs

---
þ Synchronet þ themegabbs.ddns.net 6400

Re: Re: New offline QWK mail
By: poindexter FORTRAN to Tiny on Mon Mar 30 2026 07:09 am

Tiny wrote to Phigan <=-

Off topic, but is cost an issue there? I heard something recently
about Starlink service.. after signing up, there's some super cheap

I don't really need a full internet connection when I'm relaxing. ;)

There's a lot to be said for sneakernet and QWK packets. Before I fly
anywhere, I'd download a qwk packet and respond at my leisure.

I can imagine an offline mail reader would be good for travel. If you HAVE to see the messages. Sometimes you cannot always be connected. What QWK program do you use? We had starlink here for about a year at 120.00 a month. It was ok. The spectrum cable ran a line out to the sticks here 5 years ago and 1gb service for 99.99 a month. I am very happy with it so far. We are in the mountains and whenever weather tanked so did the starlink and we had to use t mobiles mobile hotspot for back up and at best it was 10mbsp down and 1.8 up at best. Maybe it was mbps :) better than nothing. I think T-mobile was the worst one we used ever. The cable RARELY gives us issue and we just added a hotspot plan to our verizon phone account now for just in cases. I can see the QWK coming in handy for quick message grabs and sends during bad weather events or travel.
Rixter
telnet://ricksbbs.synchro.net:23
http://ricksbbs.synchro.net:8080
IRC www.irccloud.com/irc/ricksbbs/channel/ricksbbs

---
þ Synchronet þ Rick's BBS telnet://ricksbbs.synchro.net:23

Re: Re: New offline QWK mail
By: Rixter to poindexter FORTRAN on Mon Apr 06 2026 06:57 am

I can imagine an offline mail reader would be good for travel. If you HAVE t see the messages. Sometimes you cannot always be connected. What QWK program you use? We had starlink here for about a year at 120.00 a month. It was ok. The spectrum cable ran a line out to the sticks here 5 years ago and 1gb service for 99.99 a month. I am very happy with it so far. We are in the mountains and whenever weather tanked so did the starlink and we had to use mobiles mobile hotspot for back up and at best it was 10mbsp down and 1.8 up best. Maybe it was mbps :) better than nothing. I think T-mobile was the wor one we used ever. The cable RARELY gives us issue and we just added a hotspo plan to our verizon phone account now for just in cases. I can see the QWK coming in handy for quick message grabs and sends during bad weather events travel.
Rixter

Yes, but zmodem is a bit flaky over TCP sometimes.

One protocol which is good for asynchronous transfer and "sometimes on" connecctions is NNCP. It is based on UUCP, Unix-Unix copy, but incorporates encryption and can be mixed with over-the-wire transfers and physical transfer f media.

---
þ Synchronet þ MS & RD BBs - bbs.mozysswamp.org

Re: Re: New offline QWK mail
By: Boraxman to Rixter on Tue Apr 07 2026 10:42 pm

Yes, but zmodem is a bit flaky over TCP sometimes.

It certainly shouldn't be and if/when it is, I'd blame the implementation, not the protocol.
--
digital man (rob)

Steven Wright quote #35:
If your car could travel at the speed of light, would your headlights work Norco, CA WX: 78.9øF, 42.0% humidity, 5 mph W wind, 0.00 inches rain/24hrs
---
þ Synchronet þ Vertrauen þ Home of Synchronet þ [vert/cvs/bbs].synchro.net

Hi Boraxman,
In a message to Rixter you wrote:

Yes, but zmodem is a bit flaky over TCP sometimes.

I've never had a problem with zmodem over TCP. Over the years I've
run some pretty out there config's with virtual pc's, emulation,
various hacks to run x86 on arm etc etc. Also use a really old and
broken phone as my internet connection when in the woods and in umpteen
years of doing this I've only ever lost a QWK packet due to user error
never due to zmodem. (Sure sometimes, there are so many errors in the
download that it keeps restarting, but it does eventually complete!)

One protocol which is good for asynchronous transfer and "sometimes
on" connecctions is NNCP. It is based on UUCP, Unix-Unix copy, but incorporates encryption and can be mixed with over-the-wire transfers
and physical transfer

I will check NNCP out though as it sounds interesting.

... Photographers do it with a shutter.


* SeM. 2.26 * If Trump slaps a tariff on Canadian maple syrup... It's gonna ---
þ Synchronet þ _thePharcyde telnet://bbs.pharcyde.org (Wisconsin)

Re: Re: New offline QWK mail
By: Tiny to Boraxman on Wed Apr 08 2026 05:28 am

Hi Boraxman,
In a message to Rixter you wrote:

Yes, but zmodem is a bit flaky over TCP sometimes.

I've never had a problem with zmodem over TCP. Over the years I've
run some pretty out there config's with virtual pc's, emulation,
various hacks to run x86 on arm etc etc. Also use a really old and
broken phone as my internet connection when in the woods and in
umpteen years of doing this I've only ever lost a QWK packet due to
user error never due to zmodem. (Sure sometimes, there are so many
errors in the download that it keeps restarting, but it does
eventually complete!)

One protocol which is good for asynchronous transfer and "sometimes
on" connecctions is NNCP. It is based on UUCP, Unix-Unix copy, but incorporates encryption and can be mixed with over-the-wire
transfers and physical transfer

I will check NNCP out though as it sounds interesting.

... Photographers do it with a shutter.

my experience over the past 27+ years of bbsing on the internet is some
people have problems with zmodem over tcp, and some dont. I have seen with my own eyes when people have problems. myself, i've never had a program. I probably have done more uploads and downloads than most people.


--
"Before using Wildcat....This Company did not have a convenient way of
looking after some of the richest clients in the world...Now we do!"


President of BBS Sysop's Union +++ https://bbses.info/union
---
þ Synchronet þ ::: BBSES.info - free BBS services :::

Re: Re: New offline QWK mail
By: Digital Man to Boraxman on Tue Apr 07 2026 02:09 pm

Re: Re: New offline QWK mail
By: Boraxman to Rixter on Tue Apr 07 2026 10:42 pm

Yes, but zmodem is a bit flaky over TCP sometimes.

It certainly shouldn't be and if/when it is, I'd blame the implementation, n the protocol.
--
digital man (rob)

Steven Wright quote #35:
If your car could travel at the speed of light, would your headlights work Norco, CA WX: 78.9øF, 42.0% humidity, 5 mph W wind, 0.00 inches rain/24hrs

I've found it that way, more specifically, when using syncterm. Not sure of it is the syncterm implementation, but I think lrszrz has also had issues at times. It seems some BBS's causes issues, some dont.

zmodem wasn't designed for TCP, it was designed for a raw serial connection

---
þ Synchronet þ MS & RD BBs - bbs.mozysswamp.org

Re: Re: New offline QWK mail
By: Boraxman to Rixter on Tue Apr 07 2026 10:42 pm

Yes, but zmodem is a bit flaky over TCP sometimes.

I've never had any problems with Zmodem.
When I call BBS's and download a file, or upload a file, I use Zmodem.

Denn

...T h i s t a g l i n e h a s b e e n u n z i p p e d .

---
þ Synchronet þ the Outwest BBS - outwest.synchro.net - Home of BBSBASE 6.0

Re: Re: New offline QWK mail
By: Boraxman to Digital Man on Wed Apr 08 2026 11:46 pm

Re: Re: New offline QWK mail
By: Digital Man to Boraxman on Tue Apr 07 2026 02:09 pm

Re: Re: New offline QWK mail
By: Boraxman to Rixter on Tue Apr 07 2026 10:42 pm

Yes, but zmodem is a bit flaky over TCP sometimes.

It certainly shouldn't be and if/when it is, I'd blame the implementation, n the protocol.

I've found it that way, more specifically, when using syncterm. Not sure of it is the syncterm implementation, but I think lrszrz has also had issues at times. It seems some BBS's causes issues, some dont.

zmodem wasn't designed for TCP, it was designed for a raw serial connection

ZMODEM was designed for pretty much any streaming transmission medium, not explicitly "Raw serial connection". There's definitely nothing about TCP that gives ZMODEM any particular heartache. The issues, when I have seen them, have been more about asymmetry in buffer sizes and bandwidths between sender and receiver, but that can be addressed with the different modes (e.g. streaming versus not) that ZMODEM supports. ZMODEM can be run in a per-packet ACK mode similar to X/YMODEM if that's needed, but that's not usually the case (yes, even over TCP).
--
digital man (rob)

Rush quote #56:
His world is under anesthetic, subdivided and synthetic .. Digital Man
Norco, CA WX: 66.2øF, 72.0% humidity, 6 mph WSW wind, 0.00 inches rain/24hrs ---
þ Synchronet þ Vertrauen þ Home of Synchronet þ [vert/cvs/bbs].synchro.net

Re: Re: New offline QWK mail
By: MRO to Tiny on Wed Apr 08 2026 07:21 am

Re: Re: New offline QWK mail
By: Tiny to Boraxman on Wed Apr 08 2026 05:28 am

Hi Boraxman,
In a message to Rixter you wrote:

Yes, but zmodem is a bit flaky over TCP sometimes.

I've never had a problem with zmodem over TCP. Over the years I've
run some pretty out there config's with virtual pc's, emulation,
various hacks to run x86 on arm etc etc. Also use a really old and broken phone as my internet connection when in the woods and in
umpteen years of doing this I've only ever lost a QWK packet due to
user error never due to zmodem. (Sure sometimes, there are so many
errors in the download that it keeps restarting, but it does
eventually complete!)

One protocol which is good for asynchronous transfer and "sometimes on" connecctions is NNCP. It is based on UUCP, Unix-Unix copy, but incorporates encryption and can be mixed with over-the-wire
transfers and physical transfer

I will check NNCP out though as it sounds interesting.

... Photographers do it with a shutter.

my experience over the past 27+ years of bbsing on the internet is some people have problems with zmodem over tcp, and some dont. I have seen with own eyes when people have problems. myself, i've never had a program. I probably have done more uploads and downloads than most people.

--
"Before using Wildcat....This Company did not have a convenient way of looking after some of the richest clients in the world...Now we do!"

President of BBS Sysop's Union +++ https://bbses.info/union

PErhaps latency is an issue? I'm in Australia, so some American BBS's have a bit of a ping time. Perhaps that is an issue, timing...

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Re: Re: New offline QWK mail
By: Boraxman to Rixter on Tue Apr 07 2026 22:42:10

Re: Re: New offline QWK mail
By: Rixter to poindexter FORTRAN on Mon Apr 06 2026 06:57 am

I can imagine an offline mail reader would be good for travel. If you HAV > > see the messages. Sometimes you cannot always be connected. What QWK prog > > you use? We had starlink here for about a year at 120.00 a month. It was > > The spectrum cable ran a line out to the sticks here 5 years ago and 1gb
service for 99.99 a month. I am very happy with it so far. We are in the > > mountains and whenever weather tanked so did the starlink and we had to > > mobiles mobile hotspot for back up and at best it was 10mbsp down and 1.8 > > best. Maybe it was mbps :) better than nothing. I think T-mobile was the > > one we used ever. The cable RARELY gives us issue and we just added a hot > > plan to our verizon phone account now for just in cases. I can see the QW > > coming in handy for quick message grabs and sends during bad weather even > > travel.
Rixter

Yes, but zmodem is a bit flaky over TCP sometimes.

One protocol which is good for asynchronous transfer and "sometimes on" connecctions is NNCP. It is based on UUCP, Unix-Unix copy, but incorporates > encryption and can be mixed with over-the-wire transfers and physical transf > f media.

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Thank you Boraxman. I will consider this information. Have a great day.

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