Subj : Re: Question About FTN Hubs
To   : Lord Gareth
From : Vk3jed
Date : Fri Jun 05 2020 12:55:00

-=> On 06-04-20 19:20, Lord Gareth wrote to All <=-

 LG> Hi All,

 LG> This is more of a BBS network background question than a "how-to".  I
 LG> don't have plans to start a message network or hub right now but, I am
 LG> curious as to how all of that ties together.

I run VKRadio, which is a network based around hobbyist radio communication -
If you can use it to communicate using electromagnetic radiation, it's probably
on topic. :)  That's as opposed to being entertainment.  The core of the
network is FTN, though I do have a QWK and NNTP gateway for those who want to
use those protocols to feed their systems, instead of FTN.  The bulk (90-95%
I'd estimate) of nodes use FTN.

 LG> Do people just set up their BBS as a hub by entering a new Hub and node
 LG> address in their Echomail networks section and then setting up their
 LG> Hub settings with the same details?

I just setup the new address as an additional address in my Mystic
configuration.  I didn't need to specify a hub (that's what I am), but I have
added downlinks as needed, starting with this system that was my first
downlink.  And as I wanted to be fully FTN compliant, I also maintain a
nodelist, which is hatched to other FTN nodes in the net every week.

 LG> How do people pick different zone/net/hub addresses without conflicting
 LG> with other existing nets?  IE Fido has 1-4, fsx has 21, etc?

The main one is the zone.  NuSkooler's Google doc with the list of known FTNs
is a really good first place to start.  It's probably the best list of FTNs out
there.  I don't have a link on hand, but someone will.

Anyway, I chose Zone 432, because 432.100 is the 70cm SSB calling frequency
around the world on ham radio, and that zone was unused, from all sources I had
access to at the time.  I have since claimed it. :)

As it turns out, the next few zone numbers are also rather relevant - 433 and
434 would correspond to 433 and 434 MHz, which are common frequencies for
unlicenced devices, which some experimentors use - I'm building a project that
uses a data link in this band).  435 MHz is the start of the amateur satellite
band.  But I very much doubt I'll be going multi zone here.  I think z432 will
remain more than big enough for my needs. :)

 LG> Does it require different software or just a normal BBS like Mystic?

I use Mystic, but you just need a mailer and a tosser as a minimum, plus other
relevane software (e.g. TIC processor for hatching and distributing files, such
as the nodelist).  A BBS is not strictly needed (Mine really isn't), unless
you're going to offer user access to content located on the hub.

 LG> Why am I asking so many questions and where did my pants go?

Don't look at me! :D


.... To an alligator, do we taste like chicken?
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