Buck Rogers K4ABT Handbook page 16

Because there are so many variations and versions of Packet Bulletin Board Systems (BBS), I've put together a composite of
the most used BBS commands. In the list of commands that follow, I will address instructions that are in general use with
most of the full service Packet BBS types. These commands are closely associated with, but not related to, the common
telephone type BBS.
As a matter of interest to the Packet BBS user, there is no waiting period to access other "WHAT" files sections of a Packet
BBS. Packet BBSes allow the immediate access to all levels of the BBS where the telephone BBSes often require a 24 or
48, hour (and sometimes a week) waiting period after initial access, before the user is allowed full BBS operating privileges.
Once you have answered the four questions, BBS access is there ready and waiting at your service. Just remember that
other users await access to the BBS so limit yourself. This same consideration may be in your favor at a later time.
Some BBSes allow multiple connects to them. When this is the case, BBS activity may slow down while multiple users are
downloading files from the BBS.
A connect to your local area network (LAN) BBS is made in the same manner as a connect to another Packet station. If this
is your first connect to the BBS, you will need to provide some information about yourself. There are four questions, and
the answers to them are short, so the time spent answering these questions are not like the complex answers that were
needed when you accessed a telephone BBS.
If it is your first time on the bbs you will be asked to enter your NAME, QTH, ZIP CODE and HOME BBS. The format
is as follows.
N BUCK
NQ LYNCHBURG, VA
NZ 24550
NH WD4ELJ
The N command can be used to register your name or QTH. You should enter both of these. To enter your name type N
yourname.
Example: N BUCK
To enter your QTH, use the command NQ your QTH.
Example: NQ EVINGTON, VA
To enter your ZIP or Postal Code, use NZ code.
Example: NZ 24550
To enter the BBS that you use to receive mail at, use NH callsign.
Example: NH [Your home BBS]
The BBS will then greet you using your name; In some cases the BBS greeting will contain both the name and callsign.
After the greeting a list of abbreviated commands will appear on the screen.
; Packet Radio "The Basics"
Section 1
Chapter Four
USING A PACKET BBS:
A Packet Primer for the new Packeteer
__ Page 16