4.2 KiB
Synchronet BBS - Legend of the Red Dragon
This is a Synchronet BBS instance configured to host Legend of the Red Dragon (LORD) and other classic BBS door games.
Features
- Web-based terminal access via fTelnet (your friends can play in a browser!)
- Classic telnet access on port 23
- SSH access on port 2222
- LORD (Legend of the Red Dragon) - JavaScript port included with Synchronet
- Additional door games available through Synchronet's xtrn system
Initial Setup
1. First Run - Initialize Configuration
cd /home/poprhythm/docker-infrastructure/synchronet
docker compose up -d
# Wait a few seconds for initialization
docker compose down
sudo chmod -R a+rwX /srv/synchronet
2. Run Configuration Program
Configure your BBS name, sysop info, and enable LORD:
docker exec -it synchronet scfg
In the configuration menu:
- Navigate to System → Set your BBS name and sysop information
- Navigate to External Programs → Online Programs (Doors) → Available Online Programs
- Look for LORD or add it if not already configured
- Save and exit (ESC to go back, then save when prompted)
3. Enable LORD Door Game
LORD comes with Synchronet as a JavaScript implementation. To enable it:
# Connect to the container
docker exec -it synchronet bash
# Run the install script for LORD
cd /sbbs
./exec/jsexec /sbbs/xtrn/install-xtrn.js lord
# Exit the container
exit
Alternatively, you can manually configure LORD through scfg:
- External Programs → Online Programs → Main section
- Add new program with:
- Name: Legend of the Red Dragon
- Internal Code: LORD
- Start-up Directory: ../xtrn/lord
- Command Line: ?lord.js
4. Restart the BBS
docker compose restart
Access Methods
Web Browser (Recommended!)
The BBS includes a web-based terminal (ttyd) with:
- Full ANSI color support
- 56k modem speed simulation for nostalgia
- Adjustable font size (Ctrl+/Ctrl-/Ctrl+0)
- Works on any device with a browser
Access at: https://bbs.popcyclical.com (or your configured domain)
Direct Telnet
telnet bbs.popcyclical.com 23
SSH
ssh -p 2222 new@bbs.popcyclical.com
nginx-proxy-manager Configuration
Configure in NPM web interface:
Proxy Host for Web Terminal:
- Domain:
bbs.popcyclical.com(or your choice) - Forward Hostname/IP:
synchronet-web-terminal - Forward Port:
7681 - Enable WebSocket Support ✓
- Enable SSL certificate
Customization
ORMG Branding
Custom ANSI art files are included in customization/ directory:
- answer.ans - Custom welcome screen with "ORMG" branding instead of "Synchronet"
- synch.ans.original - Backup of original Synchronet ANSI art
To apply the ORMG branding:
cp customization/answer.ans /srv/synchronet/ctrl/
docker restart synchronet
To revert to original:
rm /srv/synchronet/ctrl/answer.ans
docker restart synchronet
File Locations
- Config:
/srv/synchronet/ctrl/ - Door games:
/srv/synchronet/xtrn/ - Web files:
/srv/synchronet/web/ - User data:
/srv/synchronet/data/ - Custom ANSI:
/srv/synchronet/ctrl/answer.ans(welcome screen)
Troubleshooting
Check logs
docker compose logs -f
Access container shell
docker exec -it synchronet bash
Reset permissions
sudo chmod -R a+rwX /srv/synchronet
LORD not appearing
- Check that LORD is enabled in scfg under External Programs
- Verify the command line is set correctly
- Check
/srv/synchronet/xtrn/lord/exists and has the game files
Additional Door Games
Synchronet includes many door games and can run DOS doors through DOSEMU. Popular ones included:
- LORD (Legend of the Red Dragon)
- TradeWars 2002
- BRE (Barren Realms Elite)
- Usurper
Install additional doors through scfg or the install-xtrn.js script.