Flame is a free and accessible telnet-based Bulletin Board System (BBS) and Multi-User Dungeon (MUD) hosted by the University of Canberra Computer Club. It offers a nostalgic online experience with classic BBS features like forums, file transfers, and games, alongside a MUD environment for text-based roleplaying and exploration. Flame aims to provide a friendly and welcoming community for both experienced users familiar with these older systems and newcomers curious to explore the history of online communities. Users can connect via telnet or through a web-based interface, making it easily accessible.
56k modems' upstream speeds were limited to 33.6kbps due to analog-to-digital conversion at the phone company. However, downloads could reach 56kbps because they leveraged a mostly-digital path from the telco's server to the user's modem. This asymmetry existed because the phone company's infrastructure used digital signals internally, even for analog phone calls. The digital audio was converted to analog only at the last mile, at the user's local central office. This meant a 56k modem downloading data was essentially receiving a slightly-modified digital signal, bypassing much of the analog conversion process and thus achieving higher throughput. Uploads, originating from the analog modem, had to be fully digitized at the central office, resulting in the lower speed.
Several Hacker News commenters pointed out that the article's title is misleading. They clarified that 56k modems didn't rely on digital phone lines in the way the title implies. Instead, they exploited the fact that the trunk lines between central offices were digital, while the "last mile" to the user's home remained analog. This allowed the modem to receive data digitally at the CO's end and convert it to analog for the final leg, maximizing the speed within the constraints of the analog local loop. Some users also shared anecdotal memories of early modem technology and discussed the limitations imposed by analog lines. One commenter noted the importance of echo cancellation in achieving these higher speeds. A few commenters discussed related topics like the technical reasons behind the asymmetry of upload and download speeds and the different standards used for upstream communication.
The author investigates strange, rhythmic noises emanating from a US Robotics Courier V.Everything 1670 external modem. Initially suspecting a failing capacitor, they systematically eliminated various hardware components as the source, including the power supply, cable, and phone line. Ultimately, the culprit turned out to be a loose metal plate inside the modem vibrating against the plastic casing at specific frequencies, likely due to the interplay of electrical signals and component vibrations within the device. Tightening the screws securing the plate resolved the issue. The author reflects on the challenge of diagnosing such elusive hardware problems and the satisfaction of finally pinning down the root cause.
HN commenters discuss the nostalgic appeal of the 1670 modem's sounds, with some sharing memories of troubleshooting connection problems based on the audio cues. Several delve into the technical aspects, explaining the meaning of the different handshake sounds, the negotiation process between modems, and the reasons behind the specific frequencies used. The infamous "Concord jet taking off" sound is mentioned, along with explanations for its occurrence. A few lament the loss of this auditory experience in the age of silent, high-speed internet, while others express relief at its demise. There's also discussion of specific modem brands and their characteristic sound profiles, alongside some speculation about the article author's connection issues.
Summary of Comments ( 9 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43534480
Hacker News users discuss Flame, a BBS and MUD software package. Several commenters reminisce about their experiences with BBSes and MUDs, expressing nostalgia for that era of online interaction. Some discuss the technical aspects of Flame, praising its features and flexibility, and comparing it to other contemporary systems. A few users mention trying to get it running on modern hardware, with varying degrees of success. There's a brief discussion about the challenges of preserving old BBS software and data. Overall, the comments reflect a fondness for the history of online communities and an appreciation for Flame's role in it.
The Hacker News post titled "Flame – BBS and MUD" has generated a moderate amount of discussion with several commenters sharing their experiences and insights related to BBSs and MUDs.
One commenter reminisces about their early online experiences with bulletin board systems and dial-up modems, recalling the thrill of exploring new online worlds and the limitations of slow connection speeds. They also express a sense of nostalgia for the simpler times of early online communities.
Another commenter dives deeper into the technical aspects, discussing the challenges of running a BBS with limited hardware resources and the ingenuity required to optimize performance. They mention specific hardware limitations and the clever workarounds employed to overcome them.
Several comments focus on the unique culture of BBSs and MUDs, contrasting them with modern social media platforms. They highlight the stronger sense of community and the deeper connections fostered in these smaller, more focused online spaces. Some express a longing for the text-based interactions and the emphasis on creativity and imagination that characterized these earlier online environments.
There's a discussion about the role of BBSs and MUDs in the development of online communities and the internet as a whole. Commenters acknowledge their importance as precursors to modern social platforms and online gaming. They also point to the influence of BBSs and MUDs on the development of internet technologies and culture.
A few comments mention the challenges of preserving the history and legacy of BBSs and MUDs, with some suggesting resources and initiatives dedicated to archiving and documenting these early online spaces. They emphasize the importance of preserving these digital artifacts for future generations.
One commenter points out the link provided in the original post actually leads to the Flame University Computer Club homepage rather than a specific page about Flame itself. They helpfully provide a direct link to the Flame documentation.
Finally, a commenter highlights the unusual combination of BBS and MUD functionality in Flame, suggesting that it represents a unique hybrid of these two distinct online platforms. They find this combination intriguing and express curiosity about the technical implementation and user experience.