HOWTO: Connect to a BBS Using NComm

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NComm is one of the most popular terminal programs on the Amiga, widely used throughout the BBS era. Even today, it remains a solid option for connecting to bulletin board systems — whether via a real serial modem or via modern serial-to-network devices such as telser.device.

This guide covers:

  • Using NComm with a real modem
  • Using NComm with telser.device
  • Alternative Amiga TCP/serial devices
  • Practical tips for reliable connections in 2026

What You’ll Need

Required

  • An Amiga (real hardware or emulated)
  • NComm (v3.x or compatible)
  • A BBS phone number or TCP address

One of the following connection methods:

  • A real serial modem (external preferred)
  • A serial-to-TCP device using telser.device
  • A networked Amiga (AmiTCP / Roadshow)

Option 1: Using NComm with a Real Serial Modem

This is the most authentic (and often most reliable) setup.

Hardware Notes

  • External modems are strongly recommended
  • Common serial ports:
    • serial.device (built-in)
    • scsi.device or expansion serial cards

Step 1: Configure NComm Serial Settings

Open NComm → Settings → Modem / Serial

Recommended baseline:

  • Device: serial.device
  • Unit: 0
  • Baud Rate: 9600 or 19200
  • Data Bits: 8
  • Parity: None
  • Stop Bits: 1
  • Flow Control: RTS/CTS (hardware)

Save settings.

Step 2: Configure Modem Init String

In Modem Settings, use a conservative init string:

ATZ

Optional extended init (depends on modem):

AT&F&C1&D2

Disable compression and error correction if you experience issues:

AT&F%C0\N0

Step 3: Dial the BBS

From NComm:

  • Enter the BBS phone number
  • Dial using ATDT (tone) or ATDP (pulse)

Once connected, you should see the BBS banner and login prompt.

Option 2: Using NComm with telser.device (Serial-over-TCP)

telser.device allows legacy Amiga software to treat a TCP/IP connection as a serial modem. This is ideal for connecting to telnet-based BBSes while keeping a classic workflow.

What is telser.device?

telser.device is a TCP-to-serial bridge device that:

  • Presents itself as a serial device
  • Translates AT commands into TCP connections
  • Works transparently with classic terminal software

Perfect for NComm.

Step 1: Install telser.device

  1. Copy telser.device to: DEVS:
  2. Ensure you have:
    • AmiTCP or Roadshow
    • Working TCP/IP stack

Reboot recommended.

Step 2: Configure NComm to Use telser.device

In NComm → Modem / Serial Settings:

  • Device: telser.device
  • Unit: 0
  • Baud Rate: 38400 (or higher)
  • Flow Control: None (telser handles this)

Save settings.

Step 3: Dial Using a Telnet-Style AT Command

Instead of a phone number, use:

ATDT bbs.example.com:23

Or with a different port:

ATDT bbs.example.com:6400

If the BBS supports telnet, NComm will connect as if dialing a modem.

Common telser.device AT Commands

CommandDescription
ATDT host:portConnect to TCP host
ATHHang up
ATZReset session
+++Escape sequence

Option 3: Alternative Devices and Methods

Depending on your setup, you may encounter or prefer:

Other TCP-to-Serial Devices

  • bsdsocket.device (direct socket programming)
  • netserial.device (varies by stack)
  • Emulator-specific serial bridges (WinUAE, FS-UAE)

These typically require custom NComm scripts or patched versions and are more advanced.

Using NComm in Emulation

  • WinUAE serial mapping works well
  • Map Amiga serial to host TCP bridge
  • Use real modem emulation or direct TCP

This is a valid option for testing or demo setups.

Troubleshooting Tips

No Connection / Immediate Disconnect

  • Verify TCP stack is running
  • Check port number (23 vs 2323 vs 6400)
  • Try disabling local echo

Garbled Text

  • Confirm 8N1 settings
  • Reduce baud rate
  • Disable compression on real modems

No AT Response

  • Wrong device name
  • telser.device not in DEVS:
  • Unit number mismatch

Notes on Modern BBS Compatibility

Most modern BBSes support:

  • Telnet
  • SSH (less common for Amiga terminals)
  • Modem via VoIP gateways

NComm + telser.device works best with plain telnet, no encryption.

Summary

NComm remains a capable and authentic way to connect to BBSes on the Amiga:

  • ✔ Real modem for authenticity
  • ✔ telser.device for modern connectivity
  • ✔ Minimal configuration
  • ✔ Classic workflow preserved

Whether you’re dialing in the old-fashioned way or bridging analog workflows to TCP/IP, NComm still gets the job done.

Related HOWTOs

  • HOWTO: Connect to a BBS Using SyncTERM
  • HOWTO: Connect to a BBS Using NetRunner
  • HOWTO: Connect to a BBS Using MuffinTerm
  • HOWTO: Connect to a BBS in 2026