Basement BBS Upgrades Modem and Software

In January 1987, the Basement BBS upgraded its software to the original BBS Express! software by Keith Ledbetter. The Basement also added an Avatex 1200 modem connected to the BBS' Atari 800XL with an ICD P:R: Connection.

The Avatex 1200 modem was a rather inexpensive 1200 baud modem. However, it was partially Hayes Compatible. The partial Hayes compatibility worked OK with BBS Express but created some compatibility challenges with other BBS software. Some SysOps, therefore, would refer to this modem as the "Avayuck".  Another non-standard feature was its "Data/Voice" switch (see photo below). Modems typically allow a telephone to be plugged into them so the user can make voice calls with the modem plugged in. On full Hayes compatible modems, this just works. On the Avatex 1200, the user had to push out the "Data/Voice" button before making their voice call. This meant if you forgot to push the "Data/Voice" button back in after your call, your BBS will not answer any more calls (until you remember to push the button back in). This was yet another reason why it got the "Avayuck" name.

Later in 1987, the Basement would add a 10 meg MFM hard drive, a 1 meg ICD MIO, and an Avatex 2400 modem. The Avatex 2400 modem was a full Hayes Compatible 2400 baud modem and would run without issue for several years.

More information on the Basement BBS is available on its website. See also the Basement's calendar entries for November, May 19th, and July 4th.