1. Start on the CoCo 3
GiME ANSi! runs on the Color Computer 3 and gives you a simple menu for connecting to a BBS.
CoCo 3 • FujiNet • ANSI BBS terminal
GiME ANSi! ANSI Terminal for FujiNet on the CoCo 3
Put your CoCo 3 back online. GiME ANSi! is an ANSI terminal for FujiNet on the CoCo 3. Connect to BBSes over Wi-Fi, view ANSI screens, and even play local door games.
CoCo 3
FujiNet
ANSI
Wi-Fi
BBS
Work in progress: GiME ANSi! is still being built. ANSI/VT100 support, networking, keys, and the UI will keep changing as I test more BBSes.
System Requirements
What you need to run GiME ANSi!
GiME ANSi! is designed to run on a stock 128K Tandy / TRS-80 Color Computer 3 with a FujiNet.
The current build does not require a 512K memory upgrade.
- Tandy / TRS-80 Color Computer 3
- Designed for a stock 128K CoCo 3
- Currently hardware-tested on a 512K CoCo 3
- FujiNet for Tandy CoCo — FutureVision Research ↗
- A 512K memory upgrade is not required by the current build
128K compatibility
GiME ANSi! is designed to run on a stock 128K CoCo 3, but the current beta has only been hardware-tested on a 512K CoCo 3 so far.
Beta / work in progress: Builds may change as development continues.
FujiNet workflow
From CoCo 3 keyboard to Internet BBS
2. FujiNet handles networking
FujiNet handles the Wi-Fi and network connection. No phone modem is needed.
3. Connect to a BBS
Type the BBS address and connect. GiME ANSi! handles the screen, keyboard, and terminal codes.
4. Keep it feeling retro
The UI stays simple and retro, with green-on-black menus, keyboard shortcuts, and an 80-column-style display.
Direct capture
A terminal-first interface
The main menu keeps it simple: connect to a BBS, view help, or quit to BASIC.
Connected for real
Live BBSes, ANSI art, and door games
These are real photos of GiME ANSi! running on a CoCo 3 and connected to actual systems.
Current direction
Built around the BBS features people actually use
ANSI-focused display
I am working on the ANSI colors, cursor movement, characters, and screen codes that show up on real BBSes.
VT100-oriented behavior
I also add VT100 behavior when a BBS needs it, and I test it against real systems.
FujiNet networking
FujiNet handles Wi-Fi. The CoCo 3 stays the terminal you use.
Real-hardware testing
I test it on a real CoCo 3 and monitor, not just in an emulator.
Still a work in progress
GiME ANSi! is not fully ANSI/VT100 compliant yet. I am adding what real BBSes need and testing it against actual systems.
Two projects, one retro network
GiME ANSi! + RetroModem Bridge
GiME ANSi! works on its own with FujiNet, but it can also connect to RetroModem Bridge .
RetroModem Bridge can provide access to its local BBS menu, Telnet BBSes, and local door games while the CoCo 3 stays the terminal.
The photo shows GiME ANSi! connected over FujiNet to the RetroModem Bridge local menu on my CoCo 3.
Need RetroModem Bridge v3.5?
The latest RetroModem Bridge v3.5 build includes the FujiNet support used with GiME ANSi!.
The main RetroModem Bridge website and GitHub repository have not been updated with this build yet, so you can download it here for now.
Roadmap
Make setup easier
Current
Keep improving ANSI and VT100 support and keep testing on real CoCo 3 hardware.
Planned
Automatic RetroModem Bridge discovery. A future GiME ANSi! build should find RetroModem Bridge on the local network automatically.
Goal
Less typing of IP addresses and ports. Ideally, start GiME ANSi!, find RetroModem Bridge, and connect.
GiME ANSi! FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What hardware does GiME ANSi! require?
GiME ANSi! v0.8 Beta is designed for a stock 128K Tandy / TRS-80 Color Computer 3 with a FujiNet for CoCo . The current beta has been hardware-tested on a 512K CoCo 3 so far.
Can GiME ANSi! connect to real ANSI BBSes over Wi-Fi?
Yes. FujiNet handles Wi-Fi and GiME ANSi! handles the ANSI terminal side. I am testing it against real BBSes.
Can GiME ANSi! be used with RetroModem Bridge?
Yes. They can be used together for local BBSes and door games, including the Usurper Reborn example on this page.
Does GiME ANSi! automatically discover RetroModem Bridge today?
Not yet. It is planned so GiME ANSi! can find RetroModem Bridge with less manual network setup.
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