ATDT host
Type a Hayes-style ATDT command to dial a hostname or saved destination.
Vintage computer networking
RetroModem Bridge — Serial-to-Telnet Bridge for Vintage Computers
RetroModem Bridge lets a vintage computer act like it still has a modem. The old computer talks over serial while a Windows PC handles the Telnet connection. Use ATDT commands to dial BBSes, save aliases, watch the session, or run local door games.
Work in progress: RetroModem Bridge keeps changing as I add features, fix connection problems, and try new ideas with different vintage systems.
WindowsSerialTelnetBBSHayes AT
What it does
Keep the serial experience. Replace the phone line.
The vintage computer does not need to understand Wi-Fi or Telnet. It just talks to RetroModem Bridge over serial, the same way it would talk to a modem.
RetroModem Bridge handles the network connection, BBS list, session mirror, and local door games on the Windows side.
Dedicated project site
This is the Tequestafarian overview. For downloads, updates, and the full RetroModem Bridge site, visit RetroModemBridge.com ↗.
Familiar modem commands
Dial a Telnet BBS with ATDT
RetroModem Bridge listens for the same kind of AT commands old terminal programs already use.
BBS aliases
Save short aliases so ATDT coco can dial a saved BBS.
Modem-like responses
The old computer still gets familiar dialing, connect, and disconnect responses.
TCP/Telnet transport
Windows handles the TCP/Telnet connection and passes the data back and forth over serial.
Destination management
BBS directory and aliases
Save BBSes with short aliases so you do not have to type hostnames every time. You can test entries from the PC and dial them from the vintage computer.
Type ATDT plus the alias and RetroModem Bridge connects to the saved address.
Watch from the PC
ANSI session mirror
The ANSI session mirror shows the BBS traffic on the Windows PC while you keep using the vintage computer.
Live visibility
Watch the live session on the PC without taking over the vintage terminal.
Useful for troubleshooting
If something looks wrong, the mirror helps show whether the problem is the connection or the terminal.
Local BBS fun
Local door-game support
RetroModem Bridge can launch local door games too. Current versions can start configured games and create DOOR32.SYS for compatible doors.
The game runs on Windows, but you play it from the vintage computer as the terminal.
Example: Usurper Reborn
GiME ANSi! has already been used from a CoCo 3 to play the local Usurper Reborn door through RetroModem Bridge. The terminal stays on the Color Computer while the game runs locally on the PC.
Vintage computer use cases
Not limited to one retro platform
RetroModem Bridge is not tied to one computer. If a vintage system has a serial interface and terminal software, it may be able to use it.
Tandy / TRS-80 Color Computer
Use a CoCo serial terminal program, or pair RetroModem Bridge with GiME ANSi! for a FujiNet-based CoCo 3 setup.
Commodore and Amiga
Commodore and Amiga terminal programs can use the bridge to reach Telnet BBSes.
Apple II and Atari
Apple II and Atari systems can use their serial terminal software instead of a phone modem.
DOS PCs and other serial systems
DOS PCs and other systems with compatible serial terminal software may work too.
Companion project
RetroModem Bridge and GiME ANSi!
GiME ANSi! is the CoCo 3 ANSI terminal. RetroModem Bridge is the Windows-side bridge. You can use them together for local BBSes and door games.
I plan to make GiME ANSi! automatically find RetroModem Bridge on the local network, so there is less IP and port setup.
RetroModem Bridge FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What does RetroModem Bridge do?
It lets a vintage computer use its serial terminal like a modem while a Windows PC handles the TCP/Telnet connection.
Can I use Hayes AT commands with RetroModem Bridge?
Yes. Use Hayes-style commands such as ATDT to dial a hostname, address, or saved BBS alias.
Can RetroModem Bridge launch local door games?
Yes. It can launch configured local door games and create DOOR32.SYS for supported doors.
Does RetroModem Bridge work only with the Color Computer?
No. It can work with other vintage computers that have compatible serial hardware and terminal software.
More Tequestafarian projects