When a retro fan in Australia decided to attempt a C64 dial-up connection to a bulletin board system in Germany, even the sysop wasn’t sure it could work. In his latest video, The 300-Baud Guy captures this remarkable moment when decades-old technology defied the odds.
An Ambitious Plan from Down Under
The story begins when Matthew, known as Captain Zap, reaches out to the host of the Snobsoft BBS in Germany. His goal: connect his Commodore 64 through a real phone line, bridging over 13,000 kilometers of distance. What follows is a mix of excitement and skepticism, as both sides prepare for what sounds nearly impossible in 2025.
While waiting for the attempt, the sysop reflects on the unique magic of the BBS era. Messages from across the globe remind him how deeply that culture connected people long before modern internet chatrooms existed.
A Connection Against All Odds
Then, on October 31st, Matthew sets up his hardware. His desk becomes a maze of wires, analog adapters, and aging modems. The system is far from elegant, but it’s functional. Using NovaTerm on his C64, he attempts the call — and to everyone’s shock, it connects.
The 40-year-old modem in Germany receives the signal without errors. The sysop’s disbelief turns into pure joy as he realizes an Australian caller has successfully logged in. Captain Zap even exchanges a few words in German, earning cheers from the local BBS crew.
A Living Connection to the Past
The successful C64 dial-up connection feels almost mythical. After years of restoring the Snobsoft system, seeing someone on the opposite side of the planet reach it through vintage hardware feels like history brought to life.
In the video, The 300-Baud Guy shares footage of Captain Zap’s setup and login, showing every charming detail of the analog process. It’s a genuine celebration of persistence, curiosity, and shared passion for old tech.
