The latest video on the Quipzz YouTube channel takes a look at a Commodore 64 user group from four decades ago, complete with an unboxing and a surprise visitor from Canada. The session even explores the experience of connecting to a BBS at just 300 baud in the 1990s.
After unpacking a freshly acquired Commodore 64, it was only fitting to clean it up and put it through its paces. With the help of a G-Link LT adapter, the system was connected to a BBS via the user port. Of course, no setup is complete without a minor cable hunt—after all, tangled wires are practically a rite of passage for any retro computing enthusiast. Once everything was in place, the C64 was hooked up to a Fujitsu Esprimo Mini PC running modem emulator software.
The chosen BBS for this test was the Party Bowl BBS, operated by Droid Mike of Snob Soft. The real challenge? Using a 300 baud connection to interact with a system originally designed for speeds in the thousands. While modern internet speeds make BBS access instantaneous, the slow, deliberate pace of 300 baud adds a certain charm to the experience. The C64 ran the CCGMS terminal software, which proved to be the best option for handling these types of connections. TurboTerm, another terminal program, failed to recognize key presses during login, highlighting the importance of using the right software for the task.
Logging in felt like stepping back in time, with the Party Bowl BBS presenting an unmistakably ’90s aesthetic. The system had strict activity timeouts, which meant typing had to be quick to avoid being disconnected. A pleasant surprise followed the session—Droid Mike had activated a special Commodore 64 mode for the BBS, making it display content in PETSCII for a more authentic look. By switching to port 6464 instead of 2323, users could enjoy a fully optimized C64 experience.
Meanwhile, a completely unexpected visitor appeared in the chat—a user from Canada, logging in at an unusual hour. The conversation, initially assumed to be in German due to the time zone, quickly turned into a cross-language exchange, thanks to the wonders of online translation tools. The chat lasted quite a while, adding another layer of excitement to an already eventful session.
For those who enjoy the quirks and challenges of old-school computing, this video captures the essence of the experience. From slow baud rates to surprise international chats, it’s a reminder of how even the simplest setups can lead to memorable moments.
