RetroLink Quick Start Guide & Introduction

RetroLink Quick Start Guide & Introduction

Welcome to RetroLink, your ultimate bridge between classic Commodore computing and modern internet features — including email, messaging, and AI-enhanced interaction! This guide is all you need to get started using RetroLink with a Commodore computer and terminal software like CCGMS. You can also follow the video HERE

Terminal Configuration

To begin, launch your terminal software (like CCGMS or similar) and set the following:

  • Modem Type: Userport

  • Baud Rate: 1200 (Default & Recommended)

    • You can go up to 2400 baud on a standard userport.

    • If using UP9600 hardware, set Modem Type: UP9600, and you can use up to 4800 baud (maximum supported).

Gmail Setup for RetroLink Mail

To use email, you must have a Gmail account with a special App Password.

Step-by-Step Gmail Setup

  1. Log into your Gmail account or create one at gmail.com

  2. Visit https://myaccount.google.com/security

  3. Under Signing In to Google, enable 2-Step Verification

  4. After enabling, return and click App Passwords

  5. For App Name, enter: RetroLink Mail

  6. Copy and save the 16-letter password

✉️ You'll use this password during RetroLink registration.

Connect to WiFi

On first boot, RetroLink will prompt you to enter:

  1. Your WiFi SSID (network name)

  2. Your WiFi Password

It will connect and store these for future use.

WiFi Support: 2.4GHz networks only (802.11 b/g/n)

Register Your Handle

To register with the RetroLink network:

  • Type AT$RGSTR in your terminal

  • You will be guided to enter:

    • A personal handle (your RetroLink username)

    • Your Gmail address

    • Your Gmail App Password

  • Upon confirmation, your handle is saved to the server and ready to use!

RetroLink Mail

  • Type AT$EMAIL

  • Compose a Gmail message from your Commodore in PETSCII style

  • Supports subject and multi-line message body

  • Sends through your Gmail via server-side gateway

Link Messaging

RetroLink's instant messaging system

  • AT$SEND@ → Send message to another RetroLink handle

  • AT$GET@ → Retrieve incoming messages (reads one per call)

  • PETSCII compatible & styled for full retro immersion

Grok 8-Bit (AI Assistant)

Chat with Grok 8bit, your built-in retro-style assistant.

  • Type AT$GROK

  • Ask questions, get help, explore ideas

  • Rendered in PETSCII, totally in-universe for the full C64 experience

Call the BBS!

Type ATDS0 to call the built-in saved number:

C4EVER BBS

  • Ask questions about RetroLink

  • Get support

  • Explore classic BBS fun

Discussed Commands Summary

Command Action
AT$RGSTR Register handle & setup email
AT$EMAIL Compose and send email
AT$SEND@ Send instant message (Link)
AT$GET@ Check for and read new messages
AT$GROK Open Grok 8bit assistant
ATDS0

Dial C4EVER BBS

Join the Retro Future

RetroLink combines the charm of Commodore 8-bit computing with modern internet magic. Whether you're messaging a friend, checking email, or chatting with Grok 8bit, you're now fully linked into the next evolution of retro computing.

Stay tuned for updates and new features — RetroLink is just getting started!

 

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