Hi Mvan,

 ML> So how do I send netmail (to my NC) if I haven't 
 ML> got a FidoNet address ?

The simplest way is to log into any BBS as a user and ask........;-) 

 ML> Policy 4, Section 2.2 - "How to Obtain a node number" 
 ML> does not require a valid node address to send netmail 
 ML> to the NC for a FidoNet application.

You may note that further down that same section its does say that some
Networks have specific instructions. Its my experience that MOST Networks
have specific instructions.


 PK> The entire process is designed to demonstrate that you 
 PK> know HOW to use your Software and follow instructions.

 ML> I'm at the stage where I have everything configured, 
 ML> but BinkleyTerm refuses 
 ML> to work with an unlisted address and there isn't a 
 ML> configuration option to   
 ML> turn this restriction off, which seems counter 
 ML> productive to me.             

See further on on how to solve that.

 ML> And if I use an unlisted address BinkleyTerm exits with 
 ML> "System misconfigured or no entry in Nodelist":

 PK> Because you need to work out how to create a Nodelist 
 PK> that is VALID for the purposes you need.

 ML> That seems strange to me because that sounds like the NC's job. 

No... you have missed one important part.

 ML> The applicant shouldn't be tampering with the nodelist.

No he shouldn't, but the important part is that as the Nodelist is almost
NEVER used raw, it is always complied, and the compilation process allows
you to ADD specific Details concerning -
  1. Phone numbers for existing nodes,
  2. Session passwords for existing nodes,
  3. Details concerning NEW nodes not listed in the standrd Nodelist,
  4. Special operating instructions (EG special Modem configuration parameters, etc).

A node never EXPORTS a RAW Nodelist so no-one else sees your COMPILED
version of the nodelist, and as long as it contains your OWN specific
temporary details that you are using, BinkelyTerm is happy.

The reason for this is that if you set up Session Level passwords for any
of your Links, the passwords HAVE to be entered into your COMPILED
Nodelist, and its the Compiling process that does this.

I strongly recommend that you contact someone in your Net and ask them what
specific Network details you might need, because if you miss them or get
them wrong your request may never be seen by the right people.

For example, here in Net 3:772 our specific instructions advise you to - 
1. Configure your Mailer at address 3:772/99. 
  2. Then Poll the NC (3:772/0 using the Nodelist entry) for the next step. 
  3. The NC's system is configured to then send a Netmail to 3:772/99 with
further instructions 
  4. Those instructions advise you perform certain functions and REPLY to
the NC with YOUR system set as 3:772/999. You then wait for a reply. 
  5. If those steps worked then you will receive a reply from the NC with
either a request for more info or details regarding your assigned Fidonet
node number. 

I am not the NC, however if anyone calls here as 3:772/99, my system will
resond advising they have contacted the WRONG Node, and what steps they
need to take to contact the correct node.

All of this is designed as a test that demonstrates you know how to
configure and operate your Node at the most basic level, so that you
effectively confirm you are capable of interacting with other Fidonet
members. This network has operated this way for as long as I can remember
(going back to 1989 or so...). 

I hope this helps...............pk.


--- Maximus/2 3.01