DCTelnet is a Telnet client for Commodore Amiga computers. It is easy to
use, lightweight, and reliable.
DCTelnet is ideal for accessing Telnet-enabled BBS systems on classic Amiga
hardware, and supports file transfers via ZModem.
More info/sources : https://github.com/bruno-frederic/dctelnet
Note: This release provides recompiled versions of DCTelnet including a
68000-compatible binary for classic Amiga systems (A500, A600, A2000), as
well as an optimized 68020 build.
DCTelnet was originally written by Zed. As of January 2026, the DCTelnet
1.5/1.6 releases available on Aminet target 68020+ CPUs only.
This new release also offers simplified installation and improved
documentation.
---
## Features
- 68000 compatible (no 68020 required)
- ZModem upload & download using XPR libraries
- Fast and efficient design : DCTelnet access the bsdsocket API directly
- Address book with username & password entries
- Additional terminal emulations via XEM libraries
- User-definable screen modes, fonts & colour palettes
- Iconify support
- multiple simultaneous Telnet connections
- No MUI, ClassAct or ReAction required
- No telser.device required
---
## Requirements
- Kickstart / Workbench v2.00 (V36) or higher
- A TCP/IP stack: AmiTCP, Miami, UAE bsdsocket.library or compatible
- ReqTools library
---
## Installation
1. Install the ReqTools library, available on Aminet:
https://aminet.net/package/util/libs/ReqToolsUsr
2. Download the DCTelnet package either from Aminet:
https://aminet.net/package/comm/tcp/DCTelnet
or from https://github.com/bruno-frederic/dctelnet/releases
3. The DCTelnet archive includes an Installer script.
When available, using the *Installer* tool is the recommended
installation method.
---
### Manual installation
On older AmigaOS versions where the *Installer* tool is not present (for
example, pre-3.1.4 systems), DCTelnet can be installed manually. In this
case, copy the required files to their respective system directories:
- DCTelnet/Devs/ibmcon.device -> DEVS:
- Libraries from DCTelnet/Libs -> LIBS:
- Fonts from DCTelnet/Fonts -> FONTS:
The archive also includes an optional GlowIcons icon set, which can be used
as a modern replacement for the original icons if desired.
---
## How to use
Please refer to the included DCTelnet.guide documentation for detailed
usage instructions. The guide is in AmigaGuide format and can be opened
with MultiView on AmigaOS.
---
## Known Bugs
### Character display issues and font selection
If, after connecting to a BBS, some characters appear incorrect or garbled,
this is usually related to the selected terminal font. Make sure the font
matches the character set expected by the remote system.
Many PC-based BBSes require an ANSI-compatible font to properly display
line art and ANSI graphics. In such cases, select the bundled HyperANSI
font.
On Amiga-based BBSes, graphics are often designed for the classic Topaz
font. This is the case, for example, on Retro 32 BBS.
Important:
After switching the terminal font, quit DCTelnet and restart it before
reconnecting. This avoids the display issue described below and ensures
correct rendering.
### Connection stuck after changing settings (fonts, XEM, screen mode)
After changing certain display-related settings (such as the terminal font,
enabling the XEM library, or switching the screen mode) a subsequent Telnet
connection may appear to succeed, but no output is displayed. The status
remains *Connected*, while the terminal window no longer shows any data.
This issue has been observed both with the original DCTelnet 1.6 built in
2006-2008 and with recent recompilations.
Workaround:
After modifying any of these settings, quit DCTelnet and restart it before
reconnecting. Otherwise, the session may remain stuck in a connected state
with no visible output.
### Address Book may not be saved correctly
Changes made in the Address Book may not be saved correctly if fields are
validated using the mouse.
Workaround:
When editing Address Book entries:
- Press Enter after typing text in each field, especially the password
field
- Or move to the next field using Tab, then press Enter before leaving the
entry
### On AmigaOS / Kickstart 2.00 & 2.02
- The included xprzmodem.library fails to load on these OS versions.
- ReqTools 2.9a, available on Aminet (util/libs/ReqToolsUsr), also fails to
load.
An older version of ReqTools is required:
- ReqTools v2.2, available here:
https://www.nic.funet.fi/pub/amiga/system/libraries/ReqTools-2.2-user.lha
- Use the library found in the libs13/ directory (version 38.390).
- Copy reqtools.library to the LIBS: directory.
For troubleshooting, it is recommended to launch DCTelnet from the Shell in
order to see library initialization error messages.
---
## Build environment
As of January 2026:
- IDE: VS Code (on Windows)
- Compiler: SAS/C v6.58 under AmigaOS 3.2 (on WinUAE 6)
### Source code
All source code referenced below, including DCTelnet 1.5 / 1.6 and its
required third-party libraries, is publicly available on Aminet.
- Based on the DCTelnet 1.5 / 1.6 sources:
https://aminet.net/package/comm/tcp/dct16_src
The required third-party source code dependencies are also included:
- ReqTools 2.9 from https://aminet.net/package/util/libs/ReqToolsDev
- AmiTCP SDK 4.3 from https://aminet.net/package/comm/tcp/AmiTCP-SDK-4.3
- XPRotocol v2.001 from https://aminet.net/package/comm/term/xpr2001
- Xem 2.0 from https://aminet.net/package/comm/term/XEM2_0
---
## Credits
- DCTelnet was originally written by Zed.
- new 68000-compatible build by Bruno FREDERIC
- ReqTools is Copyright © Nico François and Magnus Holmgren
---
## License
This project is licensed under the GNU General Public License. See the
"LICENSE" file for details.
Notes:
- Credit must be given to Zed (original author) and Bruno FREDERIC in any
distribution, documentation, or About section.
- This license applies to the full source code, binaries, and
documentation.
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