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| Real-time Z3 Chat goes on 24/7/365 and sees enthusiasts from all over the world. |
| IRC Server: irc.freebmw.net |
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| Channel: #Z3 |
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| The original Z3 chat began as a java-based chatroom. Aside from the banner ads hogging up the screen, it was REAL flakey, slow, and intollerable. We've since switched to an IRC (Internet Relay Chat) because it's a far more mature chat medium. IRC's been around as long or longer than the World Wide Web itself. The client software is freely available across all platforms. In addition to chatting, it features niceties like DCC file transfers and URL catching. If no one's gabbing it might be because they're away from the computer (maybe out driving), stop back at a busier time. The software is so stable most folks just leave it running forever. |
| 07-23-01 Update: For a few years, the #Z3 IRC Chat took place on the NEWNET network. This worked OK, but because everyone was connected through different servers which in themselves were connected via affiliation to the NEWNET IRC network, we'd sporadically experience annoying, temporary glitches called "netsplits". As of July 2001, getting logged into ANY of the Newnet servers has been aggravatingly impossible. Some claim it was due to some servers being wiped out. Whatever the reason, we tried to look for a temporary chat on the EFNet IRC Network, but that didn't pan out either. The PERFECT solution is now here. There's a NEW IRC server setup for Z3 enthusiasts worldwide. Just follow the instructions: |
This section will attempt to help setup those with Windows computers. Mac users should click here for setup instructions. If you're connecting from work and they have a draconian firewall preventing you from using a nice dedicated IRC client software, try using this webpage.
Step 1
Download the latest shareware mIRC client software through any of the following sites:
mIRC Download Page
DOWNLOAD.COM
It's a quick download...around 7 minutes on a 28.8kbps modem.
Step 2
Double-clicking the file you just downloaded should give you this screen. Change the Destination Directory if necessary and click Install to continue the process.
Step 3
After installation, launch the program and you should see the Setup screen.
Fill-in whatever you'd like for your Full Name...maybe a description of your Z3. Enter your E-Mail Address. Important: Enter your Nickname...this is the name that will show up on the IRC chat window. Pick a unique nickname of 9 characters or less; avoid special symbols like #, @, &, etc. It's possible someone else on the IRC server is using the same nickname, so enter something else in the Alternative field. Spaces aren't allowed.
Click the OK button to save the changes so far. This leaves the STATUS window in front of you. At this Status window's bottom edge command line, type: /server irc.bevcor.com or /server irc.freebmw.net and hit the Enter key. It should start logging you into the IRC server.
Step 4
Once you're connected, type /join #Z3 to enter the Z3 room. That oughta put you in good company. Enjoy! You're in for a trout-slapping fun time.
If you'd like to learn more about IRC, don't miss C/Net's IRC primer or try a Beginner's Guide.
If you have further problems or need help, please contact your Internet Service Provider first, otherwise post a question on the Message Board.
BONUS
mIRC supports a cool sound feature...
Download this Z3 Chat Sound Bundle and unZip it to a subfolder named sounds located in your mirc folder.
In mIRC, click File, Options and select the Sounds tab. Make sure the Accept sound requests checkbox is filled. Also ensure Location of wave files: coincides with the folder you extracted the sound files to. Click OK when finished.
During a chat, type /sound #Z3 filename.wav where filename.wav represents one of the sound files you've extracted.
Click here to return to the Z3 Message Board
Robert's Roadster • Roadsterville • Clayton • Terry's Z3 Gallery
Walter's Z3 • Phil's Z3 • Vince's Z3World Registry • Midwest Z3 Group
This section will attempt to help setup those with Mac OS systems. Windows95 users should click here for setup instructions. Many thanks to Vince for creating this section.
Step 1
Download the shareware Ircle v3.0b client software through the following sites:
The Official Ircle Home Page
DOWNLOAD.COM
Step 2
Double-click the Ircle 3.0b icon.
Step 3
Click the Edit... Button in the Connections Window.
Step 4
Enter a Nickname, Username, and Real Name. To make Ircle automatically connect, check the Auto connect box.
Now click the Select button to select a server.
Step 5
Select Add... in order to add a new, custom server. In the appropriate box, enter irc.bevcor.com or irc.freebmw.net as the server you'd like to connect to.
Step 6
Choose the Autoexec tab and type /JOIN #Z3 into the field. This will auto-join you to the Z3 chat channel.
Now click OK
Step 7
Finally click the Connect button in the Connections window, and it's done.
If you follow these instructions, the next time you launch Ircle, it will connect to the server and join the Z3 channel automatically.
If you'd like to learn more about IRC, don't miss C/Net's IRC primer.
BONUS
Have fun with sounds on the IRC! First download and unZip this Z3 Chat Sound Bundle.
Choose Preferences from the File menu. Choose the CTCP tab.
Check the Enable CTCP SOUND checkbox to enable sounds.
Be sure your Sounds folder corresponds to the location of the sound pack you just received.
Click here to return to the Z3 Message Board
Robert's Roadster • Roadsterville • Clayton • Terry's Z3 Gallery
Walter's Z3 • Phil's Z3 • Vince's Z3World Registry • Midwest Z3 Group
Again, thanks to Alan, Vince, Wizzard, Clayton, and Walter for help lent and offered in this endeavor.