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C R S
CANADA REMOTE SYSTEMS
FTN Zone 79 · Bilingual Network · Est. 1986
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What is CRS Network?
CRS Network is the revival of Canada Remote Systems,
one of the largest and most influential BBS networks in Canadian
telecommunications history.
Today, CRS operates as a bilingual FTN network (Zone 79),
connecting BBS sysops who share a passion for preserving and
advancing BBS culture. We bridge the gap between the rich history
of bulletin board systems and the tools needed to keep them
relevant.
History
1986 —
Canada Remote Systems founded by Jud Newell in Toronto.
Grew to become one of the largest BBS operations in Canada
with thousands of users.
1990s —
CRS at its peak. Multiple phone lines, massive file libraries,
active message networks. A cornerstone of Canadian online
culture before the web.
Late 1990s —
Like most BBS networks, CRS faded as the internet took over.
The name and legacy went quiet.
2016 —
Jud Newell passed away. The CRS legacy remained dormant.
2026 —
CRS Network revived as FTN Zone 79 by PhotoRM BBS
in Les Méchins, Québec. Bilingual (French/English), open to
all sysops worldwide. The name was verified legally free
(CIPO/USPTO, 30+ years abandoned).
What We Offer
- Bilingual echo areas — French and English with automatic translation
- Development feedback — Report bugs, request features, participate in BBS development
- Door games — New MPL games developed for modern Mystic BBS
- Retro computing resources — Access to vintage repair tools, emulators, archives
- Ham radio bridge — Working on Meshtastic/LoRa and APRS integration
- Community — A network of sysops building the future of BBS together
Echo Areas
CRS Network currently hosts 12 bilingual echo areas:
CRS_GENERAL_FR / CRS_GENERAL_EN — General discussionCRS_GAMES_FR / CRS_GAMES_EN — Door games & developmentCRS_RETRO_FR / CRS_RETRO_EN — Retro computingCRS_SYSOP_FR / CRS_SYSOP_EN — Sysop tools & supportCRS_MUSEUM_FR / CRS_MUSEUM_EN — Computing historyCRS_HAM_FR / CRS_HAM_EN — Amateur radio & mesh
Join CRS Network
Requirements:
- A running BBS with FTN capability (Mystic, Synchronet, etc.)
- BinkP mailer configured
- Willingness to participate in the community
To apply: Contact us via any method below. We'll assign you a Zone 79 node number and help you configure.
Contact
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