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Resolving Usenet 502 Error Codes

July 18, 2012 by

When it comes to Usenet error codes, the 502 error is quite common.  Depending on the newsgroup provider you might also see some additional information like “authentication failed” or “too many connections”.  There are several problems that can lead to 502 errors.  Luckily most of them are easily explained and can be solved by the user.  We’ll cover several solutions in a moment.  Refer to our Usenet tutorial section for more guides.

Usenet 502 Error Codes

Here’s a list of common 502 Usenet errors along with suggestions for solving them:

1.  Authentication Failed

  • As the message suggests you’re failing to log into the Usenet provider’s news server.
  • Is this the first time you’ve tried to connect?  If so make sure you’ve entered the username and password properly.  Most Usenet providers send them in an email after you sign up.
  • Remember that your username and password may be case sensitive.
  • Did you copy and paste your username and password from the welcome email?  If so try typing them in to the newsreader manually.
  • Log into your Usenet provider’s website to test your credentials.
  • Did you change your password recently?  If so wait a few minutes and try again.
  • Confirm your payments are up to date.  Confirm your credit card expiration date.
  • If you find newsreader setup frustrating then consider Newshosting.  They will provide you with a pre-configured newsreader along with unlimited Usenet for just $9.99 a month or $99 a year.

2.  Incorrect News Server Address or Port Number

  • Confirm your providers news server address.  Here’s a sever / port list to help.
  • Many providers have multiple news servers in the US and Europe.  They also have alternate port numbers based on whether you want to connect using SSL encryption.
  • Configure your newsreader for the news server farm closest to your location.
  • Take a look at this sample Usenet server setup using NewsLeecher.

  • Be careful not to switch the server address and nickname.
  • If you check the SSL box make sure to use an appropriate port number.
  • We left the username and password blank for the screenshot.  Make sure to enter your credentials.

3.  Exceeded Max Connections

  • Confirm the maximum number of server connections allowed on your account.
  • Make sure you haven’t set the number of connection in your newsreader too high.
  • Usenet clients use different terms.  For example NewsLeecher calls connections bots.
  • Set your max connections even if the newsreader will try to automatically.
  • If you disconnected or cancelled in the middle of a download then give the connections some time to clear.
  • Remember that the connection limit is spread across all servers.  So if you’re using 20 connections between US and Europe servers for the same provider then split them up allocating 10 to each server.
  • Tip: only use the minimum number of connections needed to reach your desired download speed.

4.  Login From Multiple IP’s Not Allowed

  • Most Usenet providers do not allow you to share accounts.  They often track by IP address.
  • Perhaps your IP changed recently.  If so wait a few minutes for the connections to reset and try again.
  • Did you share your credentials?  If so change your password and wait awhile before logging back in.

5.  Usage Limit Reached

  • This isn’t applicable for unlimited Usenet accounts.
  • Metered plans are limited to a certain amount of download usage each month.  If you exceed the limit often then we suggest you consider an unlimited Usenet plan.
  • The same applies to block accounts.  Once the block is used up you’ll want to purchase another block.

I hope our guide helped resolve your 502 error.  Remember that your Usenet provider is there to help as well.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the best Usenet deals.

Filed Under: Usenet Tutorials Tagged With: , ,

Newsbin Remote $0.99 Summer Sale

July 15, 2012 by

Late last year Newsbin Pro announced a new remote control app called NBRemote.  We enjoyed testing it out on an iPhone 4.  Being able to remotely control your newsreader has some nice advantages.  You can read our NBRemote review to learn more about the app.  The regular price of NBRemote is now $3.99.  A good value for the useful app.  This month NBRemote is on sale for $0.99.  If you’ve been considering NBRemote or already use Newsbin and have an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch then check it out.  The summer sale ends July 31st.

This is the perfect time for iOS users to pick up NBRemote.  We enjoy the app and think you will too.  Given the price of $0.99 you really have nothing to lose.  Remember to upgrade Newsbin to at least version 6.30.  Then you can use your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch to remotely control Newsbin, access your Dropbox account and browse NZB sites.  Make sure to download NBRemote by July 31st to save $2 off during their Summer sale.

I’m sure some are thinking “that’s great but what about Android users?”.  That’s a fair question.  An Android version of NBRemote is definitely in the works. The Newsbin team is currently working hard on Newsbin Pro 6.4 which includes some cool updates like custom paths.  According to their July 9th “Message of the Day”, the Android version of NBRemote will be the focus of development after Newsbin 6.4 is released.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to compare Usenet clients and providers.  Follow @NewsgroupRevs for more deals.

Filed Under: NBRemote, Newsbin Pro, Newsreaders Tagged With: ,

Save on Short Term Usenet Access

July 13, 2012 by

Let’s face it sometimes you just have a Usenet scratch that needs itched.  You don’t necessarily need a month of Usenet access.  A weekend of newsgroups would be enough.  You have several options for that situation.  Including short term Usenet accounts and block plans.  Which makes more sense?  It really depends on how much you plan to download.  We’ll cover 3-day unlimited Usenet and block account options.

Short Term Unlimited Usenet

Let’s cover short term Usenet access first.  As you can see in the image above, UseNetServer offers a 3-day plan.  You can pick up the UNS 3-day unlimited plan for $3 without SSL or $5 with SSL.  A really nice solution if you want to download over a weekend but don’t need regular access.  If you plan to download more often check out our UNS specials which include unlimited Usenet downloads for just $10 a month or $95 a year.

Block Usenet Accounts

First let’s explain what a block is and how they differ from unlimited accounts.  Purchasing a block of Usenet downloads is similar to buying a prepaid phone card.  So for example if you decide to buy a 200 GB block your prepaying for 200 GB of newsgroup access.  When considering blocks you want to be careful and buy from a provider that offers non-expiring plans.  Since terms and pricing can change over time we suggest you check out our block Usenet page for the latest offers.  As we only focus on providers that offer non-expiring terms.

Conclusion

We like the UseNetServer 3-day accounts for short term unlimited Usenet downloads.  While their monthly and yearly deals give you more value for long term Usenet access.  Block accounts are good for those who want to use newsgroups from time to time and know their usage patterns.  Those who don’t download much content can save over recurring plans.  Either option will help you scratch that Usenet itch next time it comes up.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the best Usenet deals.

Filed Under: Usenet Providers Tagged With: ,

Free XS Usenet Drops Retention and SSL

July 8, 2012 by

Back in April we wrote about changes to the XS Usenet free plan.  Including a download cap of 25 GB a month.  We speculated at the time that XS Usenet might be focused on steering free users over to premium accounts.  Their recent changes seem to point in that direction.  As XS Usenet is now limiting free users to 10 days of binary retention and the plan no longer supports SSL connections.  Making the free service far less useful.

Let’s take a look at what XS Usenet free accounts looked like at the beginning of 2012 versus now:

  • Previous – 400 days retention, SSL, 1 Mbps speed, no download limit
  • Current – 10 days retention, no SSL, 1 Mbps speed, 25 GB download limit

As you can see their free Usenet account use to be a good offer.  Especially for backups and fills.  It looks like a lot of users signed up as XS Usenet recently mentioned on Twitter that they’re nearing 200,000 users.  Now it looks like they’re working hard to convert all those non-paying members to premium customers.

We’ve heard from some members who feel like XS Usenet pulled a bait and switch.  While we agree their free service isn’t all that useful anymore please remember that it’s still free.  With no strings attached.  You can walk away at anytime without owing anything.  You’ll find some really good alternatives for under $10 a month.

XS Usenet accounts are priced at €6.99 a month.  The homepage lists ‘as low as €2.99′ but that only covers their 2-day account.  So the equivalent cost in dollars is around $9 a month for 900 days of binary retention.  That combination of price and retention makes it hard for XS Usenet to compete with the larger services.  Not to mention they lack the network infrastructure and redundancy offering by leading tier-1 Usenet providers.

Here’s a quick look at some current Usenet specials to compare features and value:

In April we recommended keeping free XS Usenet accounts until restrictions impeded the usage.  At this point their free plan is almost useless.  We recommend you sign up for one of the providers listed above or read some reviews and compare all your options.  Then consider a good block account for a backup and fills.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet.  Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the best Usenet deals.

Filed Under: Usenet Providers, XS Usenet Tagged With: , , ,

Find the Best Summer Usenet Deals

July 3, 2012 by

July 3rd update – the Newshosting and UseNetServer summer promotions have been extended through the end of July.  So enjoy 100 GB (UNS) or three weeks (Newshosting) to test each service.  Save up to 55% off.

Summer is heating up and so are the Usenet promotions.  Giving you a great chance to save along with extended free trials.  Including up to 55% off unlimited Usenet downloads or 100 GB free trial.  With leading Usenet providers like Newshosting, UseNetServer, NewsDemon, Astraweb, Easynews and more offering up some great deals.  With prices as low as $9.99 a month or $95 a year.  Which works out to just $7.95 a month!

Take full advantage of the summer.  Enjoy the time outdoors, family vacations, barbeques and perhaps even a few cold ones with friends, responsibly of course.  When you make it back home those Usenet downloads you queued up will be ready for your enjoyment.  All these summer Usenet deals are lifetime offers and include unlimited access to newsgroups.  Some also include extras like newsreaders, search and online storage.

#1 – Newshosting 21 Day Free Trial and $9.99 Special

Newshosting is running two special promotions this summer.  First is a 21-day free trial.  Allowing you to enjoy 10 GB of free downloads over a three week period.  They are also offering unlimited Usenet and free access to their newsreader client with search for just $9.99 a month or $99 a year.  Expect the very best from Newshosting.  High retention, excellent performance, spot on reliability and the ever popular Newshosting client.  All for just $9.99 a month or $99 a year.  Visit our Newshosting special page to save up to 44% off unlimited Usenet access.

#2 – UseNetServer 100 GB Free Trial and $10 Special

UseNetServer is also running two special promotions this summer.  First is a 100 GB free trial.  Giving you two weeks and up to 100 GB free to test the service.  They are also offering unlimited Usenet and free access to their UNS Global Search for just  $10 a month or $95 a year.   Expect quality Usenet access including high retention, UNS Global search feature, speed and reliability.  All for just $10 a month or $95 a year.  Visit our UNS special page to save up to 55% off.

#3 – NewsDemon $7 Intro Offer and $9.99 Special

The NewsDemon summer special includes unlimited Usenet downloads with a free copy of News Rover newsreader.  Along with 30 GB of free online storage for just $7 the firrst month and then  $9.99 a month thereafter.  Their service is top notch with high retention, uncapped speeds and free features (Usenet client and online storage).  All for just $9.99 a month for our visitors.  Visit the NewsDemon special page to save up to 50% off NewsDemon unlimited Usenet access.

Those are our favorite Usenet deals of the summer.  You can visit our special offers page to keep up with the latest promotions.  Other popular services currently running specials include ThunderNews, Easynews, Astraweb, NewsGroupDirect, MaximumUsenet, Ngroups and UseNetNow.  Enjoy the summer offers!

Filed Under: Usenet Providers Tagged With: , ,

NewsgroupDirect Summer Block Sale

July 1, 2012 by

NewsgroupDirect is at it again.  They’ve become quite well known for their Terabyte Tuesday promotions.  Which typically occur one day a month when NGD offers 1 TB block accounts for $40.  A great value but what if you just don’t need that large of a block.  NewsgroupDirect has the answer with a new promotion to celebrate summer.  Through July 4th you can get a 500 GB block for just $20.  That’s 60% off the regular $50 price.  Saving you $30 off a nice chunk of Usenet downloads.  Visit the NewsgroupDirect Deal page to sign up.

We highly recommend the NGD 500 GB block plan as a backup / fill account or even for primary use if the capacity is enough to last you for awhile.  Those who prefer unlimited Usenet downloads can also check out our NewsgroupDirect coupon code.  They’ve been kind in offering our visitors 20% off unlimited access.

Newsgroup Direct is a quality Usenet provider with servers in the United States and Europe.  They offer high retention (over 1,400 days and growing) along with plenty of connections to max most users Internet speeds.  NGD also includes free SSL encryption with their block accounts.  If you’d like additional protection for browsing the web and other applications you might consider adding a VPN service.

Escape the summer heat with a 500 GB block Usenet account.  Since NGD’s blocks are non-expiring you have as long as you need to use the downloads.  Visit the NewsgroupDirect Deal page by July 4th to sign up.

Visit NewsgroupReviews.com to learn more about newsgroups.  Follow @NewsgroupRevs for the latest deals.

Filed Under: NewsgroupDirect, Usenet Providers Tagged With:

UCLA Usenet Restricted to Campus Network

June 29, 2012 by

UCLA will be making some changes to their Usenet service this weekend.  After their July 1st update access will be restricted to the UCLA campus network.  Users who wish to access newsgroups from off campus will need to first connect to the UCLA VPN.  The changes will take place between 12:01 am and 1:00 am Sunday, July 1st.  You can visit the BOL maintenance page for more details including Usenet and VPN setup instructions.

Some might find the UCLA update confusing.  As we started by saying the Usenet service will be restricted to their on campus network and then mention use of the UCLA VPN when off campus.  Basically UCLA’s VPN allows you to connect to the UCLA network from off site.  Granting you an IP address just as if you were sitting on campus.  The same way personal VPN services assign IP addresses from around the world.

Once you’re on campus or connected through the VPN you can access the Usenet service using your email address.  The UCLA news server (news.ucla.edu) does not require authentication.  However it will only be accessible if you have a UCLA IP address.  If you have questions about setting up their Usenet access visit the UCLA news server page.  Bruin Online also has a page dedicated to helping you setup UCLA VPN access.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to learn more about Usenet. Follow us @NewsgroupRevs for the latest news.

Filed Under: Xtra Tagged With: , ,

Newsbin Pro 6.4 NZB Watch Folders Feature

June 19, 2012 by

We always enjoy checking out the Newsbin Pro beta releases.  Their latest (Newsbin 6.4 beta 3) includes a new feature that gives users even more control over their downloads.  Allowing you to setup NZB watch folders with different preferences for each.  You can control the folder structure for each NZB folder.  Including the watch folder itself along with download and UnRAR paths.  Visit the Newsbin beta page to learn more.

The customizable NZB watch folders are far more flexible than setting paths with checkboxes.  Now you can use preset symbols like $(GROUP), $(MONTH), $(NZBFILE) and several others to set the folder paths to your liking.  As shown in the screenshot above you can specify the details and order for each download and UnRAR path.

Newsbin 6.40 includes a number of new features including:

  • NZB Watch Folder feature. You can create a folder for sending NZB files for processing and specify different download and unrar pathsto apply to the contents of the NZBs in each watch folder if you like.
  • AutoPAR tweaks so it will work better with a wider variety of RAR set posting styles.
  • AutoPAR state data is all stored in memory now. AutoPAR2.db3 only saves data between runs now. This increases reliability by reducing the chance of corrupting the database file and provides some performance optimizations.
  • Peforming an empty search in Internet Search is now a wildcard search. Returns the last 2000 items added to the Search database.
  • New “Performance” section in the Options menu that allows you to easily tweak options to work best on high end machines or low end machines.

Newsbin customers can download version 6.4 beta 3 from their site.  As all full releases and betas are free of charge for users with a software license.  New users can download a 10 day free trial to test the Usenet client.

Visit Newsgroup Reviews to compare Usenet clients and providers.  Join us on Twitter @NewsgroupRevs.

Filed Under: Newsbin Pro, Newsreaders Tagged With: , ,
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