Projects : Comms/sms_client

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SMS Client

SMS Client FAQ 2.0.9

Table Of Content

About SMSClient
Running SMSClient
Compiling
Providers
Mailinglist

Content

About SMSClient

Question:
Who wrote SMS Client?
Answer:

Until Feb. 2002 Angelo Masci maintained this software, he's the 'author' and first maintainer.
From Feb. 2002 Michael Holzt is maintaining it.

This is what you could call a friendly take-over. Angelo simply hadn't the time left to continue SMS Client development. We would like to thank him for this piece of software, and his attitude towards Free Software Development!

Recently (March 26 - 2002) Koenraad Heijlen now maintains the 2.0.x tree, Michael will concentrate on the development tree (2.2.x)

Question
Is there a GUI available for X?
Answer:

Currently NO, although number of individuals have said they are working on such projects.

Question
Who is behind SMSClient now...
Answer:
  • Michael Holzt - maintainer ( mail )
  • Mark Lewis - mailinglist, website hosting ( mail )
  • Koenraad Heijlen - webmaster,2.0.x maintainer ( mail )
  • Other developers...
Question
Do I need any special hardware to send a message to a mobile phone, must I connect my mobile to the computer somehow?
Answer:

No. SMS Client uses your modem to dial into a messages centre operated by your provider, this relays the message to the phone or pager.

Drivers are being implemented which interface with web based services hosted by some providers. In the case of these service it is assumed that you are connected to the internet and can contact then either directly or via a http proxy server.

look at the providers list, in the 'web based' section for a full list.

Question
Can I receive SMS messages on my computer using this software?
Answer:

No. This software is intended only for sending SMS messages. Some free UNIX software for doing this is available for use with specialized equipment. For more information see:
http://www.styx.demon.co.uk/smslink

Question
I've noticed that there's code in the 'src' directory that doesn't get built when I 'make' why is that?
Answer:

The additional code is still in development. Feel free to take a look and send us any feedback you may have.

Question
I'd like to give it a quick test, is there a test number I can try?
Answer

If you're from the UK Feel free to send your email address to Angelo's pager on minicall:252044 He'll try to mail you a reply back a soon as he gets a chance. Remember that this is a UK service and will cost you a lot if you're dialing from outside the UK...

Compiling

Question
When I try 'make', it complains bitterly, Why?
Answer:

Use GNU Make.

Versions 2.0.8m and up have been updated significantly to work with non GNU makes.

smsclient will be using autoconf/automake soon...

Question
The binaries are huge, what's the deal?
Answer:

The binaries have been built with the '-g' options to include as many debug symbols as possible. You can run strip on the binaries to reduce their size considerably.

When you run the install script the binaries are stripped before being copied to their destination.

If you are still concerned you can reduce the size by editing the file 'drivers' and recompiling to include only those drivers that you are going to use.

Running SMSClient

Question
I have tried to send myself multiple messages but only one arrives, why?
Answer:

SMS Client Filters out any duplicate names if found. If you really want to send yourself several messages enter several versions of your name in the address book and specify these on the command line.

Question
I can't get smsclient to run from inside a script. (eg. netsaint)?
Answer:

by default SMSClient uses stdout to display some information (dialing...). Some apllications (eg. netsaint) don't want to know what a script returns, and SMSClient sends it output into the great wide open... This results in a Broken Pipe. You should call smsclient without output, smsclient -q.

Question
I have changed the settings in /etc/sms/* but they have no effect... why?
Answer:

from 2.0.8z the configuration directory has moved to /etc/smsclient. You should change your variables there.

Providers

Question
I Have a PageOne Minicall pager, how do I find out my Pager ID?
Answer:

When you want to send a message you use the number on the back side of the pager, the last 6 digits of this number is the Pager ID.

Mailinglist

Question
How do I subscribe?
Answer:

If you would like to discuss usage of SMSCleint you can join the SMS Client Users mailing list here.

Question
How do I UN-subscribe?
Answer:

You may unsubscibe via the web interface with your email address and password. These details are sent to you on a monthly basis as a reminder. Alternatively, look at the email headers on any list posting to find these details.

You can reach the administrator of the list (a human) by looking in for the email address within the header of a post to a particular list.

Question
How do I send patches?
Answer:

If the patch is not too big you can send them to the mailinglist. Otherwise just put them online and mail the url. It's a good thing (TM) to save some bandwith.