ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server
Please read our FAQ below. If you still have a question after reading the FAQ, please send a support mail to our support staff: support@activexperts.com.
If you want more information about the product, please read the manual: PDF format.
[ SMS MESSAGING SERVER BASICS ]
Q8010110: What's the difference between ActiveXperts SMS and Pager Toolkit and ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server?
A: SMS and Pager Toolkit is designed for Windows developers (VB, VB .NET, VC++, VC#.NET, ASP, ASP .NET, Delphi, …). It's an ActiveX COM component, without user interface. By integrating the control in a development project, a developer can send/receive SMS messages without any knowledge of SMS. SMS and Pager Toolkit has no integrated database support
ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server is a complete suite to send, receive and process SMS messages. It is database oriented, and has a VBScript engine to process incoming messages.
Q8010111: Which communication protocols are supported?
A: ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server supports the following protocols:
- SMPP - TCP/IP based Internet Protocol to allow high speed SMS communications (send and receive);
- Serial Port communications - GSM Modems are connected to a serial port (or Bluetooth/Infrared);
- POP3 - Receive e-mails from different e-mail accounts using the POP3 internet standard;
- SMTP - Send e-mails to any SMTP compatible mailserver using the SMTP internet standard.
Q8010112: What recipient number format should I use to send an SMS message?
A: Use a + character and country prefix followed by the number, stripping a leading 0. This applies to any SMS messages, no matter what type of channel is used (SMPP or GSM Modem) :
- + : Default number format. For instance, to send to 01234567 in the UK, use +441234567
To send messages to special services etc., you can use the following prefixes:
- S : Use a shortcut number (most often a short number provider by the operator), use the S prefix. For instance: S5511
- N : Force the toolkit to use a national number format, you must prefix the number with an N prefix. For instance: N1234567
- G : Network specific number
- A : Abbreviated number
Q8010114: How many characters can an SMS message contain?
A: A standard SMS message is can contain up to 160 7-bit characters. Some characters count as two (7-bit) characters instead of one character. Example: the EURO character;
To send messages longer than 160 characters, you must enable set the 'Large Messages' option in the Channel properties to: 'Send as Multi-part'. By default, large messages are NOT send as multi-part but are truncated to 160 characters maximum.
Q8010116: Why is multi-part not enabled by default?
A: Because multi-part messages cost more than standard (160 characters) messages.
Multi-part implies that messages are split-up in pieces of 160 characters maximum, and sent as single SMS messages.
To enable multi-part, you must enable set the 'Large Messages' option in the Channel properties to: 'Send as Multi-part'.
Q8010118: I want to send SMS message in Chinese (Unicode characters). Does ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server support Unicode?
A: No, it doesn't. We will support Unicode in future versions.
If you are looking for a Unicode tool that does support Unicode, you can use the ActiveXperts MMS and SMS Toolkit. Please note that this tool is a development tool, i.e. a tool for VB, VB .NET, VC++ etc. developers.
Q8010120: Does ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server support EMS or MMS?
A: No, the toolkit only supports SMS. However, you can send advanced messages like flash, Unicode, ring tones and pictures.
Q8010122: Does ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server support ringtones and logo's?
A: No, it doesn't. ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server is designed for business purposes, with a fast and efficient database design. It can only handle ASCII/Text messages.
If you are looking for a Unicode tool that does support Unicode, you can use the ActiveXperts MMS and SMS Toolkit. Please note that this tool is a development tool.
Q8010124: Does ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server simultaneously handle incoming and outgoing messages on different Channels?
A: Yes it does. ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server has a multi-threaded architecture; each communication Channel runs as a separate thread (i.e. sub-process). This allows messages to go come in and go out simultaneously.
Q8010126: Does ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server support dial-up SMSC providers?
A: No, it doesn't. Dial-up providers are too slow; an SMS message takes up to 1 minute, or even more, because it uses a normal modem to dial-up to a provider, and deliver the message. Therefore, it is not integrated in SMS Messaging Server.
If you want to use a dial-up anyway, you can use ActiveXperts MMS and SMS Toolkit.
[ INSTALLATION AND STARTUP ]
Q8010010: When I run Setup, I get the following error message: "Error installing iKernel.exe (0xa00)". What's wrong?
A: Most probably, you don't have administrative privileges on the machine where you install the product. You must have local administrator rights to install ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server on the computer.
Q8010012: How can I uninstall ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server?
A: Uninstall the software using the 'Add/Remove' applet in the control panel:
Select 'ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server' and click on 'Remove'.
Q8010014: What hardware is required to use SMS Messaging Server?
A: ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server supports the following hardware:
- Network Cards / SMPP protocol
Customers requiring a high throughput should deliver SMS messages over a network connection to a remote SMPP-compliant SMSC provider.
The SMPP ( 'Short Message Peer-to-Peer' ) protocol is a Layer-7 TCP/IP protocol for exchanging SMS messages between SMS peer
entities such as short message service centers.
- GSM modems
This is a fast and reliable device to send and receive SMS messages.
- GSM phones with AT+C modem command support
GSM phones work similar to GSM modems. Connect your GSM phone to a PC or server via the serial port, USB port or Bluetooth.
Q8010016: I'm unable to upgrade to a newer version. The installation keeps asking me to uninstall the software (even after I uninstalled the product). What is the problem?
A: ActiveXperts uses the InstallShield product for its installations. Only on very rare occasions, InstallShield doesn't update its registry key after uninstall, so it will ask you to uninstall the next time you start the installation. You can use this workaround:
(-) Start the registry editor (REGEDIT.EXE);
(-) Open the HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\ key;
(-) Delete the CF97C16D-F384-4737-BA80-EE1C7E002ED6 key.
Now, InstallShield won't ask to uninstall anymore.
Q8010018: Can we assign Local System credentials to the ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server Service, or are Domain Administrator credentials required?
A: Local System credentials will usually suffice. It is important that the SMS Messaging Server has Read/Write access to all files located in its installation directory.
There's one situation where Domain Administrator credentials are required: if you use MS SQL database on a remote computer, and MS SQL requires Windows Authentication, then Domain Administrator credentiais are required for the SMS Messaging Server service.
Q8010020: Can I use a Windows XP computer to run ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server?
A: Yes you can. The only Windows platforms not supported by ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server are: Windows 95/98 and Windows ME, because these operating systems do not offer facilities to run services (ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server runs in the background as a service).
However, ActiveXperts recommends to use a Windows 2000/2003 server, because server platforms are optimized for application services.
[ GENERAL OPTIONS ]
Q8010710: Would you recommend migrating the configuration database (Configuration.mdb) to MS Access?
A: There's no need to migrate the configuration to MS SQL. Only when there are changes, the database is accessed by the service. However, if you prefer to have the configuration database in MS SQL, you can do so.
Q8010712: Do I need to restart the service after making changes to the configuration?
A: No, you never need to restart the service after making changes to the configuration. There's only one exception: when making changes to one of the performance registry entries, you must restart the service.
[ GSM MODEM CHANNELS ]
Q8010210: Which GSM Modems do you recommend?
A: There are many GSM Modems available today. We recommend 3 modems in particular:
- MultiTech GSM Modem model MTCBA-G-UF1 - USB port only; 900/1800 MHz (Europe)
- MultiTech GSM Modem model MTCBA-G-UF2 - USB port only; 850/1900 MHz (North-America)
- WaveCom 1306B - Serial port only; 850/1900 MHz (North-America)
ActiveXperts offers a bundle with MultiTech modems.
Q8010211: I'm evaluating ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server. Which GSM phones can be connected and controller by your software?
A: SMS Messaging Server supports both GSM Modems and GSM Phones. The GSM Phone can basically be any business cellular phone that supports the AT+C command set and that has a serial-, Bluetooth or Infrared interface.
For a list of supported GSM Modems and GSM Phones, click here.
Q8010212: My GSM modem doesn't seem to work well with your software. What's the best way to troubleshoot?
A: First, you should check the GSM Modem Channel properties. Make sure that a SIM card is inserted and that a PIN code is provided (if required).
To see real-time communication details, use the ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server Monitor. A shortcut is located in the Start Menu.
To get more detailed information, you can enable logging for a GSM Channel. To enable logging, start the Registry Editor (REGEDIT.EXE or REGEDT32.EXE), and set the following Registry entry:
HKLM\Software\ActiveXperts\SMS Messaging Server\Trace\GSM Modem 1xxx\LogFile
You must restart the SMS Messaging Server service before changes take effect.
Please note that logging can decrease the performance of the service, especially when the log files becomes several Megabytes or more.
Q8010214: What is the speed of sending and receiving messages (number of messages per minute) with a MultiTech GSM modem?
A: It takes about 5 seconds to send/receive an SMS message, so that would imply 12 messages per minute. This throughput basically applies to all available GSM modems.
Q8010216: Does ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server prevent my SIM card from being blocked when a wrong PIN code is entered
A: Yes, it will. If a wrong PIN code is entered, it will send the PIN code to the modem. The modem will tell that the PIN code is not correct. The next time, the software will NOT send the same PIN code again to the modem, unless the PIN code has been changed.
Q8010218: Why do I need to enter the SIM card's SMS number?
A: Because it is not possible to read the SMS number from the SIM card. In fact, the SMS number of the SIM card is not really required by the software, but is used for displaying and logging purposes.
[ SMPP CHANNELS ]
Q8010610: I ran out of SMS credits during evaluation. Can I get another 20 credits to continue testing?
A: Yes you can. Please send an e-mail to support@activexperts.com with subject: SMS Messaging Server SMPP credits.
Our support desk is happy to provide you with another 20 credits.
Q8010612: Can you provide a list of supported SMPP providers?
A: We are currently working on a list of tested SMPP servers. Please send an e-mail to support@activexperts.com for an actual list of recommended SMPP providers.
Q8010614: What version of SMPP is supported by ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server?
A: ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server supports SMPP version 3.x.
Q8010616: I want to use SMPP for sending SMS messages. Where do I sign-up?
A: You must sign-up with a public SMPP SMSC provider. There are hundreds of SMPP providers around the world. ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server supports all SMPP v3.x compliant providers.
A sign-up usually requires a small sign-up fee and a monthly SMS bundle.
[ MESSAGES ]
Q8010410: I can't see the complete Body text in my Message View. How can I see the full message?
A: Select the message, and click on 'View Trace' from the Context Menu.
Q8010412: What is the meaning of the status: 'Outgoing / Pending'?
A: The Message status has changed from Scheduled into Pending; this means that it is time to send the message. The message has been delivered to the channel that is responsible for sending the message. The status will soon change into a value indicating that the message was delivered, or - in case of a failure - the message failed.
Q8010414: My message status shows: 'Send Failed / NACK received'. What does it mean?
A: This means that your provider could not deliver the message to the recipient. Most probably, the format of the recipient number is OK, but the recipient does not exist on the mobile network.
Q8010416: My message status shows: 'Send Failed (ACK expired)'. Is there anything I can do about it?
A: Usually, you will receive a positive or negative acknowledgement within a reasonable amount of time. However, when the recipient's mobile phone is switched off, it can take rather long before an acknowledgement will be received.
You can control the Ack threshold time yourself. To do so, go to the Channels properties, and change the 'Ack Timeout' value.
Q8010418: What's the different between the status 'Send' and 'Delivered (ACK received)'
A: Sent means that the message was successfully submitted, but – according to the properties of the Channel – no acknowledgement was required.
Delivered (ACK received) means that the message was submitted successfully and – according to the properties of the Channel – an acknowledgement was requested and – indeed - received.
To require an acknowledgement, go to the properties of a particular Channel, and change the timeout value in the ACK time-out field.
Q8010420: I have more than 80.000 messages in my Message Database. The performance is is slowing down when the message database is updated. Is there anything we can do about it?
A: Yes you can. It is a good practice to archive message to a separate database when you have a lot of message in your Message Database.
Make sure that archiving is enabled in the 'Options' view of the Configuration, and set a proper value for the 'Archive After' field. There's no recommended value for it, it depends on the number of messages you have and how often your view is refreshed.
Q8010422: Can I limit the number of outgoing SMS messages? I want to prevent my VBScript triggers from sending many messages in an endless loop during testing
A: Yes, this is possible. You can limit the number of outgoing SMS messages in the channels properties (Gsm Modem Channel and Smpp Channel only). You can only set a daily limit.
Q8010424: I want to migrate all messages to MS SQL. How to accomplish this?
A: Use the MS SQL Migration Wizard. You can launch the wizard from the 'Tools and Utilities' Folder in the Manager application.
Q8010426: I migrated to MS SQL in the past, but want to migrate back to MS Access. Is this possible?
A: It is possible to revert to MS Access, but not through the 'MS SQL Migration Wizard'. You must manually change the Message Database Connection String in the Manager application. Use the following format:
DRIVER=Microsoft Access Driver (*.mdb);DBQ=<INSTALL-PATH>\Msg\Messages.mdb
For instance:
DRIVER=Microsoft Access Driver (*.mdb);DBQ=C:\Program Files\ActiveXperts\SMS Messaging Server\Msg\Messages.mdb
[ TRIGGERS ]
Q8010510: The status of my message shows there was a 'processing error'. How do I find out what went wrong?
A: Simply double click on the message in the Message View, it will show the 'Trace' field of the message. It tells you exactly what went wrong. Most probably, there was an error in your VBScript program. Line and character position will be shown to indicate the exact location where the error occurred in the script.
Q8010512: What is the speed of processing messages (number of messages per minute)?
A: It takes around 2 seconds to process a message, so that would mean 30 messages per minute. Messages are processed by a different thread than the one that received the messages. This is done by design, to give the communication threads maximum throughput.
Q8010514: I have defined three triggers. When a new message comes in and all conditions are True, still only the first script is triggered. What's the reason for that?
A: A condition is ALWAYS FALSE if the status of the incoming message indicates that the message has already been processed. So, if you define three triggers (all enabled), and the first trigger sets the message status to PROCESSED, the other triggers will NEVER match the conditions and the associated scripts will never be called.
Aparantly, the first script sets the status of the message to True, and the other two scripts are not executed.
[ TUNING AND PERFORMANCE ]
Q8010812: To improve performance, should I write log files to a different drive?
A: It is always a good practice to write logging information to a different drive to optimize speed. Especially when the log files grow large, you may want to benefit from a fast drive or fast RAID system.
Q8010814: What's the best way to optimize the performance of the system?
A: The most effective way is to keep the Message Database small, i.e. to keep a maximum of 50.000-100.000 messages. You can control the size of the message database by specifying a short Archive Period value. To do so, select 'Options' from the Manager, enable 'Archiving' and set a short Archive Period frequency (for instance: 3 days).
[ TROUBLESHOOTING ]
Q8010910: There's a message in my Message View saying: 'Send Failed, Generic Error'. How do I know what went wrong?
A: You must take a closer look at the trace information. Trace information is part of the message; you can see this trace information by double clicking on the message from the Manager application.
Q8010912: Sometimes my GSM Modem fails for some reason. The Monitor application only shows the history of the last couple of minutes. Is there any way to see what happened with the modem?
A: The Monitor application can only show real-time information. To view a full trace, you must enable 'tracing' for the particular modem.. There's tracing possible for the following items:
- Every single channel;
- Message database;
- VBScript engine.
To enable tracing for a particular channel or thread, you must enable it through the registry, by assigning a Log File to it:
- Open a registry editor (REGEDIT.EXE or REGEDT32.EXE);
- Open the HKLM\Software\ActiveXperts\SMS Messaging Server\Trace key;
- Open the key of the item that you want to trace, and specify a valid trace filename;
- Restart the Service.
[ LICENSING, PURCHASING AND PRODUCT ACTIVATION ]
Q8011010: I want to attach four GSM modems to the server where ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server is running. How many licenses do I need?
A: You only need one license. Licensing is based on the number of installations of the product. Since you only install it once, you need one license.
Q8011012: I want to purchase ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server. Do I need to purchase a separate SMS and Pager Toolkit for SMS notifications?
A: No you don't. The SMS Messaging Server indeed uses SMS and Pager Toolkit, but a license of SMS Messaging Server automatically allows you to use the SMS and pager Toolkit. No additional license is required. The same thing for ActiveEmail: ActiveEmail is used by SMS Messaging Server to send out e-mail messages, but you do not need a lseparate icense for.
Q8011014: When I buy a license, do I have to pay for future releases?
A: ActiveXperts' Maintenance Agreement entitles customers to use ActiveXperts' technical support services, and to receive all product upgrades, free of charge, during a specified Agreement duration.
The Maintenance Agreement applies to all ActiveXperts products.
During the first two years after purchase, Maintenance is free (customers who bought any ActiveXperts Software products before June 1st 2003 have three years free Maintenance).
After this free Maintenance period, Licensee may purchase Maintenance. The price for the Maintenance Agreement is 15% of the price that was paid for the product.
Q8011016: How much does a support contract cost?
A: During the first two years after purchase, Maintenance is free (customers who bought any ActiveXperts Software products before June 1st 2003 have three years free Maintenance).
After this free Maintenance period, Licensee may purchase Maintenance. The price for the Maintenance Agreement is 15% of the price that was paid for the product.
Customers choose between one- and two-year Maintenance Agreement periods.
Q8011018: What happens after the 30 day trial period?
A: After 30 days of evaluation, functionality will be reduced: all outgoing messages will be blocked.
Open the About dialog to see how many days are still remaining.
Q8011020: Where can I purchase the product?
A: For detailed sales information, check the Sales webpage.
Q8011022: I've purchased a copy of ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server. They sent me a registration code. What should I do now, activate it or something?
A: It's very simple: just launch the ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server Manager application, go to the Help menu and select the Registration menu item. Here, you can enter the registration code. You'll be asked to activate the registration; you'll be automatically redirected to the ActiveXperts web page to continue activation.
Q8011024: I want to use the API on a different machine than the one that hosts the SMS Messaging Server engine. I recently purchased a license. Am I allowed to use the API on a different computer?
A: Yes, you are allowed to use the API on any workstation or server; you do not need additional licenses.