Background

When I first started using HomeSeer, I sent myself pages by using the e-mail address assigned to my pager. That worked okay, however it required that my computer be online, and I never liked how Sprint Paging formats the e-mail messages on my pager display. With this script, I can format the entire message to my liking, and it uses a com port (so I don't have to be online).

The Script

If you'd like, just go ahead and download the script and run it. It probably contains enough comments to get you going:

          alpha_pager.txt (4Kb)

The Protocol

This script uses the IXO Telocator Alphanumeric Protocol (formerly known as the IXO alphanumeric protocol). This protocol dictates what characters must be sent to the paging system, and what characters the paging system should send back in response. Using the GetComPortData function, I had it working somewhat, but not with any consistancy. So I rewrote it by just using the "send some characters, wait some seconds, send some more characters, wait some more seconds, etc." method. And now it works quite well.

For those who care, this protocol actually allows for two different methods of paging: automatic mode and manual mode. My script uses the manual method.

Modem Telephone Number:

To use this script, you need to get the telephone number to your paging provider's modem. This is not the same phone number that people use to page you. Most providers will give this to you if you just call them and ask for it. Just tell them that you've got a computer program that sends alpha pages, and you need the modem number that the program should dial to (it is usually toll free).

If you'd like, I found this Word document on the internet that contains over 400 modem numbers for various paging companies in the United States and Canada. Note that while some paging companies have a single toll-free number, others maintain dozens of local numbers for access from various geographical regions.

Note that this document is maintained by NETCON Technologies. They sell a product called FirstPAGE, and therefore, the access numbers for their product are listed first in the following document. For other companies, just scroll down a bit to see the alphabetical listing.

          ixophone.doc (124Kb) IMPORTANT: Just to reiterate, as mentioned above, this Word doc is maintained by NETCON Technologies, not by me. On April 15, 2001, the document contained the 'W97M.Class.A.Gen' virus. It might still contain the virus, or they may have removed it. Download at your own risk.

PIN Number:

This is just the PIN number assigned by your paging company.

WaitSecs Settings:

You may need to adjust the wait times I used. Specifically, you may need to adjust the WaitSecs call right after dialing the modem.

Com Port Settings:

The parameters used when opening the com port may also need to be adjusted. Most paging services use even parity with 7 data bits and 1 stop bit. Also 1200 baud (or maybe 2400) should work fine.

Modem Initialization String:

All modems are different. The initialization string that I use is pretty standard and it works great on my modem. I also like to send the 'M0' command, which mutes the modem speaker. See your modem's documentation for more info.

Testing:

While testing my script with your pager, you might find it helpful to use some kind of modem control program (like Hyperterminal which comes with Windows). Such a program allows you to operate your modem manually. You can actually type the commands used in the script (instead of running the script) and see what happens. This might also help you get the timing down, in case the wait times I use don't work for you. Please don't ask me how to do this though; that's beyond the scope of this web page. Your modem (or the software) should have enough documentation.

Suggested Uses:

I use this functionality in conjunction with my weather script to send me a weather report once each day. Also, I have some events setup so that if motion is detected in certain parts of my home, and I'm not home, it notifies me by pager. Good luck.