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FAQs



1. How to Setup InfoRad Receivers (Pagers and Cell Phones)?


NOTE: Text Messaging to Cell Phones via SMTP(email) is no longer recommended. Cell carriers filter 'email-to-text' messages, and in many cases messages are delayed (from 10 minutes and up to 48 hours) or discarded as SPAM or for violating the carrier policies. Please see information on the InfoRad Messaging Gateway for reliable cell phone text messaging. InfoRad Messaging Gateway Information

If you still desire to send text messages to cellular phones using email services (your carrier has whitelisted you or you have carrier Enterprise Messaging services utilizing Internet email), the link below will show you a couple different ways to do so. We recommend that you use your own outgoing email server as a Messaging Service. Click the following link to set up Pagers and Cell Phones via the Internet.
If you do not know your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and if you use Outlook or other email client to send out email, then try our Interactive HowTo's and follow the one for Outlook 2000.







2. 4 Ways to Text Message via SMTP (Email)


Basically, there are four ways to send text messages (to cell phones and pagers and email addresses ) via Internet email (SMTP)...
  1. One way (which may or may not work for you) is to connect directly to the cell phone company's email server. For instance, if you have a Verizon phone, you would enter XXX5551212@vtext.com for the Receiver's ID/Email Address, and use Verizon PCS - Internet SMTP for the Messaging Service (Refer to Verizon Setup for more information. Make sure to click the link at the bottom to continue without using your ISP). However, this direct connection is no longer preferred because it may not work for you and may also cause problems related to SPAM.

  2. Another (more preferred) way to connect is to use your own outgoing email (SMTP) server as a Messaging Service. Your Own ISP Email Server shows you how to setup your own outgoing email (SMTP) server as a Messaging Service.


  3. A third way is to try using some third party email server, such as Google's GMail server, as described in the following Word document Google.doc. The nice thing about Google is that they support secure (SSL) connections over port 465. They also show you emails (or in this case text messages) that were sent using 3rd party software (such as InfoRad) in your Sent folder online in your GMail account.

  4. The final way to send text messages via Internet email (SMTP) is to use some 3rd party software that can host your computer as an email server. Try Googling "SMTP Server" for more information.







3. I'm having Problems using my Internet Service Provider's (or ISP's) email server, I cannot send text messages to cell phones using the list of Messaging Services, what else can I do?


InfoRad software supports SMTP connections to any SMTP server. Therefore, one option may be to try using some other 3rd party SMTP server, such as Auth SMTP.
InfoRad also supports SSL connections to SMTP servers, including Google.








4. What are Receivers?


Receivers are Pagers, Cell Phones, and Email Addresses of any kind. You can enter your Receivers in the InfoRad software under Edit, Receivers (Show Me). How do you Setup Receivers? Click on the Services & Receivers link near the top.







5. What are Messaging Services?


Messaging Services are computers to which your InfoRad software can connect (to a paging or cellular company) so that a text message can be sent to a Receiver or group of Receivers (listed with the paging or cellular company). A Messaging Service can be an Email Server (SMTP) if the Receiver contains an email address for the Receiver's ID. Otherwise, a Messaging Service may be a SNPP (Simple Network Paging Protocol) Server or a WCTP (Wireless Communications Transfer Protocol) Server.






6. How do I send Text Messages to Cell Phones?


New Users: There are different ways to send text messages to cellular phones. The recommended way, is to setup your own email server as a Messaging Service - your own email server meaning the email server provided by the organization in which you work or by your Internet Service Provider.
  • If you have a local IT/IS department, give them a call and try entering "ISP" as a Keyword for help (Show Me).








  • 7. I have a High Speed Internet (cable modem/DSL line/LAN) connection, Do I Need to be Online to Send Text Messages with InfoRad Wireless software?


    It is up to your paging or cellular company as to whether or not they support Dialup Text Messaging (using a Dialup Modem connected to your PC - Show Me). Therefore, if your Paging or Cellular company supports Dialup Text Messaging (via TAP), then you do not need to be online to send text messages. However, you do need a Dialup Modem. If your Paging or Cellular company supports Internet Text Messaging (using your High Speed DSL or Cable Internet connection), then you do need to be online to send text messages.
  • View a List of Dialup Messaging Services
  • List All Messaging Services








  • 8. Do you have a Dialup Modem Access Number for my Local Paging Company?


    Local Modem access numbers are available through your Messaging Service. Please call your local Paging Representative for a local access number in your area, then refer to our Interactive Demos for a walkthrough for setting up your InfoRad software. We have a List of Nationwide Access Numbers







    9. How can I Create a Large List of Receivers Quickly using Excel?


    Follow the steps using Excel - outlined in Using Excel to Create Receiver List.doc







    10. How can I find out What is my Outgoing email (SMTP) Server?


    The easiest way is to contact your Internet Service Provider. You might also find information on your Internet Service Provider's website. If you use Outlook, you may be able to find the information under Tools and select Accounts (or Email Accounts). Look for the Outgoing email or SMTP Server address and whether or not it requires authentication. We have an interactive demo for Outlook 2000 users. We also have a List of some common ISPs to walk you through the Messaging Service setup. If your ISP is listed, then click on the ShowMe link for it - near the bottom.







    11. How to Route On Failure?


    Route On Failure is available for AlphaPage First Responder, Watch-IT ASCII X (or Unlimited), ASCII 75, and ASCII SV, InfoRad Enteprise and Enterprise SV. For setup help, Click Here













    12. How to use IW Watch-IT ASCII With Wintac, CST, and BottomLine Software


    Refer to the InfoRad Wireless Watch-IT ASCII Online User's Manual:

  • System Requirements | Features | What You Need to Get Started | Installation
  • Wintac Users: Word (~ 13 Pages)
  • BottomLine: Word (~ 12 Pages)
  • CST Users: Word (~ 6 Pages)








  • 13. Why is my software not keeping my Receiver List after I close the InfoRad?


    The InfoRad software keeps this information while the software is up and running in front of you. However, when you close out of the software, if the software is not able to write this information to files (Users.irt, Groups.irt, Services.irt), then the software does not complain about it, it just does not write the information. The information is lost. So here's how to fix your problem:
  • Right click on the shortcut to the InfoRad software (normally on your Desktop) and select Properties
  • Click on the Find Target button near the lower left
  • Next, right click anywhere in the white space of your Windows Explorer window and select Properties (The title at the top of your Window should read as "InfoRad Wireless Properties")
  • Under the Security tab, Click the Add button
  • If you are on a Domain, enter Domain Users in the white box and click OK. Otherwise, Enter All Users in the white box and click OK.
  • Make sure that you Allow Full Control permissions for the Users.
  • Click OK and test your InfoRad software. Under Edit, Receivers, add a New Receiver (Simply enter Test for the Name, Test for the Receiver's ID and Click OK for all). Close the InfoRad software and reopen it to make sure that the newly added Test Receiver stays. If so, then you can delete Test and resume normal operations - enter your Receiver list manually or load them from some other software.







  • 14. Controller Could Not Obtain License File


    Click OK and browse into the Service folder (Normally, the Service folder is located under C:\Program Files\InfoRad Enterprise SV Service). Once you’re in the Service folder, just click the Open button. You should now be back at the Controller, the Service Status should be running (or you can Start the Service) and you can finally add Receivers under Edit, Receivers.







    15. Message goes away without error, but is never received at device (pager or cell)


  • Normally, this problem occurs when messages are sent via Internet email to some cell phone (could also be a pager or regular email address) that uses an email address for the Receiver's ID and there is no ReplyTo Email Address entered under Setup, Internet Settings, Other tab - ReplyTo Address field (older versions ReplyTO tab or Email SMTP tab). Enter a ReplyTo Email Address in the ReplyTo Address field and click OK. Send another test page to see if the message gets to the device (or email address). If not, then there may be some other underlying issue. Check to make sure the email address is entered correctly, letter for letter. If there is one digit or character incorrect, this may cause the message to not get to the device. The Receiver's ID must be precise!
  • Another occurrence is that the message was never sent in the first place. Check under List, Logged Messages to verify that the message for that particular Receiver was actually sent. If not, then investigate the following possibilities:
  • Click Edit and select Receivers
  • For the affected Receiver(s), double click on the name of the Receiver or select it and click the Edit button
  • Take a note of the Messaging Service selected for that Receiver under the Wireless Receiver Setup window
  • Click the Cancel button, and take a note of the Service for the affected Receiver(s) under the Listing of Receivers window
  • Do the Services Match? If not, then this problem needs corrected. You can Add the appropriate Messaging Service under Edit, Messaging Services or under Edit, Receivers, double click on the name of the affected Receiver and click the Add button to add a new Messaging Service. NOTE: Make sure that you name the Service exactly as it shows under Edit, Receivers so that the Service will match up correctly to the Receiver(s) with the broken link!







  • 16. Sprint PCS - Internet SMTP Messaging Service Information


    A customer stated that switching from mx.messaging.sprintpcs.com to smtp.sprintpcs.com worked to get the messages flowing again. You can try the same. However, we're not certain if this would be a permanent fix or not. In fact, we would still recommend using your own email server, or the email server provided by your ISP, as opposed to connecting directly to Sprint's email server(s).
  • Refer to InfoRad's List of Messaging Service for setup help with Sprint.
  • Search for Keyword ISP for help with setting up your own email server as a Messaging Service.







  • 17. American Messaging vs. Airtouch vs. Network Services vs. Verizon Paging


    Airtouch, Verizon Paging, and network Services are now American Messaging. Use American Messaging servicea. Use American Messaging for the Messaging Service may be your solution.







    18. American Messaging vs. Verizon


    If you have an American Messaging pager setup in your InfoRad software and pages are sent without error but never get to the pager, then try selecting Verizon Paging - Internet SNPP.







    19. Sending text messages to Tracfones / Straight Talk / NET10


    If you know the cellular carrier for the Tracfone (Ie. Cingular, US Cellular, Verizon, etc), then setup the Receiver/Messaging Service for the appropriate cellular carrier according to the instructions on our website (Show Me). Otherwise, go to Search Bug, enter the cell phone number to find out the wireless carrier, then setup the InfoRad software according to the instructions on our website (Show Me).







    20. Alternative Messaging Services - A Family Tree Approach


    The following is a list of Alternative Messaging Services that you might be able to use within the InfoRad software:



    USA Mobility Alternatives

    American Messaging Alternatives

    Verizon PCS - Internet SMTP (However, we do not necessarily recommend connecting directly to Verizon's email servers)

    There are two email servers with Verizon - smtp-bb.vtext.com and smtp-sl.vtext.com. They are interchangeable.

    Verizon also supports Dialup TAP.

    AT&T Wireless / Cingular PCS - Internet SMTP

    There are various email addresses for AT&T Wireless / Cingular phones. Therefore, you may want to contact an AT&T Wireless representative for that particular cell phone if you are not certain. Otherwise, start at the top and work your way down:

    AT&T Wireless / Cingular's Enterprise Paging for cell phones is a different plan and would use a different email address from the ones above:

    However, AT&T Wireless / Cingular's Enterprise Paging also supports the Internet Paging Protocols - SNPP and WCTP - as well as Dialup TAP, unlike the standard text messaging email addresses listed above.

     

    You can also refer to Brad Dye's website for a nice look at the Family Tree of Paging Companies.







      21. Setting up Receivers for your local Paging Company (~ 1 min, 52 Sec)








    ErrorHandling



    22. (1104) Local Error: Could not access modem

    • The first question to ask: "Do you not have a high speed Internet connection or does your paging company not support text messaging via the Internet?" If you have a high speed Internet connection and your paging or cellular company supports Internet text messaging, then change your Receiver (under Edit, Receivers) to use an Internet Messaging Service (WCTP, SNPP, or SMTP). If you are unsure whether or not your paging company supports text messaging via the Internet, then call your local paging representative to find out for sure. Most, if not all, cellular companies support text messaging via Internet email (Show Me) or via the Internet SNPP (Show Me).

      Otherwise, if you know that you do need to dialup to your paging company, then here is another question: "Does InfoRad software show a name of a modem under Setup, Communications?" This error indicates that your InfoRad software is not communicating properly with the modem, no modem exists on the Com Port, your modem is not properly connected to your PC, or the modem is not powered up.

    • Restart the PC. This could be because the port that the Modem uses could not be opened (port was busy, or it does not exist, etc.) or because the Modem itself did not respond (Modem is turned off, or is using another port, etc.). So make sure that the Modem is working properly and is not being used by another program. Many times, it is helpful just to restart the PC, especially after new updates have been installed.

    If it is an external Modem, it’s more obvious that the Modem is turned on and working properly. Make sure the lights are working as they should and make sure that the Modem’s serial cable is properly seated at both ends (at the Modem itself and at the PC). Also, make sure that the phone line is plugged into the Line side of the Modem and that (if a phone is plugged into the Modem) the phone is plugged into the Phone side of the Modem.

    If all this checks out ok, then continue on below.

    • Reinstall the InfoRad software (Walk Me Through). During the installation, make sure to choose to "Keep the existing files/paging database" and when prompted, "Override the system's modem configuration..." and click on Create to make sure that the InfoRad software is able to communicate with the Modem. If a string is generated, the test is complete, click it back to "Use the system's modem configuration..." Click OK to finish the installation. Try sending another test page.

    • Reinstall or Upgrade the Modem's driver. Make sure to restart the computer if the Modem's driver installation program requires. You may also want to reinstall the InfoRad software again as directed above and see if the software is able to communicate with the Modem during the installation as described.

    • Get/Try another Modem. This is the last resort that no one really wants to hear. However, getting a new Modem or trying a different Modem may be the easiest way to resolve this issue at this point. InfoRad Tech Supports recommends any type of Modem with a “Conexant” chipset or any US Robotics Modem (Internal PCI or External Serial – not USB. We do not recommend USB Modems because of their Win-modem resemblance).

    • Registered Users - Contact InfoRad Tech Support. If you are beyond the point of frustration after exhausting all efforts above, the please contact us so that we can help. techsupport@inforad.com







    23. (1202) Remote Error: Service did not respond to message
    The wireless messaging service did not return any response code after the InfoRad Wireless software sent a data block; generally a result of a poor connection, or can be a problem at the messaging service. Sometimes this error may be returned from the paging system (or paging company) if an incorrect pager ID is entered. Make sure that you are using the proper code or phone number, normally the seven or ten-digit phone number of the pager. Do not use dashes, spaces, or parentheses.
    • Verify the Receiver ID (Under Edit, Receivers)

    • Retry sending the message(s).

    • If received when sending multiple messages, check with your wireless messaging service for any limit on the number of messages that can be sent in a single dial-upsession.







    24. (1203) Remote Error: Message was not acknowledged
    The messaging service responded to a data block with the NAK code.
    • Retry sending the message.
    • Try Removing the area code from the wireless receiver ID number (text pagers). NOTE: The Receiver's ID (under Edit, Receivers) is normally the seven or ten-digit phone number of the pager. Do not use dashes, spaces, or parentheses.
    • Verify that the proper seven or ten-digit wireless receiver ID number (or phone number) is entered.
    • Use the wireless receiver’s PIN number.
    • Check the maximum message length, lower the message length - setting to 80 characters - and retry. You can change the Maximum Message Length under Edit, Messaging Services. Select the appropriate Messaging Service being used by the affected Receiver(s) and click the Edit button.







    25. (6203) Network Error: Host returned error code

    This is a popular error among InfoRad users who are sending text messages to cell phones via Internet email. Continue Reading If you are sending text messages via Internet SMTP or email. Otherwise, Refer to SNPP Below.
    • The most common occurrence is InfoRad users that are connecting directly to cellular company email servers (Ie. Verizon's smtpsp.vtext.com). Therefore, we recommend that you either setup the InfoRad software to use your own outgoing email (SMTP) server or use some other 3rd party, commercial email server that you can depend on (Like maybe Google's Secure SMTP Server).

    • Another common occurrence is caused by an Internet Service Provider or network that does not allow you to connect to email servers outside of their own domain. We recommend that you first try using the email server provided by your Internet Service Provider. Click Here to view InfoRad's list of ISPs. If you use Outlook, then you may find this information in Outlook normally under Tools, Services (Outlook 2000) or Tools, Email Accounts (Newer). You would need to know your outgoing email (SMTP) server address and whether or not it requires authentication. Once you have that information, for any Receiver that uses an email address for the Receiver's ID, you can enter a New Messaging Service using the email server information you obtained from above (ShowMe).

    • Some Cases show that the connection to the email server is being blocked by some firewall or antivirus software. If you are familiar with configuring your antivirus or firewall software, then add an exception for the InfoRad software (normally, Winpage.exe is the executable and port 25 for SMTP). An alternative is to try disabling the antivirus software from scanning outgoing email. However, you may want to keep it scanning your incoming email. Sometimes, there is a website url sjbl.org in the response coming back from the hardware (in the error message itself) that provides you with a link to which you can browse and have yourself removed from the Spam blocking list. If this is the case, then we would caution you to investigate this issue further before you find yourself on this list again and not be able to have yourself removed from it. Check with your local Internet Service Provider and/or antivirus software to find out what their rules are concerning Spam. You may have to follow these rules to prevent yourself from ending up on such a list.

    • Sometimes an email server will tell you that the email address you entered is incorrect. For instance, setup a Receiver to send to XXX5551212@vtext.com and select Verizon PCS – Internet SMTP for the Service (make sure that you also have your own email address entered under Setup, Internet Settings, ReplyTo Address). Send a test text message and you’ll get error 6203 indicating that XXX5551212@vtext.com is not a valid Verizon (vtext) email address. To fix, correct the email address and try again.

    • One instance can be caused by not having a ReplyTo Email Address entered under Setup, Internet Settings. (Show Me)

    • Other cases have shown that an this error can occur when an email server (Messaging Service) requires authentication but either the InfoRad Wireless software does not have SMTP Authentication enabled or an incorrect username and password is entered (under Edit, Messaging Services for version 9.7.X and higher. Version 9.6.X does not support SMTP Authentication. You will need to upgrade your software. Call (800) 228-8998 for upgrade options).

    • 7/17/07 - A Customer was receiving error 6203 when using own exchange server as a Messaging Service to send to cell phone emails. The Response from the email server showed WSAEWOULDBLOCK, which is a Windows Sockets Error 10035 according to Microsoft ( Refer to http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms740668.aspx ). To fix, the customer changed from using the loopback address (127.0.0.1) to the network IP of the exchange server.

    • 11/27/07 - Make sure you check that the Messaging Service is setup correctly. This is what happened when I had the wrong SMTP Server Address entered for the Messaging Service (it should have been mx1.business.mindspring.com instead of mx.business.mindspring.com). The Receiver ID, of course, is techsupport@inforad.com. I received error 6203 and the Response from hardware (in the error message) showed the following:

      VerifySmtpConnection: Checking connectivity to SMTP server mx.business.mindspring.com:25 smtp_host: mx.business.mindspring.com smtp_port: 25 WaitForData timed out. Failed to get initial response. The SMTP server may be denying access for this domain.

      Another clue indicating that you may have the Messaging Service setup incorrectly can be found in the Response from hardware (in the error message). It is similar to the following:

      SendEmail: SMTP_Connect: Connecting to SMTP server mail.earthlink.net:25 smtp_host: mail.earthlink.net smtp_port: 25 smtp_user: NULL trying_auth_method: NONE InitialResponse: 220-pop-cowbird.atl.sa.earthlink.net ESMTP Exim 3.36 #1 Tue, 27 Nov 2007 08:58:54 -0500220-NO UCE. EarthLink does not authorize the use of its computers or network220 equipment to deliver, accept, transmit, or distribute unsolicited e-mail. login_method: NONE or already authenticated CONNECTED to ESMTP server mail.earthlink.net:25 subject: from: recipients: 550 Authentication required. Help at http://www.earthlink.net/go/emailsettings Failed when sending RCPT TO: bad_address: XXX5551212@email.com Send failed.

      Therefore, to fix you would go under Edit, Messaging Services, and edit the Messaging Service being used for that Receiver(s). Check the box for "My server requires authtentication" and enter a valid email address and password.
    If you're sending via the Internet SNPP (supported by Nextel or Alltel phones and numerous paging companies - ShowMe), then it could be that you have an incorrect Receiver ID entered. Make sure that you are using the ten-digit phone number of the pager or cell phone. Do not use dashes, spaces, or parentheses. When this error happens, the explanation text sent by the SNPP server will be included on the error screen along with this error message. That explanation should provide more detail on why the transaction failed. The explanation might be, for example, "550 Error, pager ID must be 10 digits" or "550 Error, pager ID cannot be identified" and so on.
    • Click Edit, Receivers and make sure you have the correct seven or ten-digit phone number entered. Do not use dashes, spaces, or parentheses.






    26. (7002) WCTP Error: Could not POST WCTP message to gateway

    • First attempt to fix error 7002, using our website, verify the WCTP information (Show Me) making sure that a valid WCTP Server address is entered correctly for the appropriate Messaging Service under Edit, Messaging Services, or that the WCTP Server address has not changed. Verify the name of the Messaging Service that is being used by the affected Receivers (under Edit, Receivers) by matching it to the appropriate Messaging Service listed under Edit, Messaging Services.
    • Second attempt to fix error 7002, do you have a working Internet connection? Simply opening up your Internet browser and seeing the pages you normally go to may not be enough because those pages can be cached locally on your computer. Try browsing to a page that you've never been to before to make sure your Internet connection is working properly.
    • Third attempt to fix error 7002,  is there a firewall / Internet security software blocking your Internet connection?  Sending text messages via WCTP is, in many respects, just like browsing the Internet. However, make sure that there is no firewall blocking your connection or that your network does not require use of a Proxy Server (See next item). Contact your local IT/IS personnel for support with your PC's firewall / Internet security software.
    • Fourth attempt to fix error 7002, some networks utilize a Proxy Server for internet access. If your network utilizes a Proxy Server, you need to setup Proxy Server Authentication under Setup, Internet Settings, HTTP Proxy Server Authentication, check the ‘Proxy server requires authentication’ checkbox and enter your Username and Password for Proxy Server access. (Typically, Proxy Server access can be the same as your Windows Logon Username and Password, but you may need to check with your network admin for Proxy Logon settings). Refer to Error 7004 or Error 7005 for more information on Proxy errors.
    • Fifth attempt to fix error 7002, it may be possible that the Messaging Service to which you are sending is down temporarily or undergoing maintenance. If none of the items above are the source of the 7002 error, another possible cause is that the Messaging Services WCTP Server to which you need to send text messages is currently not operational. Here we recommend that you contact your local paging representative to find out if they are having difficulties or if they are performing maintenance. You can also send us an email to see if we are getting bombarded by customers having this same problem.



    • 7002 error Temporary Workaround #1  - Some Messaging Services (or Paging Companies) have merged from two or more Messaging Services into one company and your device(s) may work through one of their original and still operational WCTP Servers. Therefore, try switching to an alternative, but equivalent Messaging Service. For example, American Messaging pagers may work through the Verizon WCTP Server, while USA Mobility pagers may work through Arch or etrocall WCTP Servers.
    •  7002 error Temporary Workaround #2 – Most Messaging Services support multiple or alternative protocols for message submission. Try switching your Receivers to an alternate protocol supported by your Messaging Service. For instance, if you are currently using your Messaging Services WCTP service, try switching to the SNPP or TAP or SMTP service for the same Messaging Service (Please note that alternate protocols may require a change to te format of the ReceiverID. For example, SMTP will require the ReceiverID to be the e-mail address of the device, or a local TAP dial-up service may require the 7- digit phone number of the device, instead of the 10-digit number required for most nationwide TAP numbers and WCTP and SNPP services).
    • 7002 error Temporary Workaround #3 -- Turn on ‘Automatic Retries’.  Desktop, Watch-IT and Enterprise products: Under the Setup Menu | Select Preferences | Check the option to ‘Retry failed manually entered messages’. Enterprise SV product: Enterprise SV Controller -- Under the Edit Menu | Select Preferences | Check the option to ‘Retry failed messages’ and enter Retry settings. With Retries turned on,  see if messages now go through without returning an error. You may also want to check the pager to make sure that the Receiver is not receiving duplicate messages.

     









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