Any telephone, modem, pager, text message, Experts here?

marty

marty

10 MW
Joined
Apr 19, 2007
Messages
3,028
Location
Buffalo, New York USA
Asking this question on this forum because I think you guys / girls? are smarter then the people at the security system forums. Members here might be the smartest most helpful electronic people on the internet.

Long story short,
Marty's security alarm company does what's called "take over" Go into any building that has a alarm system that's not being monitored. Download the install manual. Usually DSC or Ademco. Spend a few fun weeks reading the manual. Re-program the alarm system to call 2 or 3 telephone numbers. No central station. No monthly fee. All these alarms have a pager feature. Alarm calls my old numeric pager and tells me the address number and what zone is going off. The way this alarm works is the home owner races home to confront the burglar and is shot. [Bad joke]

Now I have become angry at the pager company. Old numeric pager is dead, deactivated, no more. All my alarm systems are connected to a telephone land line. I want to receive a text message to a cell phone instead of a page to pager. I am trying to figure out how to send a text from a land line. Here someone does exactly what I want to do.
http://www.doityourself.com/forum/electronic-alarms-home-security-devices/369580-ademco-vista-20p.html
Just got off the phone with Verizon. Office Message Alert is discontinued.

Tech guy at Remote Monitoring Company tells me to look at TAP Paging Terminal Phone Numbers
http://www.notepage.net/tap-phone-numbers.htm
See this on Verizon web site:
How do I send text messages from my computer using messaging software?

Commercial Text Messaging Software can also be used with a modem to send text messages. However, we don't sell, support or endorse any messaging software as a matter of policy. See the following Software and Modem Settings:

Protocol: Standard TAP
Toll-Free TAP Access Number: 1-866-823-0501
Baud Rate Range: 300-19,200 bps
Data (Note: Following this link will open a new window with the glossary page, anchored to the definition for Data.) Settings: 7 data bits, even parity 1 stop bit
Message Length: 160 characters
Wait to Connect: 60 seconds or longer

This is way over my head. All I hear when I dial those numbers is fax machine noise.

Could buy one of these gismos - DSC T-Link Internet/Intranet Alarm Communicator TL250 about $150 on eBay.
Discussion about this here:
http://www.diysecurityforum.com/index.php?topic=24470.0
Connect security system to a computer. Computer sends a email telling the address and what zone / event is going off. Will call DSC to double check if this will work. I am reluctant to go this route because I think a land line telephone is more reliable then a computer connected to the internet. At least in my experience. That dial tone just keeps on humming.

Sending a text message by email is simple. 5552223333@vtext.com for Verizon. Other cell phone companies have different addresses.

Sorry about all my typing. Please tell me how to send a text message over a land line.
 
I only know a little about modems but not alarms.

To send a text message over a land line to that 1-866-823-0501 TAP access number you gave I think you need to use a computer, like an old laptop, and modem. That's what that number is expecting and why it sounds like a fax machine when you call it.

You can use C-Kermit software to send a message--it has scripts to do it:
Kermit Software and Pagers
Sending alpha pages--see alphanumeric pages option 4 TAP script.
 
Think it would be a miracle if I were able to figure out fax machine noises coming out of a alarm system, then into a computer with a phone line modem, then out to a text message.

Here is some data information copied from DSC PC1832 alarm panel installation instructions.

Appendix F: Communicator Format Options
01 20 BPS, 1400 HZ handshake
02 20 BPS, 2300 HZ handshake
03 DTMF CONTACT I.D.
04 SIA FSK
05 Pager
06 Residential Dial
07 10 BPS, 1400 Hz handshake
08 10 BPS, 2300 Hz handshake
09 For Future Use
10 For Future Use
11 For Future Use
12 For Future Use
13 For Future Use

In addition to programing telephone numbers you can also add 2-second pause and bunch of other stuff.

This is the data that is normally transferred to the central station. Now I wondering if I could get some central station software to receive this data and then automatically send a text message?
 
Have you considered http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00793EY0S/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00793EY0S&linkCode=as2&tag=almar01-20 something like this?

It would cost more replacing the system, but it would certainly solve this headache. If your alarm device has a lan jack or something, you could probably set it up pretty easy involving something like google voice or skype or something.
 
So a DSC PC1832 has a built-in dialer that can call a central station on an alarm event and send tones representing such things as account number and zones that you programmed into it? And you'd want central station software to answer the incoming land line call, decode the tones, translate them to text, and send the text message to a cell phone?
 
You should roll your own and become your own expert.

I am not a pager or telephone expert, but just about anything that can send an email will be able to send a text message depending on your phone carrier. I have considered doing something similar for my orphan alarm system. I bought a house with an alarm already installed and have no wishes to pay a company to monitor the alarm. I could have it call me, but I also don't want to pay for a useless landline.

You could use an Arduino microcontroller to send an email based on a relay closure or 3-5 V digital high coming from the alarm box. Sending an email (or text) from an Arduino with Ethernet shield is not impossible, but it's not really capable of using an email server that requires authentication (like gmail). It would also cost probably 50 bucks. They are fun little things, with many many uses.

A better option would be something like a Raspberry Pi computer running Linux. Using the GPIO pins or maybe even a serial input from the Alarm controller, you cold have a simple Python script run and send you a text. There is a ton of sample code out there for Python, and a growing community around Raspberry Pi. It's cheaper than an Arduino, but does not have the inputs and outputs in mass quantities like the Arduino has.

Start by learning how to send a text via email. For me on Verizon, it would be something like 1231234567@vtext.com

Here are a bunch of others. http://sms411.net/how-to-send-email-to-a-phone/

Then start messing around with Python, and send yourself a text from a simple script. If you can do all of that, it's time to buy a Raspberry Pi.
 
mark5 - You getting closer! Thanks for the help. That Alarmino Contact ID to SMS text message looks like my dream. You build. I buy. I got $100. Ever think of starting a Contact ID to SMS text message Gismo Company?

Just occurred to me. I got a computer that runs all the time. (I am staring at it right now) Computer has a modem and is connected to a land line telephone wire. (I like to be able to send a fax)

I want central station software.

Here's how Marty's security alarm company will work. When a alarm is activated it will call Marty's land line computer. Software in the computer will send a text message to who ever it is programed to. text message will show address number and zone that has been set off.

Note: You get what you pay for with Security System Monitor Companies. If you want a real human who can think, sitting in a chair 24 hours a day. Don't deal with Marty's Automated Central Station.
 
If I may:
  • You want real-time, therefore email is out.
  • You can use a simple chat program to relay messages over IP.
  • At the Company, it runs a service... let's call it “keep alive”, broadcasting nothing, or better yet a ping if the Client app can filter it out.
  • At the Client (your home or other remote relaying operation),
    • App checks for ping (health): No ping – service has been cut. ALERT!
    • App checks for health codes (could be the same ping message structure, though instead of “OK” you get an actual value or report of specific type of issue(s) such as Fire, Structural integrity, door, window, smoke, water incursion, other vapor, etc. Depending on the alert – a different response could be effected.
  • Once the message arrives at your box, Rules determine the next course of action:
    Call your Mobile, Text your Mobile, set off audible alarm, call the Mother-in-Law, etc.

Without knowing (or perhaps NOT wanting to know) too much about your alarm system, many options are possible if we had access to the operating system and the hardware.

Anyway – that’s me speaking out loud. For this advice, I charge you with three smileys :) :) :)
Best of luck! KF
 
Update on my Central Station Monitoring Software search.
Keep in mind that I am about the least knowledgeable security guy on this planet. I do have a username and password to the DSC website. Also Ademco but I haven't looked there in years.

http://www.asterisk.org/ Free. Looks like it runs on Ubuntu.
Asterisk is a free and open source framework for building communications applications and is sponsored by Digium.

or $$$$
Sur-Gard System III
Console Software User Manual
for use with
Sur-Gard System III Receiver
http://setltd.ru/uploads/surgard/System%20III%20Console%20Instruction%20Manual.pdf
Virtual Receiver SG-SYSTEM III
l_SG-System_III.jpg

Looks expensive. See smaller cheaper looking equipment on the DSC website. All the software is free.
 
MARTY! [Slaps self in the head] Its 2013 who has a land line telephone? Who has the internet? Suspect that everyone looking at this forum has access to the internet?

DSC
T-Link TL250/TL300
Network Internet
Alarm Communicator
Installation Manual
email.gif
Remember - Sending a text message by email is simple. 5552223333@vtext.com for Verizon. Other cell phone companies have different addresses.
 
I like the Alarmino but the TL250s might be as good, or better, for you providing services to customers by installing them in customer's alarms and then monitoring their alarms using a computer in your office.

Maybe you'd use some kind of software like DSC Alarm System Self Monitoring: A Windows service package for those who want to monitor their DSC security system but it'd be multiuser for customers and run on a central computer at your office vs the customers. Much like Kingfish said.

Asterisk has alarm monitoring capability--search "asterisk alarm receiver" (I think it recognizes and decodes the tones the alarm sends so nothing else is needed at the customer site). Some articles are:
Monitoring my alarm panel with Asterisk
HowTo: Asterisk AlarmReceiver with DSC Alarm by Matt G. Watson (but seems to be unavailable just now)
 
bowlofsalad said:
Have you considered http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00793EY0S/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00793EY0S&linkCode=as2&tag=almar01-20 something like this?

It would cost more replacing the system, but it would certainly solve this headache. If your alarm device has a lan jack or something, you could probably set it up pretty easy involving something like google voice or skype or something.
Click to expand...
Bowl Of Salad,
This is my thread and I kindly ask that you don't link to any WIRELESS security crap. Marty's Security Alarm Company FISH WIRES through walls. I realize that you were not aware of my wiring issues. Please don't be offended. I still love you.

Marty's Security Alarm Company can run a wire to every window and door in a building without making any holes in the walls, ceilings, or floors. I have a drill that can drill around corners, string, little chains, magnets, coat hangers, fiberglass rods, fish tape, sling shots, bean bags, AND a team of trained miniature monkeys. My monkeys are about 8 inches tall when fully grown. These monkeys pull wires under floors, over ceilings, and anywhere a wire needs to go.

Recently I have started a new company Marty's Air Duct Cleaning Service. I tie brushes to my team of trained miniature monkeys and let them run around in duct work, vents, and cold air returns. Them monkeys get DIRTY! Ever try to give 5 dirty miniature monkeys a bath?

After fishing wires and cleaning air ducts I get dirty and tired. Do you ever come home after a hard days work and think...... I should take a shower because I am dirty, but you are tired and just want to lie down. Perhaps you would be interested Marty's Automatic People Washer? Works like a automatic car wash but is designed for people. Nursing homes love this equipment. Saves a lot of labor. Wondering if I could put my dirty monkeys in my automatic people washer?
trained_wire_fish_monkey.jpg
 
:lol: Now that's a monkey with attitude! I'm not sure I'd trust him with a bar of soap though...

Thanks for brightening my morning, KF
 
Thanks for the help everyone.

Preliminary plan

DSC PC1832 with PK5500 Keypad. Kit includes battery, siren, and not sure what else. $159 at local place.
This is the brain. Got what I call my Death Alarm.
Delinquency Transmission Delay: Number of hours (Activity Delinquency) or days (Arming Delinquency) the panel will delay before transmitting
the event to the central station. Valid entries: [001] to [255].
In simple words. Every time you walk past the motion detector a timer goes off. If you don't walk past it for 24 hours you are dead, sleeping for way to long, or suffering from some really serious problem. Good for old people who live alone.

DSC TL250 gismo that connects the brain to the internet with a ethernet cable. $215 at local place. This is what sends email containing the address and zone or problem that is happening. Remember - Sending a text message by email is simple. 5552223333@vtext.com for Verizon. Other cell phone companies have different addresses.

Verizon Mobile Hotspot. Little square thing. Not sure what this will cost? Guessing $20 to $30 a month plus taxes if I add it to existing cell phone, house phone, etc. plan. One of my dreams has been a totally mobile security system. Protect cars, boats, buildings, Power with cigarette lighter, solar, or plug in the wall. I do construction in different places. Hate it when all my tools get stolen.

CradlePoint MBR95 Wireless 3G/4G Router. $150 on the CradlePoint web site. Will shop around for a lower price.
"create instant networks anywhere there is a mobile broadband data signal" Hopefully this will allow me to connect the alarm to the internet with a ethernet cable.

Any problems with this plan? Anyone got any better cheaper ideas to make a security system send a text message?
 
Marty take a look at these guys, they may have something for you: http://www.cermetek.com/Catalog/

This one in particular sends emails http://www.cermetek.com/catalog/Emb...ded-Device-Servers/DataSheet/CH2160_607-0017/

A number of years ago I got a demo board from them called the iModem... You plugged it into the telephone line and closed a contact and it sent an email through a cermetek server. I once thought I could duplicate it with a dedicated server instead of their server, however I didn't follow through on it. I did power up and send emails on the demo board while the 90 day authorization period on the cermetek server was up. I have the demo board "somwhere." If you want it, I could go looking for it.
 
Letters and words

POTS Plain Old Telephone Service. It works. If it's not broke don't fix it.

GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications, originally Groupe Spécial Mobile) Communicator. No wires like a cell phone?

SMS Short Message Service. That's a text message.

SIM Subscriber Identity Module or Subscriber Identification Module. Little card that goes in a cell phone of other equipment. Has a monthly fee that you pay to a cell phone company.

PBX Private Branch Exchange. Phone system that you might see in a office, hospital, big building.

Bigmoose - Thanks for the offer of the modem, but think it would be a major thinking project to get it to do what I want. I got a attic full of broken old computers if you ever need any parts.

Security Systems should be reliable. There is nothing more reliable then POTS Plain Old Telephone Service. That dial tone just keeps on humming. All my security systems are working and DSC and Ademco equipment has proven to be remarkably reliable. (About 15 years with no problems) I don't understand how a signal travels from a GSM gismo. Can't see or feel it. Ever get shocked from a phone wire? Only when it rings 8)

Think that http://www.asterisk.org/ software can receive a land line phone call from a security system, read the Contact ID message and then send a text message over POTS Plain Old Telephone Service.

Asterisk cmd AlarmReceiver
SIA (Ademco) Contact ID Alarm Receiver Application
http://www.voip-info.org/wiki/view/Asterisk+cmd+AlarmReceiver
&
Asterisk cmd SendText
http://www.voip-info.org/wiki/view/Asterisk+cmd+SendText

What type of hardware would I need to make this happen?

We have a local Used Office Furniture place. Spooky place filled with ghosts, old desks, file cabinets, phones, and I am sure they have old phone system brains. I have never seen this equipment.
 
Think I just found my dream? No internet needed. Alarm sends text message over POTS Plain Old Telephone Service.
Contact ID to GSM SMS Message Text Converter via PSTN line, Code SMSIB
http://www.rhinoco.com.au/product/SMSIB
smsib.jpg
I am over here in USA United States of America. Rhinoco contact page lists Australia, Italy, and United Kingdom. Phone numbers only. No email? Wondering if there is something different about telephones on the other side of the ocean? Will call as soon as I figure out what time it is over there.

PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_switched_telephone_network
The first telephones had no network but were in private use, wired together in pairs. Users who wanted to talk to different people had as many telephones as necessary for the purpose. A user who wished to speak whistled into the transmitter until the other party heard.
Soon, however, a bell was added for signalling, and then a switch hook, and telephones took advantage of the exchange principle already employed in telegraph networks.
 
Alarmino does the DSC Contact ID to GSM SMS thing like rhinoco and there is prepaid GSM. Or Alarmino could potentially do something else like Ethernet if you replace its GSM part. You should revisit it when it gets further along.

Can't beat POTS. Email can get delayed or dropped. If I understand correctly from skimming through the DSC discussions it should be possible to make the DSC call out on the phone as backup in addition to sending an email text message when an alarm event occurs. That would be a good thing to do.

Asterisk AlarmReceiver Contact ID decoding is slick but they have that disclaimer not to use it as a primary or only means of receiving and handling alarms. At a minimum you'd need multiple phone lines and an adapter card for them in the Asterisk PC. Could also read about digital phone lines as in How does a T1 line work?.

Sorry, completely missed the rhinoco PSTN part. Search results suggest that the telephone company has to support Fixed Line SMS which places like Australia and others have. So in the USA you need a rhinoco or Alarmino that has a modem and does TAP.
 
Marty buys some software. Install on Marty's computer that is always on. Marty's computer has a modem. Marty's computer is connected to a land line telephone wire.

Remember all my security systems have a pager feature.

This will work according to this post on the notepage.net forums.
http://www.notepage.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7568845&highlight=alarm

If I am reading this correctly? $150 for the software and a $100 Touchtone Receiver. Think this is some type of hardware?

Telelocator Alphanumeric Protocol

http://www.notepage.net/pagegate-features.htm
PageGate Features Include
sms server and messging gateway for networks

PageGate Features and Benefits Include:

Inbound Message Support:

Windows Client Application
Webpage/Webserver
Email (SMTP, POP3)
Commandline Executable (16-bit and 32-bit)
Text File (watched files/folders)
TAP (via modem or direct connect)
SNPP (multi-treaded SNPP server)
Touch-Tone (via voicemodem)
Serial (RS232 serial port monitoring)
Database (MS Access compatible)

Outbound Message Support:

TAP (via modem or direct connect)
SNPP (via Internet)
WCTP (HTTP and HTTPS via Internet)
SMTP (email via Internet)
UCP (via modem or direct connect)
GSM-AT (via mobile phone or wireless modem)
Touch-Tone (via voicemodem)
Fax (via faxmodem)
Raw-Serial (via modem or direct connect)
Raw-TCP (over LAN, WAN, or Internet)
Connectivity (up to 16 simultaneous outbound delivery sessions)
Direct (hard-wired) serial RS232 connection
Analog Modem
Voicemodem
Faxmodem
LAN/WAN Internet (via DSL, Cable, T1, Fiber, Satellite, etc.)
Wireless (mobile phone, wireless modem)

General Features and Benefits Supported By PageGate:

Intelligent queuing/grouping/sessions/ thresholds on all connectors for outbound message delivery
Real-time system monitoring and logging
On-call groups
Message scheduling
Message holding
Recipient groups
Display groups
Multiple failover levels
Automatic/Intelligent message splitting
Reporting
Centralized administration
Security
Audit logs
Multiple server database synchronization
Message archiving
Delivery/Failure notifications
Message templates
 
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