Horner APG XLt OCS HE-GSM04 - Manual (Page 26)

PAGE 26 GPRS / GSM MODEM Configuration MAN4005-04-EN
5 SMS Communications
5.1 Overview
SMS (Short Message Service) is a type of communications process that enables the transmission of short text messages and data
transfers to and from mobile devices such as cell phones. Messages are usually limited from 140 to 160 characters in length and
are stored and forwarded at SMS centers. This allows messages and data transfers to be retrieved immediately or at a later time
via an SMS center.
Advantages of using SMS
SMS communications provide an affordable and convenient means to send and receive data using mobile devices such as cell
phones. Businesses and industry often require 24-hour coverage of their operations and have personnel who are on-call after
normal work hours to handle work-related issues and emergencies. There are employees who are responsible for the proper
functioning of equipment and processes at remote sites. Managers need to be notified of significant events.
Using SMS Communications with Horner Controllers
The SMS feature in selected Horner controllers provides the capability of sending and receiving text messages and register data
values using mobile devices such as a cell phone. Depending upon the configuration, approved group members can read and write
values into the controller's data registers. This kind of communication is referred to as a data transfer.
Data Transfer Example
o Motor #1 stops. Data is sent to a register in the OCS controller (XLe/XLt/XL6).
o The OCS reads the data register value indicating Motor #1 has stopped. A message is sent to the cell phone of
a Maintenance Group member via SMS Communications. Transmissions are routed through an SMS center.
o The Maintenance Group member receives the following message on a cell phone:
o Motor #1 speed is 0
o The Maintenance Group member sends the following message back to the OCS using a cell phone via SMS
communications:
o Motor #1 Start Speed is 1800
o The OCS reads the register containing the data value sent from the Maintenance Group member and responds
as programmed.
o The OCS sends a signal to start Motor #1
o Motor #1 re-starts, and normal operation is restored.
SMS Security Measures
As part of the SMS configuration, a list of approved phone numbers and authorized messages that will be used for SMS
communications must be provided. Because the SMS feature allows users to read and write to controller registers it is important to
follow good standard security practices to safeguard systems. Whether users are allowed to write to registers or not, ensure that
security is in place to protect against unauthorized inputs to registers.
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