PicC Electronics SMS ALERT 15 User manual

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For technical support, contact: 011 202 5884 or 083 235 4916.
SMS ALERT 15
User Manual
Features:
-15 non-user renamable inputs (input names must be specified on order). Alternative methods can be
discussed with supplier
-All inputs reports to 10 user and 1 technician user
-Inputs can be single or dual state trip e.g. between 15 and 30 different SMS can be sent.
Quick Start Steps
1. Preparing SIM-card - Buy an MTN, Vodacom or Cell C starter pack (prepaid or contract) and RICA it
(you need your id and proof of address for this). Ensure that you can send an SMS out from the SIM-card,
before you put it in the SIM-card slot of the SMS Alert. Making a call to the SMS Alert only is not sufficient
to test the SIM-card. PIN-code request must be deactivated before you insert the SIM-card into the SMS
Alert.
2. Airtime - Ensure that the SIM-card has sufficient credit. Load airtime if necessary.
3. Insert the SIM-card into the SIM-card slot. Apply 12VDC.
4. The green LED will flash once when an SMS is sent.
5. SMS 1234 bfrom your cellphone to the SMS Alert. Note the yellow LED will light up when B is active.
This step tells the SMS Alert where to send SMSe when inputs are tripped. There must be a space
between 1234 and b. If you SMS 1234 b again, you will cancel user B. If you SMS 1234 b again, you
will reload user B. (In other words you will toggle it on & off).

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6. The SMS Alert will respond to step 5 by sending its status back to you (e.g. RELAY ON B---------------, #0
#0). Ensure the character “B” appears in the SMS to show user B is loaded. The string means the
following:
B--------------- Only user B is loaded.
Lower Case and Upper Case of Commands (VERY IMPORTANT)
1. Use lower case for all commands sent to the SMS Alert (e.g. 1234 r, 1234 b, etc.)
2. Use UPPER CASE only with the following 2 commands:
a. 1234 TC (terminate call)
b. 1234 AIRT (checking airtime).
How to program the SMS Alert to report to a 2nd, 3rd or 4th up to 8
cellphones
(RELAY ON B---------------, #0 #0)
There are 8 users (recipients): B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I. Follow step 5 of Quick Start Steps to activate user B which is the
first user. If you want the SMS Alert to report to the 2nd cellphone, SMS 1234 cfrom the second cellphone to the
SMS Alert. To toggle this feature off, SMS 1234 c again from any cellphone to the SMS Alert. The last phone that
toggled a user on, becomes that user.
E.g: 1234 c (There must be one space between 1234 and c, and no spaces afterwards. Do the same for 1234 d
(3rd), and 1234 e (4th). User B must be on for the other users (if loaded) to also receive SMS messages.
1234 t (Technician mode)
This will load the cell phone number from where this SMS is sent as the Technician. Only this number is now
loaded for testing/reporting so that not all the users receive SMSe. To disable/toggle off this mode SMS 1234 t
again.
New function to add cellphone numbers:
In conjunction with the current method of loading numbers the following command allow users to be loaded from
one point/cellphone. This eliminates the need to send a SMS from each cellphone handset that needs to be added.
When a DOT and phone number is placed after the current command, the phone number will be loaded into that
position. The return SMS will be sent to the new cellphone number, not the cellphone number that loads it. You can
however check if all the numbers are loaded, by sending 1234 r to the cellphone number of the SMS Alert.
Example: To load 27821231234 into User B, send the following SMS from one cellphone, to the cellphone number
of the SMS Alert:
1234 b.27821231234 (only use 1234 b,c etc., with no phone number if it is not a remote number)
or
1234 e.27821231234
If a user is already loaded, then the command will first delete it (toggle off). It then needs to be sent again. The
international setting must be activated for use outside of SA before this can be done (not tested). If it fails, then
revert back to the current method. Applicable to the GSM module marked Version 2.5 and up.
Please keep track which user is loaded as B, C, D etc. Otherwise all users/numbers will be deleted when
you want to load or delete users, and you cannot remember which person is assigned as which user.

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Loading & checking airtime balance
To load a Vodacom (only) prepaid voucher: SMS: 1234 AIRT*100*01*voucher nr# to the cellphone nr of the
SMS Alert.
To check your prepaid airtime balance (any network): SMS 1234 AIRT to the SMS Alert. This does not report
bundle SMS balance. For use in South Africa only. The balance of a Prepaid SIM-card can also be checked by
registering the cellphone number of the SMS Alert on www.vodacom4me.co.za (vodacom SIM-cards only).
To check SMS bundles balance (Vodacom only): SMS: 1234 AIRT*111*502#
Airtime can also be loaded via internet banking, an ATM, or by removing the SIM-card and putting it in your own
personal phone using the voice method. Disconnect the power from the SMS Alert when the SIM-card is
removed.
Token voucher airtime can be loaded via SMS:
MTN: 1234 AIRT*141*voucher#
Vodacom: 1234 AIRT*100*01*voucher#
Cell C: 1234 AIRT*102*voucher#
Virgin: 1234 AIRT*102*voucher#
To transfer airtime from one cellphone to another (from the same service provider):
•Vodacom: Register or log in to My Vodacom, or dial *111# and select "Airtime Transfer".
•MTN: dial *141*6328*, insert the recipient’s cellphone number, *, insert the rand amount, # and press call.
For example, *141*6328*0831234567*50# press call.
Restrictions / Limitations
This device (SMS Alert 15) has not been tested outside of South Africa.
SMS Alert Cellphone App (currently only for Android phones)
To download our SMS Alert app to your cellphone (currently only Android phone), please visit our web site at
www.smsalert.co.za. On the left-hand side of the home page, underneath the SMS Alert logo, there is a link you
can follow. Please note the link must be followed with your cellphone (not your PC), to download it to your
cellphone.
Because it is a new app, it is not yet available from the Google Play store.
An app for iPhones is being developed.
Antennas for poor reception:
3 meter Antenna available for external GSM reception, or poor reception

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Diagram for GSM Module PC Board (where SIM-card slots in)
Inserting the SIM-card on the PC Board
A B C
1. A - Push/slide flap in the same direction as the board (about 1- 2 mm).
2. A - The flap will unlock, lift the flap.
3. B - Insert SIM-card.
4. C –Close flap, while pressing it down, slide it back to lock (about 1 –2 mm).

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SMS Alert PCB top view
Installation advice / help
1. Do not connect the power of the SMS Alert to an auxiliary 12V power output. It is best to connect the
SMS Alert directly to, and within 1 meter from the 12V battery where the power is best regulated.
2. External magnetic antennas are available for better reception. It may be required where the signal
reception is poor, or where the system is installed in a metal container that prevents signal reception.
3. Try to keep the SMS Alert at least 30cm away from other equipment like receivers, transformers,
energisers, etc., that may cause interference.
4. It is strongly recommended that Mylar cable (shielded with foil) is used for Electric Fence applications.
Both the power and inputs on the SMS Alert must use Mylar cable. Without this cable the SMS Alert might
seem to work fine, but problems may be experienced 2 weeks later. Also ensure high voltage wires do
not cross the SMS Alert wires.
5. The SMS Alert should work outside of SA, however limited testing was done for this purpose.
6. The SMS Alert is not built for a specific alarm panel and may have other applications like pump control
and monitoring, cable theft, electric fence monitoring, opening/closing a gate, etc.
7. In very few cases, when SMS commands are not recognised by the SMS Alert, check that the user’s
Text Message settings on his/her cellphone are set to ‘Text mode’ or ‘Full Character Support’ (under
message options).
8. It is recommended that the SMS Alert be tested on a regular basis, for example by sending it a status
request (1234 r). This will also cause a transaction that may prevent the SIM-card from expiring if it is
seldom used.
9. Always keep the inside of the SMS Alert box clean, with the minimum amount of unnecessary wires.
10. Do not apply excessive force with tools on the connector terminals to prevent break-offs.
11. To keep your number active, you should send an SMS (1234 r) at least once every 7 months (Vodacom)
or 3 months (MTN), or as specified by your cellphone service provider.
9 –Input 9
Key input
8 –Input 8
7 –Input 7
6 –Input 6
5 –Input 5
4 –Input 4
3 –Input 3
2 –Input 2
1 –Input 1
Inputs 1-8: Negative or
PositiveTRIP via Jumper
The other inputs are all
Negative trip
Input 10
Input 11
Input 12
Input 13
Input 14
Input 15
n/a
n/a
n/a

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FYI
On our side we use this program to program the input strings either single or dual or both. This
program however requires special hardware and can currently not be provided to clients. The client
can change the phone numbers. If the client later wants to change the input strings, then we can do a
chip replacement (28-pin chip)
Support:
1. Additional requests can be emailed to [email protected].
2. For software/hardware updates, please visit www.smsalert.co.za
3. For support, phone us on 083 235 4916. Please note that your first point of call must be your
supplier or installer. If they are unable to help you, we will be more than happy to assist.
Disclaimer:
PicC Electronics will not be held responsible for loss, damage or injury to any persons, company or legal entity
using PicC Electronics products or for GSM Network changes or reliability. There is no guarantee that SMS’s will
always go through.This unit must be installed by a certified electrician.