Sending an ALE SMS text message

Here is a simple guide to sending an ALE SMS.

ALE SMS is a short text message sent via ALE on HF and interoperative with various networked systems such as
email and cell phone texting.

ALE SMS interconnect is available via HFN Pilot Stations.
The HFN Pilot Stations are run by volunteer operators with specially configured automatic stations set up and running the BBSLINK interface with standard ALE on the ham radio ALE pilot channels. http://hflink.com/hfn/

Access is for Ham Radio ALE operators with the primary
purpose of Emergency and Disaster Relief Communications.
Whenever there is no emergency or disaster traffic on the network, it is open for normal use.

73 - Bonnie KQ6XA

ALE SMS text messages are sent via the universal ALE text method "AMD" using ALL CAPS without punctuation.
AMD may be sent by any ALE radio or ALE software.

SENDING AN ALE SMS TEXT MESSAGE
The text message may be sent to any email address.

1. Link with an HFN Pilot Station using an INDIVIDUAL CALL or a NETCALL to the HFN net. Be sure you have linked completely with a 3-way handshake before moving to the next step.

2. Obtain the STATUS of the HFN Pilot Station;
Transmit a simple AMD with only the following word: STAT

The HFN Pilot Station will reply with an AMD of the station's connectivity status, readiness, and location. If you do not get a reply, transmit the STAT command again until you get a positive reply via AMD text.

3. Send an ALE SMS text message via AMD using one of the
following formats:

SMTP SP EMAILADDRESS MESSAGE
-or-
WL2K SP EMAILADDRESS MESSAGE

You should get a 3-way handshake.
Then, wait a few minutes for the AMD text verification from the HFN Pilot Station that your message has been sent.
If you don't get a verification, try again.

4. When complete, use the CLEAR LINK button of your ALE controller, to break the connection and free up the HFN Pilot Station to continue to scan for other stations.

Note: Keep in mind that all the HFN Pilot Stations have 5 minute timers running. If they do not see any activity from you within 5 minutes, they will go back to scanning, and you will need to link again.

ALE HF to SMS Texting
http://www.hflink.com/mobilephone/

HFLink ALE Software Download
http://hflink.com/software/

HFLink Email Group
http://hflink.com/group/

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