INSTALLATION AND STARTUP
Q4000010: When I run Setup, I get the following error message: "Error installing iKernel.exe (0xa00)". What's wrong?
Most probably, you don't have administrative privileges on the machine where you install the product. You must have local administrator rights to install ActiveXperts SMS Component on the computer.
Q4000012: When trying to register your component DLL from the command line, REGSVR32.EXE returns the following error: 0x80070005
This is not a problem of the ActiveXperts component, but is related to the security settings of your Windows computer.
Please try the following:
To start the command prompt, start it from the start menu by locating the "Command Prompt" in the start menu. Then, right-click on this item and select "Run as Administrator".
Then, issue the following command from the command prompt:
REGSVR32.EXE AxSms64.dll
or
REGSVR32.EXE AxSms32.dll
You can also try to turn off UAC (User Account Control)
Q4000015: Can ActiveXperts SMS Component be installed manually?
Yes it can. To install the ActiveXperts SMS Component DLL on another machine, simply copy either the AxSms64.dll (for 64-bit applications) or AxSms32.dll (for 32-bit applications) to the target machine and issue the REGSVR32 registration command on that machine.
To register the 64-bit component, issue the following command:
REGSVR32 AxSms64.dll
To register the 32-bit component, issue the following command:
REGSVR32 AxSms32.dll
Please note that on 64-bit systems, you can register both the 64-bit component (for 64-bit applications) and the 32-bit component (for 32-bit applications).
Q4000016: On 64-bit Operating Systems, can I also register the 32-bit component for my 32-bit applications?
Yes, on 64-bit systems, you can register both the 64-bit component (for 64-bit applications) and the 32-bit component (for 32-bit applications). You can use the same REGSVR32.EXE command for that:
REGSVR32 AxSms64.dll REGSVR32 AxSms32.dll
Q4000017: I want to re-install ActiveXperts SMS Component. I uninstalled first, but now the installation tells me that I cannot install it in the same destination directory as before. Am I doing something wrong?
You are right: you cannot install the product in an existing directory.
At uninstall, the original directory (default: C:\Program Files\ActiveXperts\SMS Component\) is NOT deleted in case there are files created/modified after the previous installation. You must delete these files/directories manually.
Once the directory (C:\Program Files\ActiveXperts\SMS Component\) is deleted, you can re-install it in that directory.
Q4000020: How can I uninstall ActiveXperts SMS Component?
If you used the regular ActiveXperts SMS Component Setup (AxSmsSetup.exe) to install the software, you can simple uninstall the software by using the 'Add/Remove' applet in the control panel.
If you copied the AxSms64.dll and/or AxSms32.dll file(s) manually to your system and registered manually, you should first unregister the component(s) by running 'REGSVR32 -u AxSms64.dll' and/or 'REGSVR32 -u AxSms32.dll' from the command-line, and then delete the AxSms64.dll and/or AxSms32.dll file(s).
Q4000025: I manually registered the ActiveXperts SMS Component DLL file on another machine, and now I want to unregister. How can I do this?
To uninstall the 64-bit component, issue the following command from the command prompt:
REGSVR32 -u <path>\AxSms64.dll
To uninstall the 32-bit component, issue the following command from the command prompt:
REGSVR32 -u <path>\AxSms32.dll
Q4000030: What hardware is required to use ActiveXperts SMS Component?
ActiveXperts SMS Component supports the following SMS protocols:
- SMS via GSM - this requires a GSM/GPRS modem with a SIM card inserted;
- SMS via HTTP - based on TCP/IP; no special hardware required;
- SMS via SMPP - based on TCP/IP; no special hardware required.
Q4000035: I'm unable to upgrade to a newer version. The installation keeps asking me to uninstall the software (even after I uninstalled the product). What is the problem?
ActiveXperts uses the InstallShield product for its installations. Only on very rare occasions, InstallShield doesn't update its registry key after uninstall, so it will ask you to uninstall the next time you start the installation. You can use this workaround:
- Start the registry editor (REGEDIT.EXE);
- Open the HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\ key;
- Delete the 79C7DC97-B7DD-331F-AE19-45CB8023297B key.
Now, InstallShield won't ask to uninstall anymore.
Q4000037: I received the following error when i want to uninstall the software: "couldn't load AXINST.dll while uninstalling" what is wrong ?
In this case you have to uninstall the software manually. You can do it in the following way:
- Start the registry editor (REGEDIT.EXE);
- Open the HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\ key;
- Delete the 79C7DC97-B7DD-331F-AE19-45CB8023297B key.
BASICS
Q4100010: What's the difference between ActiveXperts SMS Component and ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server?
ActiveXperts SMS Component is designed for Windows developers (VB, VB .NET, VC++, VC#.NET, ASP, ASP .NET, Delphi, etc.). It's an ActiveX COM component, without user interface. By integrating the control in a development project, a developer can send/receive SMS messages without any knowledge of SMS. SMS Component has no integrated database support
ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server is a complete suite to send, receive and process SMS messages. It is database oriented, and has a VBScript engine to process incoming messages. Use ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server to have your SMS applications running within a few hours.
With ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server, you can configure your project for virtually any scenario that requires (bulk) SMS sending, receiving and processing. For a short list of projects that were implemented with SMS Messaging Server, click here. ActiveXperts SMS Messaging Server supports GSM modems, SMPP providers, HTTP providers to send/receive SMS messages.
Q4100015: What number format should I use to send an SMS message?
For normal phone numbers it's recommended to use the international format that is prefixed with a '+' sign. For example, to send to mobile number: 0622334455 in the Netherlands (+31) use: '+31622334455'.
Short codes can be used as is, without a '+' sign. For example: '1200' is a valid number.
In addition, it's possible to use these characters in the phone nr as well: ' ()-', they will be stripped and ignored by the SMS Component.
It's important to note that every phone number has a TON (Type of Number) and a NPI (Number Plan Indicator) to go with it. These are used by the provider to find out how the number should be read and routed.
With the SMS Component, for GSM and SMPP , it's possible to include an application port number in the phone number to automatically add an application port header to the SMS message. Find more information about these here.
Q4100020: How can I send an SMS message to an application port on a mobile ?
It's easy to send to an application port. Just append the port number to the 'ToAddress' of the message. For example, to send a message to port '1000' on mobile '+31622334455' use the following number: '+31622334455:1000'.
This works on both GSM and SMPP.
For sending WAP Push messages, these are specially formatted message to application port 2948, it's possible to use a template: 'TemplateWapPush'.
Q4100055: Is ActiveXperts SMS Component thread-safe?
Yes, ActiveXperts SMS Component is thread-safe. This means that the component can be used by multiple applications simultaneously, and each application can have multiple threads running the ActiveXerts SMS Component code at the same time. Please note that each thread should load the component in its own context, as a separate instance.
Q4100080: Can I send and/or receive messages longer than 160 characters with ActiveXperts SMS Component?
Yes this is possible. Both GSM and SMPP will, by default, automatically split up or re-assemble SMS messages when appropriate. For more information about the supported multipart options for each protocol please check the manual pages. The exception is the SMPP Server protocol. This will automatically split up messages but received multipart messages will not be re-assembled.
For most HTTP providers splitting up an SMS message is not an issue so the ActiveXperts SMS Component takes no action there.
It's not possible to send multipart messages through the Dialup protocol.
Q4100081: Is it possible to calculate how many SMS messages a multipart message will take?
ActiveXperts SMS Component does not return this value before sending out the messages. Use the following formula to approximate the number of parts before sending:
For text messages:
Number of messages = ( Number of Characters / 153 ) + 1
For unicode messages:
Number of messages = ( Number of Characters / 67 ) + 1
For data messages:
Number of message = ( Number of Bytes / 134 ) + 1
Q4100090: I want to send SMS messages to my recipients and I want the name of our company to be displayed. Is this possible?
Yes it is possible to use an alphanumeric source address with a maximum length of 11 characters. Such feature can only be used with the Smpp object or Http object, not with the Gsm object. Gsm modems/providers simple don't support this feature.
For more information, see also Q4240070.
Q4100320: How can i determine the carrier of the originating number of a received SMS?
To find the carrier associated with a mobile number, you have to perform a so called HLR lookup. Some HTTP or SMPP providers offer this service. HTTP providers will have specific HTTP 'GET' or 'POST' queries to retrieve this information. SMPP providers may send additional information about the carrier as TLV values.
When using HTTP, use the Get or Post function to make custom queries to a provider.
When using SMPP use the SmppGetFirstTlv and SmppGetNextTlv function to inspect Message objects to see if the provider was able to provide extra information.
Q4100330: How can i detect whether a received SMS message contains Unicode or ASCII data?
This is determined by the DataCoding property of a message. On a Unicode message this property should be set to DATACODING_UNICODE.
Q4100340: Is there a way to know if an SMS message is actually delivered to my recipient?
Yes. For both GSM and SMPP it's possible to request a delivery report to be sent back to you when an SMS message reaches a final state. For GSM modem this is sometimes called a 'Status Report'.
To request a delivery report, or status report, you will need to enable the 'RequestDeliveryReport' property on a 'Message' object before sending it.
After sending the SMS message check the 'Reference' property of the message you just sent to get a reference that was returned by the provider. This reference will be used to reference this message in the delivery report as well.
On a GSM modem a delivery report is a special message. You can find delivery reports that you have received by iterating over them after calling 'Receive' by calling 'GetFirstReport' and 'GetNextReport'.
On an SMPP connection a delivery report is just an ordinary SMS message with the property 'SmppIsDeliveryReport' enabled. On SMPP you can either parse the message to find the reference and ultimate message status or check for optional TLV values. Some providers use 'SMPP_TLV_RECEIPTED_MESSAGE_ID' tag and the 'SMPP_TLV_MESSAGE_STATE' TLV's to convey this information as well.
Download the trial version of the ActiveXperts Component to find some examples on how to receive delivery reports.
Q4220010: Is CDMA supported by the SMS Component?
No, CDMA modems do not support the PDU mode and AT commands used by the SMS Component, therefore we do not support this protocol. The only network protocols supported are GSM with its extensions GPRS and/or EDGE and WCDMA (UMTS).
GSM
Q4200010: Which GSM modems do you recommend for ActiveXperts SMS Component?
For more information on recommended modems for ActiveXperts SMS Component, click here.
Q4200012: How can i determine whether a GSM Modem is supported by the SMS Component ?
ActiveXperts supports any modem that is compliant with both ETSI GSM 07.05 and ETSI GSM 07.07 standards.
Please note this doesn't necessarily mean that a modem that is compliant to these standards is automatically a good modem. There are many cheap modems around, with different firmware versions etc. For a list of recommended modems, please click here.
Q4200020: Which cell phones are supported by the SMS Component?
The use of cell phones is not recommended since there's a lot of difference in quality between cell phones make and model. But still most cell phones should work, as long as the phone has a build in modem which supports AT commands (GSM 07.05 and GSM 07.07 specification). Some older Nokia phones don't work, as they use the older F-bus protocol.
NOTE: a lot of modern cellphones running on operating systems such as iOS, Symbian or Android are not or not fully supported, because they cannot be used as an external GSM modem.
Q4200027: I have connected my GSM modem to my PC, but I am not able to communicate. What could be the problem?
Please make sure you have correctly installed the drivers for your GSM device (modem, mobile phone) and that the GSM device is correctly connected to it. Then verify that the device is working fine under Windows, otherwise you won't get it to work with ActiveXperts.
To verify that the device is working fine under Windows, make sure you can connect to your phone through HyperTerminal. On Windows XP/2003 you can install Hyper Terminal through:
Start > (Settings) > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs > Add/Remove Windows Components > Accessories and Utilities > Communications
Make sure HyperTerminal is checked.
On Windows Visa and higher, and Windows 2008 and higher, Hyper Terminal is no more available. If you previously used HyperTerminal to troubleshoot modem problems, use Phone and Modem Options instead. Open Phone and Modem Options by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking Hardware and Sound, and then clicking Phone and Modem Options.
Q4200030: What's the throughput when sending SMS messages via a mobile phone (or GSM modem)
The SMS throughput when using GSM is approx. 10 - 15 messages per minute per connected GSM modem or GSM phone.
Q4200035: My mobile phone is connected to my PC running SMS Component. I don't receive as many messages as there are in my mobile phone. My mobile phone (class 10) is connected to my local PC.
Most phones display the messages that are on both phone and SIM card. The SMS Component reads one message storage at a time. You can indicate which storage to read from in the Receive function of the Gsm object. To read from all supported storage locations in one call use the 'GSM_STORAGETYPE_ALL' constant.
Q4200040: Are USB GSM modems supported by ActiveXperts SMS Component?
Yes, ActiveXperts SMS Component supports USB modems. Usually, USB modems ship with a modem driver, so the modem can be accessed as it were a serial COM device. If the modem does NOT come with a modem driver, you'll need a USB to Serial converter, for example a 'FTDI UC232R' adapter.
Q4200045: Do I need to set hardware flow control when using a GSM Modem?
This depends on the DCE (Data Carrier Equipment), the device to which you are connected. If this device requires hardware flow control, you'll need it too. In most cases, hardware flow control is required; that's why it is enabled by default.
NOTE: when using a Windows Telephony device, hardware flow control settings are inherited from the device settings and do not need to be set.
Q4200050: Do I need software flow control when using a GSM Modem?
Software flow control is only used for data transfer. To send or receive SMS messages, the modem is in command mode, and therefore the software flow control settings are ignored.
Q4200065: What is a GSM modem and how can I use it with ActiveXperts SMS Component?
a GSM modem is a dedicated device that you can connect to your PC or server to send and receive SMS messages. It works similar to a GSM phone connected to you PC, but it is faster and much more reliable.
here is a list of GSM modems that are recommended by ActiveXperts.
Q4200070: Is it possible to check the signal strength before actually sending an SMS message ?
Yes it can be done, by using the 'SendCommand' function. The SendCommand function is member function of the Gsm object. The following sample (VBScript) shows how to achieve this:
Dim objGsm, objSmsMessage, strCmdResponse, strBuffer
Set objGsm = CreateObject("AxSms.Gsm")
Set objSmsMessage = CreateObject("AxSms.Message")
objGsm.LogFile = "log.txt"
' Open the first TAPI device
sDevName = objGsm.FindFirstDevice
Wscript.Echo "Opening: " & sDevName
objGsm.Open sDevName
If objGsm.LastError <> 0 Then
Wscript.Echo "Error: " & objGsm.GetErrorDescription(objGsm.LastError)
Wscript.Quit
End If
objSmsMessage.ToAddress = "+31122334455"
objSmsMessage.Body = "Hello, world"
' Query the GSM modem for its signal strength; the output (strCmdResponse) is
' something like "+CSQ: 30,0"
' where 30 indicates the signal strength (0 is lowest strength, 31 is highest), and 0 is
' an error code (0 means: no error)
objGsm.SendCommand "AT+CSQ"
If objGsm.LastError <> 0 Then
Wscript.Echo "Error: " & objGsm.GetErrorDescription(objGsm.LastError)
Wscript.Quit
End If
While strBuffer <> "OK"
strBuffer = objGsm.ReadResponse
If strBuffer <> "" And strBuffer <> "OK" Then
strCmdResponse = strCmdResponse & strBuffer
End If
Wend
' Split up the response and store it in arrCmdResponse;
' arrCmdResponse(0): "+CSQ:";
' arrCmdResponse(1): "30,0"
arrCmdResponse = Split(strCmdResponse)
' Split up the string and store it in arrSignal; arrSignal(0): "30"; arrSignal(1): "1"
arrSignal = Split(arrCmdResponse(1), ",")
' Store Signal strneght [0..31] in numSignal as an Integer value
numSignal = Cint(arrSignal(0))
Wscript.Echo "Signal strength: " & numSignal
' If the signal strength is poor (less than 20) then quit
If numSignal < 20 Then
Wscript.Echo "Singal strength too low."
Wscript.Quit
End If
Wscript.Echo "Singal strength ok, send message."
objGsm.SendSms objSmsMessage ' Send the message
If objGsm.LastError <> 0 Then
Wscript.Echo "Error: " & objGsm.GetErrorDescription(objGsm.LastError)
Wscript.Quit
End If
objGsm.Close
Q4200075: What baud rate should I select for my GSM modem?
Make sure that your GSM modem is operating at 115200 bps. To change the baud rate of your GSM modem, setup a connection to the modem using HyperTerminal and type the following command:
AT+IPR=115200 <ENTER>
Then, close the HyperTerminal sessions and open it again using the new baudrate (115200 in this case) Type the following command to save the new baudrate in the modem :
AT&W <ENTER>
NOTE 1: When the modem is connected through Bluetooth or Infrared, we recommend 115200 bps (modem speed and driver).
NOTE 2: Most Siemens cell phones are optimized for 19200 bps.
Q4200085: I want to use my WaveCom Fastrack modem but can't find a Windows Telephony driver for the modem. Can I only use the modem through the direct serial COM port ?
WaveCom Fastrack modems do not ship with a Windows Telephony driver. You should use the Standard 56000 bps modem.
Q4200090: We use multiple GSM lines in our application, how can we identify which modem is on which line ?
The Gsm object has properties to return the manufacturer, model, revision and the serial number of an open device. Use the 'SerialNr' property to distinguish between multiple identical modems.
Q4200095: I can't see my Windows Telephony Devices in the ASP sample. How come?
No, this is not a bug. On the web server, the IUSR_<computername> credentials are used for all SMS operations. The IUSR_<computername> is only member of the Guests group by default, and has no privileges to list the TAPI devices. By adding the IUSR_<computername> account to the Local Administrator group, you will be able to see all telephony devices.
Q4200100: What's the meaning of +CME ERROR: 3 ?
It means that the GSM modem is hanging. You need to reset (power-off/power-on) the GSM modem manually.
Q4200107: Can ActiveXperts SMS Component read the mobile number associated with the SIM card in my GSM modem?
Unfortunately, this is not possible. This is not a restriction of the software, but a security restriction of SIM cards.
Q4200110: Is it possible to send one SMS message to multiple recipients in one go?
No this cannot be done. This is not a limitation of ActiveXperts SMS Component, but the network accepts only one message at a time. You need to set the ToAddress property and call the SendSms function for each recipient.
Q4200115: Can I send SMS messages using GPRS ?
First of all, you need a modem that supports GPRS. You also need a provider that supports GPRS (not all providers support GRPS). To send an SMS through GPRS, add the following to your modem initialization string:
AT+CGATT=1;AT+CGSMS=0
The first command enables GPRS (disabled by default); the second command specifies to send SMS over GPRS instead of GSM. You can now send SMS messages over GSM. However, if the provider does NOT support GPRS, you will receive the following error:
+CMS ERROR: 47 or +CMS ERROR: 69
You can switch it back using the following command:
AT+CGATT=0;AT+CGSMS=1
Q4200120: What happens to new incoming messages when the SIM/Phone memory is full ?
You won't loose the message. The new message is simply not accepted by your GSM modem, and the provider will queue the messages (usually for a few days) until there is free space on the memory card again.
Q4200125: I am not able to receive any messages using my GSM modem. Sending is OK. What can be the reason for this?
There can be various reasons for this problem, depending on the phone or modem model you are using:
- The software is not able to detect the correct message storage. In this case, select the storage manually by clicking the "Receive Options" in the demo application. In your own application you can set the storage as a parameter to the Receive function.
- On some GSM modem models, the combined storage does not work as expected: It is not a combined storage containing the SIM + Memory messages, but a separate one, which is not according to the standard. In this case you have to manually select the SM or ME storage as described above.
- If the mobile phone used is a Nokia or Siemens model running on the Symbian OS, receiving is not supported. You can check this by issuing the "AT+CPMS?" AT command (for instance using Windows' HyperTerminal). If the response is equal to "+CPMS: (),(),()" the connected phone runs on Symbian and cannot be used.
- The selected (SIM) storage on the phone or modem is full, for instance delivery-reports are stored on the SIM card. Place the SIM in a mobile phone and clean up the SIM card, or receive messages using the SMS Component demo application with the option "Delete message after receive" enabled. (SMS Messaging Server: Disable the "Leave a copy of the incoming messages on the device or SIM card" option.)
If the above does not solve the issue, please send the logfile of your attempt to our support desk.
Q4200130: When I try to retrieve SMS messages from my mobile phone, I am getting the following error message: "Preferred message storage not supported on this phone".
Most probably, you are using a GSM phone running on the Symbian OS. This phone does not allow you to receive messages through the built in GSM modem. The only solution is to use another phone or a GSM modem (recommended). Some phones which cannot be used to receive SMS:
- Nokia 6600
- Nokia 7200
- Nokia N-series
Q4200145: Can I send SMS data messages using GSM?
Yes you can. If you set the BodyFormat property of a Message object to BODYFORMAT_HEX, it is possible to fill the Body property with HEX encoded data.This can be send though all supported SMS protocol (GSM, SMPP, HTTP).
Don't forget to set the DataCoding property to DATACODING_DATA if required.
Q4200147: I want to use the ActiveXperts SMS Component to dial a number. Is this possible ?
Yes, it is possible. You can let the modem dial to a phone number by sending an AT dial command to the modem. You should to use the SendCommand function. For example:
Dim objGsm Set objGsm = CreateObject( "AxSms.Gsm" ) objGsm.SendCommand( "ATD+31638740161", 20000 )
It is not always possible to check whether the call was successful, the response can be different on various modem models, some reply with "OK" when the connection is setup, while others only return an error when the call has failed.
Q4200150: I'm using a GSM modem (WaveCom Fastrack). The following error comes up: "Error#30351: Unexpected response from modem". In the log file, I see some undisplayable characters being received from the modem. What could be the problem?
Most probably, the baud rate causes the problem: COM port and modem are not sending/receiving at the same speed. We strongly recommend to use 115200bps. Two things you need to do:
1. Make sure that your COM port is configured to use 115200bps. To do so, open the Windows Device manager and click on COM1-properties. There you can set it to 115200bps.
2. Set the modem to 115200bps. The following FAQ item describes how to set your modem to a different speed: FAQ#Q4200075.
Q4200210: Is it possible to use USSD queries, for instance to check the credit-level of my prepaid card ?
Yes, It's possible to send USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) commands. These messages are different from standard SMS messages, and such requests are usually not charged by the provider. These messages can be sent using the SMS Component by using the "SendCommand" function of the Gsm object.
The trial version of the SMS Component also contains a number of samples which illustrate the use of USSD over GSM
Q4200220: Is it possible to change the SMSC address stored in my GSM modem ?
By setting the PreferredSmsc property, you can specify which SMSC should be used to send out SMS messages.
SMPP
Q4240010: Are there any test SMPP providers around the world so I can try SMPP ?
Yes, ActiveXperts offers a free SMPP service. It allows you to send out a few free messages through the ActiveXperts SMPP service.
Use the following URL:
| URL: | smpp.activexperts-labs.com | |
| SystemID: | Provided during installation of ActiveXperts SMS Component | |
| Password: | Provided during installation of ActiveXperts SMS Component |
Find more information about the ActiveXpert SMPP server here.
Q4240015: Do you have an up-to-date list of SMPP providers that work well with your ActiveXperts SMS Component?
Please check out our SMPP compliant provider list here.
Q4240017: Can I use the ActiveXperts SMS Component with all available SMPP providers in the world?
There are many different SMPP providers around the world. Although they should be compatible with our software, we cannot guarantee because we haven't tested them all. You should test the ActiveXperts SMS Component software with your prefered SMPP provider yourself before you purchase, just to ensure that the software/provider combination works without problems.
Q4240025: How many message can ActiveXperts SMS Component send per minute over SMPP?
Approx. 5000 - 12000 messages per minute per active SMPP connection. The value depends on the performance of the SMPP provider and your network connection.
Q4240040: I ran out of SMS credits during evaluation. Can I get more credits to continue testing through your ActiveXperts SMPP Gateway?
Yes you can. Please send an e-mail to support@activexperts.com with subject: ActiveXperts SMS Component SMPP credits.
Please do not forget to mention your SystemID in your message. Our support desk is happy to provide you with extra credits.
Q4240045: When I connect to my SMPP provider in transceiver mode, I cannot send or receive any message. However, I can send out messages when using transmitterl mode. What's the problem?
Most probably, your provider only supports SMPP v3.3. Transceiver mode can only be used for providers that support SMPP v3.4 or higher.
To send and receive simultaneously, just create two instances; connect to the first one as Transmitter, and to the second one as Receiver.
Q4240050: How can I specify a range of addresses in the Address Range property of my SMPP Channel?
The 'Address Range' parameter is used in the bind_receiver and bind_transceiver command to specify a set of SME addresses serviced by the ESME client. A single SME address may also be specified in the address_range parameter. UNIX Regular Expression notation should be used to specify a range of addresses.
Messages addressed to any destination in this range shall be routed to the ESME.
Note: It is likely that the addr_range field is not supported or deliberately ignored on most Message Centers. The reason for this is that most carriers will not allow an ESME control the message routing as this can carry the risk of mis-routing messages. In such circumstances, the ESME will be requested to set the field to NULL.
For more information on UNIX regular expressions, click here.
Q4240060: Some characters like the '@', '€' and '£' are not displayed correctly on the recipients phone when sending SMS through my SMPP connection. What's wrong?
Your SMPP provider does not convert these chars to the GSM alphabet automatically. You need to set the UseGsmEncoding property to 'True' to get the message encoded correctly.
Q4240110: What is the difference between SMPP version 3.3 and 3.4 ?
The main difference between these SMPP versions is that version 3.4 supports the use of optional parameters, also called TLV's (Tag-Length-Value ). These TLV parameters enable SMSC vendors to add custom functionality to the SMPP protocol.
Q4240111: What SMPP versions are supported by ActiveXperts SMS Component?
ActiveXperts SMS Component connects to SMPP providers using SMPP version 3.3, 3.4 and 5.0.
Q4240120: Are there any SMPP simulators available so we can test your software without subscribing to a commercial SMPP provider first?
ActiveXperts offers a free SMPP Simulator. Download SmppSim.exe and run it to start the installation.
Q4240140: When I try to send a message using the ActiveXperts SMPP gateway, the software tells me that the message has been successfully submitted but the message never reached my phone, what can i do?
Most probably, the provider that is used by the ActiveXperts gateway does not cover your provider's network, and a different route must be selected. The ActiveXperts gateway can use different SMPP providers to route the SMS messages.
Q4240150: How can I use SMPP to receive SMS messages?
To receive SMS messages via a commercial SMPP provider, they have to setup a virtual number (IMSI) where the messages can be sent to.
This can be an international number, national number or a short code. When using a national number or short code, your service can only be reached from within the same country.
When using an international virtual number, users can also access your service from other countries.
When someone sends an SMS message to this virtual number, the messages are routed automatically to your SMPP client.
Some providers advertise with SIM-hosting. This means that they host a SIM card with associated phone number in one of their GSM modems.
When a message is received it is forwarded to your SMPP client.
When using the ActiveXperts SMPP gateway however, you can also route messages sent by your own mobile phone without having to setup a virtual number.
You can receive an unlimited number of messages through our gateway free of charge..
Q4240170: Is the SMPP outbind feature supported?
No it is not supported, only the bind_transceiver, bind_receiver and bind_transmitter pdu's are supported to establish a SMPP connection.
Q4240190: After a couple of minutes, my SMPP connection is suddenly disconnected. What happens?
SMPP uses a link keep alive timer. Once in every x seconds the client should send an enquire_link packet to the SMPP server, if this packet is not received the SMPP server will close the connection. This will also happen if your enquire_link timer is set to high. Please try to set the EnquireInterval to a value of '30'.
If this does not help, please ask your provider to assist you solving this issue.
HTTP
Q4260030: Is it possible to receive SMS messages using an HTTP provider?
Yes this is possible. The ActiveXperts SMS Component is not needed for this. Receiving through HTTP is normally just a matter of setting up a web page, using IIS for instance, in ASP or ASP.NET.
The HTTP provider should be directed to this page to post it's received SMS messages to.
DIALUP
Q4300015: Can I send Unicode messages? I'm using a local SMSC dial-up provider.
No; dial-up SMS messaging only allows plain-text SMS messages. Use a GSM modem or an SMPP or HTTP provider to send Unicode messages.
Q4300030: Can I send SMS messages using UCP over a TCP/IP connection?
No. ActiveXperts only supports a PSTN or ISDN line for UCP dialup connections. To use TCP/IP, you should use SMPP.
Q4300035: Can I send SMS messages using TAP over a TCP/IP or X25 connection?
No. ActiveXperts only supports a PSTN or ISDN line for TAP dialup connections. To use TCP/IP, you should use SMPP.
SMS MESSAGE FORMATS
Q4320010: How many characters can be used in an SMS message?
A standard singlepart SMS message can have up to 160 7-bit characters, with the following restrictions:
- Some characters count as two (7-bit) characters instead of one character. Example: the EURO character;
- When using Unicode, you can only send 70 Unicode (16-bit) characters;
- When sending binary data, you can send 140 (8-bit) bytes.
Each part will be sent as a separate SMS message and re-assembled on the recipients mobile phone as one SMS message. Please note that each part will be billed as one singlepart SMS message by your provider.
Q4320030: Does ActiveXperts SMS Component support Unicode?
Yes, Unicode is supported by ActiveXperts SMS Component. You can send virtually any character set when sending messages as Unicode.
Set the DataCoding property of an SMS message to DATACODING_UNICODE to send the message using a Unicode character set.
VISUAL BASIC AND VBSCRIPT
Q4550010: How do I use ActiveXperts SMS Component object in my Visual Basic 6 project?
Please read the following item: How to use ActiveXperts SMS Component in Visual Basic
Q4550020: How do I use ActiveXperts SMS Component object in my VBScript program?
Please read the following item: How to use ActiveXperts SMS Component with VBScript. This document describes how to refer to the ActiveXperts SMS Component, and how to declare, create and use the objects.
Q4550025: How do I use ActiveXperts SMS Component object in an Office Document (Excel, Access or Word) using VBA?
Please read the following document: How to use ActiveXperts SMS Component with VBA (Visual Basic for Applications). This document describes how to refer to the ActiveXperts SMS Component library, and how to declare, create and use the objects.
Q4550030: I try to run the Visual Basic 6 sample project, but I get a runtime error: "User-defined type not defined". What's wrong?
You must refer to the object before you can declare and create it. Go to the 'Project' menu, choose 'References...' and put the checkbox near 'ActiveXperts SMS Component Type Library'.
Q4550040: I get the following error message when running a VBScript sample: "Microsoft VBScript runtime error: ActiveX component can't create object: 'AxSms.Gsm'"
You have not installed and registered the ActiveXperts SMS Component ActiveX component. This component can be installed and registered automatically by running the ActiveXperts SMS Component installation. You can download the installation file from the ActiveXperts download site.
To install the component manually, see the manual, chapter Installation (Manual).
HTML AND JAVASCRIPT
Q4570010: How do I use ActiveXperts SMS Component objects in my HTML form?
Please read the following section in the manual: How to Use ActiveXperts SMS Component with HTML. This section describes how to refer to the ActiveXperts SMS Component library in your project, and how to declare, create and use the objects.
Q4570020: We are using the component within HTML/JavaScript code. The browser is Microsoft Internet Explorer. Each time the ActiveX control is loaded in the browser, a security warning pops up. Do you have any suggestion to surpress this message?
There are basically three ways to avoid prompting:
- Add the website that hosts the ActiveX component to the trusted sites of all Internet Explorers. This would need some automatic configuration on your LAN's Internet Explorers, for instance through Group Policy (recommended) or through logon script. This way you only decrease Internet Explorer security for that particular site. Security for all other sites remains the same. This solution only works as long as the SMS Component users are part of your network.
-
You can sign the component (AxSms32.dll and/or AxSms64.dll). If you only use the component for internal use (i.e. in your network),
you can use the standard Windows Certificate Server (part of Win2000 and higher). For more more information on signing an ActiveX component yourself, see www.activexperts.com/support/toolkits/sign.
If the component is used outside your network, you should use a public Certificate Authority, for instance Verisign.
ActiveXperts Software does not offer facilities to sign ActiveX COM/OLE components. -
From the Internet Explorer menu, select "Tools" -> "Internet Options"; click the security tab, and click the 'Custom level' button.
In the list of options, change the 'Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe for scripting' setting from disable to prompt. When you restart Internet explorer and run the page again, Internet Explorer will ask you whether to run the control or not. When asked click 'Yes' and the page should work correctly.
Q4570030: I want to sign the SMS Component module so it can be used by any browser in our network without any security alerts. How can I digitally sign the module?
Please read the following article: How to digitally sign an ActiveXperts software component.
VISUAL C++
Q4580010: Which Visual Studio version is required to compile the Visual C++ samples?
You need Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 or higher. All sample projects are created in Visual Studio 2008. If you use a newer version of Visual Studio, then Visual Studio will prompt you to convert the project file.
If you use an older version of Visual Studio, you must recreate the sample projects yourself and add the source files.
In all C++ files that make use of an ActiveXperts SMS Component object, you must include 'AxSms.tlb' and 'AxSmsConstants.h'. No files need to be added to the project.
Q4580020: Can I use Visual Studio Express Edition to build the Visual C++ samples?
Yes, you can, but you can only compile the Console Applications. The Forms applications make use of the Microsoft MFC framework, which is not supported by Microsoft Visual Studio Express.
Q4580030: I want to create a new Visual C++ project. Which files do I need to include in my project to make use of ActiveXperts SMS Component?
In all C++ files that make use of an ActiveXperts SMS Component object, you must include 'AxSms.tlb' and 'AxSmsConstants.h'. No files need to be added to the project.
VISUAL BASIC .NET AND VISUAL C# .NET
Q4600002: Which Visual Studio version is required to compile the Visual Studio .NET samples?
You need Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 or higher. All sample projects are created in Visual Studio 2008. If you use a newer version of Visual Studio, then Visual Studio will prompt you to convert the project file.
All .NET samples make use of .NET framework 2.0
Q4600003: What .NET framework version is required to run the .NET sample projects?
The samples require .NET Framework 2.0 or higher.
Q4600005: How can I use ActiveXperts SMS Component objects in my Visual Basic .NET project?
Please read the following document: Using ActiveXperts SMS Component with Visual Basic .NET. This document describes how to refer to the SMS Component library, and how to declare, create and use the objects.
Q4600007: How can I use ActiveXperts SMS Component objects in my Visual C# .NET project?
Please read the following document: Using ActiveXperts SMS Component with Visual C# .NET. This document describes how to refer to the SMS Component library, and how to declare, create and use the objects.
Q4600025: Why am I getting the following error message when compiling your Visual Basic .NET sample: " Namespace or type specified in the Imports 'AxSms' doesn't contain any public member or cannot be found. Make sure the namespace or the type is defined and contains at least one public member. "
You haven't installed and registered the ActiveXperts SMS Component ActiveX component properly. This component can be installed and registered automatically by running the ActiveXperts SMS Component installation, or by registring manually (see also FAQ Q4000015).
Q4600030: Why am I getting the following error message when compiling your Visual Csharp .NET sample: "Cannot load type library for reference "AxSms". Library not registered. (Exception from HRESULT: 0x8002801D (TYPE_E_LIBNOTREGISTERED)"
You haven't installed and registered the ActiveXperts SMS Component ActiveX component properly. This component can be installed and registered automatically by running the ActiveXperts SMS Component installation, or by registring manually (see also FAQ Q4000015).
ASP .NET
Q4640002: Which Visual Studio version is required to compile the ASP .NET samples?
See FAQ 4600002.
Q4640003: What .NET framework version is required to run the ASP .NET sample projects?
See FAQ 4600003.
Q4640005: How can I use the ActiveXperts SMS Component objects in ASP .NET with Visual Basic .NET?
See FAQ 4600005.
Q4640025: Why am I getting the following error message when compiling your ASP .NET Visual Basic sample: "Namespace or type specified in the Imports 'AxSms' doesn't contain any public member or cannot be found. Make sure the namespace or the type is defined and contains at least one public member. "
See FAQ 4600025.
Q4640030: WHy am I getting the following error message when compiling your ASP .NET Visual CSharp sample: "Cannot load type library for reference "AxSms". Library not registered. (Exception from HRESULT: 0x8002801D (TYPE_E_LIBNOTREGISTERED)"
See FAQ 4600030.
ASP
Q4660010: How do I use ActiveXperts SMS Component objects in my ASP project?
Please read the following document: Using ActiveXperts SMS Component with ASP. This document describes how to refer to ActiveXperts SMS Component library, and how to declare, create and use the objects.
Q4660020: When using ActiveXperts SMS Component on a web server (ASP), I fail to send an SMS message because the port cannot be opened. However, when I run a VBScript sample on the same machine, the problem doesn't occur. What's wrong?
On an ASP webserver, the IUSR_<computername> credentials are used for all SMS operations. The IUSR_<computername> is only member of the Guests group by default. By adding the IUSR_<computername> account to the Local Administrator group, you will be able to see all telephony devices.
Q4660030: In your ASP sample I can't see my Windows' Telephony Devices (for instance, my 'Standard 9600 bps Modem'). In all other samples, they are listed. Please advise.
On the webserver, the IUSR_<computername> credentials are used for all SMS operations. The IUSR_<computername> is only member of the Guests group by default; it doesn't have sufficient permissions to query the Windows Telephony Devices. By making the IUSR_<computername> account member of the Local Administrators group, you will be able to see all Windows Telephony Devices.
DELPHI
Q4680010: How do I use the ActiveXperts SMS Component objects in my Delphi project?
Please read the following document: Using ActiveXperts SMS Component with Delphi. This document describes how to refer to the ActiveXperts SMS Component library, and how to declare, create and use the objects.
ERRORS
Q4800010: Where can I find a complete list of error code and the error descriptions?
Click here to see the list of all ActiveXperts error codes.
Q4800020: When I open a port, I get the following error: 30102 ("Unable to perform operation because the device does not exist"). What does it mean?
This means that the COM port does not exist. Error 30102 does NOT mean that the port is already in use. Error: 30103 indicates the port is already in use.
Q4800030: When I open a port, I get the following error: 30103 ("Unable to perform operation because the device is already opened"). What does it mean?
This means that the port you are attempting to open is already in use by another application.
Please check the following:
- Is another application using this port?
- Is Microsoft ActiveSync installed? If yes disable it.
- Is Nokia PC Suite installed? If yes disable or temporary uninstall it.
- Is there an incoming RAS connection defined on this port?
- Please try to reboot the PC
Q4800040: When I open a port, I get the following error: 30201 ("Cannot find specified devicename"). What does it mean?
This means that the Windows Telephony Device you specified, is NOT defined on the computer. You may have made a typing mistake. Error 30201 does NOT mean that the port is already in use (you would get error 30204).
Q4800050: When I open a port, I get the following error: 30202 ("Cannot open specified device"). What does it mean?
This error only occurs when using Windows Telephony devices (like 'Standard 9600 bps Modem'). The error implies that the Windows Telephony device is valid, but that the associated COM port is either already in use, or does not exist. The error does NOT imply that the Windows Telephony device is invalid (that would give error 30201); it neither implies that the Windows Telephony device is already used (that would give error 30204.
Q4800060: When I open a port, I get the following error: 30203 ("TAPI Device Manager failed to respond"). What does it mean?
This error only occurs when using Windows Telephony devices (like 'Standard 9600 bps Modem'). There can be multiple reasons for this error:
- The modem is not connected correctly;
- The modem does not respond to hayes AT commands;
- The baudrate selected in the modem properties dialog from the control panel is invalid;l
- There is a problem with the driver, please restart the PC.
Q4800062: When I open a port, I get the following error: 30204 ("Windows Telephony Device is not available"). What does it mean?
This error only occurs when using Windows Telephony devices (like 'Standard 9600 bps Modem'). There can be two reasons for this error:
- The Windows Telephony device is already in use by another application;
- There is a PIN code on the SIM card. When TAPI tries to initialize this modem, it receives an error from the modem because the PIN Code has to be entered before any other command can be send to the modem. Removing the PIN code from the SIM card will solve this problem. The PIN code can be removed via the security settings of a cellphone.
Q4800065: When using my GSM modem, I always get error 30350 ("No response from modem"). What does it mean?
When you encounter this error, please check the following:
- Is the GSM modem or phone correctly connected to the PC?
- Did you select the correct COMxx port number or device name?
- In case of using the direct COM port: Is the correct speed selected? The speed most used for GSM modems is 115200bps.
- In case of a modem driver (like 'Standard 9600 bps Modem'), please check the baudrate selected in the modem properties (from the control panel).
- Restart the GSM phone or modem
- Restart your PC
If the above does not help, most probably your modem or phone does not have a built in modem which supports hayes AT commands, and is therefore not supported by the SMS Component.
Q4801302: In the Log File, I noticed: '+CME ERROR: n'. What does it mean?
This is an equipment related error code from the GSM device. This error code is likely to be related to your GSM device hardware or embedded software. Find a description of the GSM error codes here.
Although most of the error codes are standardised, some manufacturers give their own meaning to these error codes. It's always a good idea to double check with your GSM modem manual.
Q4801512: In the Log File, I noticed: '+CMS ERROR: n'. What does it mean?
This is a network related error code from the GSM device. This error is likely to be related to your operator. Find a description of the GSM error codes here.
Although most of the error codes (up to 512) are standardised, some manufacturers give their own meaning to these error codes. It's always a good idea to double check with your GSM modem manual.
LICENSING, PURCHASING, PRODUCT ACTIVATION AND SUPPORT
Q4900005: Where can I find detailed information about licensing?
To learn about the different license options for ActiveXperts SMS Component, click here.
Q4900010: What happens after the 30-day trial period?
After 30 days of evaluation, the ActiveXperts SMS Component will no longer connect to any device. When calling these functions, LastError shows: Evaluation Expired (Error# 35995).
Q4900015: What is the difference between a 'Standard License' and a 'Professional License' ?
Click here for more information about the ActiveXperts SMS Component licensing options.
Q4900020: What is a 'Distribution License'?
The 'Distribution License' allows you to 'bundle' the component with your own software. It allows you to ship the product to an unlimited number of customers for an unlimited period of time. There are no limitations to functionality of the software.
Click here for more information about the ActiveXperts SMS Component licensing options.
Once you have obtained a Distribution License, you receive a key that you can use on the target computers. Click here to read more about how to distribute this key with the core product DLL on the target computers.
Q4900022: How to distribute a Distribution License key to target computers?
Once you have obtained a Distribution License, you will receive a key that you can use on the target computers.
Please read manual, chapter: Purchase and Product Activation for more info about distributing this license key.
Q4900025: If I buy a license, do I have to pay for future releases?
ActiveXperts' Maintenance Agreement entitles customers to use ActiveXperts' technical support services, and to receive all product upgrades, free of charge, during a specified Agreement duration. The Maintenance Agreement applies to all ActiveXperts products.
After purchase, you get 1 year Maintenance for free
After this free Maintenance period, Licensee may purchase Maintenance. The price for the Maintenance Agreement is 15% of the price that was payed for the product.
Read our Maintenance Agreement in PDF format.
Q4900030: Can I send SMS messages for free when I purchase I license of SMS Component?
No, ActiveXperts does not offer commercial SMS messaging services; ActiveXperts only offers the software.
To use GSM, you need a GSM modem and a SIM card, just like the one you use in your mobile GSM phone. You can buy a SIM card from any telecom operator. Pricing depends on the type of telecom operator and the SMS volume.
To use SMPP, you need to subscribe to an SMPP service provider. For a short list of reliable SMPP providers, click here. There are many SMPP providers all over the world. Pricing depends on type of operator and SMS volume. Most of the SMPP providers also offer HTTP-Post services.
TAP/UCP dial-up is getting less- and less popular, but you can still find a lot of TAP/UCP providers all over the world. With this protocol, you can only send. Pricing depends on type of operator.
Q4900033: How can I sign-up to smpp.activexperts-labs.com, so I can use this provider for high-volume SMS?
The smpp.activexperts-labs.com SMPP gateway is only available for testing purposes. It is not a commercial SMPP service. The server is hosted by ActiveXperts Software. ActiveXperts does not offer any commercial SMS services; it only supplies the software (and occasionally: hardware).
Q4900035: Where can I purchase the product?
You can purchase the product online, by proforma invoice (bank or cheque) or through a reseller. For more information, check the Sales webpage.
Q4900040: I received an activation key. How do I activate the product now?
Please read the manual, chapter: Purchase and Product Activation.
Q4900050: How much does a maintenance contract cost?
During the first (1) year after purchase, Maintenance is free.
After this free Maintenance year, Licensee may purchase Maintenance.
Customers choose between one-, two- and three years Maintenance Agreement renewal. Please read the Maintenance Agreement document for more details.
Q4900060: Can I renew maintenance contract after maintenance has expired?
Renewals that come in after the maintenance has expired will be backdated to start from the old expiry date. Also, you are only able to get Technical Support and Software Maintenance when your support contract is valid.
Q4900070: Is it possible to obtain the source code of your product?
No, we do not ship or sell the source code of our products.
The only source code that is included with our products are code samples shipped, to show how to use the component in various programming languages.
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| Click here to view the full list of error codes |