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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Kingswood
    Posts
    930

    Default SMS Computer Software

    I am secretary of a small (50 members) hobby club and I can see the advantages of being able to SMS a selected group of members on occasions - say to a variable group of 15 members on 24 occasions per year, or about 400 SMS per year.

    I have seen prices of 5c to 8c per message and warnings of spam/malware from some vendors.

    Just asking if any other forum members use a commercial service that they could recommend.

    John

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    Athelstone, SA 5076
    Posts
    4,255

    Default

    why not just create a group in your mobile phone and send SMS 's that way?
    Thats what I do to remind committee members of meetings etc.

    I used to send messgaes via ICQ but that was eons ago.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Kingswood
    Posts
    930

    Default

    Quite correct, phone groups could work.
    The members of the groups changes frequently so the computer approach just makes it easier, to generate, send and file.

    My fingers get a bad dose of fumbling if I do much texting.

    An additional benefit is that I can respond to public SMS equiries with some easy traceability. We have a group phone that is not monitored for calls.

    John.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2015
    Location
    melbourne
    Posts
    473

    Default

    There are quite a few online sms services - one I saw was around 3.7c per text.



    -russ

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Kingswood
    Posts
    930

    Default

    russ,
    Yes, I am aware of the commercial services.
    I think the 3.7c price is probably for a large number of messages per year, say 50,000.
    Commercial services like this have a high set-up cost and they would probably not be interested in our small requirement.

    A typical prepaid has 5c per credit and a variable number of credits per message depending on carrier, destination etc. Currently, a local message on Telstra could be 1 credit = 5c.

    The problem is I have observed many comments about problems with some of these services.
    At our message rate we really don't care about the price, it would have a minimal effect on our budget.

    Still looking.
    John

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Toowoomba Qld
    Posts
    401

    Default

    Does your mobile have software that will allow it to link to the computer so you can do it that way ?
    If not and typing the text on the mobile is killing you maybe look at a external keyboard for it ?
    For how infrequently you are doing it I'd just use your current mobile

    Remember you only need to type the message once and just add all the recipients

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    Athelstone, SA 5076
    Posts
    4,255

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by MasterSpoon View Post
    Does your mobile have software that will allow it to link to the computer so you can do it that way ?
    If not and typing the text on the mobile is killing you maybe look at a external keyboard for it ?
    For how infrequently you are doing it I'd just use your current mobile

    Remember you only need to type the message once and just add all the recipients
    Yeah, Samsung has Manufacturers app that mirrors phone screen to PC

    https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...oid.sidesync30

    Suspect other manufacturers might have also.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Kingswood
    Posts
    930

    Default

    Could be a solution, if I had a suitable phone.

    My mobile was a free issue from Telstra when I ignored their repeated notices that the 2G system was going to shut down. They posted a 3G replacement phone to my house address even !
    The only phone on the block with real genuine buttons !

    John.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Oct 2015
    Location
    melbourne
    Posts
    473

    Default

    "Commercial services like this have a high set-up cost and they would probably not be interested in our small requirement." The 3.7 was for high volume. But even the lowest tier was 7c. SMS Broadcast | 3.7 Cent SMS Messages | Bulk SMS Gateway have an ' introductory special' - you can get say 2000 credits (texts) for $130. I don't believe there is any setup cost - even a free trial. It's just a website you login to, not anything to install.
    I have no connection with them, there is lots of competition, so I'd think the price is typical.
    Of course, many phone plans have unlimited text included. so, finding another member with a suitable plan would be even easier.

    -russ

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Kingswood
    Posts
    930

    Default

    Russ, thanks for that link, at least they have a street address.
    I like the idea of no installed software, I will investigate.

    As I said in the OP, just looking for anybody with actual user experience.
    I suspect SMS Messaging is not widely used by hobby metalworkers.
    John.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Location
    NSW
    Posts
    537

    Default

    Just do it in email , keep clicking on every contact you want the email to go too .
    The volume of a pizza of thickness 'a' and radius 'z' is given by pi z z a.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Kingswood
    Posts
    930

    Default

    I already have email groups setup for all normal club communications.
    But, some members don't have an email account.

    The SMS messaging would primarily be used to remind those members rostered at the club grounds a couple of days prior to the event, and to enable immediate updates to all concerned, even if they are already in transit to the club on the day.

    An additional advantage is that we get SMS inquiries from the public on the club phone, so the SMS messaging would allow filing of our responses to the public.

    John

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