The GPRS modem option also enables a JACE station to send SMS (Simple Message Service, or Short Message Service) text messages to other cellular devices (cell phones), such as alarms, events, or even prepared “general use” text messages.

For this, the JACE requires the “sms” feature in its license, the “sms” module installed, and the SmsService in its station’s Services folder. Also, configured SmsRecipient and/or Sms components are needed in the station to route or configure text messages. For more details, see the NiagaraAX SMS Users Guide.

This typical outbound usage of the GPRS modem option is relatively simple, and uses the service provider’s “SMSC” (Short Message Service Center, or Short Message Center) for “store and forward” of sent text messages. Note that while alarms routed via SMS are received on cell phones, currently there is no provision for alarm acknowledgment back to the JACE using SMS.

The JACE station can also receive SMS messages through the SmsService. However, apart from received SMS commands (see Remote SMS commands), this requires a custom Program object or component, linked to the “received” topic slot on the SmsService. This subject is outside the scope of this document.

In the property sheet view of the JACE station’s SmsService, ensure that the “Transport Type” is set to “GprsSmsTransport” to utilize the GPRS modem option. See Figure 14 below.