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CQ alert via email to text

With the advent of the email gateway, its should be a SMOP 🙃 to send a text to my phone whenever someone calls CQ. I can now sit comfortably in my recliner waiting for a CQ. The text would include the Band, Callsign, and SNR (and, I suppose, the time and slot just for consistency).

I can think of additional extensions:

Add Broadcast messages as an option
Add enable/disable button on the main screen
Block texts during certain times
Text when a particular station beacons

There are several lists of cell phone providers with SMS gateways including https://www.quertime.com/article/email-to-sms-gateways-complete-list/

4 comments

4 Comments

Meir 4Z5PE | QO100<->HF VarAC Cluster

May 29

I think this is a good idea, to WhatsApp and/or email someone when there is a vmail or a message for them.

I think WhatsApp and email are more popular than Telegram.

irad d

May 29

Replying to

FT8 is more popular than VarAC and yet you use VarAC :)

If you want realtime VarAC alerts, Install telegram and use the great VarAC Bot developed by one of our distinguished community members.

Meir 4Z5PE | QO100<->HF VarAC Cluster

May 30

Replying to

Because I like VarAC. I do not like Telegram, so I don't use it! I use Signal, and WhatsApp when there is a need. It's already too much to check Signal, WhatsApp, and FB Messenger, email, SMS messages! I mean options are good, but they are not interoperable. It's a bit ridiculous, don't you think?

I simply pointed out that WhatsApp and Email are more popular than Telegram. [:shrug:]

Idea: A more flexible design might use MQTT for the backend and then allow various clients and forwarding methods.

Edited

irad d

May 27

Hey Mark

Your idea has alread been out there for 2 years - but not in a form of Email or SMS (which cost money) but in the form of telegram alert.

Please see this VarAC extensions page that sends you messages over telegram for incoming beacons, CQs and others. Look for the VarAC bot which is the first one on that page.