|
|
|
|
markanite
Aug 13, 2006, 5:15 AM
Post #1 of 9
(4539 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 30, 2003
Posts: 282
|
Climbers: We (Spadout.com) are considering developing a tool called ASOS (automatic SOS system). This service would be free. You would login to ASOS, develop a list of emergency contacts (you can include email and cell phone numbers). From then on every time you plan to go climbing (or caving, backpacking etc) you login to ASOS (this can done well in advance) and tell the system when you plan to return (you also can upload maps, directions, medical information etc). At any time you can send a text message (from your cell phone) to ASOS saying your fine (canceling the SOS). The system will send a text message to your cell phone 15 minutes before the warning is sent out. If no reply is received (you can also go online and cancel) a warning is sent to all email addresses and a text message to all cell phones warning that you need help. It also sends them a link where they can obtain all information you provided (maps etc). Pre-development questions: Would this be useful? Suggestions for improvements / additional features? Would this tool be useful if you had to cancel online (sending text messages is free, receiving text messages to a server is fairly expensive)? Thanks, Mark - http://www.spadout.com
|
|
|
|
|
microbarn
Aug 13, 2006, 11:40 AM
Post #2 of 9
(4539 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 12, 2004
Posts: 5920
|
Sounds awesome. I personally turned OFF all text messages in and out of my phone. So, the text message is not an option for me. I don't know how the map uploading would work, but it would suck have to REupload maps. I haven't worked with google earth, but maybe using a link reference to that kind of program would be faster? Also, most maps I have used are on paper. So, I would have to find a scanner THEN blah blah. Seems like enough work to keep me from doing it. Sounds like a great idea. Part of the reason I have not told people where I go on occasions is because you feel gimpy alerting them all the time. Especially for the minor trips I make. I don't do the "real" mountaineering thing.
|
|
|
|
|
overlord
Aug 13, 2006, 1:54 PM
Post #3 of 9
(4539 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Mar 25, 2002
Posts: 14120
|
it would be a good idea to work with goole maps api on this one IMHO. it would really suck to UL maps every time. otherwise, i think its a really good idea. kindof an upgrade to the note you leave saying where youre going and when youre coming back.
|
|
|
|
|
markanite
Aug 19, 2006, 3:08 AM
Post #4 of 9
(4539 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 30, 2003
Posts: 282
|
Haha, ya exactly. A major upgrade to the note on your window that says 'if you are reading this and it is past 11pm...' One big issue though (trying to reduce cost considering its free) ... would the project be worthless if you had to find an internet connection to cancel it (as opposed to using your cell phone)? Sending txt msgs is free. Receiving is not.
|
|
|
|
|
davidji
Aug 19, 2006, 3:45 AM
Post #5 of 9
(4539 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jan 30, 2003
Posts: 1776
|
In reply to: Sending txt msgs is free. Receiving is not. For your service it is: customers send SMS text messages from their phone to your email address.
|
|
|
|
|
markanite
Aug 19, 2006, 6:20 AM
Post #6 of 9
(4539 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 30, 2003
Posts: 282
|
How does somebody send a txt msg from their cell phone to an email address (visa versa is easy)?
|
|
|
|
|
davidji
Aug 19, 2006, 6:32 AM
Post #7 of 9
(4539 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jan 30, 2003
Posts: 1776
|
In reply to: How does somebody send a txt msg from their cell phone to an email address (visa versa is easy)? I just choose an email address from my contacts list on the phone and the message goes to that email address.
|
|
|
|
|
microbarn
Aug 21, 2006, 1:32 AM
Post #8 of 9
(4539 views)
Shortcut
Registered: May 12, 2004
Posts: 5920
|
https://www.vtext.com/...jsp/messaging_lo.jsp is one place you can go. All phone services that I am aware of allow you to send text messages from their website to a user of their service. I think it is not bad to include the need to find an internet connection. Especially since this is a first run. It can be changed later.
|
|
|
|
|
markanite
Aug 22, 2006, 3:57 AM
Post #9 of 9
(4539 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jun 30, 2003
Posts: 282
|
davidji - bow, bow I am one generation behind the txt msg generation. That will work. ASOS will be available in a couple weeks. Keep recs. coming though if you have one.
|
|
|
|
|
|