At east beach

[Steve-O]

Bryan and others

iKitesurf has a email alert system built in for its members.

You choose what sensors you want to watch, how often you want them checked, and at what wind speed you want an email alert triggered.

It's pretty sweet IMO, but it does not make up for innaccurate wind sensor activity. I use the Egmont sensor for East winds and the Clearwater sensor for West winds. I have them both set for 12mph.

The only bummer is with my iPhone, there is no sound when an email arrives. I still have to check it manually.

I agree, that an email alert would be best, however, I have found text alerts to be able to reach the widest audience. Regardless if you phone is internet capable, even low cost phones get text messages and at the lowest cost. I have ditched my land line due to the low cost and convenience of text messaging. Its like email on the go.

I am interested to see how this idea develops. I have set up a text group on my iPhone for all of my students. It currently is 55 strong and took some time to set up. I can send a text to all of them rather simply, but it does take my phone awhile to do it. A great communication tool. I have always wondered if mass texting can be done through the internet, I imagine it would be much faster. I haven't found anything.

Whatever gets set up, make sure Randy knows whats going on as he is out there all the time.

[kiteUSF]

I have been developing a site that is geared towards exactly what everyone has been talking about in this thread. Just talked with my friend who is a web designer. We will have the site up by the beginning of next week. The template is going to be very user friendly and will keep everyone from missing sessions or making long trips to the beach only to get skunked! Stay tuned for more info!

[Whitey]

Steve O go into settings - sounds - new text message and change it from none to the tone you want to hear when you get a text message.

[Steve-O]

Originally Posted by Whitey

Steve O go into settings - sounds - new text message and change it from none to the tone you want to hear when you get a text message.

Email. Doesn't warn me when one arrives. Got to check it manually. Wish ikite had text alert.

[Danimal8199]

Originally Posted by Steve-O

I have always wondered if mass texting can be done through the internet,

My buddy developed a web application that does mass texting. We use it for a charity group to send out texts blasts about events...

Danny

[Unimog Bob]

This might work as well. Not my area of expertise and I don't have much time today, but looks like it holds promise. You might have to read an ad, but...

http://www.textmarks.com/

[Unimog Bob]

This might actually work. I am almost done.
If it works on my phone, I might need you Danny (or someone) to see if it works on yours. I don't think we will have to manually enter a long list, so might be pretty easy. I will know soon.

http://www.textmarks.com/WINDY

I think you just put your phone number in the space provided, check off the "Agree to Terms", and then hit the "Subscribe" button on the above link. You will then get a PassWord sent via text message that you enter to confirm.
No need to enter a bunch of phone numbers manually. Anyone that wants to join just does so.

Then for anyone to call and enter current wind observations, we .... (still figuring this one out, but it's not hard I don't think).

[Unimog Bob]

Ok. It works.

To register, go to this link.
http://www.textmarks.com/WINDY

and follow the instructions in the prior post.

When wishing to enter an update to send out to others, the phone number to call is 41411.

In your text message, the FIRST word texted is 'windy'.... followed by a space and then the actual message. That first word (windy) clues the program as to which textmark group to send the text to. Don't forget it.

That message is instantly sent out to all that subscribe to the group "windy".
If someone wants to setup a different mark with a different name, that's fine. Or if you guys don't like this, again, that's fine. I don't even have text messaging as an option on my phone (had to borrow buddy's phone for this), so I obviously don't care. But this approach works.
Not sure of the charges. It says standard charges apply. Also, you can very easily unsubscribe if it becomes a pain.

There is an API for web-designers to put text messages onto their site and provide a text box to upload text messages (semi-Twitter like).

[Unimog Bob]

One last post, then have to leave.
On this mark's "homepage" it has a twitter like text feed toward the bottom on the right.
http://www.textmarks.com/WINDY
So, you could check that page from work and not need your phone on to "be in touch". Kind of a neat added feature.
IMHO, this app seems to really nail it.

[bryanleighty]

perfect!!! can you (as admin) manage users if someone abuses the system? Just asking....

also could be good for something like :

"crazy asshat is flying his kite too close to shore in Clearwater.. need everyone to meet in 10 minutes to help puncture his kite!"