[Kenwood] DX: message and texting

[Rick Bates]

Hey all,
 
I just got back from a road trip to OR and used APRS tracking for the folks
back home instead of constant cell phone chatter (besides there was
blessedly no coverage in some of the area). I'm using a KW TMD-710 (love
it), 50W out and a 3db mag mount. The tracking worked great, folks at home
knew where we were and I wasn't bothered by a lot of cell noise (we were
visiting the bald eagles and tundra swans). However:
1) I started getting DX: messages from Grizzly Peak (SF Bay Area, 2xx miles
away) and later KFALLS (Klamath Falls) telling me how far I was from them.
They beeped (not much does), took up the full screen (not half as per my
setting) so I presume it was sent to me as a message. I didn't ask for them,
don't care how far I am from them and would like to turn this 'feature' off.
How please?
2) The one way messaging service mentioned here does not appear to be
working ( <http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/entermsg.cgi>
http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/entermsg.cgi) or at least I have been unable to
receive a message in APRS mode. Although I like it at times when I have no
cell coverage, it isn't practical all the time with 'concerns' at home
(elderly, animals, bad weather). Is there a simple, internet based, one way
message system for a ham (most of my family is licensed) to 'text' me (like
on a cell phone) for short "phone home, 911" type messages while in APRS
mode?

FWIW, the WX alert worked too (about jumped out of our seats) when they put
on a test.  The alarm was LOUD.

Rick

 <http://www.HappyMoosePhoto.com> www.HappyMoosePhoto.com

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