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Messaging For RockAIR Devices

This article explains you how messaging works in RockAIR devices.

 Overview

The RockAIR itself has no screen or keyboard, so all message composing and reading happens on a paired iOS device running TP Connect, connected to the RockAIR over Bluetooth. Once paired, messages are sent and received through the RockAIR's satellite (Iridium) and cellular (GPRS) radios — whichever has coverage — so two-way messaging works even far outside cell range.

You can message:

  • TracPlus users — anyone you've given permission to see messages from your RockAIR, visible in TracPlus mapping applications
  • Email addresses — plain-text replies only
  • Cell phones — standard SMS

Note: TP Connect is currently iOS-only (iPhone/iPad). It is not available for Android.

What You Need

Before you can send or receive a message:

  • A RockAIR that has been activated on the Iridium and cellular networks (contact support@tracplus.com if yours hasn't been activated yet)
  • An iOS device (iPhone, iPad, or iPad Mini) with Bluetooth enabled
  • The TP Connect app, downloaded from the App Store
  • The RockAIR powered on and within Bluetooth range (about 10 metres / 30 feet)
  • A GPS fix — the RockAIR needs a position lock to send a message, so you can't send from inside a building or anywhere with poor GPS reception

Connecting TP Connect to Your RockAIR

  1. Enable Bluetooth on your iOS device
  2. Make sure the RockAIR is turned on and within range
  3. Open TP Connect
  4. Tap Connect to Device
  5. If more than one RockAIR appears in the list, select the correct one
  6. If prompted for a PIN, enter 1234 and tap Unlock device

Once connected, the Messages icon in TP Connect becomes active.

Sending a Message

To a TracPlus user
  1. With your device connected to the RockAIR, tap Messages in TP Connect
  2. Tap TracPlus
  3. Type your message and tap Send

Your message is transmitted and becomes visible to any TracPlus user you've granted permission to see messages from your RockAIR. Recipients see and reply to it through any TracPlus mapping application.

To an email address
  1. Tap Messages, then tap the + icon
  2. Choose the contact/email address to send to
  3. Type your message and tap Send
To a cell phone
  1. Tap Messages, then tap the + icon
  2. Choose the contact/cell number to send to
  3. Type your message and tap Send

Receiving Replies

Original message sent to Reply requirements
Email address Reply must be plain text, under 160 characters (including spaces), and come from an address listed in your TracPlus contacts at my.tracplus.com. HTML-formatted replies, replies over 160 characters, or replies with attachments/images will not be delivered.
Cell phone Reply must be plain text and under 160 characters. MMS-format replies, replies with images, or replies over the character limit will not be delivered.
TracPlus user Replies are sent and received through any TracPlus mapping application.

Virtual Cell Numbers (Optional)

A virtual cell number is a country-specific phone number permanently assigned to your RockAIR. It lets a contact text your RockAIR directly from their phone, as an SMS conversation, rather than relying on a shortcode reply. It's a more reliable and secure way for people to reach you.

  • Available as an optional subscription through TracPlus
  • Not available in every country
  • Contact TracPlus for pricing and availability

Costs and Airtime

  • Every message sent or received counts toward your monthly airtime usage and can push you over your included allowance
  • Keep messages short — there's no cost benefit to long messages, and long replies may simply fail to deliver (see the table above)
  • TracPlus is not responsible for airtime charges resulting from messages, whether wanted or not — so be mindful of who you give your RockAIR contact details to
  • If travelling internationally, cellular messaging may incur roaming charges — consider switching to satellite-only or contacting TracPlus before you travel

Automatic Messages (Not Sent via TP Connect)

Separately from the messages you type yourself, the RockAIR automatically transmits certain messages/alerts as events occur. These don't require TP Connect to be connected:

  • Distress alerts — pressing the red Distress/Distress Cancel button sends repeated distress messages to mapping software, your ICE (In Case of Emergency) contacts, and the distress monitoring service
  • Of Concern / Overdue notifications — if Automated Monitoring Service (AMS) is active and position reports stop unexpectedly, SMS alerts go out to your ICE contacts
  • Impact alerts — triggered automatically if the unit detects a sudden impact (16G+ for 10ms+ by default)
  • Startup/shutdown and sensor-triggered events — e.g. engine start/stop, take-off/landing, rotor start/stop, if the RockAIR is wired to external sensors

These are covered in more detail in the RockAIR alerting and monitoring guide (see Related Articles).

Troubleshooting

Message won't send / Send button seems to do nothing

  • Check the RockAIR is powered on and TP Connect shows it as connected
  • Move to a location with a clear view of the sky — a GPS fix is required to send
  • Confirm the RockAIR has been activated on the network (contact TracPlus support if unsure)

My reply never arrived

  • Check it was plain text, under 160 characters, and (for email) sent from an address saved in your TracPlus contacts at my.tracplus.com
  • HTML emails, attachments, images, or MMS replies are silently rejected

TP Connect won't connect to my RockAIR

  • Confirm Bluetooth is enabled on your iOS device and you're within ~10m of the unit
  • If prompted for a PIN, use 1234
  • Try toggling the RockAIR off and on again

I sent a message just before shutdown — did it go?

  • The RockAIR will keep trying to send queued messages for up to 15 minutes after shutdown. Anything still unsent after that will go out automatically the next time the unit powers on.

 

Still stuck? Contact TracPlus support at support@tracplus.com.