Messaging with a DZMx with TracPlus.

A Flightcell DZMx tracked by TracPlus can send and receive short text messages with TracPlus Cloud over Iridium satellite, so ground staff and crew can coordinate without a voice call.

Before you start

The DZMx is activated by TracPlus and already tracking via Iridium.
To receive messages from TracPlus Cloud, the DZMx must be on TracPlus Iridium airtime.
In TracPlus Cloud, your organisation owns the device or has Send and View Text Messages permission on the shared asset.
The DZMx message library has your preset messages loaded (set up by your installer).

How DZMx messaging works

DZMx messages to and from TracPlus Cloud travel as Iridium Short Burst Data (SBD) through the DZMx's activated Iridium modem, so they work anywhere the aircraft can see the sky, including outside cellular coverage.

Send a message from TracPlus Cloud

Click Messaging on the left, then the Create Message icon.
In To, select the aircraft. Its message history opens.
Type in New Message (max 200 characters) and send.

A red Failed to Send alert means it did not go; see Troubleshooting. Satellite messages may incur extra cost.

Read and reply on the DZMx

Read: when Message received pops up, press ENTER. Later, press and hold MSG to open the inbox (holds 30 messages).
Reply: open the message, press MSG, pick a preset and press the Iridium modem key (A or B). SBD Sent confirms it left the aircraft.
Free text: the keypad sends presets only (up to 50). For free text, connect a device to the DZMx Wi-Fi and use the DZMx Connect 2 web interface (firmware 4.14.1+). The old DZMx Connect phone app is retired.

Only satellite (SBD) messages appear in TracPlus Cloud. Cellular SMS from the DZMx inbox does not.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Fix
Aircraft not listed in Create Message	Ask the asset owner for Send and View Text Messages permission
Message never reaches the aircraft	Check the DZMx is on with Iridium Ready; confirm it is on TracPlus airtime
Pilot sees SBD Sent but nothing arrives	The unit may be sending from a non-activated Iridium modem (dual-modem units). Contact Support
SBD Failed! keeps repeating	Poor sky view or antenna/cable fault; retest in the open, then have it checked
Phone texts to the aircraft not delivered	Add the sender to the asset's Messaging Whitelist

Still stuck? Email support@tracplus.com or call +64 3 477 8656 with the asset name, DZMx serial and IMEI, firmware version, and the message time and text.