SMSCON Editor

The SMSCON Editor is a user interface to the configuration of the SMSCON application. Further, it can assist in verifying its correct operation and configuration.

It has been created using the PyQT libraries and the functionality is provided by Python.

With its assistance the user is able to edit from a GUI all the options and name the secret pass-phrases of the commands used for controlling the device by the SMSCON. All settings are stored at its configuration file, i.e. the /opt/smscon/smscon_config file.

In addition, it provides an interface to initialise (i.e. init, start, stop, reset and set/remove from the device's boot sequence) the smscon_daemon.

Contents

[edit] Installation

The application can be installed directly by the Application Manager (HAM) and the Extras repositories. (Check here for its status)

You can also find the latest version in the garage project page.

[edit] Dependencies

The editor depends to the following packages:

  • smscon
  • python2.5
  • python2.5-qt4-gui
  • python2.5-qt4-core
  • python2.5-qt4-maemo5

[edit] Usage

When it starts it loads the current configuration file so that the options already configured to be shown in the appropriate sections of the GUI.

FIXME: add explanations

[edit] Start up

A banner will popup showing the correct startup, i.e. the smscon_config file is correct and that it has been successfully loaded by the editor.

(Since version 0.6) a password dialog will open and request the application password

NOTE: the default password for the SMSCON Editor is 12345 and should not be mistaken with the password that might be requested during the installation of the OpenSSH server (which is a dependency of SMSCON).


[edit] General configuration tab

[edit] Select Reply Options

Choice can be made on the communication option the replies are send.

[edit] Disable All Replies

Choice can be made to disable all replies (this will not apply for the SMS message send when an not authorised SIM card is inserted). If no replies to be send is requested, the relevant options will be hidden, i.e. will become non selectable.

[edit] Send GPS Coordinates Replies

Choice can be made where the replies with the GPS coordinates should be send. It can be either one of:

  • SMS
  • Email
  • Both

[edit] Email configuration tab

In order to receive email notifications the appropriate tab must be filled. Currently only few types are supported.

An example of gmail account settings are shown below:


[edit] Reverse SSH configuration tab

NOTE: Leaving empty the username and password fields will disable the reverse SSH functionality.

[edit] Commands renaming first tab

The Commands can be renamed (it is recommended for maximum safety) to ones preferences.

[edit] Prefixing Commands

The "Prefix" functionality can be useful in the cases where it is desired all the default names to be prefixed with a common string.

Note: The new names (as all other changes) are stored only after the button "Update Settings" is pressed.

[edit] Program Initialisation tab


[edit] Authorise a new SIM card

In the case a new SIM card needs to be added follow the next steps to add the new IMSI avoiding triggering SMSCON

(NOTE: SMSCON accepts authorisation multiple SIM cards)

Before changing the SIM card (or with no SIM card installed) from the Init tab using the available buttons

  • "Stop" the SMSCON operation
  • "Disable" the SMSCON on device boot

Then you can replace the SIM card, boot the device and open again the SMSCON Editor. From the Init tab using the available buttons:

  • "Add IMSI"
  • "Enable" the SMSCON on device boot
  • "Start" the SMSCON operation

The new SIM card is now authorised and SMSCON is active again. You can switch back to your old card without any intervention since now both IMSIs are authorised.

If you want to remove the old SIM card then in the above steps and before adding the new IMSI first using the available button:

  • "Remove IMSI"

which will de-authorise all SIM cards.

[edit] Invoke program test commands tab

Note:

  • After each test is executed the daemon is stopped and previous configuration is restored.
  • Before exiting the application press the "Tests Done" button to start the daemon again.

[edit] Drop down menu

[edit] About

The about window provides also buttons to connect in the wiki pages for both parts of the application and read the latest documentation.

[edit] Change Password

Menu for changing the password for opening the Editor application.

[edit] Popups

There are several popups triggered on actions and updates that inform the user on the current state of the operation.

FIXME: add more popups and explanations.

[edit] Changelog

[edit] 0.9.12-1 Development Testing

Availability: Extras-devel, Extras-testing 

FIX: Issues on reading smscon settings of older versions and/or invalid settings.
  * Invalid settings now generate a warning on start but are left unchanged and will show up in the editor fields.
  * If user does not change them, they again will generate error messages when editor pages are closed.
CHANGE: Restructure and modification of text in the General window (minor).
FIX: Allow characters in the "Listen IP" field; "*" and "localhost" are valid inputs.

[edit] 0.9.11-1 

NEW: first version of a Log Reader window:
  * will show the last 500 lines.
  * will show the non-anonymized output.
CHANGE: Main window (minor) restructure.

[edit] 0.9.10-1

CHANGE: Several UI modifications (aka beautifications): changed the appearence of the info boxes; set calibri as the global font.
FIX: Removed actions for when closing the application; normal and test modes are unified in latest SMSCON - a restart might cause loss of a pending action/test.

[edit] 0.9.9-1 

NEW: Added in the test window a stop button for the Reverse SSH Connection.
NEW: Added more explanation/info boxes.
FIX: On closing the application the daemon is restarted only if it was running. Otherwise it leaves it off.
FIX: On the Initialise window the Init button was freezing the application instead of closing.
CHANGE: Several UI modifications.
CHANGE: Dependency to SMSCON was raised to 0.9.9-1 or higher.

[edit] 0.9.8-1 

* 0.9.8:
NEW: Added several info boxes in the UI to assist the user with the settings choices.
CHANGE: Remove of the "Update Settings" buttons on all windows; settings are updated every time the window is closed.
CHANGE: The Daemon is restarted every time the application closes.
CHANGE: The RESENDTIME and CHECKTIME entry fields are replaced with QDoubleSpinBox type.
CHANGE: Information messages in the banners are not displayed by default.

* 0.9.7:
NEW: Added fields REMOTELISTENIP, REMOTELISTENPORT, REMOTE2LOCALPORT in SSH config.
NEW: Added r/o field SENDERNUMBER in the General config; shows the last number that requested an action.
NEW: Added field COM_LOG in the Commands config; will reply the smscon.log.
NEW: Added field COM_CUSTOMLOG in the Commands config; will reply the COM_CUSTOM output.
NEW: Added several info boxes to assist the user with the different settings choices.
CHANGE: The settings CHECKTIME, RESENDTIME, GPSTIMEOUT and GPSINTERVAL have been changed from float to int.
CHANGE: The CHECKTIME, RESENDTIME, RESENDMAXTRY, GPSTIMEOUT, GPSPOLLING, REMOTEPORT, REMOTELISTENPORT and REMOTE2LOCALPORT entry fields are replaced with a QSpinBox type.
CHANGE: Make more resilient the discovery if the Daemon is running.

[edit] 0.9.6-1 

CHANGE: Rebuild of the UI; removed tabs and added for each a separate window.
CHANGE: Removed the menu and added its actions as buttons in the main UI.
CHANGE: Modified postrm script; inclusion of new files.
NEW: Added Email-From field.

[edit] 0.9.5-1 

NEW: Added a startup screen.
CHANGE: Modified the Init tab to have radio buttons and show the state of the daemon and the boot option.
CHANGE: Modified the General tab with better names and more condensed structure.
CHANGE: Modified the About window.
CHANGE: Removed the credits dialog - superseded by the About window.
CHANGE: Modified the .desktop file - wrong setting for terminal.
CHANGE: Update in the postrm; restructure and inclusion of the new files.

[edit] 0.9.4-1 

CHANGE: Modification of the main UI to fit better in portrait orientation.

[edit] 0.9.3-1 

* 0.9.3
NEW:       Addition of postrm, preinst, prerm scripts for better deployment, upgrade and removal.
CHANGE:    Modification of the postinst script.
NEW:       Addition in the UI of a input field for the max number of retries in case of send failure.
NEW:       Addition in the UI of a input field for the command suffix.
CHANGE:    Removed the 'Prefix' button - no useful functionality in the new code.
CHANGE:    Removed the 'Test done' button - code is able to handle this gracefully.
  
* 0.9.2
NEW:       Allow editing unsuccessfully/enforcedly loaded config.
NEW:       Added a symlink in the postinst for starting the UI easier from terminal; in x-term it is enough to type: smscon-editor
  
* 0.9.1
CHANGE:    Now uses refactured version of SMSCON
            * Uses code from library (smsconlib.py).
            * Restructured code and added comments.
            * Prepared for easy adding code to edit new features.
NEW:       Gives password hint on initial use. So SMSCON Editor goes plug and play: No need to read wiki to get it run the 1st time.
NEW:      Encurages to change the password while it is the initial one.
NEW:      When editor is closed, it automatically terminates test mode if required.
NEW:      GUI feedback when the configuration is about to be updated.
NEW:      Early GUI feedback on Editor startup (shortens time being in doubt if phone recognized my tap).
NEW:      Sends SMS notification on attempt to start SMSCON Editor with wrong password.
CHANGE:   No longer makes use of "smssend" application which might not be installed. Now uses SMSCON builtin capability to send SMS.
CHANGE:   Eliminated and removed 'smsconEditorCopyConfig'; using "smscon -import" now.

[edit] 0.8-8

  • Correction of error with RESENDTIME creation.
  • Replaced "-init" command with "-force init".
  • Added check in postinstal script for the config version.

[edit] 0.8-7

  • Modification of the UI to support rotation.
  • Enabled rotation on all panels (some parts look ugly but it is functional).

[edit] 0.8-6

  • Added new logic and options for support of SMSCON 0.8.x versions.
  • Added dependency on smscon (>= 0.8.0-1) and suggestion for smssend (>= 0.1.8)
  • Added auto-disable of options related to SMS replies if SMSSEND is not selected.
  • Added auto-disable of options related to SMS retries if SMSRESEND is not selected.
  • Added background send of SMS message on password change (optional; requires smssend package).
  • Several UI modifications for usability.
  • Modification of the General tab to be a scrollable list.
  • Modification of the UI to expand on all the available screen estate.
  • Added code in the postinstall to compile the python code.

[edit] 0.7-4 Stable

Availability: Extras

  • Addition of more test options.
  • Modification of the Tests tab to be a scrollable list.
  • Added a button to restart the daemon when tests complete.
  • Password to open the editor will persist updates.
  • Removed autocapitalisation of first character in several entry fields.
  • Aligned Left all entry fields in the Email and SSH tabs.

Known issues

  • options for disabling SMS replies are not displaying correctly.

[edit] 0.7-3

  • Addition of five new commands and one new option in the UI and code (support for SMSCON ver. > 0.7)
  • Addition of scrollable list for the commands editing. All the commands now can be edited from one tab.
  • Improvement in the UI to hide SMS reply options when replies are disabled.
  • Improvement in the change password window.
  • Simplification and cleanup in many parts of the code.
  • New About page with auto rotation.
  • Correction for stackable windows.

[edit] 0.6-1

  • Correction in copying config file for safe editing.
  • Added creation of temp config file on first use.

[edit] 0.6-0

  • Added password protection for opening the GUI (default password = 12345).
  • Added two new dialog windows (to enter and change the password respectively).
  • Added new initialisation command to delete the application stored IMSI number.
  • Added new initialisation command to delete the configuration stored.
  • New sudoers file to include two scripts for handling operations that need root privileges.
  • Removed indirect dependency to rootsh package (i.e. use of root).
  • Changed password fields in email and ssh settings to be hidden.
  • Changed privileges for supporting files to be more restrictive.

[edit] 0.5-5

  • Added new code to read and encrypt the sensitive config file parameters (Contribution by Frank Visser).
  • Restructure and heavy cleanup of the code.
  • Some small main GUI corrections and beautifications.
  • Package smscon has been added in the dependencies.
  • Changed the sequence for updating the config file to give better information to the user.
  • Updated several messages to be more descriptive.

[edit] 0.4.4-14

  • Added prefix of a common string to all commands.

[edit] 0.4.4-12

  • Added support for new option to send GPS coordinates to both email and sms.
  • Increased the size of the username fields - useful with gmail and such.
  • Removed smscon from the dependencies (to allow promotion in extras)

[edit] 0.4.4-11

  • Added tests for receiving GPS coordinates commands
  • Added tests for phonecall and sms commands
  • Added information and warning boxes
  • Many visibility enhancement changes
  • Updated icon to be transparent.
  • Added icon for the application manager.
  • Made MailFrom = MailAddress as a temp solution until dedicated space is made for this field in the GUI.
  • Added the About and Credits dialogs.
  • Added smscon in the dependencies.

[edit] 0.4.4-9

  • Changes in the postinst script to correct it's execution and privileges
  • Added checks on the configuration file existence and to provide messages to the user when missing or corrupted.

[edit] 0.4.4-5

Warning: This version (and above) will work only with SMSCON version equal or higher than 0.4.4

  • Addition of a new tickbox to provide "Reply On Keybord Open" settings option.
  • Update of code reading the config file to include spaces in commands (provided by digitalvoid).
  • Corrected canvas of the main window to fit better the N900 screen size.
  • Increased the width of commands line enter.
  • Corrected the .desktop file to point in the correct iconset
  • Added explicit permissions in the postinst script for the gui elements file.

[edit] 0.4.3-9

  • added block on starting the UI as root (it should only be started as user)
  • the editor will quit after calling the init or reset commands (after informing user).
  • added slightly modified icons.
  • added settings and permissions in sudoers file.
  • cleanup of postinst instructions
  • cleanup of commented out code.

[edit] 0.4.3-8

  • The Editor will trigger a reload of the new configuration after every update of the config file.
  • Temporarily the MailFrom field in the email settings will be filled by the MailAddress (in the future will get its own element in the GUI).
  • Renamed buttons in the UI from Create Settings to Update Settings.

NOTE: For older versions please see the changelogs in the project's garage page

[edit] Future Development

  • add mailfrom field.
  • do not overwrite the password if it is already defined.
  • add more test commands.
  • add option to hide the desktop entry.
  • protect the installation.

[edit] License

This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation; version 2 only.

[edit] Disclaimer

This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. See the GNU General Public License for more details.

Retrieved from "http://wiki.maemo.org/SMSCON_Editor"