BW Broadcast rds2+ User manual

RDS2+ RDS Encoder
No part of this manual may be re-produced in any form without prior written permission from BW Broadcast.
The information and specifications contained in this document is subject to change at any time without notice.
Copyright 2011 BW Broadcast
www.bwbroadcast.com
Technical Manual

BW Broadcast Technical Manual Page 2
CONTENTS
1. Introduction
1.1 The RDS2+ RDS Encoder
1.2 Warranty
1.3 Safety Instructions
1.4 Connections and Included Items
2. Installation and Setup
2.1 Setting RDS Data
2.1.1 PI (Program Identification)
2.1.2 PS (Program Service name)
2.1.3 PTY (Program Type)
2.1.4 TP (Traffic Program)
2.1.5 MS (Music/Speech)
2.1.6 AF (Alternative Frequencies)
2.17 Windows Control Software
2.2 Dynamic PS Test
2.3 Enhanced Other Network Information Control (EON)
2.3.1 Traffic Program and Traffic Announcement codes
2.4 Weekly Scheduling
2.4.1 Key features
2.4.2 First Steps
2.4.3 Test Messages Scheduling
2.4.4 Troubleshooting
2.5 Broadcast Automation System Link-up
2.5.1 Reccomended Procedure step-by-step
2.5.2 Compatibility Commands
2.6 COM Port Communication
2.6..1 Connecting the RDS Encoder to a PC
2.6.2 Working with a Terminal Application
2.7 Command Interpreter
2.7.1 Additional Information
2.7.2 Unidirectional or bidirectional – What is the difference?
2.7.3 Command synchronization
2.7.4 Useful notes
2.8 Universal Encoder Communication Protocol
2.8.1 To turn-on the UECP support
2.8.2 UECP addressing
2.8.3 The UECP implementation in the RDS2+ and its limitations
2.9 Further Features
2.9.1 Bypass Relay
2.9.3 External Program Switch
2.9.4 External TA/EON1TA Switch
2.9.5 Showing Real Time in Dynamic PS
2.9.6 Addressing
2.9.7 Real-Time Backup
3. Technical Data and Specifications
3.1 Block Diagram

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4. Annexes
4.1 Communication Protocol Implementation Flowcharts
4.1.1 Unidirectional Communication
4.1.2 Bidirectional Communication
4.2 RDS Group Format
4.2.1 Basic principles and conditions
4.2.2 Remarks
4.2.3 TDC group coding (5A, 5B)
4.2.4 IH group coding (6A, 6B)
4.2.5 AID for ODA group coding (3A)
4.3 List of Commands
4.3.1 Command Summary
4.3.2 Basic Commnds
4.3.3 EON Commands
4.3.4 Message Commands
4.3.5 Scheduling Commands
4.3.6 System Commands
4.3.7 Advanced Commands
4.3.8 Memory Commands

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Introduction
1.1 THE RDS2+ RDS ENCODER
The RDS2+ RDS encoder is a result of more than 9 years experience and meets the requirements of most
regional, local, RSL, LPFM and other medium and small coverage radio stations. It’s also highly suitable for
service and development purposes. It's fully digital concept and uniquely effective design ensures high reliability,
excellent signal characteristics and gives the user many advanced features.
Main Highlights
- Fully dynamic standalone RDS encoder
- RS232 control interface based on a set of simple ASCII commands
- Control software includes powerful Windows GUI application and HTML based system
- Amazing text features, 25kB of memory reserved for text messages (equivalent to more than 3200 PS
strings)
- Advanced weekly scheduling
- Easy and fast setup
Other Features
- Excellent spectral purity, direct digital RDS signal synthesis at sampling rate of 361 kHz (oversampled); tested
for broadcast standards compliance
- Bypass relay, high reliability
- External TA and Program switch
- Switchable MPX loopthrough mode
- Internal realtime clock incl. backup battery, showing realtime also as PS
- No special 19 kHz input needed pilot tone carefully recovered from MPX signal
- Digital 57 kHz phase locked loop rock stable RDS subcarrier in all cases

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Introduction
BW Broadcast warrants the mechanical and electronic components of this product to be free of defects in
material and workmanship for a period of two (2) years from the original date of purchase, in accordance with
the warranty regulations described below. If the product shows any defects within the specified warranty period
that are not due to normal wear and tear and/or improper handling by the user, BW Broadcast shall, at its sole
discretion, either repair or replace the product. If the unit has a manufacturers fault within twenty eight (28) days
then BW Broadcast will pay the freight at their discretion.
If the warranty claim proves to be justified, the product will be returned to the user freight prepaid. Warranty
claims other than those indicated above are expressly excluded.
Return authorisation number
To obtain warranty service, the buyer (or his authorized dealer) must call BW Broadcast during normal business
hours BEFORE returning the product. All inquiries must be accompanied by a description of the problem. BW
Broadcast will then issue a return authorization number.
Subsequently, the product must be returned in its original shipping carton, together with the return authorization
number to the address indicated by BW Broadcast. Shipments without freight prepaid will not be accepted.
Warranty regulations
Warranty services will be furnished only if the product is accompanied by a copy of the original retail dealer’s
invoice. Any product deemed eligible for repair or replacement by BW Broadcast under the terms of this
warranty will be repaired or replaced within 30 days of receipt of the product at BW Broadcast.
If the product needs to be modified or adapted in order to comply with applicable technical or safety standards
on a national or local level, in any country which is not the country for which the product was originally
developed and manufactured, this modification/adaptation shall not be considered a defect in materials or
workmanship. The warranty does not cover any such modification/adaptation, irrespective of whether it was
carried out properly or not. Under the terms of this warranty, BW Broadcast shall not be held responsible for any
cost resulting from such a modification/adaptation.
Free inspections and maintenance/repair work are expressly excluded from this warranty, in particular, if caused
by improper handling of the product by the user. This also applies to defects caused by normal wear and tear, in
particular, of faders, potentiometers, keys/buttons and similar parts.
Damages/defects caused by the following conditions are not covered by this warranty:
Misuse, neglect or failure to operate the unit in compliance with the instructions given in BW Broadcast user
or service manuals. Connection or operation of the unit in any way that does not comply with the technical
or safety regulations applicable in the country where the product is used. Damages/defects caused by force
majeure or any other condition that is beyond the control of BW Broadcast. Any repair or opening of the unit
carried out by unauthorized personnel (user included) will void the warranty.
If an inspection of the product by BW Broadcast shows that the defect in question is not covered by the
warranty, the inspection costs are payable by the customer.
Products which do not meet the terms of this warranty will be repaired exclusively at the buyer’s expense. BW
Broadcast will inform the buyer of any such circumstance. If the buyer fails to submit a written repair order
within 6 weeks after notification, BW Broadcast will return the unit C.O.D. with a separate invoice for freight and
packing. Such costs will also be invoiced separately when the buyer has sent in a written repair order.
Warranty transferability
This warranty is extended exclusively to the original buyer (customer of retail dealer) and is not transferable to
anyone who may subsequently purchase this product. No other person (retail dealer, etc.) shall be entitled to
give any warranty promise on behalf of BW Broadcast.
Claims for damages
Failure of BW Broadcast to provide proper warranty service shall not entitle the buyer to claim (consequential)
damages. In no event shall the liability of BW Broadcast exceed the invoiced value of the product.
Other warranty rights and national law
This warranty does not exclude or limit the buyer’s statutory rights provided by national law, in particular, any
such rights against the seller that arise from a legally effective purchase contract. The warranty regulations
mentioned herein are applicable unless they constitute an infringement of national warranty law.
1.2 WARRANTY

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Safety Instructions
DETAILED SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS:
All the safety and operation instructions should be read before the appliance is operated.
Retain Instructions:
The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
Heed Warnings:
All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
Follow instructions:
All operation and user instructions should be followed.
Water and Moisture:
The appliance should not be used near water (e.g. near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a
wet basement, or near a swimming pool etc.).
The appliance should not be exposed to dripping or splashing and objects filled with liquids should not be
placed on the appliance.
Ventilation:
The appliance should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation.
For example, the appliance should not be situated on a bed, sofa rug, or similar surface that may block the
ventilation openings, or placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the
flow of air through the ventilation openings.
Heat:
The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
appliance (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Power Source:
The appliance should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions
or as marked on the appliance.
Grounding or Polarization:
Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not defeated.
Power-Cord Protection:
Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed
upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords and plugs, convenience receptacles and the point
where they exit from the appliance.
Cleaning:
The appliance should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer.
Non-use Periods:
The power cord of the appliance should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of
time.
This symbol, wherever it appears,
alerts you to the presence of
uninsulated dangerous voltage inside
the enclosure—voltage that may be
sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts
you to important operating and mainte-
nance instructions in the accompanying
literature. Read the manual.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not
remove the cover. No user serviceable parts inside. refer
servicing to qualified personnel.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do
not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
1.3 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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Safety Instructions
Object and Liquid Entry:
Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through open-
ings.
Damage Requiring Service:
The appliance should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
- The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
- Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance; or
- The appliance has been exposed to rain; or
- The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance; or
- The appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
Servicing:
The user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that is described in the Operating Instructions.
All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.
CE CONFORMANCE: This device complies with the requirements of the EEC Council
Directives: 93/68/EEC (CE Marking); 73/23/EEC (Safety – low voltage directive);
2004/108/EC (electromagnetic compatibility). Conformity is declared to those standards:
EN50081-1, EN50082-1.
WARNING: This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy.
If not installed and used in accordance with the instructions in this manual it may cause
interference to radio communications. It has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class A computing device (pursuant to subpart J of Part 15 FCC Rules),
designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when operated in
a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to
cause interference, at which case, the user, at his own expense, will be required to take
whatever measures may be required to correct the interference.
CANADA WARNING: This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emis-
sions set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
Le present appareil numerique n'emet pas de bruits radioelectriques depassant les limits applicables
aux brouillage radioelectrique edicte par le ministere des Communications de Canada.

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Introduction
1.4 CONNECTION AND INCLUDED ITEMS
The following items are shipped with the BW Broadcast RDS2+,
1. RDS2+ 1U RDS encoder
2. Mains IEC lead
3. DB9 Serial lead (9 Pin IBM PC compatible)
4. BW Broadcast Software CD
5. Instruction manual
All equipment should be unpacked and checked before any attempt is made to setup the equipment. Please contact BW
Broadcast immediately if any equipment appears to be damaged or missing.
Front Panel Indicators
A. Power indicator
B. RDS Signal indicator
Rear Panel Connections
C. 25Way D-Type connector marked ‘Control’. – Pinout details in Appendix A
D. 9Way D-Type connector marked RS232. – for connection to a PC
E. RDS/MPX OUT BNC connector – Output RDS signal mixed with any input MPX signal
F. MPX IN. BNC connector – MPX input for use in Loop-Through mode
G. 19KHz REF IN. BNC connector – Reference 19kHz Pilot tone if no MPX signal is present
H. RDS output level control (CW reduces level, CCW increases level)
I. Mains IEC Socket
1.1 BW RDS2 Equipment
The following items are shipped with the BW RDS2 unit,
1. RDS2 1U rack RDS Encoder.
2. Mains IEC lead
3. DB9 Serial lead (9 Pin IBM PC compatible).
4. BW Software CD.
5. Instruction manual
All equipment should be unpacked and checked before any attempt is made to setup the
equipment. Please contact BW Broadcast immediately if any equipment appears to be
damaged or missing.
1.2 RDS2 Connections and Indicators
B
A
EFG
I
H
D
C
Figure 1.1 Front and Back view of BW RDS2+ unit.
Front
A. Power indicator
B. RDS Signal indicator
Back
C. 25Way D-Type connector marked ‘Control’. – Pinout details in Appendix A
D. Block of 8 DIP switches marked Settings. – Switch settings explained in Appendix B.
E. 9Way D-Type connector marked RS232. – for connection to a PC
F. RDS/MPX OUT BNC connector – Output RDS signal mixed with any input MPX
signal
G. MPX IN. BNC connector – MPX input for use in Loop-Through mode
H. 19KHz REF IN. BNC connector – Reference 19kHz Pilot tone if no MPX signal is
present
I. RDS output level control (CW reduces level, CCW increases level)
J. Mains IEC Socket
4
RDS2+
RDS2+ ENCODER

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Installation and Setup
2. INSTALLATION
The RDS signal must be fed into a modulation signal (added to MPX signal if stereo encoder is used). If a stereo encoder is
used, one of its outputs (MPX or pilot tone) must be fed into the RDS encoder input to meet the synchronization requirements.
Following figures show various situations and corresponding methods of connection:
Separate stereo encoder in default connection.
Stereo encoder with only one MPX output provided.
FM transmitter with only one MPX input provided.

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Installation and Setup
Both stereo encoder and FM transmitter with only one MPX connector provided loopthrough mode.
Where required, this connection may be applied also to the previous situations.
FM transmitter with integrated stereo encoder.
In case of mono transmission (no stereo encoder used) the RDS encoder input may be left unconnected (since there is
no need of external synchronization) or it may be used for the audio signal injection in the case that the FM
transmitter has only one input connector.
Connect (short) the jumper only if you want to pass the input signal to the output of the RDS encoder (loopthrough
mode). In all other cases the JP2 must be open (no jumper present)!

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Installation and Setup
2.1 SETTING BASIC RDS DATA
Before getting on-air with the RDS signal, you will need to decide on the settings to be used. The following RDS
services must be set as the first. Use the Windows control software and its GUI. For more experienced users or those
without a Windows PC, any terminal programme can be used.
2.1.1 PI (Program Identification)
This is very important information that enables the receiver to distinguish between countries, areas in which the
same program is transmitted, and the identification of the program itself. The code is not intended for direct display
and is assigned to each individual radio program, to enable it to be distinguished from all other programs.
The PI code consists of four characters (hexadecimal numbers).
The first character identifies country:
The second character identifies program type in terms of area coverage:
The third and fourth characters are used to clearly identify different stations within the area of coverage.
Important note: Meaning of some PI digits may be different for US RBDS.
Important note: If the station has only one transmitter, second PI digit must be zero (x0xx).
Important note: Factory default PI value is FFFF and it's needed to change it as soon as possible to avoid the
situation that two different stations with common area of coverage have the same PI. For each station in the same
location the unique PI must be assigned. Stations that carry different program must be unambiguously identified by
the last two PI digits. In other case they are recognized as one station by car radios, regardless of any other service
settings. If the broadcaster hasn't received the 4-digit PI from regulatory office, he must choose such number that is
not in conflict with other stations in the location.

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Installation and Setup
2.1.2 PS (Program Service name)
The PS name is max. 8 character long radio station name that will be shown most of the time on the radio display.
Advanced use of the PS (Dynamic/Scrolling PS) is discussed later.
2.1.3 PTY (Program Type)
The PTY code defines the type of the programme broadcast within 31 possibilities. See chapter 11.2 for a complete
list. This code could be used for search tuning.
Important note: PTY number 1 (News) should never be left on all the time. Use PTY number 3 (Info) for this purpose.
2.1.4 TP (Traffic Program)
This is a flag to indicate that the tuned program carries traffic announcements. The TP flag should only be set on
programs which dynamically switch on the TA identification during traffic announcements. The flag shall be taken
into account during automatic search tuning.
2.1.5 MS (Music/Speech)
This is a two-state signal to provide information on whether music or speech is being broadcast. The signal would
permit receivers to be equipped with two separate volume controls, one for music and one for speech, so that the
listener could adjust the balance between them to suit his individual listening habits.
2.1.6 AF (Alternative Frequencies)
The Alternative Frequencies are used to tell receivers what frequencies they can receive the radio station on. This
facility is particularly useful in the case of car and portable radios. For this to work, each transmitter must have RDS
with the same PI code.
Important note: If second PI digit is set to zero (x0xx), this indicates that the station has only one transmitter and
the AF list is ignored on most receivers.

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Installation and Setup
2.1.7 Windows control software - First steps
1. RS232 connection requires no driver installation.
2. Make sure the RDS encoder is connected and powered, all connectors are seated completely and where possible, use
screws to fix the connection.
3. Open the Preferences (Options - Preferences) and set up the connection parameters. If the RDS encoder is connected via
USB and was recognized correctly in Windows, you may find/change the COM port number in Windows Control Panels -
System - Hardware - Device Manager.
4. Close the Preferences. You should see "Connected" or "Opened" in the status bar. Now you are ready. The settings are
saved automatically.
5. Configure the basic RDS settings mentioned above. You will find them on cards Program and System. Then click Store.
6. The status bar at the bottom of the window shows whether the data was sent successfully. If Communication Error! is
shown, check the connection to the RDS encoder, its power supply and that the correct COM port is selected in the
Preferences dialogue box.
7. Follow the instructions in the application Help.
Note: The RDS encoder contains two types of memory. These are marked as RAM and EEPROM. Like any other
computing system the RAM holds all operational data which are also used for transmission whilst the EEPROM is
used for the data storage during power-off. By default the button Send will fill the RAM only. The button Store will
fill the RAM and also stores the data into EEPROM. The Store button behavior can be changed in Options -
Preferences - Buttons.
If the user forgets to store the data into EEPROM, the settings will be lost when the power is disconnected.

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Installation and Setup
2.2 Dynamic PS Text
Standard RDS enabled receivers utilise an 8-character LCD display but often it is required to display much more text
and commercials. This introduces the issue of a small display and wanting to show lots of information. The RDS2+
solves the issue by the way it can display text. Although Radiotext service is defined in the RDS standard, this service
is not present some receivers (especially older car radios) and has some other limitations. According to the
broadcasters needs, the PS service - one of the basic RDS services supported by all receivers - can be used to give
sequential information. This has become known as ‘Dynamic PS’ or ‘Scrolling PS’.
Note: Using the dynamic/scrolling PS is restricted in some countries. The manufacturer is not responsible for
incompetent use of this feature.
The RDS2+ encoder offers advanced implementation of the Dynamic PS service. Basic text message length is up
to 255 characters (mode independent). Two varieties of the Dynamic PS are present: Dynamic PS 1 (DPS1) and
Dynamic PS 2 (DPS2). Both varieties are configurable independently from each other.
Basic configurable parameters are:
• Text content/text source
• Display mode
• Label period or scrolling speed
• Number of transmissions
The number of transmissions is specified for each Dynamic PS text. The Static PS period (delay between text loops)
specifies the time between two repeats of the Dynamic PS text loops. Default PS is displayed during this time.
Four display modes are provided. The mode is switchable ‘on the fly’, without need to re-enter the text message.
• Mode 0 - Scrolling by 8 characters
• Mode 1 - Scrolling by 1 character
• Mode 2 - Word alignment scrolling
• Mode 3 - Scrolling by 1 character, text separated by spaces at begin and end
Additional differences exist between Dynamic PS 1 and Dynamic PS 2. In general the
DPS1 should be used if on-line connection is available between your studio and the RDS encoder while the DPS2
should be used if the RDS encoder is placed on a site without on-line connection.

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EON Control
2.3 Enhanced Other Networks information (EON) control
The EON feature is used to update the information stored in a receiver about program services other than the one
received. Alternative frequencies, the PS name, Traffic Program and Traffic Announcement identification as well as
Program Type and Program Item Number information can be transmitted for each other service. The relation to the
corresponding program is established by means of the relevant Program Identification (PI).
The EON is especially useful for linking two or more stations of the same owner. Most of EON featured receivers
gives priority to stations linked by EON when seek function is activated. Since the RDS2+ can store four EON links, up to 5
stations can be linked together.
Station that doesn’t carry traffic announcements can refer to a station that does. This situation is described below. For more
information see appropriate section in the List of Commands or in the Magic RDS control software help.
2.3.1 Traffic Program and Traffic Announcement codes
The coding to be used is as follows:
Station which uses the code TP=0, TA=1 must refer to at least one program service which carries traffic information, and has
the flag TP=1. When a particular program service begins a traffic announcement, the station that crossreferences this service
via the EON feature will broadcast a switch signal by setting the appropriate EON TA flag to 1.
The EON TA flags can be controlled by software for all four EON links in the RDS2+. The first EON link TA flag can be also
controlled by external TA/EON1TA switch.
The situation described is illustrated on the example below:
Example
Kiss FM is a small station that doesn’t carry traffic announcements but refers via EON to City Radio, which is
regional station of the same owner that carries the traffic announcements. If the Kiss FM listener has activated the
EON feature on his receiver, he will be automatically tuned to City Radio for the duration of traffic announcements.

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Weekly Scheduling
2.4 Weekly Scheduling
This feature allows scheduling of text messages, program type names and any other commands in hourly, daily and weekly
program. The scheduling is provided directly by the RDS2+ unit. Once set, it works with no more support from PC or control
application. This is especially useful when the RDS encoder is placed on remote site or where reliability is important.
2.4.1 Key features
The scheduling feature is fully implemented in the RDS2+ unit and works independently
Almost any RDS service or control command can be scheduled
Up to 48 scheduling items
Each item may contain any combination of days in week, up to 12 times (a wildcard is supported on the hour place), program
type (PTY) information and any from more than 60 commands
2.4.2 First steps
Let’s say that our radio station called ‘PRO 88’ broadcasts news from Monday to Friday at midday. The news
duration is 40 minutes. During the news the PS is set to ‘HOT NEWS’ and the PTY is set to 1 (News). In common
program the PTY is set to 3 (Info).
2.4.3 Text messages scheduling
Although it’s possible to change directly the Dynamic PS and Radiotext (using an appropriate command, for example
RT2=The best music in the city), the maximum text length is limited since maximum command length in
each Scheduling item is 35 characters. For longer texts you may use indirect method based on the bank of Messages:
1. Store the text as a Message, for example Message 01.
2. In the Scheduling call the message number, for example RT2MSG=1 or DPS2MSG=1.
The Windows control application provides easy GUI for this case.
2.4.4 Troubleshooting
If the scheduling doesn’t work as expected, check the following points:
• Scheduling enabled?
• Date and Time actual?
• Commands typed right?

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Broadcast Automation System
Link-up
2.5 Broadcast Automation System Link-up
To send dynamic data via the RDS it's very useful to link the RDS encoder with your broadcast automation system. This
usually results in a possibility of sending commercials, actual song information, program announcements and more. Almost any
broadcast system can be linked with the RDS2+. The link may be either indirect or direct.
Indirect Link
Default Windows control software for the RDS2+ RDS encoder is the Magic RDS 3. This application including
documentation and examples of use can be downloaded from the Website, section Software.
Since probably hundreds of systems are used around the world and new versions are released often, information in
this manual cannot be full-scale. For more information about how to configure the broadcast automation system text
output read its documentation or contact the vendor.
Direct Link
2.5.1 Recommended procedure step-by-step
1. For the present turn off the RDS encoder support in the broadcast automation system.
2. Connect the RDS encoder and configure all basic parameters like PI, default PS, individual text features enable settings
etc. using the Windows control software or terminal application and command line. Store all setting into EEPROM.
3. Find out the baudrate (speed) that is used by the broadcast automation system for communicating with the RDS encoder.
If this parameter is not clear from the documentation and no baudrate control is provided in the broadcast automation
system, configure the RDS encoder for the default value (2400 bps).
4. Turn on the RDS encoder support in the broadcast automation system.
Important note: By default only one software application can access one communication port at the same time!
For more information about how to control the RDS encoder contact the broadcast automation system vendor.
2.5.2 Compatibility commands
To reach the best possible compatibility with broadcast automation systems, the RDS2+ includes a special set of
compatibility commands. In the systems where the RDS2+ is not directly supported (or the system is older version) the
user may try to select another RDS encoder model to send text messages. Where possible, set the communication as
unidirectional. The most frequent communication speed is 9600 bps.

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COM Port Communication
2.6 COM Port Communication
2.6..1 Connecting the RDS Encoder to a PC
For configuration and control requirements a PC is connected to the RDS encoder via standard RS-232 interface provided by
D-SUB9 female connector (DTE) on the RDS encoder side. On the PC side locate an unused COM port. If the free port exists
in the form of a 25-pin connector, use a standard D-SUB9 (male) to D-SUB25 (female) adapter.
2.6.2 Working with a Terminal Application
On the PC, run an application or program emulating or possessing an ASCII terminal. For example Windows
HyperTerminal presents all the characteristics to easily communicate in ASCII mode with the RDS encoder. If you
desire a higher level interface, user-friendly applications are available. The RDS2+ basic control is also implemented
in familiar broadcast automation systems. Please refer to the web site for more information.
Once configured, the terminal can be used. To check if the hardware and logic configuration work as planned, type
for example HELP and press <Enter> to display the list of all commands. If no or unknown characters are displayed
on the screen, try again a second time, otherwise, check the following points:
• RDS encoder turned on?
• Cable used (does the LED1 indicate incoming characters?)
• Configuration of the terminal application
To display the commands entered at the keyboard on the screen, type the command ECHO=1 followed by <Enter>. If
all characters written are displayed twice, type ECHO=0 and press <Enter>.
To store this parameter into EEPROM memory, type *ECHO and press <Enter>.
To display actual parameter value, type ECHO and press <Enter>.
Now you made first steps with the RDS encoder command interpreter.

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Further Features
2.7 Command Interpreter
The RDS encoder command interpreter meets the following rules:
Any instruction sent to the RDS encoder must be validated by <Enter>.
Before validating you may correct the characters by pressing <Backspace>.
There are several methods of use for the commands:
• Query or command without argument, ex. HELP
Shows the parameter value or performs the operation.
• Command with argument, ex. ECHO=1
Assigns the value to the parameter.
• Memory store command, ex. *ALL
Stores the parameter value(s) into the non-volatile EEPROM memory.
• Memory store command with argument, ex. *MSG01=
Assigns the value to the parameter and stores it immediately into the non-volatile EEPROM memory.
Not all methods are available for all commands, see Command Summary section.
Depending on the command processing success, several characters (followed by two pairs of carriage return and line
feed characters) can be returned by the RDS encoder:
+ Command processed successfully
! Unknown command
- Invalid argument
/ Command processed partially
The command interpreter is not case sensitive. But it’s recommended to write all commands in UPPER CASE to
maintain backward compatibility with older firmware versions.
If you wish to retain change of any parameter value during power off, don’t forget to store it into memory!

BW Broadcast Technical Manual Page 20
Further Features
2.7.1 Additional Information
This additional information provides all details required for implementation of the RDS2+ protocol into your
application (broadcast automation system, messaging system, TMC data source etc.).
Please see also the Annex 1 - Communication Protocol Implementation Flowcharts. Some source code examples are
provided on the website.
2.7.2 Unidirectional or bidirectional – What is the difference?
The RDS2+ supports both unidirectional and bidirectional communication modes. Nothing is required to be set, the
mode of operation results only from the method of communication.
2.7.3 Command synchronization
Unidirectional communication:
If sending more commands in sequence, the execution times must be taken into consideration. In other case some
commands may be discarded after internal buffer filling (the RX buffer length is 48 bytes).
The times result from the EEPROM write cycle duration or from the requirement of internal synchronization with
RDS data group order. Most of commands require no perceptible delay due to internal RX line buffering.
Bidirectional communication:
Next command can be sent after receiving confirm sequence from previous command. This ensures right timing
and optimal channel usage in all cases. There is no need to consider any timing or delays.
2.7.4 Useful notes
• ASCII char. 9 (TAB) is converted to char. 32 (space).
• In addition to the <Enter> (char. 13, CR) used for command validating, character 26 (EOF) can be used. This allows to
insert the validating character on platforms where char. 13 (CR) is not accepted.
• The command interpreter ignores other characters in ASCII range 0-31.
• Space characters (char. 32) are ignored if typed behind validating character on a new line. In this case, the space
characters may be used to realize a delay between two commands.
• The COM port time-out is 2 minutes. If no character is received during this time, the command line is internally cleared.