Inovonics 510 Manual

OPERATING AND MAINT ENANCE
INS T R UCT ION MANUAL
MODEL 510
R
D
S
R
ADIO
D
AT A
S
YS T E M
DE CODER / READER

—— US ER’S RECORD ——
Model 510 –S erial No.
Date P ur chas ed
Warranty Card Mai l ed? —ο
OPE R AT ING AND MAINT ENANCE
INS T R UCT ION MANUAL
MODEL 510
R
D
S
R
ADIO
D
AT A
S
YS T E M
DE CODE R / R E AD E R
March 2004
1305 Fair Avenue
•S anta Cr uz , CA 95060
T EL: [phone] • FAX: [phone]
Visit our Website: www.inovon.com

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1
T ABLE OF CONTENTS
S ection I -INT RODUCT ION
MODEL 510 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
..................................................................... 3
T he “R adi o Data S ys t em” • R DS vs. R B DS • Features
MODEL 510 T E CHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................. 4
S ection II -INS T ALLATION AND S E T UP
UNPACKING AND INS PE CT ION ................................................................................ 5
MOUNT ING ................................................................................................................. 5
R ack R equirement • Heat Dissipation
AC (MAI NS ) POWE R ................................................................................................... 6
Mains Voltage S el ector • Power Cord
RADIO F R E QU E NCY INT ERFERENCE (RFI) ............................................................. 6
L ocation • Ground L oops
FIRMWARE SELECTION ............................................................................................. 7
COMPOS IT E INPUT .................................................................................................... 7
INPUT LEVEL Control • Input Calibration
Composite S i gnal Selection
S OFT WARE INSTALLATION (optional) ...................................................................... 8
Installing the S of twar e • Cabling to the Computer
Running the S of twar e
S ection III -DECODER OPERATION
AN RDS OVERVIEW
..................................................................................................10
T he R DS System
R DS in E urope –R BDS in the U S
MODEL 510 FRONT -PANEL APPOINTMENTS ........................................................11
R DS Lock • T he L CD Screen and DIS P L AY S E L E CT Buttons
T he “Glossary” Utility
T HE RDS DATA GR OU P S .........................................................................................12
AF • CT • DI • E ON • E WS • IH • M/S
PI • PIN • P S • P T Y • T P • R T • T A
T DC • T MC • T P • Groups Displayed L is t
RUNNING T H E OPTIONAL SOFTWARE ..................................................................15
S tarting the S of twar e • Inovonics Warranty

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2
S ection IV -APPENDIX
NAVIGAT ING T H E PARTS LISTINGS ..................................................................... 20
COMPONENT PARTS LISTINGS ............................................................................. 20
PART S SUPPLIERS .................................................................................................. 22
INOVONICS WARRANTY .......................................................... (INS IDE BACK COVER)

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3
S ection I
INT RODUCT ION
MODEL 510 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
T he “R adio
Data S ys tem”
The Radio Data System allows the FM broadcaster to transmit
certain digital data along with regular audio programming. Packets
of data transmitted on a low-level subcarrier identify the station and
its particular broadcasting format, allow for transmission of
advertising or other text messages, and perform additional
identification, control and ‘housekeeping’ functions.
R DS vs. R B DS
The Radio Data System was developed in Europe and is abbreviated
RDS there. The initial US implementation of RDS differed
sufficiently from the European standard to warrant its being
renamed the Radio Broadcast Data System, or RBDS. Differences
between the two standards have been reconciled and minimized
over the years, yet RBDS is still used as the US designation in many
instances. For the sake of clarity and simplicity, the more generic
and established term RDS will be used through this Manual, as
indeed it is used throughout the rest of the world.
Features
Features of the Inovonics 510 include:
•Display of all common RDS data groups.
•Easy installation, initial calibration and
use.
•A unique “ Glossary” utility to define the
RDS abbreviations, and then to locate and
display the subject data group.
•A built-in RS-232 port for computer
interface.

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4
MODEL 510 T ECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Standards Supported:
European CENELEC and United
States N RSC standards are
accommodated with appropriate
firmware selection.
Data Groups Supported:
0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 14, 15.
Applications Displayed:
“Screen No.” refers to the various
LCD screens of information that
may be manually selected for
display. These screens have been
assigned for a best display
efficiency. Screen numbers do not
necessar i l y ag r ee wi th data gr oup
numbers.
Some RDS groups have provision
for separate “ A” and “ B” sets, or
versions, of RadioData. Screen
numbers with an “ A” or a “ B”
indicate that separate versions of
the application may be viewed
independently.
Screen No.
Application*
01A, B
PI, PS, PIN, PTY
02A
TP, TA, M/S, DI, CT
02B
TP, TA, M/S, DI
03
AF
04A, B
RT
05A, B
IH
06A
TDC, RP
07
EWS
08A
EON (PI, PS, TA, AF)
08B
EON (PI, TA)
09
RDS subcarrier injection
level measurement
10
List of groups received.
* For an explanation of application
abbreviations, see Pages 12-15.
Front Panel Readout:
The backlighted LCD panel displays
2 lines of 40 characters, each. Data
groups that carry plain-text
messages are supported with a full
set of ASCII characters, plus certain
language-specific alternate
characters.
Display Select Buttons:
Front-panel up/down buttons
manually cycle through the various
LCD screens of RDS data. When
both buttons are depressed
simultaneously, the Model 510
displays a Glossary of RDS terms.
Composite Input:
The BNC composite/multiplex input
has a 10k-ohm unbalanced/bridging
characteristic and accepts a 100%
modulation (± 75kHz deviation)
input between 1 and 10 volts, peak-
to-peak.
RS-232 Data Interface:
A rear-panel DB-9 female connector
may be wired directly to the COM
(serial) port of any PC.
Power Requirements:
105–130VAC or 210–260VAC,
50/60Hz; 10 watts.
Size and Weight:
1¾” H x 19” W x 12” D (1U);
7 lbs. (shipping weight).

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5
S ection II
INS T ALLATION AND S E T UP
UNPACKING AND INS PE CT ION
Immediately upon receiving the equipment, please make a careful
inspection for any shipping damage. If damage is found or
suspected, notify the carrier at once and then contact Inovonics.
We recommend that you retain the original shipping carton and
packing materials in case return or reshipment becomes necessary.
In the event of return for Warranty repair, shipping damage
sustained as a result of improper packing for return may i nval i dat e
the Warranty!
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT that the Warranty Registra-
tion Card found at the front of this Manual be completed
and returned directly to Inovonics. Not only will this
assure coverage of the equipment under terms of the
Warranty and provide a means for tracing lost or stolen
gear, but the user also will receive specific SERVICE
OR MODIFICATION INSTRUCTIONS immediately and
automatically when issued.
MOUNT ING
R ack
R equirement
The Model 510 mounts in a standard 19-inch equipment rack and
requires only 1¾ inches (1U) of vertical rack space. We heartily
recommend the use of plastic washers to protect the painted finish
around the mounting holes.
Heat Dissipation
Consuming about the same power as a cordless telephone base
station, the Model 510, itself, generates an infinitesimal amount of
heat. The unit is specified for operation within an ambient
temperature range extending from freezing to 120°F, or 50°C. Heat
from adjacent equipment must be factored into the installation,
however, so make sure that the equipment rack is adequately
ventilated and that its internal temperature does not exceed the
specified maximum ambient.

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6
AC (MAI NS ) POWE R
Mains Voltage
S elector
Unless specifically ordered for export shipment, the Model 510 is set
at the factory for operation from 115V, 50/60Hz AC mains. This can
be confirmed by checking the designation next to the fuseholder on
the rear panel. The inappropri ate voltage and fuse value will have
been crossed out at the factory with an indelible felt marker.
To change the mains voltage, first remove the top cover of the unit.
A clearly marked slide switch is next to the AC mains connector on
the circuit board. With power disconnected, use a small screwdriver
to set the switch for 115VAC or 230VAC operation.
Be sure to install the appropriate fuse as listed next to the
fuseholder. You can remove the factory strikethrough with solvent
and then cross out the inappropriate marking with an indelible felt
pen.
NOTE: Fuseholder caps are available for either ¼-inch or 5mm
fuses; contact the factory.
Power Cord
The detachable IEC-type power cord supplied with the Model 510 is
fitted with a N orth American-standard male plug. Nonetheless, the
individual cord conductors are supposed to be color-coded in
accordance with CEE standards; that is:
BROWN = AC “H OT ” BLUE = AC NE U T R AL
GRN/YEL = EARTH GROUND
If this turns out not to be the case, we offer our apologies (cords
come from many sources) and advise that US color coding applies:
BLACK = AC “H OT ” WHIT E = AC NE U T R AL
GREEN = EARTH GROUND
RADIO F R E QU E NCY INT ERFERENCE (RFI)
L ocation
The Model 510 is designed to operate in proximity to high-power RF
gear. Nonetheless, do please practice reasonable care and common
sense in locating the unit away from abnormallyhigh RF fields.
Ground L oops
Because the composite input and the RS-232 data port of the Model
510 are referenced to chassis ground, a mains frequency or RF
ground loop could be formed between cable grounds and the AC
power cord ground. Though doubtful, a ground loop could manifest
itself as a hum introduced into the receiver or mod-monitor audio
output, becoming audible in the monitored program. A ‘ground-
lifting’ AC adapter may well remedy such a situation, though the
chassis somehow must be returned to local earth ground for safety
considerations.

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7
FIRMWARE S ELECT ION
The Model 510 comes with appropriate firmware to decode both the
European and the United States RDS standards. Though these have
nearly merged into a single standard, a few differences such as
program format identifiers still persist. It is therefore important
that the proper firmware is selected to decode the RDS data stream
properly.
Firmware is selected by a jumper on the circuit board. The 510 will
have been factory-jumpered appropriately for the shipping
destination. This can be confirmed, or changed if necessary, by
removing the top cover of the unit and locating the jumper, JP1, just
beside memory chip IC8. The two jumper options are illustrated
below.
Universal RDS Standard
US -only “R B DS ” S tandard
COMPOS IT E INPUT
The rear panel COMPOS IT E INPUT BNC connector may be fed from
the composite/multiplex output of an off-air receiver or the station’s
Modulation Monitor. This is an unbalanced/bridging input that will
accept a composite signal between 1 and 10 volts p-p, corresponding
to full carrier modulation of ± 75kHz deviation.
INPUT LEVEL
Control
A rear panel multiturn trim control labeled INPUT LEVEL adjusts
the sensitivity of the Model 510. For basic RDS decoding and
display, the setting of this control is not at all critical. As long as
the front-panel RDS LOCK indicator lights solidly when an RDS
station is tuned, data should be decoded accurately. However, one
important function of the Model 510 is to display the injection level
of the RDS subcarrier directly in percent of total modulation. For
this reading to be accurate the control must be adjusted properly.
Input Calibration
The Model 510 is calibrated with reference to 100% ( ± 75kHz
deviation) modulation. T his requires a composite/multiplex input to
the Model 510 that represents this 100% level. Some Mod-Monitors
have an internal calibration source that will supply this signal from

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8
the Mod-Monitor’s composite output connection. Otherwise, the
transmitter exciter should be modulated directly with a sine wave
source in the 1kHz to 10kHz frequency range, the test oscillator
being adjusted to bring the exciter precisely to 100% carrier
modulation, as shown by the station’s Mod-Monitor.
During this calibration, the Stereo Generator and any RDS or SCA
subcarrier sources must be disconnected so that the sinewave test
source is the only source of transmitter modulation.
Alternatively, the test oscillator may be fed directly into the Model
510, making certain that the output is set to a peak level that
precisely matches the 100%-modulation level expected from the
receiver or mod-monitor.
With the appropriate 100%-modulation test signal feeding the
COMPOS IT E INPUT of the Model 510:
1) Set the rear-panel toggle switch to S ET 100% MOD. This will
automatically bring the LCD display to ‘page’ (09).
2) Adjust the rear-panel INPUT LEVEL control for a display reading
of 100%. This can also be done watching the +and –LED
indicators on the rear panel and adjusting until both are lighted.
3) Return the toggle switch to OPERAT E.
S OFT WARE INSTALLATION (optional)
The Model 510 may also be connected to any IBM-compatible PC for
computer analysis of RDS data. NOTE: Installation of software
and connection to a computer is not necessary for routine decoding
and display of RDS data.
Installing the
S oftware
The diskette packaged with the Model 510 contains software
routines that run under DOS. These should install and run
properly under any version of Windows.
This same software also may be downloaded from the Inovonics
Website: www.inovon.com. Install the software as follows:
1) Put the diskette into the A drive of the computer.
2) Double-click the My Computer icon on the Desktop, then double-
click the icon for the floppy (A) drive. (If you have downloaded
the software from the Inovonics Website, unZIP the download
and navigate to the directory –usually a TEMP directory –where
the individual, unzipped files are located.)
3) From the A drive (or from the temporary download folder)
double-click the Application file: INS T ALL.EXE. This will
automatically open a DOS window for the installation. Follow
the prompts, using the keyboard to execute the installation
process. At the end of the installation, the readme.txt file will
automatically open with the instructions shown at the top of the
next page.

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9
To run the RDS/RBDS software with the 510
and a standard IBM PC, connect the RS-232
DB9 output from the 510 to either the COM1
or COM2 serial ports of the computer. If
you are using COM1, navigate to C:\510rds\
and type: RDS_48 or RBDS_48. If you have
the 510 hooked up to com2 then type
RDS_48/2 or RBDS_48/2. This will start the
software.
4) Because we have reprinted the instructions here, and because
this Manual will later guide you in running the software, you
may exit the installation utility by pressing the Esc key twice.
This will close the DOS window.
Cabling to the
Computer
The Model 510 is connected to the PC with a DB-9 serial ‘extension’
cable. Connect to either the COM1 or the COM2 port of the
computer.
Running the
S oftware
This is covered under Decoder Operation, Section III. Refer to
Page 15.

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10
S ection III
DECODER OPERATION
AN RDS OVERVIEW
T he R DS System
RDS is a digital data channel transmitted as a low-level subcarrier
above the range of the composite stereo program signal in the FM
baseband. T he data transmission (baud) rate is comparatively low,
and it is quite robust because of data redundancy and error
correction.
We assume that the user has some familiarity with the concept of
RDS, for it is not within the scope of this Manual to cover the details
of RDS subcarrier coding and modulation. For this the reader is
directed to the Specification appropriate to his location, either the
CENELEC EN50067 Specification for Europe, or the United States
NRSC Specification.
R DS in E urope –
R B DS in the U S
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and its member countries
originated the concept of “Radio Data” transmission. The European
RDS specification, CENELEC Standard EN 50067, was first
published in 1984. It was revised in 1986, 1990, 1991 and 1992.
European RDS has grown in use following initial adoption of the
Standard. RDS is nearly universal throughout Europe; it is almost
impossible to find a European FM broadcasting station that does not
carry a RadioData subcarrier.
The popularity of RDS in Europe is very much in contrast with
initial reluctance on the part of US broadcasters to embrace this
technology. This can be ascribed to basic differences in
broadcasting practices.
Almost without exception, FM broadcasting in the United States is
‘detached’ and independent; that is, each station originates its own
programming. One exception might be America’s N ational Public
Radio, though for most of the broadcast day even NPR stations
originate, or at least schedule, their own programs.
Much of European broadcasting is similar to “ network” radio as
practiced in the US prior to the 1950s. A central program originator
may have as many as a dozen transmitting facilities of modest
power situated throughout the country. The European disposition
toward lower-power transmitters can be found on the “local radio”
level as well, with relay (re-broadcast) repeater transmitters at
several different frequencies to blanket a designated service area.
The European concept of a service ar ea equates to a US
broadcaster’s market. The subtle difference between these
designations further characterizes broadcasting practices and ethics.

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11
RDS benefits the European broadcaster through almost an altruistic
endeavor to be of service to his listeners. The US broadcaster is
marketing his programming, and is primarily interested in how he
can make additional revenue from RDS.
MODEL 510 FRONT -PANEL APPOINTMENTS
The Model 510 has a refreshingly uncluttered front panel. Aside
from the ubiquitous POWER switch, only the RDS LOCK indicator,
the backlighted LCD readout and its attendant DIS PLAY S ELECT
buttons give the user access to the wealth of valuable information
cleverly concealed within the RDS subcarrier signal.
R DS LOCK
This L ED is driven directly by the RDS decoder circuit. When the
57kHz subcarrier is present, the indicator lights. With an RDS
station tuned, this indicator should be on solidly. A winking or
blinking condition signals one of several possible problems:
1) A poor off-air signal; either a very low incoming signal level or
excessive multipath distortion.
2) Excessive composite clipping in the audio processor or exciter.
In either event, the problem should be investigated and corrected.
Although the RDS system is quite ‘robust,’ data may be corrupted or
lost while being decoded under these conditions. Generally, the
program audio will be severely degraded before the RDS data
becomes unrecoverable.
T he L CD Screen
and DIS P L AY
S E L E CT Buttons
The backlighted LCD panel displays two lines of 40 characters, each.
The screen is scrolled through ten ‘pages’ of possible RDS data by
the two up/down DIS PLAY S ELECT buttons. Many of these pages
may be blank, as the RDS system is typically used far below its
potential.
T he “Glossary”
Utility
Beneath the two DIS PLAY S ELECT buttons, the word (GLOSSARY)
appears. This is a special description and shortcut utility of the
Model 510
Holding down both DIS PLAY S ELECT buttons brings this up on the
display:
AF – list of Alternative Frequencies
Releasing the two buttons and using the right-hand πbutton, the
Model 510 will scroll through an alphabetized list of RDS terms.
The abbreviation and its description will remain on the display for
about 3 seconds. At the end of this time the display automatically
goes directly to the page where that particular RDS data group is
located.
A listing of the pages and what data groups are displayed on them is
shown under Applicati ons D i spl ayed in Technical Specifications on
Page 4 of this Manual.

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12
T HE RDS DATA GR OU P S
The ‘Glossary’ utility of the Model 510 gives only the full names of
the RDS data groups. What follows here is a further definition of
these groups and their functions.
AF
L ist of Alternative F r equencies : A “network” broadcaster, or one
with low-power rebroadcast transmitters to fill ‘holes’ in his
coverage area, can include a list of all frequencies where the
identical program can be heard. The RDS receiver, particularly
upscale car radios, constantly searches for the best signal that
carries the very same program. When a better signal is found, the
radio re-tunes with hardly any interruption. The principal utility
of this RDS function is with European radio networks and US
stations with ‘translators.’
CT
Clock T ime (and Date): RDS can automatically update the clock in
the listener’s radio when the station carries this information. Of
course the time signal must be accurate, otherwise the radio clock
would reset itself each time the radio was tuned to another
station. Not only is it necessary to have time base stability, but
the proper offset for different time zones is part of the time
setting equation as well. Because of the grave responsibility that
this function implies, most US broadcasters do not provide time
data.
DI
Decoder Information: This is one of several “flags” that convey
yes/no or other very basic data. This particular flag tells the
receiver whether the broadcast is monaural, or is being
transmitted in any of several methods of stereo or binaural
broadcasting. As many as 16 encoding options may be
accommodated! This is a rather esoteric function and, thus far,
remains unused both in Europe and in the US.
E ON
Enhanced Other Networks: Used exclusively in Europe, this
feature allows the RDS radio to be updated about stations other
than the one being received. This feature finds utility in
situations where, for instance, an important speech is being
carried nationwide. Rather than relying on the AF feature to keep
the radio tuned to the strongest local signal, EON can tune the
receiver to another network that has the identical program.
E WS
E mergency War ning S ys tem: EWS carries coded information
regarding specific emergencies. Consumer RDS radios do not
respond to this data, but “special entertainment radios” carried by
emergency personnel would give an alert.
IH
In-House Applications: This is a data channel set aside for
proprietary use by the individual broadcaster. It can be used for
transmitter or other plant equipment instrumentation, paging of
station personnel, or transmission of special messages to be
viewed by station management or even by employees of other
stations at remote locations. This messaging has some security in
that it requires a special decoder such as the Model 510. In-house

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13
messages are not received by consumer RDS radios.
M/S
Music / S peech S witch: This flag simply indicates whether music
or speech is the primary broadcast programming. The purpose of
this function is not well explained in the respective Standards,
hence it comes as no surprise that it is not widely used.
PI
Program Identification: This block of data identifies the broadcast
station with a hexadecimal numerical code, which becomes the
“digital signature” of the station. The code is assigned by the
broadcasting authority in some countries, and in the US is
calculated from a numerical encoding of station call letters. The
receiver processes the PI code to assist automatic tuning features
(station memories), and to prevent false switching to alternative
frequencies that might be shared by broadcasters in nearby
regions.
PIN
Program Item Number: A PIN can be assigned to a particular
program, becoming that program’s “ digital address.” A properly
equipped RDS radio can be set to ‘wake up’ when that program
airs, or even begin recording the program in the listener’s
absence.
PS
Program S er vice Name: This is the station’s “ street name” that
will appear on the receiver faceplate display. The PS can be up to
eight characters in length (including spaces) and can be as simple
as the station’s call letters (“ KWOW” or “KWOW FM”) or a
slogan (“ N EWSTALK” or “LIVE 95” ). The Program Service
Name is automatically displayed, even on automobile receivers, so
it is intended to remain ‘static.’ Because of driving safety
considerations, broadcasters are discouraged from making the PS
‘dynamic’; that is, to alternate it between different entries.
Nevertheless, ‘scrolling PS’ is becoming more and more common.
PT Y
Program T ype: The PTY data flag identifies the station format
from a collection of pre-defined categories. Many RDS receivers
are able to seek the listener’s preferred format automatically.
This means that a car radio can switch from a fading station to a
stronger one that carries the same variety of music, though not
the very same program, as provided by AF switching. The PTY
function of RDS helps a broadcaster catch ‘ transient audience’
share.
The following listing defines Program T ype identifiers
(programming formats) for both the original European CENELEC
standard and for the NRSC variation adopted in the US. PTY
coding is the primary difference between the two standards.
Check these out. The listing suggests that Americans are not as
much into the serious aspects of human culture as their European
cousins.
PTY
CENELEC (Europe)
NRSC (United States)
1
News
News
2
Current Affaris
Information
3
Information
Sports

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14
4
Sports
Talk
5
Education
Rock Music
6
Drama
‘Classic’ Rock Music
7
Culture
Adult Hit Music
8
Science
Soft Rock Music
9
Varied
‘Top-40’ Music
10
Pop Music
Country Music
11
Rock Music
Oldies Music
12
Easy Listening Music
Soft Music
13
Light Classics Music
Nostalgia Music
14
Serious Classics Music
Jazz
15
Other Music
Classical Music
16
Weather
Rhythm and Blues Music
17
Finance
Soft R & B Music
18
Children’s P rograms
Foreign Languare B’csts.
19
Social Affairs
Religious Music
20
Religion
Religious T alk
21
Phone-In
Personality
22
Travel
Public / N on-Commercial
23
Leisure
College Broadcasting
24
Jazz Music
(unassigned)
25
Country Music
(unassigned)
26
National Music
(unassigned)
27
Oldies Music
(unassigned)
28
Folk Music
(unassigned)
29
Documentary
Weather
30
Alarm T est
Emergency Test
31
Alarm!
Emergency!
Under some programming circumstances, the PTY identifier may
be ‘dynamic,’ changing between categories for a station that
“dayparts,” or alters its format during specific periods. The PTY
code is not meant to change from song to song or to accommodate
a top-of-the-hour newscast, however.
R P
R adio P aging: Originally, the RDS system included provision for
nationwide personal paging. It was proposed to network RDS
stations in this respect to assure wide coverage. This feature
became somewhat moot in the age of cell phones and established
paging services.
R T
R adiotext: This is a 64-character block of plain text that the
listener can select for visual display on the faceplate of the radio.
This function is generally not available on automobile receivers
for safety considerations, which has precipitated the frowned-
upon practice of ‘scrolling PS’ instead. Most radios have limited
alphanumeric display capability, so the 64 characters ‘ march’
across the front panel, much akin those annoying LED advertising
signs found in airport buses or fast food emporia. Like the
‘scrolling PS,’ Radiotext can announce song titles and performers,
run special promotions or contests, or broadcast sponsors’
messages.

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15
T A
T raffic Announcement: This is a temporary flag added to the RDS
data stream only as a traffic bulletin is being aired. Some RDS car
radios can be set to search for traffic bulletins among various T P
stations ( see T P below) while tuned to a listener’s preferred
program, or even while playing a tape or CD. As soon as any TP
station broadcasts a traffic bulletin, the receiver temporarily
switches-over to receive it. When the bulletin is finished, the
receiver switches back to the original program, tape or CD.
T DC
T ransparent Data Channel: Conceived prior to common use of the
Internet, the TDC would have allowed a continuous stream of
broadcast data to be routed to a personal computer or to a printer.
The listener could print merchants’ money-saving coupons or
even an abbreviated newspaper. It has been suggested that the
TDC could be used for MP3 music downloads, though the low
throughput of RDS would make this really quite tedious.
T MC
T raffic Management Channel: This is a data channel for advanced
automobile traffic information and traffic management. The
European CENELEC group has defined the coding for this
service, though the group keeps this information close to its
collective vest. TMC is not used in the US.
T P
T raffic P r ogr am Identification: The TP flag identifies the station as
one that routinely broadcasts traffic bulletins for motorists as part
of its normal, everyday programming. The TP flag is displayed on
the receiver faceplate, indicating that the radio is searching for
traffic announcements. T he radio keeps track of TP stations
offering this service to speed up the search-and-switch process.
R DS
Injection
L evel
‘Page’ 9 of the LCD screen gives both a digital readout and an
analog bargraph display of the RDS subcarrier injection level. For
this measurement to be accurate, the Model 510 must be
calibrated with reference to 100% carrier modulation, as described
on Pages 7 and 8 of this Manual.
Groups
Displayed
L ist
‘Page’ 10 of the LCD screen lists the RDS groups being
transmitted. Because some groups are sent infrequently, this
listing is cumulative. If more groups are seen than are
anticipated, reset the Model 510 by cycling the power off and back
on. This will clear the register.
RUNNING T H E OPTIONAL SOFTWARE
The Model 510 Decoder/Reader can send raw RDS data to a PC.
Output data contains everything encoded into the RDS data stream,
including groups or special-purpose functions that are not decoded
by the Model 510.
The software diskette that is included with the Model 510 provides
only elementary decoding of the basic data groups, essentially
duplicating the Model 510 front-panel LCD display. If further

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analysis of the data or archiving is required, the user will have to
provide the requisite software.
S tarting the
S oftware
Assuming that the software was successfully installed as described
on Page 8, it can be started by one of two methods. If the Model
510 has been connected to the computers COM1 serial port,
simply open Windows Explorer, open the file 510RDS under the
(C:) directory, and double-click either RDS _48.EXE (European
RDS) or RBDS _48.EXE (US “ RBDS”). This should automatically
open a DOS window. If this does not happen, or if the Model 510
is connected to a serial port other than COM1, the computer
should be restarted in the DOS mode. This is usually an option
under the Windows S hut Down menu, though with some operating
system versions it may be necessary to restart while holding the
Ctrl key or F8 key and selecting the proper startup option to obtain
a DOS prompt.
At the DOS prompt, navigate to the file and start it by typing the
appropriate command exactly as shown in the field below:
To Start:
Type:
European RDS on COM1
C:\510RDS\RDS_48.EXE
European RDS on COM2
C:\510RDS\RDS_48/2.EXE
US “ RBDS” on COM1
C:\510RDS\RBDS_48.EXE
US “ RBDS” on COM2
C:\510RDS\RBDS_48/2.EXE
This should open a DOS window (which can be maximized if
running under Windows) that looks like this:
This screen tells which RDS functions and groups will be decoded.
Press the Enter key to open the decoding utility, which looks like the
example shown on the following page.