Inovonics INOmini 703 Manual

OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
RDS/RBDS “MINI-ENCODER”
April, 2009
(Initial Release – Rev. 1 Firmware)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section I - INTRODUCTION .............................................1
Product Description • Product Features
Product Specifications
Section II - THE RADIO DATA SYSTEM ..........................5
What is RDS, Anyway? • US vs. Europe
Section III - INSTALLATION AND SETUP........................6
Unpacking and Inspection
Warranty Registration • Mounting
AC Mains Power
Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)
The Front-Panel LCD Readout
INJECTION LEVEL Control
Rear Panel Connections
Connecting the Encoder
Stereo Pilot Requirement
Setting the RDS Injection Level
Section IV - PROGRAMMING THE ENCODER..............13
Computer Requirements
Installing the Software
Starting the Programming Software
Exploring and Setting Up Menu Bar Options
File Management • Device Selection
Tools • Format • Help • Entering Data
Sending Data to the Encoder
Reading Data From the Encoder
Section V - TECHNICAL MATTERS ...............................24
WARRANTY ..........................................(inside back cover)

— 1 —
Section I
INTRODUCTION
Product Description
The INOmini 703 is Inovonics’ third-generation “Mini-
Encoder” for the Radio Data System, or RDS. The 703
enab es the FM broadcaster to imp ement many of the im-
portant RadioData functions with maximum ease and at a
minimum of expense.
When the European Radio Data System was adapted for use
in the U.S. it was renamed the Radio Broadcast Data System,
or “RBDS,” to differentiate it from the European standard.
Differences between the two versions were gradua y recon-
ci ed, and the term “RDS” may now be egitimate y app ied
to the system as practiced wor dwide.
Product Features
Features of the Inovonics 703 inc ude:
•Scro ing-PS messaging is automatica y ‘parsed,’ or
divided into word groups for proper presentation on
radio facep ates.
•IDs, f ags, static and scro ing messages are he d in
non-vo ati e memory. This a ows the encoder to be
programmed with any PC, whenever and wherever it’s
convenient, and then unp ugged and re ocated to a
remote transmitter site.
•Programming software runs under Microsoft Win-
dows® with easy USB connectivity. Software is sup-
p ied on a CD-ROM or may be down oaded from the
Inovonics Website. A programming may be verified
with the front-pane LCD readout.
•The 703 ocks to the 19kHz stereo pi ot from a com-
posite/MPX samp e; a dedicated stereo-gen ‘sync’
port is not necessary for operation. However, a com-
posite/MPX signa (or 19kHz samp e) must be pro-
vided for the encoder to generate the 57kHz RDS
subcarrier..
— 2 —
Product Specifications
Standards Supported: European CENELEC and United
States NRSC.
RDS Applications Supported: Groups 0A and 2A, which
inc ude the fo owing RDS features:
PS Program Service Name – the station identifier actua -
y disp ayed on the radio facep ate. This may be a
fixed disp ay with the station’s ca etters: WXYZ-FM
or its ‘street name’: LIVE 105, or a dynamic, ‘scro ing’
ID of up to 128 characters: LIVE 105 PLAYING THE
GREATEST OLDIES from THE PAST AND THE BEST HITS OF
TODAY.
PI Program Identification – identifies the station with a
unique hexadecima code, its ‘digita ID.’ In North
America this is mathematica y derived from station
ca etters. The required ca cu ation for US and Ca-
nadian stations is done within the Mode 703 soft-
ware. In other countries the PI is assigned by an ap-
propriate radio authority and entered manua y.
PTY Program Type – PTY identifies the station format
from among 30 predefined categories. The PTY code
he ps a ‘smart’ radio search for the istener’s pre-
ferred variety of programming. The PTY code
represents the primary difference between the Euro-
pean and American systems, as each system has a
different ist of station program format varieties.
Both ists are supported by the Mode 703 and the
proper ist is presented automatica y when the RDS
or RBDS operating mode is se ected.
AF Alternative Frequency ist – a uti ity that can identi-
fy up to twenty-five rebroadcast ‘trans ators’ or net-
work sources of the identica program that is being
broadcast simu taneous y at different frequencies.
The AF ist he ps RDS radios automatica y re-tune to
the strongest signa carrying the programming.
RT Radio Text – a 64-character b ock of p ain text that
the istener can ca up to scro across the front pan-
e of RDS radios that have a TEXT or INFO button.
Radio Text can be used for promos, contests or ad-
vertising, and is additiona to, and independent of,

— 3 —
“scro ing-PS.” Scro ing-PS is a feature that does not
depend on receiver functiona ity for its message dis-
p ay. Scro ing-PS and Radio Text are simu taneous y
supported by the Mode 703.
M/S Music/Speech Switch – this RDS f ag indicates either
mixed-music programming or a -speech transmis-
sions. The importance of this particu ar feature
e udes even the a -knowing Inovonics technica staff;
doubt ess rooted in European protoco s.
DI Decoder Identification – a f ag that informs the re-
ceiver whether the program is in stereo or mono (as
if it didn’t a ready know!).
RDS Applications NOT Supported: P ease appreciate that
the very simp e and inexpensive nature of the Mode 703
renders it of imited uti ity in revenue-generating RDS
app ications such as Radio Paging (RP), Location and Na-
vigation (LN), C ock Time and Date (CT), In-House (IH)
app ications, Traffic Announcements (TP/TA) and the
Emergency Warning System (EWS). The Inovonics 703
does not support the Universa Encoder Communica-
tions Protoco (UECP), nor can it be used for on- ine “dy-
namic” data transmissions such as song tit e/artist, etc.
Other Inovonics RDS encoders do provide these ad-
vanced features, so p ease visit www.inovon.com for ad-
ditiona detai s on fu -function RDS encoders and our
other exciting products.
RDS Output: The subcarrier eve is adjustab e between
zero and 3 vo ts p-p from a 75-ohm source. The aux-
i iary wideband input of the exciter/transmitter shou d
have a ‘bridging’ characteristic.
MPX Sample Input: This unba anced, bridging input on y
samples the composite/MPX output of the stereo genera-
tor to acquire and ock to the 19kHz stereo pi ot. Pro-
gram audio is not looped-thorough the Model 703 encod-
er. An MPX eve between 0.5 and 5 vo ts p-p is required,
this eve with reference to 100% modu ation or ±75kHz
carrier deviation.
In the event that the stereo generator is incorporated as
part of the exciter (i.e.: digita exciter), such that a com-
posite/MPX feed is not avai ab e, a 19kHz TTL- eve pi ot
sync signa may a so be app ied to this input.
— 4 —
Programming Port: A rear-pane USB B-type connector
cab es to the A-type USB port of an IBM-compatib e PC.
A generous interconnect cab e is thoughtfu y provided.
Power Requirement: 12VDC at 150mA. A ‘wa -out et
transformer’ (Wa Wart®)switching-type power supp y
appropriate to the destination AC mains vo tage is pro-
vided, a ong with a short DC power cord to a ow this
703 to be ‘daisy-chained’ with another INOmini modu e
as propriety demands.
Mounting Options: The 703 may simp y be fastened to any
convenient surface with two sma screws, a though an
optiona rack adapter is avai ab e that may be used to
rack-mount up to three INOmini modu es in a 1U space.
Size and Weight: 1.6”H x 55”W x 5.5”D; 4 bs. shipping
weight.

— 5 —
Section II
THE RADIO DATA SYSTEM
What is RDS, Anyway?
RDS is a digita data channe transmitted as a ow- eve ,
doub e-sideband, suppressed-carrier ‘subcarrier’ at 57kHz.
The data transmission rate is a modest 1100 baud, but
transmission is quite robust, thanks to data redundancy
and error correction a gorithms.
It is not within the scope of this Manua to offer a tutoria
on RDS coding and modu ation detai s. For this, see either
the CENELEC EN50067 or the corresponding United States
NRSC Standard. The ba ance of this Manua dea s specifica -
y with RDS imp ementation afforded by the Inovonics 703
encoder.
US vs. Europe
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and its member
countries deve oped the concept of transmitting data a ong
with commercia radio broadcasts. The first European RDS
specification was pub ished in 1984 and has been revised
severa times since.
Fo owing its initia introduction, RDS quick y grew in use
throughout Europe. By the ate 1990s it was hard to find a
European FM station without a radio data subcarrier.
The popu arity of RDS in Europe ref ects a ‘network’ ap-
proach to broadcasting that is sti practiced in many coun-
tries. A disposition toward arge numbers of ower-power
transmitters to b anket a designated service area can be
found both at the nationa network and ‘ oca radio’ eve s.
The European concept of a ser ice area equates to a US
broadcaster’s market. The semantic difference between
these designations further de ineates broadcasting practic-
es. RDS benefits the European broadcaster through an a -
truistic endeavor to be of ser ice to his isteners. The US
broadcaster is marketing his programming, and is more
concerned in how he can make additiona profit from RDS
and other subcarriers.
— 6 —
Section III
INSTALLATION AND SETUP
Unpacking and Inspection
Immediate y upon receipt of the equipment, inspect for
possib e shipping damage. If damage is found or suspected,
notify the carrier at once, and then contact Inovonics.
We recommend that you set aside the origina shipping car-
ton in case return for Warranty repair is required. Shipping
damage sustained as a resu t of improper packing for re-
turn may inva idate the Warranty!
Warranty Registration
It is important to comp ete and return the Warranty Regis-
tration Card inc uded with this Manua , or to register the
Warranty on ine at www.inovon.com. Not on y does regis-
tration assure coverage of the equipment under terms of
the Warranty (posted inside the back cover), but the user
may automatica y receive specific service and modification
instructions, inc uding any software or firmware updates.
Mounting
The Mode 703 RDS encoder is packaged in a compact
‘c amshe ’ chassis that represents the standardized Inovon-
ics’ INOmini modu e. The 703 may simp y be set on top of
an existing piece of rack-mounted equipment, as ong as at
east 1U of pane space is eft open abo e the rack-mounted
‘host’ to access the encoder. A ternative y, a pair of mount-
ing ho es on the chassis base a ow the 703 to be fastened
to the inside of an equipment rack cabinet with two screws.
An optiona rack-mount kit is avai ab e for the 703, which
can house up to three INOmini modu es. The kit comes with
b anking pane s for unused spaces.
AC Mains Power
The Mode 703 is supp ied with an outboard switching-type
power supp y suited to the destination mains vo tage. As
the actua power consumed to the encoder is 12 vo ts DC at
150mA, a second DC connector on the rear pane of the 703

— 7 —
permits ‘daisy-chaining’ INOmini modu es. This gives the
option of operating two or more units from the same AC
supp y. Be sure a ways to compare the tota input power
specification of any assortment of INOmini modu es against
the power supp y rating so as not to tax the supp y.
Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)
A though we have anticipated 703 insta ation in the imme-
diate proximity of a broadcast transmitter, p ease do prac-
tice some care in ocating the unit away from abnormally
high RF fie ds, est the chassis me t, etc.
Because the RDS OUT and MPX IN connections are unba-
anced, there is a chance that an RF ground oop cou d be
formed during the programming operation whi e the 703 is
temporari y connected to the computer. A ways disconnect
the computer when programming has been comp eted.
The Front-Panel LCD Readout
Two front-pane MENU buttons scro the LCD up and down
through the various viewing options to verify encoder setup.
NOTE: When the 703 is not connected to a composite/MPX
samp e or other source of 19kHz stereo pi ot sync, a NO PI-
LOT LOCK a arm begins to f ash after about 10 seconds.
Pressing either button wi reset the f ashing a arm for
another 10 seconds so that menu items may be read easi y.
This a arm in no way interferes with encoder programming
or setup confirmation, but it does serve to indicate that no
RDS subcarrier is being de ivered to the transmitter.
Presented here is a brief isting of the encoder programming
options that may be confirmed as the LCD is cyc ed through
the different disp ay screens with the front-pane buttons.
These categories were described beginning on Page 2, and
are further detai ed in the Programming section of this ma-
nua on the indicated pages.
PS
This
may
be either
an
8
-
character static
ID (ca etters or ‘street name’), or a
scro ing message (up to 128 charac-
ters) that wi be disp ayed on a RDS
receivers, as we as on ce phones and
MP3 p ayers that are equipped for
FM/RDS reception. (Page 20)
— 8 —
DPSS
This number
indicates the speed at
which the scro ing-PS message is sent
to the receiver, 1 being the s owest rate
and 9 the fastest. A setting of 5 is the
recommended maximum, however, as
faster rates have been known to cause
disp ay errors on some receivers. (Page
22)
RadioTxt
Radio Te
x
t is the separate 64
-
character
message that can be ca ed-up on y on
those radios equipped with a TEXT or
an INFO button. The Radio Text mes-
sage is usua y reserved for the sta-
tion’s Web ad
dress or phone number.
(Page 20)
PI
The hexadecima “digita address” of
the station. (Page 19)
CALL
Ca etters for
US and Canadian
st
a-
tions on y. (Page 19)
PTY
This identifies
the station’s program
format. (Page 19)
MS
The Music/Speech switch. (Page
17
)
DI
Decoder Information; that is, m
o
naura
or stereo transmission. (Page 17)
PILOT
The LCD wi indicate
PILOT IS LOCKED
when the 703 is connected to a signa
source that inc udes the 19kHz stereo
pi ot, and wi show PILOT IS MISSING
when a va id input is not present.
AF1
through
AF25
These are the A ternative Freque
n
cies
of network affi iates or rebroadcast
trans ators, where the very same pro-
gram can be heard synchronous y.
(Page 21)
PARSE
Scro ing message parsing options:
0 (norma ), 1 or 8. (Page 21)
REV
The
encoder
firmware revision number
is disp ayed here.

— 9 —
INJECTION LEVEL Control
This 15-turn potentiometer sets the RDS subcarrier output
eve to any required va ue between zero and 3 vo ts p-p.
Refer to the measurement notes in the setup procedure on
Page 11.
Rear Panel Connections
19kHz SYNC OR
MPX SAMPLE
The
MPX IN
BNC connector
must
receive
a samp e of the composite/MPX signa
from the stereo generator. The encoder
wi not generate the RDS subcarrier
without a composite/MPX samp e or
19kHz sync app ied to this connector.
RDS OUTPUT
Cab e this BNC connector direc
t y to a
spare wideband input (SCA or subcar-
rier input) of the exciter. RDS OUT con-
tains only the RDS subcarrier. Program
audio is not ooped through the Mode
703.
USB
PROGRAMMING
PORT
This is a B
-
type USB connector. A pro
p-
er interconnect cab e is supp ied to
coup e the A-type USB port on the com-
puter with this B-type USB connector on
the rear pane of the 703.
+12VDC
POWER I/O
These two para e connecters a ow
INOmini modu es to ‘daisy-chain’ using
just one DC power supp y, so ong as
the rating of the supp y is not ex-
ceeded.
Connecting the Encoder
NOTE: A though the procedure for connecting the encoder
is given in this section of the manua , we hearti y recom-
mend programming the 703 before p acing it in the air-
chain. Defau t data was oaded into the encoder as part of
the fina checkout procedure at the factory. This shou d be
updated with user preferences before the encoder goes ‘on
air.’
The Mode 703 operates in a fai -safe, direct-feed ‘sidechain‘
mode, rather than by ooping program audio through the
— 10 —
encoder circuitry. The drawing be ow shows a typica con-
nection in the station airchain.
The 19kHz SYNC OR MPX SAMPLE connector of the 703
must bridge the composite signa output from the stereo
generator to sync and phase- ock RDS to the 19kHz stereo
pi ot. A bridging connection is most easi y made with a BNC
‘T’ adapter as shown in the drawing. The high input imped-
ance of the 703 wi not oad or otherwise compromise the
stereo baseband feed to the exciter, even when the encoder
is not powered.
Connect the RDS OUTPUT of the 703 to an SCA, RDS or oth-
er spare wideband input of the FM exciter. Assuming a
short cab e run, the ow output impedance of the 703 en-
coder can direct y feed the exciter input without regard to
impedance matching.
I
NO
mini
703
19kHz SYNC OR RDS
MPX SAMPLE OUTPUT
FM
EXCITER / TRANSMITTER
MPX SUB1 SUB2
—–BASEBAND INPUTS—–
FM STEREO GENERATOR
MPX OUTPUT
(BNC ‘T’ Adapter)

— 11 —
Stereo Pilot Requirement
The 703 encoder does not have an interna c ock for free-
run operation. This means that it must samp e the compo-
site baseband signa and ock to the 19kHz stereo pi ot.
The encoder wi not generate the RDS subcarrier without a
stereo MPX samp e and thus is not suitab e for monaura
broadcasting. (See MPX Sample Input Specification on Page
3.)
Setting the RDS Injection Level
The optimum injection eve for the RDS subcarrier is typi-
ca y 3.5% of tota modu ation (carrier deviation). Determin-
ing a correct setting for the front-pane INJECTION LEVEL
contro is a necessary routine but not a ways easy. The
57kHz subcarrier is BPSK-modu ated, spreading the spec-
trum of the waveform and making a precise measurement
of frequency and amp itude a difficu t proposition. Injec-
tion of the RDS subcarrier is a ways referred to in terms of
its instantaneous peak eve .
Many FM modu ation monitors are not capab e of making an
independent measurement of RDS subcarrier injection eve .
In order to do this, the monitor requires a specia subcarrier
measurement fi ter centered at 57kHz. The Inovonics Mod-
e 531 is representative of top-qua ity mod-monitors that do
have this measurement capabi ity.
In addition to the Mode 531 mod-monitor, Inovonics a so
offers two other products that can prove he pfu in monitor-
ing RDS data and making injection measurements. These
are the Model 510 RDS Decoder/Reader and the Model 540
Subcarrier Monitor/Demod. Either product may be used in
conjunction with practica y any FM mod-monitor in com-
mon use. See particu ars at: www.inovon.com.
Neverthe ess, using care and taking certain imitations into
account, near y any conventiona mod-monitor may be used
to set RDS injection with reasonab e accuracy. This does
require a temporary interruption of the audio program,
however, which is probab y best done during a maintenance
period. Here is the procedure:
1. With the Mode 703 encoder disconnected from the exci-
ter, check that the mod-monitor shows tota carrier
— 12 —
modu ation at the accepted 100% figure for program
peaks.
2. Disconnect the stereo generator (and any SCA generator)
from the exciter. Do make sure, however, that the ste-
reo-gen continues to feed a composite/MPX signa to the
703’s rear-pane 19kHz SYNC OR MPX SAMPLE connec-
tor.
3. With the front-pane INJECTION LEVEL contro turned
fu y counterc ockwise (this is a 15-turn contro ), connect
the RDS OUTPUT of the Mode 703 to a spare wideband
subcarrier input of the exciter. As the mod-monitor is
down-ranged to its most sensitive sca e, on y system
noise shou d be indicated, hopefu y at a neg igib e eve
if it is indeed readab e at a .
4. S ow y advance the INJECTION LEVEL contro c ockwise.
The mod-monitor wi begin to register the RDS subcar-
rier. Set this to the desired injection eve , typica y 3.5%
of tota peak modu ation.
NOTE: Many mod-monitors change from a peak re-
sponse to an a eraging response on the more sensitive
sca es. This presents a steadier and more meaningfu
measurement of system noise. Check the manufactur-
er’s documentation to verify the measurement response
of your mod-monitor on its ower ranges. If ow- eve
readings indeed prove to be average-responding indica-
tions, the monitor wi indicate an average RDS injection
eve that is about 4dB ower than the actua peak va ue.
Consequent y, set injection for an indicated 2.2% (with
a eraging response), which wi equate to the desired
peak deviation of 3.5%.
5. Reconnect the stereo-gen and any SCA or other subcar-
rier sources to the exciter. You may now see a very
s ight increase in tota modu ation on program peaks.
To maintain RDS and any other subcarriers at their
proper injection re ationship, the output of the stereo
generator (i.e.: the audio program eve ) may have to be
reduced by 0.5dB or ess to ensure that tota carrier
modu ation does not exceed the estab ished imit.

— 13 —
Section IV
PROGRAMMING THE ENCODER
Computer Requirements
Software provided with the Mode 703 RDS encoder runs
under the Microsoft Windows® 2000, XP and Vista operating
systems. This sing e software program actua y serves sev-
era encoder mode s. The computer communicates with the
703 encoder using the Uni ersal Serial Bus (USB).
NOTE: It is very important to insta the software from the
CD-ROM before connecting the Mode 703 to the computer.
Be sure to observe this sequence to ensure proper opera-
tion.
Installing the Software
1. If upgrading from an ear ier insta ation of the Mode
703 encoder, first use the Add or Remove Programs (Pro-
grams and Features under Vista) uti ity under the Win-
dows® Control Panel to fu y remove any previous version
of Mode 703 software.
2. Insert the software CD in the computer. The program
does incorporate an autorun uti ity, but if the insta a-
tion routine does not automatica y begin, c ick on: Start,
then se ect: Run and manua y type: D:setup.exe into the
box. (This assumes that the D: drive is your CD drive.)
NOTE: This insta ation makes use of the Microsoft .NET
Framework, which shou d a ready be resident on any up-
to-date PC. In the event that this is not the case, the se-
tup procedure wi prompt you to insta .NET at this
time. .NET insta ation fi es are inc uded on the insta a-
tion CD, but if insta ation is being made from fi es
down oaded from the Inovonics Website, .NET must be
down oaded (at no charge) from the Microsoft down-
oads page: www.microsoft.com/down oads.
At this point you shou d have the Setup Wizard shown at
the top of the next page on your computer.
— 14 —
3. C ick: Next> to begin
the software insta a-
tion. You wi be pre-
sented with various
options, but un ess
you have a reason
(and the know-how!)
for doing otherwise,
simp y continue to
c ick: Next> and, fi-
na y: Install>. This
wi put the Mode
703 program in your
Program Fi es directory and create a desktop icon.
4. The fina insta ation screen wi prompt you to check for
any updates to Microsoft’s .NET Framework. A though
the setup CD contains the required .NET fi es, it is im-
portant to have any recent Microsoft updates to .NET.
These norma y come as part of the usua Windows® up-
dating process.
5. Next, app y power to the Mode 703 encoder. The front-
pane LCD screen shou d ight-up and disp ay the defau t
menu screen. When the encoder is not connected to a
stereo generator, a f ashing NO PILOT LOCK a arm begins
to f ash after 10 seconds. This a arm may be reset for
10 seconds by pressing either front-pane button, but
the a arm does not interrupt the programming process
and may simp y be disregarded.
6. Using the USB inter-
connect cab e sup-
p ied, connect the
Mode 703 encoder to
the computer. This
shou d bring up a
Found New Hardware
screen. Some ver-
sions of Windows®
may require you to
first c ick on a notice
in the Taskbar area.
7. A ow Windows® to ocate and insta the driver, re-
inserting the insta ation CD-ROM if directed. The re-

— 15 —
mainder of the driver insta ation is se f-guiding; simp y
continue to c ick: Next unti insta ation is comp ete.
Starting the Programming Software
A typica software insta ation wi p ace this icon
on the computer Desktop. The icon notes that
the software program is common to severa Ino-
vonics RDS encoders. Doub e-c ick the icon to
aunch the encoder programming software, bring-
ing this image onto the Windows® Desktop and automatica -
y accommodating to the encoder mode found:
Check the notation in the ower- eft corner of the main win-
dow for a confirmation that the computer has USB connec-
tion with the 703 encoder and that software has proper y
identified the encoder mode .
Initia y, c ick No in the secondary dia og box as there is no
need at this time to read the factory-defau t data resident in
the encoder.
Exploring and Setting Up Menu Bar Options
Many of the ‘set-and-forget’ encoder programming and
housekeeping options are accessed through the Menu Bar at
the top of the software screen. These wi be discussed
first, sequentia y as they appear.
File Management
A the RDS programming information that is typed into the
data entry screen may optiona y be saved as a sma fi e on
the computer. This is usefu when various programming
— 16 —
segments throughout the broadcast day have program-
specific RDS settings or messages, or for changing advertis-
ing or station promos without having to manua y type the
information each time.
C ick: File to view the bui t-in
uti ity for managing and saving
encoder setups. Whatever
programming has been entered
and is showing in the setup
screen can be saved as a sma
fi e using the usua Windows®
fi e structure.
Data may be saved as a fi e before, after, or instead of send-
ing the information to the encoder. C icking: Save to File
wi prompt you for a ocation for the fi e, which wi auto-
matica y be assigned a .rds extension. The fi e may be
named in keeping with its content and stored on the com-
puter Desktop or in a dedicated fo der of RDS setups.
To import a saved .rds fi e onto the screen, c ick: File and
then: Load from File. Browse to the Desktop or to the fo der
where the .rds fi es have been saved, and then doub e-c ick
the fi e. This brings the RDS programming data onto the
screen where it can then be up oaded to the encoder.
C icking: Factory Defaults wi instant y restore the 703 firm-
ware to as-de ivered va ues without waiting for a WRITE
command. The entries that appear on your screen after
c icking: Factory Defaults are data that are automatica y
read-back from the encoder after its restoration.
C icking: Exit simp y c oses the program, the same as c ick-
ing the X in the top-right corner of the screen.
Device Selection
The software program is common to severa Inovonics RDS
encoders. With a USB connection, software identifies the
connected device.
C icking: Device wi open a box for se-
ecting the encoder mode manua y.
This wou d have app ication if, for ex-
amp e, the user wished to compi e a
set of .rds programming setup fi es
without the encoder being connected.

— 17 —
As the data-entry screens change according to which encod-
er is se ected, the intended encoder shou d be se ected prior
to data entry.
With the 703 encoder disconnected from the computer USB
port, you can samp e the features of the other Inovonics
RDS encoders by c icking on the different mode s. A en-
coders are addressed by a uniform protoco , so even if a .rds
setup fi e is sent to the wrong hardware, the connected en-
coder wi accept on y those commands that it can use.
Tools
The Tools menu-bar item se-
ects on y those specia fea-
tures that are avai ab e in
more advanced encoder mod-
e s. The entries here are
grayed-out to show that they
are not app icab e to the 703.
Format
There are three setup se ections
made in the Format drop-down
menu. You can c ick on each avai a-
b e heading to view and to check the
appropriate boxes.
The first se ection, Station Type (M/S)
sets the RDS ‘Music/Speech’ switch.
A though this f ag is itt e-used, it is best to check the ap-
propriate box, depending on whether your station “p ays
the hits,” or carries strict y News/Ta k programming.
Likewise with Txmtr Type (DI) se ection, confirm that Stereo
is checked. This may seem point ess, as the 703 encoder
cannot be used for monaura transmissions, but it’s best to
p ay the game by the ru es.
The RDS/RBDS se ec-
tion is critica as it
defines operation of
the 703 encoder be-
tween the European
RDS and the North
American RBDS stan-
— 18 —
dards. This must be set correct y before the encoder can be
programmed with other options.
For North America (US, Canada and Mexico) the RBDS (N.
America) box shou d be checked, as shown in the i ustra-
tion. For the rest of the wor d, check the RDS (Europe) box.
Again, this is important, both in consideration of the PI
code and with regard to the proper PTY ist.
Help
The Help tab a ows the user to turn on and off the ‘hover-
over’ information ba oons ike the one shown be ow.
When the Enable Popup Help box is checked, he pfu infor-
mation wi appear for severa seconds as the mouse pointer
is positioned over most data entry fie ds.
When Read on Startup is checked, 703 software wi ask
whether data shou d be down oaded from the encoder as
soon as the program is oaded. Particu ar y if the software
program has been used with a different encoder in the inte-
rim, it is a good idea to bring what is being transmitted cur-
rent y onto the data entry screen. This box is checked as a
factory defau t.
A PDF version of this Manual (703) can be found under Help,
and information About software and firmware versions can
be ca ed up a so.
Entering Data
The data entry screen is arge y se f-exp anatory. The i u-
stration at the top of the next page depicts a Mode 703 da-
ta entry screen fi ed-in for a typica US ‘Adu t-
Contemporary’ rock station, ready to be up oaded to the en-
coder. The various RDS features and functions wi each be
discussed separate y.

— 19 —
The individua RDS/RBDS information fie ds wi be dis-
cussed next, with guide ines on data entry.
PTY
Program Ty
pe identifies the station format. There
are two format ists, one for the European RDS sys-
tem and one for the American RBDS spe
cification.
Se ect the proper encoder mode (RDS or RBDS) un-
der Format in the menu bar. This wi drop down
the appropriate ist when you c ick on the arrow to
the right of the PTY se ection box. On y one PTY
code may be chosen, and it shou d match the genre
(format) of your station.
PI
The PI code is your station’s ‘digita address’ and is
unique to each station the wor d over. This hex-
adecima code may be entered direct y in the PI
box, or US and Canadian stations may use the PI
ca cu ator bui t into the encoder software. On y US
and Canadian PI codes are ca cu ated from ca et-
ters. Everywhere e se the re evant code must be
obtained from the Broadcasting Authority and en-
tered manua y.
The Call entry fie d is not avai ab e when the 703
encoder is in the RDS mode, it is on y active for
North American RBDS stations. To use the PI ca cu-
ator for US and Canadian ca signs, simp y enter
station ca etters into the Call box. The hexade-
cima PI code wi automatica y be ca cu ated and
— 20 —
appear
in the
PI
fie d
.
PS
The PS entry shows on the facep ate of a RDS r
a-
dios, and on ce phones and MP3 p ayers that have
bui t-in FM/RDS receivers. Receivers are capab e of
disp aying on y 8 a phanumeric characters at a
time. If 8 characters or ess are entered in this
fie d, then they wi disp ay continuous y on the
radio. If additiona text is entered, then it wi
“scro ” across the radio facep ate in 8-character
groups.
The 703 encoder is ab e to ‘parse’ ong PS entries,
up to 128 characters (inc uding spaces)
in fact.
Parsing refers to the combining of consecutive
sma words, or centering or breaking arger words
for the most meaningfu disp ay. Words onger
than 8 characters are side-stepped through the
disp ay area one character at a time. The Example
Scrolling PS disp ay area be ow the Menu Bar shows
how your message wi be shown on RDS receivers.
To enter PS data, use your mouse to high ight any
text a ready in this fie d and de ete it. Then type in
your message to see how it wi show on the isten-
er’s radio. A character counter to the right of the
message-entry area keeps track of how much space
is eft.
In the examp e shown on the previous page, on y
capita etters were entered in the PS fie d. This is
recommended, as many RDS radios do not support
owercase etters and may disp ay gibberish when
uppercase and owercase etters are mixed.
Radio
Text
Radio Text is a se
parate message
,
up to 64 chara
c-
ters ong, which is transmitted in addition to the PS
message. On y radios equipped with a TEXT or
INFO button are ab e to disp ay Radio Text, so this
messaging fie d is genera y re egated to incidenta
information such as Web addresses and phone
numbers, as shown in the examp e. Because Radio
Text is typica y supported on y by high-end radios,
owercase etters may be used in this fie d and
shou d be disp ayed proper y.
Radio Text is a ways side-stepped across the dis-

— 21 —
p ay
area on the receiver facep ate. The text pre
s-
entation is entire y under contro of the receiver;
there are no transmission options to change the
way Radio Text is presented.
AF
Networked stations, and
stations
with r
e
broadcast
‘trans ators’ to cope with prob em coverage areas,
broadcast the identica programming at more than
one dia position. On y when the program is heard
at the same time (synchronous y) at these different
frequencies is the associated frequency considered
a true “A ternative Frequency.”
To add or remove frequencies from the AF ist, na-
vigate with the s ider and buttons at the right of
the Alternative Frequencies window. C ick a frequen-
cy to add or remove a checkmark. There is a so a
button be ow the window to c ear a checked fre-
quencies from the AF ist. The tota number of
checked frequencies is disp ayed on this button as
we .
NOTE: Whenever even a sing e AF is entered, be
sure to add the station’s primary transmission fre-
quency to the ist as we . This is essentia for
‘smart’ receivers to uti ize this feature proper y.
P
arse
As exp ained under
PS
,
‘
p
arsing’
defines
how a
message onger than 8 characters is broken into 8-
character groupings for disp ay on the RDS radio
facep ate. The 703 encoder a ows for three pars-
ing options, which wi drop down when the arrow
next to the box is c icked.
0 - Auto is the defau t setting and represents the
most common ‘dynamic PS’ scro ing option. Sma
words are combined and arger words are either
centered in, or sidestepped across, the receiver
disp ay area. Once you have entered a message in
the PS fie d, you wi be ab e to see how it is parsed
in the Example Scrolling PS window be ow the Menu
Bar.
1 - Single is Inovonics’ “safe-scro ing” mode, whe-
reby messages are marched across the radio’s dis-
p ay one character at a time, much ike so diers
passing a reviewing stand. This resu ts in much
— 22 —
s ower message transmission, but at the same time
the driver of a car does not have to avert his eyes
from the road as often to capture the entire mes-
sage. You can c ick on this option to see the effect
in the Example Scrolling PS window.
8 - Block simp y takes the incoming message and
disp ays sequentia 8-character groups. There is
not parsing invo ved, and the message just breaks
every 8 characters. C ick on this option to view the
effect in the Example Scrolling PS window. This op-
tion wou d be used on y when the message is ma-
nua y parsed. As an aid in manua parsing, a se-
ries of tic marks appears be ow the message entry
area in this parsing mode. Characters between ma-
jor tic marks are what wi be shown on the radio
facep ate.
DPSS
This sets t
he sequencing speed of dynamic PS me
s-
saging. Setting the speed at 1 wi resu t in the
s owest message b ock refresh rate, a setting of 9
wi refresh at the fastest speed. Some radios wi
skip b ocks, freeze or disp ay gibberish at high
speed settings. The disp ay shou d be stab e on
any radio at a speed setting of 5, but check the
disp ay on a coup e of representative receivers to
make sure.
When a simp e, 8-character static station ID is
transmitted, DPSS sti estab ishes the re
fresh rate.
A setting of 5 is recommended.
Sending Data to the Encoder
Once a information has been entered into the various data
fie ds, c ick the WRITE button to up oad data to the encoder.
A status bar at the bottom of the software screen shows the
transfer and a Transfer Complete confirmation. Of course
the 703 must be connected to the computer during this op-
eration with: USB Connected – 703 disp ayed at the bottom
of the screen.
Reading Data from the Encoder
C icking the READ button wi down oad the contents of the
encoder memory and ‘repopu ate’ the software screen. As
mentioned ear ier, this is most usefu when the encoder is

— 23 —
reconnected to the computer after a time interva . This en-
sures that the software program does not overwrite regis-
ters in the encoder with data that it may have accumu ated
from programming a different unit in the interim. Software
wi ask for a READ when the encoder is connected, if that
option has been se ected under Help.
— 24 —
Section V
TECHNICAL MATTERS
The Mode 703 encoder is simp e and sma , uti izing most y
surface-mounted (SMD) components, some of which are
‘app ication-specific’ and pre-programmed at the factory.
For a practica purposes this prec udes servicing the unit
in the fie d. For these reasons, and a so because of the
sma format of this Manua , we have e ected to dispense
with the schematic diagram, servicing instructions and a
parts isting.
Because it is so sma and ight (and because it is not in the
program signa path!), returning the 703 encoder for factory
servicing is the option that we encourage. Inovonics has
never considered factory repair charges as a significant
source of revenue; you wi be astonished at how reasonab e
our rates actua y are!
Having said a that, our po icy has a ways been one of ‘fu
disc osure.’ We fee that, un ess we are doing something
rea y nefarious, there shou d be no reason to hide informa-
tion from the user. With a c ear conscience, and upon re-
quest, we wi cheerfu y provide additiona documentation
and divu ge a but the darkest secrets concerning the Mode
703.

INOVONICS WARRANTY
ITERMS OF SALE: Inovonics products are sold with an under-
standing of “full satisfaction”; that is, full credit or refund will be is-
sued for products sold as new if returned to the point of purchase
within 30 days following their receipt, provided that they are re-
turned complete, and in “as received” condition.
II CONDITIONS OF WARRANTY: The following terms apply unless
amended in writing by Inovonics, Inc.
A. The Warranty Registration Card supplied with the product must
be completed and returned to the factory within 10 days of de-
livery.
B. The Warranty applies only to products sold “as new.” It is ex-
tended only to the original end-user and may not be transferred
or assigned without prior written approval by Inovonics.
C. The Warranty does not apply to damage caused by misuse,
abuse, accident or neglect. This Warranty is automatically
voided by unauthorized attempts at repair or modification, or if
the serial identification tag has been removed or altered.
III TERMS OF WARRANTY: Inovonics, Inc. products are warranted
to be free from defects in materials and workmanship.
A. Any discrepancies noted within ONE YEAR of the date of deli-
very will be repaired free of charge, or the equipment will be
replaced with a new or remanufactured product at Inovonics’
option.
B. Parts and labor for factory repair required after the one-year
Warranty period will be billed at prevailing prices and rates.
IV RETURN OF GOODS FOR FACTORY REPAIR:
A. Equipment will not be accepted for Warranty or other repair
without a Return Authorization (RA) number issued by Inovon-
ics prior to its return. An RA number may be obtained by call-
ing the factory. The number should be prominently marked on
the outside of the shipping carton.
B. Equipment must be shipped prepaid to Inovonics. Shipping
charges will be reimbursed for valid Warranty claims. Damage
sustained as a result of improper packing for return to the fac-
tory is not covered under terms of the Warranty and may occa-
sion additional charges.
Revised Feb. 2003
1305 Fair Avenue • Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
————— www.inovon.com —————