RX014-User Manual Page: 10
27 October 2017 Version: 1.03
1.2. INDICATORS
Indicator Bar
When tuned to a station broadcasting in stereo (yes, there are still operators who only use mono)
the top left indicator will light up.
When also R(B)DS data is received, the indicator will light up to indicate “something” is being
broadcast.
The part that is supposed never to change in an R(B)DS data stream is the so called PI code, which is the
next indicator (short for Programme Identification). This is a unique code identifying the actual
programme that is being listened to. In Europe this code is widely used for the “Keep Tuned” feature; in the
USA the code is translated into the call sign of the station. Further details can be found in the RDS and RBDS
specifications.
Some stations give more or less regularly traffic information. They can indicate that in the R(B)DS data
stream by setting the TP flag (Traffic Programme).
When an actual traffic message goes on air also the TA flag may be set (Traffic Announcement). Many
consumer radios will react to the presence of both flags by increasing the volume level temporarily to make
sure the listener will get the message. Should he be listening to another source (CD, USB stick, …) many
consumer receivers will then activate the receiver as source for the duration of the announcement. This is
either a fine feature or annoyance depending on your point of view.
The next important item is the Programme TYpe indicator: 30 different types of programmes
can be signal led with this PTY indicator, like Pop Music, Classics, Sport, News, and so on. Some consumer
radios have the option to set a specific PTY code in the search algorithm, so the radio will only stop at
stations which match that PTY code.
Unfortunately not all operators are using this very valuable option.
Most operators also send the time and date information on the R(B)DS data stream.
Unfortunately however, the values cannot always be trusted. According to the specifications the time and
date information should not only be correct but also sent once per minute ON the minute so receivers may
apply an exact synchronization.
The goal is to send the time, date, and time zone, so wherever you take the radio, it will always show the
correct time and date.
In the left middle center of the window, the Programme Service name (PS) is shown. This is an 8 character
identity of R(B)DS intended to make stations more recognizable. Unfortunately, lots of operators sell this
bandwidth to put very short advertisements on air, and the original intent of the PS feature vanishes.
Nowadays however, most consumer radios have larger displays and the introduction of RT+ (see Radio Text
below) has increased the ability to advertise on the FM radio display.
When the RX014 is tuned to a station which broadcasts RDS and RDS2 data, the indicator bar will change to:
showing in this case that all 4 streams (0..3) are receiving data.
