RDS P132 User manual

P132 RDS Encoder
Quick Installation Guide
Web: http://www.pira.cz/rds/ E-mail: [email protected]

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Table of Contents
1Using This Guide ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Purpose.......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Additional Documentation .............................................................................................................................................................................. 3
1.3 Disclaimer....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
2Physical Description ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Front Panel..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1.1 Status LCD ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1.2 LED indicators ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Rear Panel ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
3Hardware Installation ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 6
3.1 Connecting the RDS Encoder........................................................................................................................................................................ 6
3.2 Hardware Settings.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
3.2.1 On-board adjustable elements ............................................................................................................................................................. 7
3.2.2 Loop/Side switch .................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
3.3 Power Supply ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
3.4 Connecting the RDS Encoder to a Local PC ................................................................................................................................................. 8
3.5 RDS Level Adjustment................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
3.6 Low Power Operation..................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
4Software Installation........................................................................................................................................................................................ 10
4.1 Establishing a First Communication with the RDS Encoder ........................................................................................................................ 10
4.2 Remote Configuration of the RDS Encoder ................................................................................................................................................. 11
4.2.1 Finding out actual RDS encoder’s IP address.................................................................................................................................... 11
4.2.2 Remote configuration of the RDS encoder using internal website..................................................................................................... 11
4.2.3 Remote configuration of the RDS encoder using the Windows control software............................................................................... 11
4.3 Device Setup................................................................................................................................................................................................ 12
4.3.1 Device Setup from Magic RDS........................................................................................................................................................... 12
4.4 Setting Basic RDS Data ............................................................................................................................................................................... 14
4.4.1 PI (Program Identification).................................................................................................................................................................. 14
4.4.2 PS (Program Service name)............................................................................................................................................................... 14
4.4.3 PTY (Program Type) .......................................................................................................................................................................... 14
4.4.4 TP (Traffic Program)........................................................................................................................................................................... 15
4.4.5 MS (Music/Speech) ............................................................................................................................................................................ 15
4.4.6 AF (Alternative Frequencies).............................................................................................................................................................. 15
5Broadcast Automation System Link-up ........................................................................................................................................................ 16
5.1 Indirect Link.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 16
5.2 Direct Link .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
5.2.1 Recommended procedure step-by-step ............................................................................................................................................. 16
5.2.2 Data format......................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
5.2.3 Compatibility commands .................................................................................................................................................................... 17
5.2.4 Radiotext Plus (RT+ tagging) ............................................................................................................................................................. 17
5.2.5 X-Command for RDS encoders.......................................................................................................................................................... 17

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1Using This Guide
1.1 Purpose
This guide covers P132-based RDS encoders (both module and boxed versions). It provides the information needed to install the equipment
and set basic RDS services in order to get your station RDS enabled quickly in a few steps.
Please read this entire guide and familiarize yourself with the controls before attempting to use this equipment.
Where not otherwise indicated, any information mentioned in relation to the RDS (Radio Data System) applies in full also to the RBDS (Radio
Broadcast Data System).
If you have any questions or comments regarding this document, please contact us via email.
We welcome your feedback.
1.2 Additional Documentation
Browse the installation CD or visit the Website for the latest documentation version and the following additional documentation:
P132 RDS Encoders - Communication Ports and Internet Functions (http://pira.cz/rds/p132com.pdf)
P132 RDS Encoder Technical Manual (includes troubleshooting on the last page) (http://pira.cz/rds/p132man.pdf)
Magic RDS Help
Magic RDS Guide –How to... (http://pira.cz/rds/show.asp?art=magic_rds_how_to)
Support section (http://pira.cz/rds/show.asp?art=rds_encoder_support)
X-Command for RDS Encoders (http://pira.cz/rds/xcmd.pdf)
1.3 Disclaimer
The equipment has been thoroughly tested and found to be in proper operating condition when shipped. The manufacturer is not liable for any
damages, including but not limited to, lost profits, lost savings, or other incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use of this product.
No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording
or information storage and retrieval systems, for any purpose other than the purchaser's personal use.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
Revision 2018-10-07
Copyright © 1999-2018 PlRA DigitaI s.r.o.

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2Physical Description
2.1 Front Panel
2.1.1 Status LCD
The LCD area is divided into two lines.
The first line shows key RDS services which require quick access. These services are PS (incl. dynamic), PI, TP and TA.
The second line shows the most important status values and RDS services in a loop. Depending on the configuration, some values may be
omitted. For example if the internal clock source is set for the RDS subcarrier, the PILOT value is not showed. Some events may affect the
order. For example if Radiotext changes, it's showed in the next cycle regardless of previous order.
Order
Status value or
RDS service
Meaning
Default value
1
RDSGEN
ON = RDS generator enabled (1), OFF = no RDS output (0).
ON
2
LEVEL
Output RDS signal level (0 = min., 255 = max.).
255
(4000 mVpp)
3
PROGRAM
Actual program set selected.
1
4
PTY, MS, DI
Program Type code; Music/Speech; Decoder Identification code.
5
ADR
The UECP address list.
0,0
6
SITE
The UECP site list.
0,0
7
UECP
ON = The RDS encoder accepts both ASCII and UECP commands,
OFF = the RDS encoder accepts ASCII commands only.
OFF
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IPA
Shows actual IP address of the encoder, assigned either manually or by the
DHCP function.
9
SPEED
Actual USB port speed on which the control commands are expected.
10
PILOT
ON = pilot tone present, OFF = no pilot tone.
11
CT
ON = CT enabled, OFF = CT disabled; RDS encoder’s local time.
12
GRPSEQ
First 16 items of RDS group sequence.
022E1022EA022XYR
13
RT
Actual Radiotext (sequence of 4 x 16 characters).
TP
PS
PI
TA

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2.1.2 LED indicators
Two LED diodes are used to indicate operating status of the RDS encoder:
Operation LED
Pilot LED
Status
Start-up
off
on
Initialization
on
off
Firmware update in progress
Operation
· · · · ·
Normal operation
- - - - -
An error occurred (encoder’s hw failure)
on
Receiving data on some port
on
External pilot synchronization is active
off
Internal clock source is selected
- - - - -
Stereo encoder error - pilot tone present but does not meet
the specification required. Switch the RDS encoder to internal
clock source.
2.2 Rear Panel
ETHERNET USB OUTPUT INPUT GPIO12V DC
LOOP SIDE
Connector or element
Desctiption
12V DC Power Supply
Power supply connector. See section 3.3 for details.
Ethernet
Ethernet RJ-45 connector.
Use a standard (direct) cat 5 Ethernet cable for connection to the Ethernet switch, router or wall-socket.
The Ethernet control includes internal website (referenced as “Port 2”) and two independent user
configurable general purpose ports (referenced as “Port 3” and “Port 4”) designated for remote control via
TCP or UDP protocol.
The encoder operates also with no cable connected.
USB
USB standard B type connector. This port is referenced as “Port 1”.
Use the USB for initial setup of the encoder or for its local control.
The encoder operates also with no cable connected.
Output BNC
RDS signal output, modulated at 57 kHz subcarrier.
If the Loop/Side switch is set to the LOOP position, the Output is a sum of the RDS signal and the signal fed
to the Input BNC connector.
Input BNC
Optional input for synchronization to the pilot tone or for mixing the RDS signal with existing modulation
signal.
Loop/Side switch
Allows the input signal to be added to the output signal. See sections 3.1 and 3.2 for details.
GPIO
Optional logical inputs for direct control of some RDS services (TA, PROGRAM).
See the Technical manual for details. The connector is a standard 6-pin PS/2 type.

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3Hardware Installation
3.1 Connecting the RDS Encoder
Basic rules applying for any RDS encoder’s connection:
The RDS signal must be fed into modulation input (added to MPX signal if stereo encoder is used).
If stereo encoder is used, one of its outputs (MPX or pilot tone) must be fed into the RDS encoder input to meet the synchronization
requirement.
Following figures show various situations and corresponding methods of connection. Use shielded cables (e.g. RG58) terminated by BNC male
connectors. The cables should be kept short in length. Where necessary, use a BNC ‘T-piece’ for splitting the signal.
Stereo encoder
FM Transmitter
RDS Encoder
MPX input
Output Input
RDS/SCA/M PX input
Pilot/MPX outputMPX output
Separate stereo encoder - default connection.
Stereo encoder
FM Transmitter
RDS Encoder
MPX input
MPX output
Output Input
RDS/SCA/MPX input
Stereo encoder with only one MPX output provided.
Stereo encoder
FM Transmitter
RDS Encoder
MPX output
MPX input
Output Input
RDS/SCA input
FM transmitter with only one MPX input provided.

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Stereo encoder
FM Transmitter
RDS Encoder
MPX input
Output Input
MPX output
Both stereo encoder and FM transmitter with only one MPX connector provided - loopthrough mode.
Use this mode only if no of the previous connection is possible.
FM Transmitter with
integrated stereo encoder
RDS Encoder
Pilot/MPX output
Output Input
RDS/SCA/MPX input
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.
3.2 Hardware Settings
3.2.1 On-board adjustable elements
Due to completely DSP-based solution there’s no adjustable element on the board affecting the RDS or MPX signal.
3.2.2 Loop/Side switch
Select the LOOP position only if it’s necessary to pass the input signal to the output of the RDS encoder (loopthrough mode).
In all other cases the switch must be fixed in the SIDE position!
Always make sure that the switch is securely fixed in the position desired and eliminate possibility of unwanted change of its state!

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3.3 Power Supply
The RDS encoder can be supplied from any power supply, which delivers a stabilized DC 12 V voltage and a current of at least 500 mA and no
more than 2 A. Commonly available switching wall adapters are usually suitable for that purpose. The RDS encoder includes polarity and short-
circuit protection. The central conductor of the power supply connector is positive (+).
Note: After first power-up, there is no need to configure anything to turn on the RDS subcarrier. The RDS encoder will immediately start to
generate the RDS signal with factory default values (PS: * RDS *, PI: FFFF, RDS level: 4000 mV p-p).
3.4 Connecting the RDS Encoder to a Local PC
For the purpose of initial configuration and local control requirements the RDS encoder is equipped with standard USB interface provided on
the rear panel of the RDS encoder. This connector allows direct connection to a PC using USB cable type A-B.
USB driver must be installed prior to start communicating. Virtual COM port feature provides seamless compatibility with broadcast automation
software. After successful installation a new COM port will appear in Windows Control Panels / Device Manager.
3.5 RDS Level Adjustment
Important note: There is no universal setting for the RDS level. Due to different input sensitivity of different FM broadcast equipment it's
necessary to check and adjust the RDS level!
The correct level should be between 2 and 11 % of the audio multiplex signal, measured by oscilloscope in peak-to-peak values on the
modulator input. Recommended value is such that results in 3.4 kHz deviation of the FM carrier. Don’t forget that the maximum total FM carrier
deviation with RDS and MPX signal is 75 kHz. It is much easier to use any FM broadcast analyzer for setting the RDS level precisely.
The RDS level can be adjusted after establishing a connection to the encoder, using one of these two methods:
In the Windows software
Go to Options –Preferences –Control and check the item ‘Enable RDS level control’. Now the control is available on the System sheet in the
main window.
The software allows adjusting the RDS level in range 0.4 to 100 %. In the P132 RDS encoder, that range is proportional to the output level
range of 15.6 to 4000 mV p-p. Confirm the setting by Store button.
In the embedded website
Click on menu item Setup –Signal Control and enter the RDS level directly in mV p-p unit.
In terminal, using ASCII command LEVEL=
The P132 RDS encoder allows direct adjusting of the RDS level in 256 steps, in range 0 to 255, by assigning a corresponding value to the
LEVEL parameter. Each step represents approx. 15.6 mV increase.
Desired step count can be calculated as
1
4000
256 





 levelRDSOutput
LEVEL
Actual output RDS level (in mV p-p) can be calculated as
4000
256 1

LEVEL levelRDSOutput
The deviation range of the FM carrier caused by RDS/RBDS is 1.0 to 7.5 kHz.
The deviation range of the FM carrier caused by stereo pilot tone is 6.0 to 7.5 kHz.
The overall peak frequency deviation shall not exceed 75 kHz.

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3.6 Low Power Operation
Although the RDS encoder’s power consumption is usually negligible compared to the FM transmitter, there are some tips how to reduce it
furthermore:
Using 9 V power supply instead of 12 V
Saves about 25 % of energy. This option is applicable only if the analogue signal (Pilot/MPX/Output) does not exceed 5 Vpp.
Disconnecting of the LCD backlight
Saves about 30 % of energy. The LCD is still well readable in daily or artificial lighting.
The LCD backlight connector (marked as J19 on the main board) is accessible after opening the case using the four screws at the
bottom side of the cover.

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4Software Installation
4.1 Establishing a First Communication with the RDS Encoder
The RDS encoder should be configured via local port (port 1) before first use. Alternatively, the configuration can be made using the embedded
website.
The encoder comes initialized from the factory. The encoder is pre-configured in order to obtain the IP address from DHCP. Thus, in the
DHCP enabled environment, the first connection with the encoder can be established using a web-browser and typing the assigned IP address
into the address field. See more details in section 3.1 of the document ‘P132 RDS Encoders –Communication Ports and Internet Functions’.
For local configuration via port 1, please follow these steps:
1. Install the Windows control software called ‘Magic RDS’, run the setup exe file and go through the simple installation wizard.
2. In the case of USB connection install the USB driver now.
TIP: Latest operating systems already come with the USB driver included.
3. Make sure the RDS encoder is connected and powered, and all connectors are seated completely.
4. Run the Magic RDS software using Windows Start button.
5. Open the Preferences (Options - Preferences) and set up the connection parameters. Choose the Serial RS232/USB connection type
and select the COM port the RDS encoder is connected to. 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 or simply click
on the List button.
6. Close the Preferences. You should see "Connected" or "Opened" in the status bar. Now you are ready. The settings are saved
automatically.
7. 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.
8. Follow the instructions from 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 - Controls.
If the user forgets to store the data into EEPROM, the settings will be lost when the power is disconnected.