RDS P232U User manual

P232U RDS Encoder
Quick Installation Guide
Product Site: https://pira.cz/rds/ Technical Support: https://pira.cz/forum/

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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 ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
3.4 Connecting the RDS Encoder to a local PC or a serial data source.............................................................................................................. 8
3.4.1 Connection to a USB port of the PC..................................................................................................................................................... 8
3.4.2 Connection to a serial port of the PC ................................................................................................................................................... 8
3.4.3 Connection to a DCE device ................................................................................................................................................................ 8
3.5 RDS Level Adjustment................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
3.6 Low Power Operation..................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
4Software Installation........................................................................................................................................................................................ 10
4.1 Establishing a First Communication with the RDS Encoder ........................................................................................................................ 10
4.2 Communication Setup.................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
4.3 Setting Basic RDS Data ............................................................................................................................................................................... 12
4.3.1 PI (Program Identification).................................................................................................................................................................. 12
4.3.2 PS (Program Service name)............................................................................................................................................................... 12
4.3.3 PTY (Program Type) .......................................................................................................................................................................... 12
4.3.4 TP (Traffic Program)........................................................................................................................................................................... 13
4.3.5 MS (Music/Speech) ............................................................................................................................................................................ 13
4.3.6 AF (Alternative Frequencies).............................................................................................................................................................. 13
5Broadcast Automation System Link-up ........................................................................................................................................................ 14
5.1 Indirect Link.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 14
5.2 Direct Link .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
5.2.1 Physical port connection setup procedure ......................................................................................................................................... 14
5.2.2 Data format......................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
5.2.3 Compatibility commands .................................................................................................................................................................... 15
5.2.4 Radiotext Plus (RT+ tagging) ............................................................................................................................................................. 15
5.2.5 X-Command for RDS encoders.......................................................................................................................................................... 15

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1Using This Guide
1.1 Purpose
This guide covers P232U-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:
P232U RDS Encoder Technical Manual (includes troubleshooting on the last page) (http://pira.cz/rds/p232uman.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 2021-03-05
Copyright © 2021 PlRA DigitaI s.r.o.

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2Physical Description
2.1 Front Panel
2.1.1 Status LCD
The LCD area splits 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
OFF = no RDS output (0)
ON = RDS generator enabled (1)
RDS2 = RDS generator enabled, RDS2 subcarrier configuration (2)
ON
2
LEVEL
Output RDS signal level (0 = min., 255 = max.).
128
(2 Vpp)
3
PROGRAM
Current 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.
ON
8
(reserved)
9
SPEED
Current RS-232 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 symbols of RDS group sequence.
022E1022EA022XYR
13
RT
Current 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:
Pilot LED
Operation LED
Status
Start-up
on
off
Initialization
off
on
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.
Solution: Switch the RDS encoder to internal clock source.
2.2 Rear Panel
RS-232 OUTPUT INPUT GPIO12V DC
LOOP SIDE
USB
PORT 1PORT 2
Connector or element
Description
12V DC Power Supply
Power supply connector. See section 3.3 for details.
USB
USB standard B type connector. This port is referenced as “Port 2”.
Use the USB for initial setup of the encoder or for its local control.
The encoder operates also with no cable connected.
RS-232
RS-232 standard male type connector. This port is referenced as “Port 1”.
For wiring, see the section 3.4.
The port is internally optically isolated from the rest of the encoder’s circuitry to prevent ground
loops and to keep high ESD immunity and EMC.
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.
RS-232 OUTPUT INPUT GPIO12V DC
SIDE
USB
PORT1PORT2
Stereo encoder
FM Transmitter
RDS Encoder
MPX inputRDS/SCA/MPX input
Pilot/MPX outputMPX output
Separate stereo encoder - default connection.
RS-232 OUTPUT INPUT GPIO12V DC
SIDE
USB
PORT1PORT2
Stereo encoder
FM Transmitter
RDS Encoder
MPX input
MPX output
RDS/SCA/MPX input
Stereo encoder with only one MPX output provided.
RS-232 OUTPUT INPUT GPIO12V DC
SIDE
USB
PORT1PORT2
Stereo encoder
FM Transmitter
RDS Encoder
MPX output
MPX input
RDS/SCA input
FM transmitter with only one MPX input provided.

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RS-232 OUTPUT INPUT GPIO12V DC
LOOP
USB
PORT1PORT2
Stereo encoder
FM Transmitter
RDS Encoder
MPX 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 connections is possible.
RS-232 OUTPUT INPUT GPIO12V DC
SIDE
USB
PORT1PORT2
FM Transmitter with
integrated stereo encoder
RDS Encoder
Pilot/MPX outputRDS/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!
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 300 mA.
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: set to 2 V p-p).

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3.4 Connecting the RDS Encoder to a local PC or a serial data source
The RDS encoder is equipped with two communication ports. Both ports are universal, so they accept complete set of ASCII commands, a
connection from the Windows control software and UECP records (depending on setup).
3.4.1 Connection to a USB port of the PC
Standard USB interface is provided on B-type connector on the rear panel of the RDS encoder. Connection to USB port of your PC is possible
via standard USB A-B cable.
USB driver must be installed prior to start communicating. Virtual COM port feature provides seamless compatibility with all software.
The port 2 (USB) speed is fixed at 19200 bps.
3.4.2 Connection to a serial port of the PC
Standard RS-232 interface is provided on D-SUB9 male connector on the rear panel of the RDS encoder. This connector allows direct
connection to a PC using a standard serial laplink cable (null-modem, crossed). It does not require any PC driver. Any commercially available
Ethernet to RS-232 adapter can be connected as well, giving remote connection ability to the RDS encoder.
On the PC side locate an unused COM port. If the free port exists in the form of a 25-pin connector, use a standard D-SUB9 (male) to D-
SUB25 (female) adapter. Make sure the COM port is enabled in the PC’s BIOS Setup.
RDS Encoder
PC
2 (RxD)
3 (TxD)
3 (TxD)
2 (RxD)
4 (DTR)
6 (DSR)
5 (GND)
5 (GND)
6 (DSR)
4 (DTR)
7 (RTS)
8 (CTS)
8 (CTS)
7 (RTS)
It’s preferable to use standard serial laplink cable terminated with 9-pin female connector on the PC side and 9-pin female connector on the
RDS encoder side. The table above represents the full connection diagram. In most cases (no flow control) the three highlighted wires are
enough for the connection.
The port 1 (RS-232) speed is configurable in range 1200 to 19200 bps.
3.4.3 Connection to a DCE device
This kind of connection applies to most data sources equipped with D-SUB9 female connector.
RDS Encoder
DCE
2 (RxD)
2 (TxD)
3 (TxD)
3 (RxD)
4 (DTR)
6 (DSR)
5 (GND)
5 (GND)
6 (DSR)
4 (DTR)
7 (RTS)
8 (CTS)
8 (CTS)
7 (RTS)
It’s preferable to use standard direct RS-232 cable terminated with 9-pin female connector on the DCE side and 9-pin male connector on the
RDS encoder side. The table above represents the full connection diagram. In most cases (no flow control) the three highlighted wires are
enough for the connection.
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9
DB9 male
5 4 3 2 1
9 8 7 6
DB9 female
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9
DB9 male DB9 male

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3.5 RDS Level Adjustment
Important note: There is no universal setting for the RDS level. Due to different input sensitivity of various FM broadcast equipment it's
necessary to check and adjust the RDS level each time you connect a new FM transmitter to the RDS encoder!
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 an 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
The control is available in Device Setup section, page Analog Control.
Enter the RDS level directly in mV p-p unit or check the ‘Track’ box and adjust the level as desired. Finally confirm by the Apply button.
In terminal, using ASCII command LEVEL=
The P232U 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
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 50 % 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.
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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4Software Installation
4.1 Establishing a First Communication with the RDS Encoder
To configure the RDS encoder before first use, you may use either the USB (Port 2) or RS-232 (Port 1).
1. Install the Windows control software called ‘Magic RDS 4’, 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, all connectors
are seated completely.
4. Run the Magic RDS software using Windows Start button.
5. Double-click on the ‘Add new connection’ icon.
6. Select your device model (P232U). Choose the Serial/USB connection
and select the COM port the RDS encoder is connected to.
Note: You may find/change the assigned COM port number in Windows
Control Panels - System –(Hardware) - Device Manager.
7. Finally click on the Add button. You should see "Connected" or
"Opened" in the Recent Events box. Now you are ready. The settings
are saved automatically.
8. Configure the basic RDS settings.
Especially check the pages RDS Content –Program and Device
Setup –Analog Control.
9. To change the setting, click on the Test button first. Then, to make that
setting permanent, click on the Apply button.
10. The Recent Events box and status bar at the bottom of the window
show whether the data was sent successfully. If an error is shown,
check the connection to the RDS encoder, its power supply and
whether a correct COM port is selected in the connection setup.
11. Follow the Magic RDS help for further details, tools and configuration
options.
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 Test will fill the RAM only. The Apply or Store button saves the data into EEPROM.
If the user forgets to store the data into EEPROM, that settings will be lost when the power is disconnected.
P232U