Kvarta RDS300, RDS500, RDS1000 User Manual

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RDS300/RDS500/RDS1000 User Manual 3.10

RDS300/RDS500/RDS1000

DYNAMIC RDS ENCODERS KVARTA

USER’S MANUAL

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RDS300/RDS500/RDS1000 User Manual 3.10

Contents

1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 4

1.1. About KVARTA Ltd. .................................................................................................................. 4

1.2. About RDS and RBDS ............................................................................................................... 4

1.3. Functions of RDS/RBDS. .......................................................................................................... 5

1.4. WHAT ABOUT U.S.? ................................................................................................................. 7

1.5. A FEW WORDS ABOUT PS AND RT .......................................................................................... 7

2. Dynamic RDS Encoder Kvarta .......................................................................................................... 8

2.1. INCLUDED ACCESSORIES ......................................................................................................... 8

2.2. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS OF THE RDS ENCODER .................................................................. 9

3. GETTING CONNECTED ....................................................................................................................... 10

3.1. CONFIGURING ‘LOOP THROUGH’ OR ‘SIDE CHAIN’ MODE ........................................................ 10

3.2. PHYSICAL INSTALLATION ............................................................................................................ 10

3.3. CONNECTION TO THE BROADCAST CHAIN ................................................................................. 11

3.4. SYNCHONIZING THE RDS SUBCARRIER ....................................................................................... 11

3.5. SETTING THE RDS LEVEL ............................................................................................................. 12

3.6. LED Indication ............................................................................................................................. 12

4. CONFIGURATION AND OPERATION ............................................................................................... 13

4.1. COMMUNICATING THROUGH THE CONSOLE AND COM PORTS ........................................... 13

4.2. COMMUNICATING VIA TCP/IP ............................................................................................... 14

5. ADVANCED FUNCTIONS................................................................................................................. 15

5.1. BROADCASTING TRAFFIC DATA (TMC)* ................................................................................ 15

5.2. BROADCASTING OPEN DATA APPLICATIONS (ODA)* ............................................................ 15

5.3. PAGING APPLICATIONS*........................................................................................................ 16

5.4. BROADCASTING ACCURATE TIME ......................................................................................... 17

6. USING THE UECP PROTOCOL ............................................................................................................. 18

6.1. ABOUT UECP ............................................................................................................................... 18

6.2. UECP AND THE RDS1000 ............................................................................................................ 18

6.3. UECP COMMANDS AND FUNCTIONS* ....................................................................................... 19

7. RDS GLOSSARY ................................................................................................................................... 20

APPENDIX A – PTY, PTYN ....................................................................................................................... 23

APPENDIX B – HOW TO SET UP THE RDS1000 FOR PS NAME OR RADIO TEXT SCROLLING ................. 24

A. UECP configuration. (Expert only) ................................................................................................. 25

B. ASCII configuration. ....................................................................................................................... 26

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RDS300/RDS500/RDS1000 User Manual 3.10

APPENDIX C - RDS300/RDS500/RDS1000 ASCII COMMAND SET ......................................................... 29

C.1. HELP COMMANDS ................................................................................................................. 29

C.2. RDS SYSTEM COMMANDS ..................................................................................................... 29

C.3. DSN AND PSN CONFIGURATION ............................................................................................ 30

C.4. Dynamic PS COMMANDS ...................................................................................................... 31

C.5. EON COMMANDS* ................................................................................................................ 32

C.6. ODA COMMANDS* ................................................................................................................ 32

C.7. CLOCK COMMANDS ............................................................................................................... 32

C.8. PAGING COMMANDS* .......................................................................................................... 33

C.9. SCHEDULER COMMANDS* .................................................................................................... 33

C.10. NETWORK COMMANDS .................................................................................................... 34

C.11. COMMUNICATION COMMANDS ....................................................................................... 34

C.12. RT+ COMMANDS* ............................................................................................................. 35

C.13. MONITORING COMMANDS* ............................................................................................. 35

C.14. SNMP COMMANDS* ......................................................................................................... 36

C.15. SPECIAL COMMANDS ........................................................................................................ 36

* Depends on the model RDS300/RDS500/RDS1000

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RDS300/RDS500/RDS1000 User Manual 3.10

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. About KVARTA Ltd.

For more than 20 years, Kvarta has been developing products for Broadcasters and CATV providers. Our solutions are used by major radio and television broadcasters and regulatory agencies.

Broadcast is our passion. We understand your challenges and have designed many solutions perfectly adapted to your needs. These include RDS encoders, FM Radio monitors and CATV systems.

KVARTA has a reputation for excellence and innovation among its clients and partners.

1.2. About RDS and RBDS

RDS, or Radio Data System, was developed in Europe in the mid 1980s. It is a method of broadcasting a low rate data stream on an FM stations’ 57 KHz subcarrier. In many countries around the world, RDS can actually control the receiver in a car, switching it from frequency to frequency as the vehicle travels; much like a cellular phone switches from tower to tower. In this mode, a traveler can journey from one end of a country to another while listening to the same radio program, even though his radio may seamlessly tune dozens of separate frequencies along the way. RDS can even cause a receiver to interrupt a CD that is playing to tune in a traffic report, if that is what the listener desires.

The current standards of European RDS broadcasting are reflected in the CENELEC standard EN 50067, which is available on line for research and review, at http://www.rds.org.uk

The KVARTA RDS1000 conforms to all standards and specifications of EN 50067.

RBDS, or Radio Broadcast Data System, is the American standard of RDS data broadcasting, first introduced into the US in 1993. A significant upgrade of the standards came about in 1998, leaving us with the standards we have as of this writing (2009). These standards, collectively known as NRSC-4, are available on line at http://www.nrscstandards.org

The data rate for RBDS is small, by today’s broadband and T1 standards. The overall data rate is less than 1,200 bits per second. A significant number of those bits are used for error correction, so the usable data rate is a mere 730 bits per second. The data is transmitted in 32 separate ‘groups’, which are labeled 0A, 0B, 1A, etc. up to group 15B. The purpose of each separate group of data is rigidly defined, to allow the receivers to know where to ‘look’ for a particular piece of data, and to allow the most flexibility and possibility of future expansion. Here is a short description of the use of each of the thirty two groups. If you didn’t already know, ODA stands for Open Data :

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RDS300/RDS500/RDS1000 User Manual 3.10

Group

Description

Group

Description

Basic tuning and switching information

Traffic Message Channel or ODA

Basic tuning and switching information

Open Data Applications

Program Item Number and slow labeling codes

Emergency Warning System or ODA

Program Item Number

Open Data Applications

Radiotext only

10A

Program Type Name

Radiotext only

10B

Open Data Applications

Applications Identification for ODA

11A

Open Data Applications

11B

Open Data Applications

Clock-time and date

12A

Open Data Applications

12B

Open Data Applications

Transparent Data Channels or ODA

13A

Enhanced Radio Paging or ODA

Transparent Data Channels or ODA

13B

Open Data Applications

In House applications or ODA

14A

Enhanced Other Networks information only

In House applications or ODA

14B

Enhanced Other Networks information only

Radio Paging or ODA

15A

Undefined

Open Data Applications

15B

Fast switching information only

The KVARTA RDS/RBDS RDS1000 encoder is designed to be fully compatible with both the European and American standards, and broadcast of any or all of the data groups is fully user selectable, to allow the broadcaster to tailor the RBDS data stream to fit their needs.

1.3. Functions of RDS/RBDS.

RDS is a powerful tool for communicating within a network of transmitters, and controlling and programming the receivers tuned to that network. Although the functions of RDS are almost too numerous to detail, these are the primary types of data transmitted over RDS/RBS.

1. The PI, or Program Identification, code. This is a hexadecimal code that identifies a

particular program. This is a required item, as the PI code acts as the digital identification for your station. In Europe and other countries, the PI code is assigned by the authorities; in the US it can be calculated by using your stations’ call letters, provided you have a four-letter set. See the PI section of Appendix A for the calculation, For three letter calls, the PIs have been assigned a separate set of hex codes that are listed in the RBDS Standard (NRSC-4), also available on line. The PI code is transmitted in each of the 32 possible groups of RBDS data.

2. The PTY, or Program Type, code. This is a numerical code that labels your format, the type of

programming carried on your station. Be it Top 40, Rock, Classical, Religious or Talk, there is a code for you (or at least something close). The transmission of this code will allow the listener to search the FM band for a particular format, instead of by frequency. The codes have been defined and are listed in the ‘PTY’ section of Appendix A. BEWARE - the PTY codes for the European (CENELEC) standard are different from those defined by the United States standard (NRSC), so be certain you’re looking at the right part of the table to broadcast the correct code.

3. The PTYN, or Program Type Name. Just 8 characters.

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4. The M/S flag. A simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ type flag to indicate whether a stations’ programming is

primarily Music or Speech.

5. The TP, or Traffic Program, flag. This is an indication of whether your station carries traffic

information on a regular basis.

6. The TA, or Traffic Announcement, flag. This is a more critical indicator that says to the

receiver “We are broadcasting a traffic report right now!” WARNING! There are strict regulations on the use of this flag! If a receiver is set to respond to this flag, it can actually force the tuner to a new station or interrupt a CD or cassette to hear the traffic information! It is illegal to have this flag set to ‘on’ if your station is not currently broadcasting traffic information!

7. Clock Time. Allows a receiver to display a time generated by a KVARTA encoder. For more on

the use of this feature, see the ‘Broadcasting Accurate Time’ section under ‘Advanced Functions’.

8. ODA, or Open Data Applications. Just what it says, use of part of the RDS/RBDS data stream

to send any type of data you like, for whatever purpose you desire. Many stations are finding this application has the potential to generate additional revenue.

NOTE: Use of ODA applications requires obtaining an Application Identification Code (AID). This code will be broadcast in the 3A groups and identifies the type of application used to transmit data in the ODA groups.

9. PS, or Program Service, code. This (along with Radio text) is the part of the RDS data that

actually displays alphanumeric information on the listeners’ radio.

10. RT, or Radio Text, code. Another alphanumeric type display. Maximum 64 characters.

11. PIN, Program Identification Number.

The transmitted Programme Item Number code will be the scheduled broadcast start time and day of month as published by the broadcaster.

12. DI, Decoder Identification. Rarely used, but tells the receiver to decode the broadcast as a

stereo or mono signal. Also can alert the receiver that the PTY codes are dynamic and may change throughout the day.

13. AF - The Alternate Frequency function is one of the most important. This is a broadcast

of a list of other frequencies that are carrying the same program using the same PI code. A receiver, acting on the information in the AF list, will continuously sample the other optional frequencies available, and when it discovers one that is better than the frequency currently tuned, it automatically tunes the new frequency. Then, from the AF list being broadcast on the new frequency, it starts sampling others, and so on. Thus, a listener can hear the same program over a very wide geographic area, with the AF lists and the receiver determining what frequencies can be used for any given point in that area.

14. EON, or Extended Other Networks. A method of encoding and transmitting AF, PI, and PTY

codes for other networks and programs, usually co-owned with the primary program. This is a way for Networks that are providing several programs over a geographic area to pre-load the receivers with information that will allow tuning to any of their alternate programs should the primary program signal become weak.

15. LINK - A way to link multiple encoders on a network.

16. SLC, or Slow Labeling Codes. Allows programming receivers to accept widely diverse types of

RDS application. Broadcast in RDS Group 1.

17. TDC - Transparent Data Channel, for transmitting diverse RDS data. Group 5.

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18. TMC – The Traffic Message Channel is used for sending real time information on traffic

conditions and road hazards to cars equipped with the appropriate receivers.

19. EWS – The Emergency Warning System, broadcast in RDS group 9.

20. IH - In House – reserved for the broadcaster’s internal use. RDS Group 6.

21. Free Format Groups - Another type of Open Data Application.

22. Standard Paging – Message transmission

23. EPP Paging – Message transmission system that supports the Enhanced Paging Protocol.

24. A.R.I. On/Off – a command only used on certain European national radio networks. Not

supported by the RDS1000.

1.4. WHAT ABOUT U.S.?

In the United States, with a very few exceptions, broadcasters do not want to cause their listeners’ receivers to change frequency. And most automotive receivers on the road in the U.S. have only the most rudimentary RBDS capabilities. So in America, broadcasters are primarily concerned with using RBDS to transmit limited types of data: the PI, PTY, and PTYN codes, the M/S, TP and TA flags, perhaps Clock Time, ODA or (increasingly) TMC. But the most prevalent use of RBDS is the transmission of dynamic PS and RT, which actually display alphanumeric information on the front panel of the listeners’ radios.

1.5. A FEW WORDS ABOUT PS AND RT

PS (Program Service name) and RT (Radio Text) are very similar. The displays on most radios are limited to eight characters, but the powerful scrolling features of KVARTA encoders allow display of PS and RT text of up to sixty-four characters, moving the text across the screen of the receiver, either a few characters at a time or by entire words. Most automotive receivers display only (or mostly) PS text, home receivers tend to primarily display Radio Text. The two can be programmed to display separate streams of text, but most broadcasters choose to have them both display identical information, to make sure all receivers are displaying the same thing. It should also be noted that the moving or ‘scrolling’ type of display of PS has been banned in some countries as a potential distraction to drivers. Some municipalities and/or states in the US have considered such a ban as well. Distractions notwithstanding, scrolling PS is a powerful, flexible way to display information to the listener. Stations commonly interface their encoders with their automation systems to automatically show the name of the artist and title of the current song. When not broadcasting music, the scrolling PS can display the name of the station, the current host or program, or the name of a special guest. Stations have even used their scrolling PS to give their listeners traffic information or the latest news headlines. Other potential uses lie in contesting or even advertisements. The uses are nearly limitless, and the encoders from KVARTA gives you the power and flexibility to exploit those uses, both now and well into the future. More details in paragraph 4 and Appendix B.

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2. Dynamic RDS Encoder Kvarta

2.1. INCLUDED ACCESSORIES

In your package, you should have received:

• Your RDS encoder

• One AC main power cord

• One shielded RS-232 serial data cable

• One CD-ROM containing software, manuals.

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2.2. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS OF THE RDS ENCODER

Communication ports

Serial ports

COM1 (UECP and ASCII configuration)*

Ethernet

100baseT – Web Server and UDP/TCP/SNMP*

RDS subcarrier

Level (digitally controlled)

Software controlled from -60dBm to 0dBm (1 to 2500 mV P-P)

Spectrum

complies with CENELEC EN50067 standard

Waveform

100% digitally generated

Sampling rate

912 KHz

Bypass

0dB (automatic bypass in case of power failure)

Bandwidth

+/- 2.4 kHz (@-55dB)

S/N

below 54 kHz (≥-75dB)

Linear distortion

≤ 0.5 dB

Output impedance

100 Ω

Input impedance

> 600 Ω

Pilot Synchronization

Synchronization

Automatic (internal or external if available)

Input level

-50dBu to +12dBu

Pilot Frequency

19kHz, +/- 2Hz

Phase

adjustable from 0° to 360°

MPX signal

RDS signal input and output

Unbalanced, BNC connector

Synchroniztion

Automatic pilot tone synchronization

Bypass feature

Retransmission of the MPX input signal to the MPX output (+RDS)

Phase

Controlable digitally

Power Supply

Supply voltage

115V / 230V

Voltage tolerance

+/- 10%

Main AC frequency

45-65 Hz

Fuse

1A T

Consumption

10 VA

Mechanical aspects

Height

1U (44,5 mm)

Width

483 mm

Depth

220 mm

Net weight

4 kg

TCP/IP

Embedded Web Server

Available

UDP/TCP

UECP/ASCII/SNMP*

Front panel indication

Leds

Power supply, RDS Output, LAN OK, Pilot Sync

RDS Decoder

COM1

Monitoring of broadcasted RDS data. Use RDS Decoder 3.0 software provided by www.esslinger.de .

TCP

Full monitoring over Ethernet only RDS500 and RDS1000 using rdsspy.

* SNMP and UECP support for RDS500 and RDS1000. Partial UECP support for RDS300.

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RDS300/RDS500/RDS1000 User Manual 3.10

3. GETTING CONNECTED

3.1. CONFIGURING ‘LOOP THROUGH’ OR ‘SIDE CHAIN’ MODE

Before installing the RDS Encoder in an equipment rack, you should determine how it will interface with your other equipment, particularly the exciter or pilot transmitter. There are two ways to connect the RDS Encoder encoder to your exciter, ‘Loop Through’ and ‘Side Chain’.

In ‘Loop Through’ mode, the multiplex/composite signal passes through the RDS Encoder on its way to the exciter, with the RDS Encoder adding the RDS modulation to the signal. The switch must be at RDS+MPX.

In ‘Side Chain’ mode, the RDS Encoder’s output is separate from the multiplex/composite signal, and connects to the exciter at a designated RDS/57 KHz subcarrier input. The switch must be at RDS position.

Whichever way you choose to connect you just have to switch the position of the switch in the rear end.

3.2. PHYSICAL INSTALLATION

Before installing the RDS Encoder, particularly if it is to be placed at a remote location, it is a good idea to do some setup and familiarization in the comfort of the shop. Most of the RDS Encoder’s parameters can be configured in advance and ‘locked in’ so that the installation at the remote site will be a simple matter. This is especially good advice if the RDS Encoder is to be interfaced with an automation system for automatic display of artists’ names and song titles. It is far easier to configure and debug the various communication and syntax issues with the automation and encoder in close proximity, rather than having to run from studio to transmitter site several times until your settings are correct!

The RDS300/RDS500/RDS1000 is one rack unit in height, and generates no abnormal levels of heat or electrical interference, so the only factors that influence the choice of mounting location are ease of connection with the exciter, the LAN (if used) and any other devices or cables that need to interface with the RDS Encoder. Kvarta RDS Encoders were designed to be installed at an FM transmitter site; therefore it meets and exceeds criteria and levels for RF interference that are considerably worse than required.

The RS-232 ports are protected by 15V Zener diodes, nevertheless KVARTA strongly advises against connecting the RDS Encoder to any cable that runs outside the building where the encoder is installed! The RDS Encoder does rely on natural convection for cooling, so make sure that the ventilation openings on the top and sides will not be blocked when installing it.

▲ WARNING The RDS Encoder’ ground is close to the chassis potential, you must make sure the unit is reliablygrounded, either through the third pin of the main AC power cord, or through the grounding terminal on the rear panel. Serious problems may arise if the unit is grounded only through the ground pins of the communications ports or the ground of a BNC connector.

▲ WARNING Check the voltage setting on the fuse holder next to the AC power input! Make sure that the setting is appropriate for the common AC voltage in your area.

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3.3. CONNECTION TO THE BROADCAST CHAIN

If the RDS Encoder is to be used in ‘Loop through’ mode, connect the output of your stereo generator/multiplexer to the ‘MPX IN / SYNC’ jack of the encoder, using 75 ohm coaxial cable. Then connect the ‘MPX OUT’ jack of the RDS Encoder to the composite/multiplex input of your exciter or pilot transmitter.

If you have chosen to install the RDS Encoder in the ‘Side Chain’ configuration, simply connect the ‘RDS IN/OUT’ jack of the encoder to the 57 kHz SCA or RDS jack on the pilot/exciter. You may also connect from the ‘MPX OUT’ jack of the RDS Encoder; providing you are certain you have the internal jumpers configured properly to block the main composite/MPX signal from also appearing at this jack (see section 3.1.1).

NOTE: If you have configured your RDS Encoder for ‘Side Chain’ operation, you should provide a composite or 19kHz feed from your stereo generator to the RDS Encoder’s ‘MPX IN’. You may accomplish this with a simple ‘T’ connector in the coaxial path between the stereo generator/multiplexer and your exciter/pilot transmitter. The RDS Encoder presents no load or other damaging characteristics to the signal.

3.4. SYNCHONIZING THE RDS SUBCARRIER

It is desirable to set the RDS subcarrier exactly 90 degrees out of phase with the 19 kHz pilot. This achieves ‘quadrature’ and slightly reduces the overall modulation of the subcarriers, without redu

cing their actual levels. To envision this, examine the following pictures:

RDS and 19 kHz in synch RDS and Pilot 90° out of phase. The phase of the RDS subcarrier in relation to the 19 kHz signal is adjustable within the RDS Encoder. You may adjust the phase on the ‘configure RDS Encoder’ page of the embedded website, or via UDP/TCP terminal with the command

PHASE=<x>

where x is a number between 0 and 359. Query the encoder with

PHASE?

RDS and 19 kHz in synch

RDS and Pilot 90° out of phase

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Kvarta RDS300, RDS500, RDS1000 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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