RDS Encoder Silver

Can the RDS Encoder Silver display song information from my automation system?
Yes! The keys are communication (the Silver has only a serial port) and getting the automation to send the correct command PS_TEXT=<text you want to display> followed by a Carriage Return/Line Feed.
What are the differences between static and dynamic RDS?
Static means that AF, PI, PS, PTY, TA, TP, MS, DI, PTYN, RADIOTEXT (and FBT for RBDS) parameters stay unchanged, or change only rarely. Dynamic means that the previous parameters can be changed remotely and/or when the following features are required: IH, TDC, TMC, EWS, Paging, ODA, and data transmissions.
Can I change the baud rate of the COM port on the RDS Encoder Silver?
Yes, but it presents a challenge. The configuration software for the Silver is designed to operate at 9600 baud. When you need to use a lower baud rate to be compatible with a slow data path (STL, etc), you must first configure the Silver – injection level, PI code, etc – using the software. Then you can change the speed setting of the COM port using the command SPEED=xxxx (all caps) where x is the new baud rate you wish to use. Be extremely careful! You will immediately need to change the speed settings of your terminal program to communicate at the new baud rate, and you will not be able to use the RDS Encoder Silver software until you change the speed setting on the encoder back to 9600. This has only been tested with typical baud rate settings (1200 – 9600), other speeds may not work.
Can the RDS Encoder Silver produce Scrolling PS?
Changing, or 'Scrolling' the PS (strictly forbidden in some countries, see the CENELEC standard) allows longer messages to be displayed on many car radios. This function is available on all Audemat encoders, but check your local regulations before using this feature.
Is there configuration software for the RDS Encoder Silver?
Yes, the RDS Encoder Silver utility software is delivered with the encoder. You can also download the latest version from the download section of this web site.
Is the RDS Encoder Silver US RBDS compliant?
The RDS Encoder Silver is compliant with both the CENELEC RDS standard and the US RBDS standard,  and can generate the correct PTY codes for both standards.
Is my Audemat encoder compatible with the UECP protocol?
The FMB80, FMB50, Digiplexer 2/4, Digiplexer 246 and FMX480 are compatible with the UECP Standard v.7.05: the exact name of the protocol is UECP (Universal Encoder Communication Protocol) for RDS.
The RDS Encoder Silver and FMX410 encoders are also compatible with this protocol for the implemented static features.
What is Scrolling PS? Can I display longer messages using PS text?
Changing, or 'Scrolling' the PS (strictly forbidden in some countries, see the RDS standard) allows longer messages to be displayed on many car radios. This function is available on all Audemat encoders, but check your local regulations before using this feature.
What are the differences between PTY in RDS and PTY in RBDS?
PTY – Program Type
This is an identification number to be transmitted with each program item and which is intended to specify the current Program Type from 31 possible choices. This code can be used for search tuning. The RDS PTY codes are set by the CENELEC standard (http://www.cenelec.org/Cenelec/CENELEC+in+action/Web+Store/Standards/default.htm), the PTY codes for the U.S version (RBDS) are defined in the NRSC 4-A standard, available at http://www.nrscstandards.org/. Here is the list.

PTY code RDS Program type RBDS Program type
0 No program type or undefined No program type or undefined
1 News News
2 Current affairs Information
3 Information Sports
4 Sport Talk
5 Education Rock
6 Drama Classic Rock
7 Culture Adult Hits
8 Science Soft Rock
9 Varied Top 40
10 Pop Music Country
11 Rock Music Oldies
12 M.O.R. Music Soft
13 Light classical Nostalgia
14 Serious classical Jazz
15 Other Music Classical
16 Weather Rhythm and Blues
17 Finance Soft Rhythm and Blues
18 Children’s programs Language
19 Social Affairs Religious Music
20 Religion Religious Talk
21 Phone In Personality
22 Travel Public
23 Leisure College
24 Jazz Music Unassigned
25 Country Music Unassigned
26 National Music Unassigned
27 Oldies Music Unassigned
28 Folk Music Unassigned
29 Documentary Weather
30 Alarm Test Emergency Test
31 Alarm Emergency
Are Audemat encoders digital?
Yes, RDS encoders and Digiplexers are all digital. Their signals are generated digitally. Which means that the signals are constructed mathematically using DSP and then converted by a D/A converter into the analog form. RDS encoders (FMB series) use predefined signal tables stored in EPROMs. The Digiplexers use DSP algorithms and FIR Filters to encode Stereo, RDS and DARC functions.