PROGRAMMING AND OPERATION

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

MODEL 712
R D S RADIODATA ENCODER
RADIO DATA SYSTEM

Revision 2
(Automatic Parsing)
Firmware Rev. 1.0.4
Effective with 712 S/N 406

USER S RECORD
Model 712

Serial No. ____________

Date Purchased __________________

Warranty Card Mailed?

PROGRAMMING AND OPERATION

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

MODEL 712
RDS

RADIO DATA SYSTEM

RADIODATA ENCODER

December, 2005

1305 Fair Avenue Santa Cruz, CA 95060

TEL: (831) 458-0552
FAX: (831) 458-0554
Visit our Website: www.inovon.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section I - INTRODUCTION
MODEL 712 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION ................................................................... 3
The Radio Data System

RDS vs. RBDS

General Features

MODEL 712 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................... 4

BLOCK DIAGRAM ................................................................................................... 5

Section II - THE RADIO DATA SYSTEM

RDS: EUROPE vs. AMERICA ................................................................................... 6
THE RDS SYSTEM .................................................................................................. 6
ADDRESSING THE MODEL 712 ENCODER ........................................................... 7
RDS APPLICATIONS SUPPORTED BY THE MODEL 712 ....................................... 7
AF

DI

FFG

M/S

PI

PS

PTY

RT

TA

TP

Section III - ENCODER INSTALLATION

UNPACKING AND INSPECTION ........................................................................... 10
MOUNTING ........................................................................................................... 10
Rack Requirement

Heat Dissipation

AC (MAINS) POWER ............................................................................................. 10

Fuseholder

Mains Voltage Selector

Power Cord

RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE (RFI) ......................................................... 11

Location

Ground Loops

SELECTION OF OPERATING MODES .................................................................. 11

Sidechain Mode

Loop-Through Mode

CONNECTING THE MODEL 712 ........................................................................... 13

Sidechain Mode (preferred) Loop-Through Mode
Manually Activating the TA Flag

DATA INTERCONNECTION ................................................................................... 14

Computer or Terminal Requirements

Modem Link

Section IV - PROGRAMMING AND OPERATION

FRONT PANEL APPOINTMENTS .......................................................................... 16
SUBCARRIER INJECTION LEVEL ......................................................................... 17
Setting Subcarrier Amplitude

Subcarrier Phase

PROGRAMMING OPTIONS.................................................................................... 18
Simplified Windows Data-Entry Software
Advanced Programming Tutorial

LOADING AND RUNNING THE SIMPLIFIED WINDOWS SOFTWARE .................19

Installing the Software Using ALL-CAPS
PI Code Calculator Parsing Defined
Safe Scrolling Explained Manual Parsing
Sending Data to the Encoder
Reading Data From the Encoder File Management

ADVANCED PROGRAMMING - TERMINAL CONFIGURATION ..............................25

Connect and Turn-On

PROGRAMMING SYNTAX ......................................................................................28

How to Type

Using ALL CAPS Correcting Mistakes

Echo Validity Symbols

ENCODER COMMUNICATIONS SETTINGS ..........................................................28

Communication Speed

Echo

ENCODER HOUSEKEEPING COMMANDS ...........................................................30

Register Interrogation Encoder Initialization Saving Presets
Encoder Reset Firmware Version

STATIC DATA PROGRAMMING .............................................................................31

PI Calculation PS PTY TP TA TA Timeout AF DI
M/S RT RadioText Rate Free Format Group Saving Entries

SCROLLING DISPLAYS AND DYNAMIC ENCODER OPERATION .........................37

Safety Considerations RadioText Dynamic PS
Block Transmission True Scrolling
Selecting the Dynamic Mode
Enabling Dynamic PS and Setting the Refresh Rate
Entering Dynamic PS Text

Section IV - APPENDIX
TABULATED LISTING OF ENCODER COMMANDS AND PROMPTS ....................41
INOVONICS WARRANTY ......................................................... (INSIDE BACK COVER)

Section I
INTRODUCTION
MODEL 712 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The Radio
Data System

The Radio Data System allows the FM broadcaster to transmit certain digital data along with his regular audio programming. Packets of data transmitted on a low-level subcarrier identify the station
and its particular broadcasting format, allow for transmission of
song information, advertising and other text messages, and perform
additional ID, control and housekeeping chores.

RDS vs. RBDS

The Radio Data System was developed in Europe and is abbreviated

RDS there. The first US implementation of RDS differed sufficiently from the European standard to warrant its being renamed
the Radio Broadcast Data System, or RBDS. Differences between
the two standards have been reconciled and minimized over the
years, yet RBDS prevails as the US designation. For the sake of
clarity and simplicity, the more generic and established term RDS
will be used throughout this Manual.

General

Inovonics 712 is a complete, full-function digital data encoder for

quickly and easily implementing RDS at any FM radio station. In
addition to static IDs, traffic and other flags, The 712 supports dynamic data for sending song titles, advertising messages and specialized in-house applications to the listener s radio.

Features

Leading features of the Inovonics 712 include:

Static data quickly programmed or updated with

a Windows PC or ASCII terminal. ASCII standardized interface supports dynamic functions.

Works with popular hard-disk automation systems

to transmit song titles, contests, billboards, scrolling advertisements, etc.

Scrolling messages are automatically parsed, or

broken into 8-character word groups for transmission. An alternative Safe Scroll mode reduces
the distraction associated with dynamic displays in
automobiles.

Loop-through or sidechain operation with any

exciter/stereo generator combination.

Operates with third-party hardware and software

for increased functionality.

Simple to install and easy to use!

MODEL 712 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Standards Supported:
European CENELEC and United
States NRSC.
RDS Applications Supported:
PI, PS, PTY, TP, TA, RT, AF, DI,
M/S, FFG. (A detailed explanation of
these applications begins on
Page 7.)
Operating Modes:
(1) Loop-Through:
In loop-through operation, the RDS
subcarrier is internally mixed with
the MPX input and the combined
signal is delivered to the RDS or
MPX Output. The encoder has unity
gain in the loop-through mode and
accepts a maximum level of 6 volts
peak-to-peak corresponding to
75kHz carrier deviation.
(2) Sidechain:
In sidechain operation, only the RDS
subcarrier appears at the RDS or
MPX Output. The monitored MPX
(or TTL sync) is used solely to synchronize the 57kHz RDS subcarrier
with the 19kHz stereo pilot.

Pilot or MPX Input:

An unbalanced, bridging BNC input
that accepts either the composite/
multiplex (MPX) signal or 19kHz
TTL-level pilot sync from the stereo
generator.
RDS or MPX Output:
An unbalanced, low-impedance BNC
output to feed a wideband input of
the FM exciter.
RDS Injection Level:
Continuously adjustable between
zero and 2 volts peak-to-peak.
Serial Data Port:
RS-232 port (DB-9) for static programming and dynamic messaging.
2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400,
57600 or 115000 baud; 8, N, 1, plaintext ASCII protocol.
TA Switching:
The temporary TA flag is set either
by a software command or with a
contact closure through a rear-panel
BNC connector.
Power Requirements:
105 130VAC or 210 255VAC,
50/60Hz; 10W.
Size and Shipping Weight:
1 H x 19 W x 7 D (1U); 7 lbs.

BLOCK DIAGRAM
Figure 1, below, is a simplified Block Diagram of the Model 712. Because of the all-digital, minimalist-discrete-component nature of encoder circuitry, we have not provided schematic diagrams of the
Model 712 in this Manual. As they say on the back of TV sets:
NO USER-SERVICEABLE COMPONENTS
INSIDE. REFER ALL SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED TECHNICAL PERSONNEL.
Nonetheless, Inovonics does, of course, support the Model 712 to the
technical nth degree, and will provide detailed service information
upon request, including sources for all replaceable parts and realistically-priced factory replacements for firmware-proprietary integrated circuits.

(FAILSAFE BYPASS)

PILOT/MPX
INPUT

SIDE

RDS/MPX
OUTPUT

LOOP

19kHz
BPF

LPF

DIGITAL CONTROL
PLL

CPU

DAC

RDS SYNTH.

(LOCK)

DATA RAM
CODE/DATA ROM

TIMEBASE

PROGRAMMABLE
EEPROM

RS-232
SERIAL PORT
TA
SWITCH

Figure 1

Block Diagram, Model 712 RDS Encoder

Section II
THE RADIO DATA SYSTEM
RDS: EUROPE vs. AMERICA
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and its member countries
originated the concept of Radio Data transmission. The European
RDS specification, CENELEC Standard EN50067, was first published in 1984, and was revised in 1986, 1990, 1991 and 1992.
European RDS has grown in use following initial adoption of the
Standard. RDS is nearly universal throughout Europe; it is almost
impossible to find a European FM broadcasting station that does not
carry a radio data subcarrier.
The popularity of RDS in Europe is very much in contrast with initial reluctance on the part of US broadcasters to embrace this technology. This can be ascribed to material differences in broadcasting
practices.
Almost without exception, FM broadcasting in the United States is
detached and independent; that is, each station originates its own
programming. One exception might be America s National Public
Radio, though for most of the broadcast day even NPR stations
originate, or at least schedule, their own programs.
Much of European broadcasting is similar to the concept of network
radio that was common in the US prior to the 1950s. In Europe, a
central program originator may have many transmitting facilities of
modest power situated throughout the country. The European disposition toward lower-power transmitters can be found on the local
radio level as well, with relay (re-broadcast) repeater transmitters
at several different frequencies to blanket a designated service area.
The European concept of a service area equates to the US broadcaster s market. The subtle difference between these designations
further characterizes broadcasting practices and ethics. RDS benefits the European broadcaster through almost an altruistic endeavor
to be of service to his listeners. The US broadcaster is marketing his
programming, and is primarily interested in how he can create additional revenue from RDS.

THE RDS SYSTEM

RDS is a digital data channel transmitted as a low-level subcarrier
above the range of the composite stereo program signal in the FM
baseband. The data transmission (baud) rate is comparatively low,

yet it is quite robust because of redundancy and error correction

routines.
It is not within the scope of this Manual to cover the details of RDS
subcarrier coding and modulation. For this the reader is directed to
the Specification appropriate to his location, either the CENELEC
EN50067 Specification for Europe, or the United States NRSC
Specification. It is assumed that the user has some familiarity with
the concept of RDS, since the balance of this Manual will deal with
specific implication of RDS implemented with the Inovonics Model
712.

ADDRESSING THE MODEL 712 ENCODER

Many applications, such as Radio Paging, navigational assistance,
roadside message billboards, radios which print and eject moneysaving coupons, stock market updates, etc. all require continuous,
on-line access to the RDS encoder by one or more service providers.
Generally, these applications are the ones that promise additional
revenue to the station. The Model 712 offers these capabilities and
is directly addressed by simple ASCII commands from a computer or
automation system.
The Model 712 does not provide TCP/IP network connectivity to enable online control via a Local Area Network or the Internet. Inovonics does offer another RDS encoder, the Model 713, which does
provide a direct network connection. However, third-party hardware and appropriate software may be used with the 712 to offer
TCP/IP connectivity.
Particularly in Europe, RDS encoders may be linked with one another for network support applications. The UECP, or Universal
Encoder Communication Protocol was developed by CENELEC to
support this form of operation. The 712 does not conform to the
UECP.

RDS APPLICATIONS SUPPORTED BY THE MODEL 712

The following is an alphabetical listing of RDS applications that are
fully supported by the Model 712. The standardized RDS application abbreviation is followed by an expansion of the application
name and a short explanation of the function.
AF

List of Alternative Frequencies: A network broadcaster, or one using low-power rebroadcast transmitters to fill holes in his coverage
area, can include a list of all frequencies where the identical program can be heard simultaneously. Upscale RDS receivers constantly search for the best signal that carries the very same program. When a stronger signal is found, the radio re-tunes with no
noticeable interruption. The principal utility of this RDS function

is with European radio networks and US stations with translators.

DI

This is one of several flags that convey

yes/no or other very basic data. This particular flag tells the receiver whether the broadcast is monaural, or is being transmitted in
any of several methods of stereo or binaural broadcasting. This is a
rather esoteric and little-used function, and only monaural and stereo modes are supported by the Model 712.
Decoder Information:

Included in the Model 712 is a method of

transmitting proprietary data within a legitimate RDS group. This
is a special use of the encoder for non-standard applications. Additional notes can be found on Page 37.

FFG

Free Format Groups:

M/S

Music / Speech Switch: This flag simply indicates whether music or

PI

Program Identification: This block of data identifies the broadcast

station with a hexadecimal numerical code, which becomes the
digital signature of the station. The code is assigned by the
broadcasting authority in most countries, but in the US (only!) it
can be calculated from a numerical encoding of station call letters.
The receiver processes the PI code to assist automatic tuning features (station memories), and to prevent false switching to alternative frequencies that might be shared by broadcasters in nearby regions.

PS

Program Service Name: This is the station s street name that will
appear on the receiver faceplate display. The PS can be up to eight
characters in length (including spaces) and can be as simple as the
station s call letters (KWOW or KWOW FM) or a slogan (NEWSTALK or
LIVE 95). The Program Service Name is automatically displayed,
even on automobile receivers, so it is meant to remain static. Because of driving safety considerations, broadcasters are discouraged
from making the PS dynamic ; that is, to send long messages in
successive 8-character frames. As a matter of fact, it is a violation
of both the CENELEC and the NRSC standards to flash or scroll
the PS display. Nevertheless, this nefarious practice has become
very common, both in the US and abroad.

PTY

Program Type: The PTY data flag identifies the station format from

speech is the primary broadcast programming. The purpose of this

function is not well explained in the respective Standards; hence it
comes as no surprise that it is not widely used.

a collection of pre-defined categories. Many RDS receivers are able

to seek the listener s preferred format automatically. This means
that a car radio can switch from a fading station to a stronger one
that carries the same variety of music, though not the very same
program, as provided by AF switching. The PTY function of RDS
helps a broadcaster catch transient audience share. A listing of
the PTY categories is given on Page 32.
Under some programming circumstances, the PTY identifier may be
made dynamic, changing between categories for a station that
dayparts (changes its format for specific time periods). The PTY

code is not meant to change from song to song or to accommodate a

top-of-the-hour newscast, however.
RT

TA

TP

RadioText: This is a 64-character block of plain text that the lis-

tener can select for visual display on the faceplate of the radio. This
function is generally not available on automobile receivers for safety
considerations, which has precipitated the frowned-upon practice of
scrolling the PS field instead. Most radios have limited alphanumeric display capability, so the 64 characters march across the
front panel, much akin to those annoying LED advertising signs
found in airport buses or fast food emporia. Like the scrolling PS
implementation, RadioText can announce song titles and performers, run special promotions or contests, or display sponsors messages.
Traffic Announcement: This is a temporary flag added to the RDS

data stream only as a traffic bulletin is being aired. Some RDS car
radios can be set to search for traffic bulletins among various TP
stations (see TP below) while tuned to a listener s preferred program, or even while playing a CD or tape. As soon as any TP station broadcasts a traffic bulletin, the receiver temporarily switchesover to receive it. When the bulletin is finished, the receiver
switches back to the original program, CD or tape.
Traffic Program Identification: The TP flag identifies the station as

one that routinely broadcasts traffic bulletins for motorists as part

of its normal, everyday programming. When the TP flag is displayed on the receiver faceplate, the radio is searching for traffic
announcements. The radio keeps track of TP stations offering this
service to speed up the search-and-switch process.

Section III
ENCODER INSTALLATION
UNPACKING AND INSPECTION
As soon as the equipment is received, inspect carefully for any shipping damage. If damage is suspected, notify the carrier at once, and
then contact Inovonics.
We recommend retaining the original shipping carton and packing
materials, just in case return or reshipment becomes necessary. If
returned for Warranty repair, shipping damage sustained as a result
of improper packing for return may invalidate the Warranty!
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT that the Warranty Registration Card found at the front of this Manual be completed
and returned. Not only does this assure coverage of the
equipment under terms of the Warranty, and provide a
means of tracing lost or stolen gear, but also the user will
automatically receive specific SERVICE OR MODIFICATION INSTRUCTIONS should these be forthcoming.

MOUNTING
Rack
Requirement

The Model 712 mounts in a standard 19-inch equipment rack and

requires only 1 inches (1U) of vertical rack space. We recommend
plastic or fiber washers to protect the painted finish around the
mounting holes.

Heat Dissipation

Consuming less power than a pet-grooming hair clipper, the 712 itself generates negligible heat. The unit is specified for operation
within an ambient temperature range extending from freezing to
120F/50C. But because adjacent, less efficient equipment may radiate substantial heat, be sure that the equipment rack is adequately ventilated to keep its internal temperature below the specified maximum ambient.

AC (MAINS) POWER
Fuseholder

The fuseholder is at the far left of the front panel. Apply downward
pressure and pull the cap outward to access the 5mm mains fuse.
Note that the cap has space for a spare fuse as well. The cap is
reseated by reversing the removal process. This fuse also serves as a

10

front-panel emergency power disconnect for the Model 712.

Mains Voltage
Selector

Unless specifically ordered for export shipment, the Model 712 is set
at the factory for operation from 115V, 50/60Hz AC mains. This can
be confirmed by checking the designation next to the mains connector on the rear panel. The inappropriate voltage and fuse value will
have been crossed out at the factory with a black marker.
To change the mains voltage, first remove the top cover of the unit.
A clearly marked slide switch is next to the AC mains connector on
the encoder circuit board. With power disconnected, use a small
screwdriver to set the switch for 115VAC or 230VAC operation.
Be sure to install the appropriate fuse listed on the rear panel. You
can remove the factory strikethrough with a (doubtless, carcinogenic) solvent and then cross out the inappropriate marking with an
indelible felt pen.

Power Cord

The detachable IEC-type power cord supplied with the encoder is

fitted with a North-American-standard male plug. The individual
cord conductors may be color-coded in either of two ways:
1) In accordance with US standards:
BLACK = AC HOT
WHITE = AC NEUTRAL
GREEN = EARTH GROUND
2) To European CEE standards:
BROWN = AC HOT
BLUE = AC NEUTRAL
GRN/YEL = EARTH GROUND

RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE ( R F I )

Location

Although it is natural for the 712 to be installed alongside highpower transmitters, please practice reasonable care and common
sense in locating the unit away from abnormally high RF fields.

Ground Loops

Because the unbalanced PILOT OR MPX INPUT and the RDS OR MPX
OUTPUT of the Model 712 are chassis-ground-referenced, a mains
frequency or RF ground loop could be formed between the input or
output cable shield grounds and the AC power cord ground. A
ground-lifting AC adapter may well remedy such a situation,
though the chassis somehow must be returned to earth ground for
safety. Generally, being screwed-down in the equipment rack will
satisfy the safety requirement.

SELECTION OF OPERATING MODES

Sidechain Mode

Configured for sidechain operation, the rear-panel PILOT OR MPX

INPUT connector simply bridges (monitors) the output of the stereo
generator to derive timing information from the 19kHz stereo pilot.
Alternatively, a TTL-level 19kHz sync squarewave may be applied
to this input. We do not recommend this, however, because the

11

phase relationship between the synchronizing squarewave and the

19kHz pilot component in the composite, multiplex output of the
stereo generator may not be assured.
In sidechain operation the RDS OR MPX OUTPUT will contain only
the RDS subcarrier, the composite/MPX signal is not routed through
the 712. This operating mode will insure best multiplex signal integrity and assure uninterrupted program transmission in the event
of a catastrophic encoder failure (never happens!). As delivered, the
712 is configured for sidechain operation.
Referring to the jumper installation drawing, Figure 2, below, locate
the 3-terminal jumper strip, located just behind the rear-panel RDS
OR MPX OUTPUT connector on the Model 712 circuit board. The
shorting shunt is positioned to the left for sidechain operation, as
shown in the upper example of Figure 2.
Loop-Through
Mode

When the Model 712 is jumpered for loop-through operation, the

RDS subcarrier is internally combined with the composite/MPX signal. This means that the RDS OR MPX OUTPUT will include the
composite/MPX program signal (at unity gain) with the RDS subcarrier added.
The lower illustration in Figure 2, below, shows the position of the
shorting shunt, toward the right, for loop-through operation.

Sidechain
Mode

Loop-Through
Mode
(MPX ON)
Figure 2

12

Encoder Mode Jumpering

CONNECTING THE MODEL 712

IMPORTANT: The 712 encoder must be properly configured for the desired operating mode: sidechain or loopthrough. See the preceding instructions to confirm that
the encoder circuit board is properly jumpered before
connecting the Model 712 to other air-chain equipment.
ALSO: Test the encoder with its controlling interface
(computer, terminal, automation, etc.) before it is placed
in the air chain. This will ensure that communication
with the encoder can be established and that the encoder
is properly initialized.
Sidechain Mode
(preferred)

Attach a BNC
adapter to the composite/MPX output of the stereo generator as shown in Figure 3, below. Connect one side of the
directly to a wideband (composite/ MPX) input of the FM exciter
and the other side to the PILOT OR MPX INPUT of the Model 712.
(This is only a bridging sync connection when the circuit board has
been jumpered for sidechain operation and in no way affects the
composite/MPX signal.)
If the stereo generator has a dedicated 19kHz TTL-level output designated for RDS encoder sync, you may connect this to the encoder
PILOT OR MPX INPUT. We do not recommend this, however, as a
dedicated 19kHz sync output may not have an accurate phase relationship with the stereo pilot.
Cable the RDS OR MPX OUTPUT of the encoder to a second wideband (subcarrier) input of the FM exciter.
FM STEREO GENERATOR

PROGRAM
LINE IN

MPX OUT

MODEL 712 ENCODER

LOCAL TA
CONTROL

RS-232
LINK

PILOT OR MPX RDS OR MPX

INPUT
OUTPUT

FM EXCITER

RF OUTPUT

1
2
3
WIDEBAND INPUTS

Figure 3

Sidechain Encoder Connection

13

Loop-Through
Mode

In the loop-through mode, the output of the stereo generator is cabled directly to the PILOT OR MPX INPUT of the Model 712 as shown
in Figure 4, below. Connect the RDS OR MPX OUTPUT of the encoder to a composite/MPX wideband input of the FM exciter. When
internally jumpered for loop-through operation, the composite/MPX
signal passes through the encoder with unity gain, and with the RDS
subcarrier added.
FM STEREO GENERATOR

PROGRAM
LINE IN

MPX OUT

MODEL 712 ENCODER

LOCAL TA
CONTROL

RS-232
LINK

PILOT OR MPX RDS OR MPX

INPUT
OUTPUT

FM EXCITER

RF OUTPUT

1
2
3
WIDEBAND INPUTS

Figure 4
Manually
Activating
the TA Flag

Loop-Through Encoder Connection

The Travel Announcement feature is a temporary command. This

flag must coincide with the actual voice warning of a traffic condition. The encoder includes a provision to access this flag with a
manual switch closure, which will doubtless prove faster, more convenient and more reliable than software control of the TA function.
A run of single-conductor shielded cable may be taken from the TA
CONTROL BNC connector on the rear panel of the encoder to a
normally open momentary (spring-return!) pushbutton switch located conveniently at the announcer s operating position.
The TA flag will be transmitted as long as the switch is held down.
It is important that this alert is active only for the duration of a traffic announcement. The TA flag must be turned off immediately after
completing the verbal traffic warning.

DATA INTERCONNECTION
The rear-panel RS232 SERIAL DATA INTERCONNECT DB-9 port is
addressed in simple ASCII text for programming the various static
RDS IDs and flags, and for uploading Radio Text. The Windows

14

programming software provided with the Model 712 on CD-ROM

automatically formats static data with simple, on-screen entry. This
software may also be downloaded from the Inovonics Website. For
direct connection with automation, communication syntax is explained in Section IV, with advanced programming instructions beginning on Page 25.
Interconnect
Cable

When connecting the 712 encoder to a computer for static programming, or to station automation for dynamic messaging, a
straight-through, pin-for-pin DB-9 extension should be used. This
cable pinout is diagrammed in Figure 5A at the bottom of the page.

Computer or
Terminal
Requirements

Although the Windows RDS Data-Entry Software affords the easiest method of inputting static RDS data, the encoder may also be
addressed with any computer running a terminal emulation program (eg: HyperTerminal, normally supplied with Microsoft Windows), or with a simple dumb terminal that has an RS-232 interface. The encoder can accommodate several baud rates, but the factory default is 9600 baud. Set the terminal (or terminal program)
for: 9600-baud / 8 data bits / no parity / one stop bit (9600,8,N,1).
Using either the Windows interface or an ASCII terminal, static
PS and other IDs, flags and the alternative frequency list are uploaded into non-volatile encoder memory. If dynamic RadioText is
not used, a slogan, phone number or advertising message can be entered as a simple static message. Once this has been done, the encoder may be disconnected from the computer, relocated to another
operating point, or reconnected to an alternative data source for dynamic messaging. This may be a hard-disk-based station automation system that provides song title and artist, plus ads or station
promos. The automation system must be configured to the encoder s baud rate and programmed to deliver dynamic data in proper
syntax as explained by the advanced instructions in Section IV.

Modem Link

A modem link also may be used for addressing the encoder from a
remote location. When properly configured, a modem link will appear transparent, as if the encoder were connected directly to the
controlling system. Figure 5B shows proper pin connections for the
cable used to connect the Model 712 to a conventional external modem. The three conductors shown are the only ones required.
DB-9 Female
(COMPUTER or
AUTOMATION
end)

2 3

DB-25 Male
(MODEM end)
2 3

1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9

DB-9 Male
(ENCODER end)

Figure 5A
Computer or Automation Cable

15

DB-9 Male
(ENCODER end)
Figure 5B
Modem Cable

Section IV
PROGRAMMING AND OPERATION
FRONT PANEL APPOINTMENTS
Six front-panel ENCODER STATUS indicators monitor Model 712 vital signs.

PWR.
ON

This green LED glows whenever primary power is present.

If this indicator is off, the encoder will have switched into
the failsafe Bypass mode. In the loop-through encoder
mode (only), Bypass connects the PILOT OR MPX INPUT
directly to the RDS OR MPX OUTPUT.

PILOT
LOCK

This LED lights when the encoder has locked to the

19kHz stereo pilot signal from the stereo generator, either
in the sidechain or the loop-through mode of encoder operation.

FREE
RUN

When no 19kHz pilot is present at the PILOT OR MPX INPUT, the encoder defaults to a crystal-controlled internal
timebase. This enables RDS transmissions with monaural
programming. The FREE RUN LED shows that the encoder has defaulted to its internal timebase.

RS-232
ACTIVITY

As the encoder is being addressed, either by a computer or

terminal for static programming, or by station automation
for uploading of song titles or advertising, this LED shows
2-way activity of the serial interface.

RDS
DATA

This LED flashes as RDS data is being transmitted, indicating that the encoder is operating normally. Even when
no dynamic data is being sent, the various RDS groups of
static identifiers are updated continually.

TA
FLAG

Whenever the TA flag is raised, either with a software

command or a switch closure, this LED flashes. Remember: the TA flag is supposed to be only temporary. It
should be turned off when the announcement ends.
In addition to the LED status indicators, the front panel also contains:

FUSE / DISCONNECT

The front-panel fuseholder also provides a means of disconnecting AC mains power in an emergency. Push the
fuseholder cap down and pull it away from the panel to
interrupt power.

16

INJECTION
LEVEL ADJUST

RDS injection level (subcarrier modulation) is set with

this multiturn trim control. A detailed procedure for setting injection level follows.

SUBCARRIER INJECTION LEVEL

The front-panel INJECTION LEVEL ADJUST potentiometer sets the
level of the RDS subcarrier. This is a 15-turn potentiometer to allow
the required adjustment resolution.
In the sidechain mode of operation, the RDS subcarrier is the only
signal that appears at the rear-panel RDS OR MPX OUTPUT connector. Because some exciters require a high signal level at auxiliary
wideband (SCA) inputs, the RDS signal has been made adjustable to
any value between zero and 2 volts, peak-to-peak.
In loop-through operation of the encoder, the composite/MPX program signal that is fed to the PILOT OR MPX INPUT appears with
unity gain at the RDS OR MPX OUTPUT. A typical peak-to-peak
level of the Composite/MPX program signal is 3 volts. The same
0-2V RDS subcarrier level range is available in this mode, so obviously the INJECTION LEVEL ADJUST control will be closer to the
counterclockwise end of its travel to give a level of 0.1 volts p-p,
which would correspond to the typical 3% to 4% RDS injection.
Setting
Subcarrier
Amplitude

Injection level is best set with a modulation monitor that includes a

subcarrier measurement utility. Alternatively, a basic mod-monitor
can be used alone, but program modulation and the stereo pilot
must be turned off to resolve the low RDS injection level.
NOTE: If using a mod-monitor that does not have separate subcarrier measurement capability, keep in mind that mod-monitors are
peak-responding for total modulation readings near 100% modulation, but may be average-responding for low-level measurements on
other readout scales. Because the RDS subcarrier is a complex, suppressed-carrier double-sideband signal, an average reading of 3%
RDS injection can represent a level that is substantially higher when
measured peak-to-peak. It is the peak level that is of concern in
broadcasting.
Perhaps a better means of setting injection when a subcarrier monitor is not available is simply to bridge the input of the exciter with
an oscilloscope using a BNC
adapter. With a normal program
input, the peak-to-peak value of the composite/MPX signal can be
noted. Write this figure down and then turn off program and pilot
modulation (but do not disconnect the stereo generator). Set the
peak-to-peak value of the RDS subcarrier to about 3% of the measured composite/MPX level. When the program signal is returned to
normal, the mod-monitor should indicate a 3% increase in total
modulation, though this may be difficult to resolve near the 100%
mark. Readjust the output level of the stereo generator to fine-tune
the final total-mod figure.

17

In the United States, the FCC permits an extra 5% modulation for

each subcarrier, with total modulation not to exceed 110% even with
two or more subcarriers. Consult the FCC regulations to be certain
on this matter.
Subcarrier Phase

In the interest of maintaining greatest program modulation efficiency, the 57kHz RDS subcarrier should be in quadrature with the
19kHz stereo pilot. Both in-phase and quadrature relationships between the stereo pilot and RDS subcarrier are shown in Figures 6
and 7, respectively. Note that a quadrature relationship (Figure 7)
yields a slightly lower peak level, which allows the greatest carrier
modulation by the program audio signal.

Figure 6

Subcarrier In-Phase

Figure 7

Subcarrier In Quadrature

The Model 712 is skillfully and carefully aligned at the factory to ensure that the subcarrier is in quadrature with the stereo pilot,
whether the encoder is used in the sidechain or in the loop-through
operating mode. Although some stereo generators supply a pilotsync reference for RDS (usually a TTL-level squarewave), this reference may or may not be in exact phase with the actual stereo pilot
component of the composite/MPX signal. For this reason we recommend using the composite/MPX signal for synchronization. In
the sidechain mode, the Model 712 simply bridges the output of the
stereo generator and does not load or otherwise compromise the
composite/MPX signal.

PROGRAMMING OPTIONS
Developed as a fully interactive RDS encoder, the 712 can interconnect directly with station automation to transmit dynamic messaging to the receiver; for example, song title and artist information
or air personality ID. Station automation communicates with the
Model 712 through an RS-232 serial data interface.
The data stream from the automation system must be formatted
properly for communication with the 712 encoder. Commands require proper preambles, or headers, so that the 712 interprets dynamic data as valid commands.

18

In addition to dynamic messaging, there is a certain amount of

obligatory, repetitive static information that is broadcast continuously in the RDS data stream. These are IDs and flags that tell the
receiver who is sending what, and how. For all practical purposes,
this information is fixed, and is programmed into the non-volatile
memory of the Model 712 before it is connected to station automation for dynamic messaging.
Simplified
Windows
Data-Entry
Software

To help get RDS on-air quickly and painlessly, a very simple and intuitive Windows interface has been included on the CD-ROM that
comes with the Model 712 encoder. This can be used by anyone to
set the static IDs and flags, and even to program default entries into
the dynamic messaging fields.

Advanced
Programming
Tutorial

A tutorial on programming the encoder begins on Page 25 and goes

into some detail on how commands are formatted and sent as different groups, or strings, of ASCII characters. To stress the importance and to impart full understanding of the syntax of characters
that need to be sent, the tutorial has been written for the more experienced programmer. It is hoped that the detailed instructions for
manually addressing the encoder, as if from a dumb terminal, will
give a sufficient understanding of how commands from station
automation must be formatted.

LOADING AND RUNNING THE SIMPLIFIED WINDOWS SOFTWARE

Installing the
Software

Insert the supplied CD. This software has an autorun utility,

therefore: click Start, then My Computer, and then double-click the
CD Drive (D:). Double click the file: setup.exe to launch the Wizard
(shown here) that will guide you through the several installation
steps. Unless you have a specific
reason to make changes, simply
accept the default recommendations in each step by selecting
Next> every time.
A normal installation will place
an icon on your computer Desktop. Double-clicking the icon
will start the data-entry software.
The data-entry screen is largely self-explanatory. Before entering
any data, it is important to select the proper encoder operating
mode. For North America (US, Canada and Mexico), the button indicated by the arrow should be toggled
to read: RBDS. For the rest of the
world, it should be set to indicate: RDS.
This is important both for setting the PI
code and to make sure that the proper
PTY group is selected.

19

Using ALL-CAPS

Because many RDS radios cannot display a full set of ASCII characters, the use of mixed (capitals and lowercase) letters can result in a
very bizarre or completely unreadable message. Thus this Windows data-entry software forces the use of all-capital letters.

PI Code
Calculator

The PI code is your station s digital address. It is a hexadecimal

code that is assigned by an appropriate broadcasting authority in
most countries, but in the United States PI is numerically calculated
from the station s callsign. (An in-depth discussion of the mathematical calculation appears in the NRSC RBDS Standard.)
A PI calculator for US
and
callsigns (US only!) is built into
the Model 712 software. Simply enter call letters into the Call box
and click the left-facing arrow. The hexadecimal code will automatically be entered in the Code box. If the hexadecimal code for a US
station is known, you may enter it under Code, and then click the
right-facing arrow to confirm a proper call letter match.
In all other countries the appropriate broadcasting authority is responsible for assigning PI codes, which are then entered directly into
the Code box. NOTE: Canadian and Mexican codes should never
bring up US-look-alike call letters when tested by clicking the
right-facing arrow! When in doubt: 1) consult the broadcasting authority, 2) check the latest published RDS Specification, or 3) log
onto the primary RDS information website: www.rds.org.uk for
help.
The illustration below shows the data entry screen filled-in for a
typical US rock station. Each of the entries will be detailed individually, with references to Manual page numbers that further explain the discussed RDS function.

PI

As explained above, software automatically calculates the PI Code

for US stations; otherwise the hexadecimal PI code assigned by the
broadcasting authority must be entered manually in the (Code) PI
field.

PTY

Program Type identifies the station s programming format from a

list. There are two lists, one for the European RDS system and one

20

for the American RBDS specification, hence the button that toggles
between RBDS and RDS. With the proper RDS/RBDS setting,
choose the station format from the drop-down list. Refer to Page 32
for a breakdown of the PTY lists and their differences.
PS

The 8-character PS field is for the street name of the station.

This will appear on the radio faceplate whenever a dynamic, scrolling-PS message is not being transmitted. PS is introduced on Page
8.

PARSE

Revision 2 of the Windows software offers the user a built-in utility

to parse messages automatically when dynamic messaging is enabled (see DPSS).

Parsing Defined

Parsing is used in the block mode of message transmission, the

more popular grouped-word method, and refers to the breakingdown of messages into meaningful segments for efficient display on
the 8-character alphanumeric readout common to all RDS receivers.
Once parsing options are set, this encoder function is valid for any
scrolling-PS message, whether it is entered into the static DPS register, or received as ASCII text from station automation.
Very short words are sent together in groups. For instance, THIS IS
constitutes seven characters that can be sent as a group. The same
would hold true for OF THE or NOW HERE. Longer words, up to and
including 8 characters, are sent individually: WARNING or DOUGHNUT
or BICYCLE. The Model 712 can either center words that are sent individually on the radio display or left-justify them. This will be covered along with the function of the PARSE button.
Words that exceed the available 8 characters are sidestepped
through two or more consecutive displays. Examples: EMERGENC followed by MERGENCY, or SUPERMAR followed by UPERMARK and PERMARKE and ERMARKET. This method of splitting words gives a good
sense of continuity and readability.

Safe Scrolling
Explained

Clicking on the PARSE button will show a drop-down menu of the

numbers 0 through 9. With 0 or 9 selected, parsing action will be
just as described. 0 centers word groups and 9 left-justifies them.
Other choices are for variations of what we call our Safe Scrolling
message display mode.
We developed Safe Scrolling because of our concern over distracted
car drivers. When viewing a message in the block mode (complete
words or groups of words), a driver must pay close attention to the
radio display or risk missing part of the message. Although the
message may be repeated over and over, the driver may tune in at
the end of a song, and in finding out who sang the number could
easily rear-end the car in front.
Safe Scrolling marches the message across the display screen one
character at a time, not unlike soldiers passing a reviewing stand. A
message requires a much longer transmission time in this mode, but
a glance at the radio display every ten to fifteen seconds still allows
the driver to get the full message without missing words.

21

Setting PARSE to 1 will scroll the message one character at a time,

as just described. Other numbers also safe-scroll the message, but
at 2, 3, 4, and up to 8 characters at a time. Selecting 9 will automatically parse, as previously described, but text will be left-justified
rather than centered on the display. 2 through 8 may be useful in
some special RDS applications, but 0 and 1 are the primary PARSE
selections. To recap: 0 will enable the more-popular, auto-parsed,
centered block mode and 1 the Safe Scrolling, letter-by-letter option.
DPSS

The speed of dynamic PS messaging is set here, or dynamic PS messaging can be turned off entirely. When OFF is selected, the dynamic PS message remains in the non-volatile encoder memory, but
only the 8-character default static street name typed into the PS
field will be displayed on the receiver faceplate.
Setting the speed at 1 will result in the slowest refresh rate of the
block message, or slowest Safe Scrolling. 9 is the fastest speed, but
many RDS radios may not display the message properly at high
speed settings. The display should be stable with any radio at a
speed setting of 7 or lower.

DRTS

RadioText is the separate 64-character message that may be displayed on some radios when the listener pushes an INFO or TEXT
button. Many automobile receivers will not permit RadioText display, hence the popularity of dynamic, scrolling-PS despite rules and
cautions against its use. RadioText is sent as a single, 64-character
message, so it generally needs to be refreshed less frequently in the
normal RDS transmission cycle.
DRTS sets this RadioText transmission refresh rate. As a static RadioText message is not generally called upon to convey dynamic advertising or song-title information like the scrolling-PS function, a
setting of 3 should be adequate. Higher settings may interact with
other functions and compromise the stability of any scrolling-PS
messages.
When DRTS is set to OFF, the RadioText message will not be transmitted. It will remain on the software screen and in the encoder
firmware memory, however.

MS

Select MUSIC or SPEECH as the primary station format (see Page

8).

TA

The TA flag is to be sent only for critical traffic-related announcements, and then only while the announcement is being broadcast.
We fervently recommend using only direct-connected, hardwareswitch-activation of the TA flag, as described on Page 14.
However, as the 712 encoder may be some distance from the studio
and addressed by a serial (or modem) connection, provision has been
made to set the TA flag with a software command. Selecting ON
from the drop-down TA menu will set the flag, which will remain on
until reset by selecting and sending OFF, or until the TA function
times-out, if the timeout function has been programmed using a
terminal or terminal emulation program (see Page 34).

22

TP

Set this to YES only if your station regularly broadcasts traffic advisories and will activate the TA flag for critical announcements. This
is clarified on Page 9.

DI

This is generally set for STEREO, unless the station has allmonaural programming and does not transmit the stereo pilot signal, in which case MONO may be selected. DI is discussed in further
depth on Page 8.

DPS

Up to 64 characters of information may be entered in the Dynamic

PS messaging field. This can be set either to parse (see Page 21),
or to scroll one character at a time. Both the European CENELEC
and the American NRSC specifications for RDS/RBDS operation expressly forbid Dynamic PS . Nonetheless, dynamic messaging is
flaunted in the face of these august agencies and is currently practiced worldwide.

Manual Parsing

The tic marks above the DPS entry field are useful in manually formatting dynamic, scrolling-PS messages that are not automatically
parsed; that is, broken into sensible groups by Model 712 Revision 2
software. The following illustration shows how one can manually
format a scrolling PS message for optimum readability. This same
illustration may prove valuable when it comes to deciding how to
format non-parsed messages within station automation software.
NOTE: In this illustration, the menu that drops-down from the
PARSE button would be set to 8, meaning that the full eight characters available on the radio faceplate would be sent as a group at each
transmission interval. Again, the automatic parsing function of the
Model 712 Encoder is not called into play for this illustration.
When simply scrolled one character at a time (PARSE = 1), the message shown in the example could be read easily, although it would
take about a minute for all characters to march sequentially across
the receiver faceplate. Alternatively, automatic parsing (PARSE = 0)
would break the message into independently-meaningful groups
with much faster message throughput.
But as it is typed in the Windows screen example on Page 20, and
with PARSE set to 8 (corresponding to the limit of the receiver display), the message would show up something like this:

LI S T E N

B R E T

I N

O R N I N G

T H E

H I L L A R

N D

C H E T

T H E Y

A R

I O U S

By altering the text slightly and forcing the message to break into
standalone clusters of eight characters, block transmission of essentially the same message would be far more readable. Here is an
example of how the message could be formatted:

23

Each sequentially-displayed 8-character screen would break at the

major tic marks and display on the radio faceplate as shown below:

L I S T E N

T O

I N

M O R N I N G

T H E
L AU G H

B R E T

A N D
T H E Y

C H E T
A R E

R I O T

Keep in mind that enabling the Model 712 parsing utility

(PARSE=0) will automatically perform this word-breaking function
in encoder firmware. This illustration simply shows how parsing
may be implemented manually. Additional discussion of dynamic
PS modes and formatting may be found under advanced programming notes on Pages 25 through 40.
TEXT

The 64-character RadioText buffer holds a static message that can

be called up for viewing on home RDS receivers and on some auto
radios. Please see the previous discussion on Page 9.
The entire 64-character RadioText message is transmitted as a
block. If so equipped, the receiver will buffer RadioText and display
it as a scrolling message automatically, hence there is no need to observe word breaks or perform other message formatting tasks.

SPEED

This refers to COM port serial communications with the encoder.

See additional information on Pages 15 and 30.

ECHO

The Model 712 can be set either to echo RS-232 programming commands back to the computer or automation system, or not. The option is not important when using the supplied Windows software,
but may have implication when addressing the encoder from a
dumb terminal or with station automation.

AF1

Rebroadcast translators or stations on a network may air the very

same program on multiple frequencies. Only when the program is
heard at the same time (synchronously) at different dial settings is
the associated frequency considered a true alternative frequency.

through

AF9

NOTE: When AFs are listed, the station s primary frequency must
also be in the list. AF frequencies are selected from a drop-down
menu associated with each AF button.
Sending Data
to the Encoder

Once all information is entered into the various fields, clicking the
Send To Encoder button will upload all RDS data to the Model 712.
As data is received by the Model 712, the RS-232 ACTIVITY indicator
on the front panel will flash.
Data transfer takes about 3 seconds, and a progress bar is shown at
the bottom of the window.

24

Done. is displayed when completed. If transfer is not successful for

any reason, an error message will be shown. The Done. message box
must be cleared before further data can be entered.
Entering data via the Windows software automatically initiates a
Save command, ensuring that the entry will remain in non-volatile
memory within the 712 encoder. This means that if the encoder
loses AC mains power, the most recently Windows-entered data will
be transmitted when power is restored. Even if the encoder is controlled by station automation, a default set of data should be uploaded to the Model 712 using the Windows software utility so that
something meaningful will be transmitted immediately following a
power outage.
Reading Data
From the
Encoder

In a situation where the RS-232 data link is lost, once communication has been reestablished data may be read from the encoder to
verify what is currently being broadcast. Clicking on Read From
Encoder will copy all entries from the encoder buffer to the software
screen.
The data resident in the Model 712 encoder memory may be
downloaded back onto the software screen without interrupting RDS
transmission. This feature is useful for updating only certain fields
of RDS data being transmitted without having to re-enter everything. Download by clicking Read From Encoder, make changes in
any of the fields, and then upload the revised file back to the encoder
with a Send To Encoder command.

File Management

All the RDS programming information on a filled-in data entry

screen may be also saved locally on the computer as a file. This is
useful when various programming segments throughout the broadcast day have dedicated RDS messaging, or when messaging needs
to be replaced within a programming segment with updated advertising or station promo information.
Data on the screen may be saved as a file before, after, or instead of
sending information to the encoder. Clicking in the menu bar on
FileSave As will prompt you for a location and name for the file,
which will have an .ino extension. The file may be named in keeping
with its content and stored on the computer Desktop, or in a folder
created and set aside for this purpose. To import a saved .ino file
onto the screen, click on FileOpen and browse to the directory and
folder where the .ino file has been saved. Double-click the file to
bring the RDS programming information onto the screen where it
then can be sent to the Model 712 encoder with a Send To Encoder
command.

ADVANCED PROGRAMMING - TERMINAL CONFIGURATION

Configuration of the terminal, computer or automation system obviously will depend on the connected hardware and its resident firmware. For simplicity of illustration, encoder programming instructions here reference HyperTerminal, the terminal emulation pro-

25

gram by Hilgraeve, Inc., developed for Microsoft and supplied with

the Windows operating system. It is hoped that programming instructions based on terminal emulation will help the programmer
better understand what ASCII syntax the encoder requires without
regard to the specific equipment that sends programming commands.
When using HyperTerminal, it s best first to upgrade to the latest
version. Download this at no charge from www.hilgraeve.com. The
more current product seems to run more smoothly and has text editing features not found in earlier versions.
NOTE: Disconnect the encoder or leave it turned off until the computer or terminal has been configured. Also,
be sure to quit the Model 712 Windows data-entry program before addressing the encoder with HyperTerminal.
HyperTerminal is started under Windows with the command routine: StartProgramsAccessoriesCommunications HyperTerminal.
Double-click: HyperTrm.exe. This brings up the main HyperTerminal
screen with a Connection Description window for naming your encoder
communications program (below, left). Type RDS and click OK. This
opens a Connect To window (below, right).

Click Connect Using and select Direct to Com1, unless there is a reason
to use another serial COM port. Click OK.
The next window that appears shows COM1 Properties. Here you set
the communications parameters as follows: Bits per second: 9600, Data
bits: 8, Parity: None, Stop bits: 1, Flow control: None. Check your settings
against the picture at the top of the next page. Click OK to close all
boxes and to clear the HyperTerminal data entry screen.

26

At the top of the HyperTerminal data entry screen, click

Check to make sure that the default settings agree with the screen capture on the left, below.

FilePropertiesSettings.

Click the ASCII Setup button. On the next screen, check the box: Send
line ends with line feeds, as shown at the right, below. Then close all

boxes. This leaves the main HyperTerminal window open for data
entry.

If you experience trouble communicating with the Model 712,

there s a quick and easy check to verify that the computer and the
terminal program are functioning normally. With pins 2 and 3 of
the DB-9 connector shorted with a screwdriver, whatever is typed on
the keyboard should appear on the screen.

27

Connect and
Turn-On

NOW connect the computer to the

encoder s RS-232 LINK port and
apply AC power to the encoder.
The HyperTerminal screen should
show the word Ready as the encoder is powered up, as shown in
the first screen shot on the right.
Next, type: ??8 (two question
marks followed by Enter). This
will cause the encoder to send back
the contents of all ID, flag and
message registers, which, as shown
on the far right, are either default
factory settings or empty. This
double question mark can be used
at any time to make the encoder
spill its guts. This exercise does
not interrupt or interfere with encoder operation.
Any single parameter in a register can be interrogated independently. Simply type the register designation followed by a single question
mark. A response shown at the right for the
typed command: PI?8 .

PROGRAMMING SYNTAX
How to Type

In these programming instructions the exact ASCII syntax to be entered on the keyboard will be given in the font used in this example:
TEXT=HELLO8 . Specifically, the word TEXT, the equal sign and
the word HELLO would be typed, followed immediately by pressing
the Enter key. We will use 8 as the symbol for Enter.
Take time to type deliberately and slowly. Even at 9600 baud, some
delays are inherent in the communications between the computer
and the encoder. One characteristic of typing too quickly will be the
omission of line feeds in responses returned from the encoder.

Using ALL CAPS

Programming commands should be typed in ALL CAPS (capital letters) and messages should be kept as simple as possible. Though
the encoder will accept lowercase letters and all ASCII punctuation
in the PS and RT fields, some RDS radios have limited character
sets and may display ambiguous lowercase characters or gibberish.
To assure readability, keep the keyboard Caps Lock key engaged
and avoid fancy punctuation. Smileys are not a good idea.

Correcting
Mistakes

Under HyperTerminal, use the Enter key to drop to a new line, if

required, and use either the Backspace key or the keyboard s directional arrows to navigate within a text entry. Overtyping an entry

28

will automatically replace the previous characters. What is shown

on the screen before the Enter key is pressed is what will be sent to
the encoder.
Echo

Your computer screen will display what has been echoed by the
encoder as data is entered. Each character typed on the keyboard
will be sent to the encoder, which will turn it back around to be
shown on the monitor screen. This round trip gives continuous confirmation of 2-way communications.
The return data path is not essential, however. The Model 712 will
accept programming commands on a receive-only basis. For example, a studio-transmitter radio link (STL) may include 1-way data
transmission that could be used to address the encoder.
If double characters appear when typing, your terminal or computer
has been configured for local echo. Rather than defeating the echo
function of the encoder, local echo should be turned off. This is usually a software command in the terminal or terminal program. Local echo may be used with a 1-way link.
The Model 712 has been set to echo as the factory default. The
command to turn echo off is ECHO=08 . To turn echo back on
again, type ECHO=18 .

Validity Symbols

The Model 712 ignores ASCII inputs that do not conform to proper
formatting rules. This is an important feature when the encoder is
connected full-time to station automation. When a valid command
is accepted by the encoder, it returns OK to the computer screen. If
a data input is properly formatted, but is ambiguous or otherwise
not accurate, the screen will display NO. Examples of valid and invalid commands are shown below. Follow programming instructions
exactly to ensure that commands will be accepted.

Valid speed, 9600 baud

Invalid speed, 3000 baud
Valid Traffic Announcement
commands, TA=1 and TA=0
Invalid TA=6
Valid hexadecimal PI value
Invalid call-letters substitution

29

ENCODER COMMUNICATIONS SETTINGS

Basic encoder communications settings have been preset at the factory at default values. Communications commands must use proper
syntax, as described above, and preferably typed in ALL CAPS for
reasons already given.
Communication
Speed

The encoder defaults to 9600, 8, N, 1 ASCII communications. To

change just the baud rate to 2400, for example, type:
SPEED=24008 . Acceptable baud rates are 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200,
38400, 57600 or 115200. The Model 712 may be addressed at the
highest, 115200 baud speed, but the trifling amount of data that is
ever uploaded to the encoder really makes the highest speed a matter of overkill. Even the modest default 9600 baud setting is lightning fast for encoder programming, and may prove far more dependable, especially with long data cable runs. The lowest baudrate settings are useful when the encoder is addressed via a dial-up
modem or a slow data channel that is part of an STL radio link.

Echo

As recommended earlier, the encoder should echo the keyboard

commands, rather than having the terminal echo locally. ECHO=18
enables encoder echo, ECHO=08 turns it off.

ENCODER HOUSEKEEPING COMMANDS

Register
Interrogation

Typing: ??8 (two question marks followed by Enter) returns the

status of all flag and ID settings and the contents of static message
buffers to the screen. This was illustrated on Page 28.

Encoder
Initialization

The initialize command is invoked by typing: INIT8 . This is used

to reestablish encoder operation in the unlikely event of an internal
firmware crash, or to restore temporary factory defaults. INIT8
erases all user programming that has been saved in non-volatile
memory. (See Saving Presets, below, for using the SAVE8 command
for retaining data entered.) INIT8 is an emergency recovery command only. It is not necessary to execute INIT8 prior to updating
any encoder programming.

Saving Presets

Once the RDS parameters have been set-up, or after any updates
have been made, type: SAVE8 to write data to non-volatile memory.
The SAVE8 command may be executed at any time during the data
entry process to protect everything entered to that point, and executed again when all entry is complete.

Encoder Reset

Typing: RESET8 initiates a hardware reset equivalent to turning

the encoder off and back on again. This reset command does not
clear the registers of programming commands that have been saved
as described above.

Firmware
Version

Type: REV8 for a display of the encoder s firmware version. This

has importance in determining whether differences exist between
Model 712 encoders purchased at different times.

30

STATIC DATA PROGRAMMING

The following instructions detail a hard way of programming the
various IDs, flags, and static text messages. Only the abbreviations
of the functions are given. Refer to Pages 7 through 9 for in-depth
parameter descriptions.
NOTE: This programming is most easily accomplished using the
Windows data-entry software supplied with the encoder. See Page
19. However, if a Windows computer and the Model 712 software
is not available at the encoder location, the following instructions
may be followed when programming with an ASCII terminal.
PI Calculation

In Europe and in some other parts of the world, an appropriate bureaucracy assigns the PI code for RDS transmissions. PI is a hexadecimal number that becomes the station digital address. In the
US the PI code is mathematically calculated from the station s call
letters using a formula published in the US RBDS Standard. This is
a copious process, that s why we built a calculator into the Windows software supplied with the Model 712.
The manual PI calculation method shown here is valid only for fourletter calls. Three-letter calls have been preassigned. These are
published in the RBDS Standard.
For the manual method, each letter of the alphabet is assigned a
number value according to the following list:
A
B
C
D
E
F
G

0
1
2
3
4
5
6

H
I
J
K
L
M
N

7
8
9
10
11
12
13

O
P
Q
R
S
T
U

14
15
16
17
18
19
20

V
W
X
Y
Z

21
22
23
24
25

Now follow these simple(?) steps to calculate the PI. Here we have
provided an example for Radio Station KWAV.
1) Take the number value of the
fourth letter of your call and write it
at the top of a column.

V=21

2) Take the number value of the third

letter of your call, multiply it by 26
and add it to the column.

A=0 (X 26)

3) Take the number value of the second letter of your call, multiply it by
676 and add it to the column.

W=22 (X 676)

4) If your call begins with a K, add

4096 to the column. If it begins
with a W, add 21672.

K (add 4096)

5) Add the column up.

21

14872

4096
______
18989

This gives a decimal number value for your call letters, which now

31

has to be converted to hexadecimal for the PI entry.

The easiest way to convert from decimal to hexadecimal is with the
Windows accessory calculator. Bring the calculator up with the sequence: StartProgramsAccessoriesCalculator.
Then select:
ViewScientific and verify that the Dec (Decimal) box is checked.
Enter your decimal sum with the keyboard keypad as shown below.

Next check the Hex box. The hexadecimal value will be displayed on
the calculator as shown below.

The hexadecimal conversion shown in the example is 4A2D. This is

an alphanumeric value containing both letters and numbers. Some
PI codes may contain only numbers, but all will have four characters. Our four-character example is entered by typing: PI=4A2D8 .
PS

The Program Service Name is your station s Street Name. This

may be simply the call letters, KBAD or KBAD-FM or a slogan such
as LIVE 105. Up to 8 characters (including spaces) may be accommodated. Enter by typing: PS=xxxxxxxx8 , where x represents the
entry in capital letters. (A discussion and instructions for scrolling
PS begin on Page 37.)

PTY

Program Type indicates the station format. The listings shown

on the next page were assigned by the NRSC in the United States
and by CENELEC for the rest of the world. Be sure to select your
format from the proper list!
The numbers in the PTY column indicate the categories listed in the
appropriate standards. Enter this number into the encoder s PTY
field by typing: PTY=n8 or PTY=nn8 , where n or nn is the number
shown in the PTY column on the following page.

32

PTY
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31

US (NRSC)

EUROPE (CENELEC)

None
News
Information
Sports
Talk
Rock Music
Classic Rock Music
Adult Hit Music
Soft Rock Music
Top 40 Music
Country Music
Oldies Music
Soft Music
Nostalgia Music
Jazz
Classical Music
Rhythm and Blues Music
Soft R and B Music
Foreign Language
Religious Music
Religious Talk
Personality
Public Non-Commercial
College
(unassigned)
(unassigned)
(unassigned)
(unassigned)
(unassigned)
Weather
Emergency Test
Emergency!

None
News
Current Affairs
Information
Sports
Education
Drama
Culture
Science
Varied
Pop Music
Rock Music
Easy Listening Music
Light Classics Music
Serious Classics Music
Other Music
Weather
Finance
Children s Programs
Social Affairs
Religion
Phone-In
Travel
Leisure
Jazz Music
Country Music
National Music
Oldies Music
Folk Music
Documentary
Alarm Test
Alarm!

NOTE: PTY codes 30 and 31 are reserved for true emergency and
emergency test situations only. Consult the appropriate Standards
Group for using these PTY codes.
Also please take care in coding the PTY identifier, as the categories
can be ambiguous. For instance, what if yours is a college station
that relays NPR programming? How about Rock and Top 40 crossovers? Just what can Cultural possibly pertain to in the 21st Century? Would Serious Classics dare to include Stravinsky or Bartok?
For clarifications on these and other burning questions, refer to the
appropriate RBDS or RDS Standard, or put your question directly to
the Standards Group. We regret that Inovonics is not certified to
answer such questions.
The PTY identifier can be made into a semi-dynamic function. It
can be changed from one entry to another if your station dayparts
(alters formats during specific, extended periods). The PTY should

33

not change from song to song or to accommodate a 5-minute newscast, however.

TP

If yours is a station that transmits travel advisory updates on a

regular basis, type: TP=18 . If you do not broadcast travel information, type: TP=08 .

TA

The Travel Announcement flag can be software-activated by typing:

TA=18 , but must be turned off by typing TA=08 immediately when
the announcement ends. TA is most easily and safely activated with
a hard-wired switch closure at the announcer s position (see Page
14). Leave the software command set at TA=08 and use the switch!

TA Timeout

A safety feature has been built into the Model 712 to guard against
an extended software-activated TA flag. Say, for example, that the
TA flag was activated by the software command: TA=18 , and the
data link was suddenly lost. No TA=08 command would be received, and the TA flag would remain raised indefinitely. As this is
not a good thing, an automatic timeout option has been included for
software-activated TA flags.
Timeout can be set between 1 and 9 minutes. To enable this feature, type: TATIME=m8 , with the value of m (minutes) between 1
and 9. This will automatically reset the TA flag to TA=0 after the
programmed time has elapsed.
As received, this timeout feature is disabled. Type: TATIME?8 . A
zero returned from the encoder shows that the feature is turned off.
Once set, the feature can again be disabled by typing: TATIME=08 .
NOTE: The timeout should not be used to define the actual period
that the TA flag is raised. The TA flag must be reset to zero immediately following a traffic announcement. Again, it s best to use the
manual switch option for this command as described on Page 14.

AF

As many as 9 alternative frequencies may be entered in to the

Model 712. These are optional frequencies that carry the very same
program as the main channel as in a network or translator situation.
Alternative frequencies are actually transmitted as special AF channel numbers. The RDS receiver logs these channel values and uses
them in the process of finding a stronger signal of the identical program, either from another station on a network or from a rebroadcast translator.
The Model 712 has nine registers for alternative frequencies. Each
register must have a numerical value assigned and entered into it.
Any register that is not used for an alternative frequency must have
a 0 (zero) value inserted. The factory default is a zero in all registers.
Alternative frequency channels begin with Channel 1 at 87.6MHz,
and go in 100kHz increments up to Channel 204 at 107.9MHz. The
table on the next page converts frequency to AF channel numbers.

34

MHz

CHAN

MHz

CHAN

MHz

CHAN

MHz

CHAN

87.6
87.7
87.8
87.9
88.0
88.1
88.2
88.3
88.4
88.5
88.6
88.7
88.8
88.9
89.0
89.1
89.2
89.3
89.4
89.5
89.6
89.7
89.8
89.9
90.0
90.1
90.2
90.3
90.4
90.5
90.6
90.7
90.8
90.9
91.0
91.1
91.2
91.3
91.4
91.5
91.6
91.7
91.8
91.9
92.0
92.1
92.2
92.3
92.4
92.5
92.6

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51

92.7
92.8
93.9
93.0
93.1
93.2
93.3
93.4
93.5
93.6
93.7
93.8
93.9
94.0
94.1
94.2
94.3
94.4
94.5
94.6
94.7
94.8
94.9
95.0
95.1
95.2
95.3
95.4
95.5
95.6
95.7
95.8
95.9
96.0
96.1
96.2
96.3
96.4
96.5
96.6
96.7
96.8
96.9
97.0
97.1
97.2
97.3
97.4
97.5
97.6
97.7

52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102

97.8
97.9
98.0
98.1
98.2
98.3
98.4
98.5
98.6
98.7
98.8
98.9
99.0
99.1
99.2
99.3
99.4
99.5
99.6
99.7
99.8
99.9
100.0
100.1
100.2
100.3
100.4
100.5
100.6
100.7
100.8
100.9
101.0
101.1
101.2
101.3
101.4
101.5
101.6
101.7
101.8
101.9
102.0
102.1
102.2
102.3
102.4
102.5
102.6
102.7
102.8

103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153

102.9
103.0
103.1
103.2
103.3
103.4
103.5
103.6
103.7
103.8
103.9
104.0
104.1
104.2
104.3
104.4
104.5
104.6
104.7
104.8
104.9
105.0
105.1
105.2
105.3
105.4
105.5
105.6
105.7
105.8
105.9
106.0
106.1
106.2
106.3
106.4
106.5
106.6
106.7
106.8
106.9
107.0
107.1
107.2
107.3
107.4
107.5
107.6
107.7
107.8
107.9

154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204

To enter the alternative frequency of 98.1MHz into register one,

type: AF1=1068 . To enter the alternative frequency of 107.7MHz
into register two, type: AF2=2028 . Enter a value into all nine reg-

35

isters. If only a couple of alternative frequencies are entered be sure

to type a 0 (zero) into all unused registers.
NOTE: The alternative frequency utility requires that the station s
main frequency be entered into one of the registers, whether that
station has translators or not. Be sure to enter the primary frequency of the station into one of the registers, and enter zeroes into
unused registers.
DI

Though this identifier is not presently used to any great extent, to

be on the safe side type: DI=18 if you are a stereo station, and type:
DI=08 if you broadcast only in monaural.

M/S

The utility of this flag also is obscure. Nevertheless, it is recommended to type: MS=08 if your broadcast day is primarily speech,
such as All-News or Talk Radio, and type: MS=18 if music makes up
the bulk of your programming.

RT

RadioText is the static message that appears on the radio faceplate

when called up by the listener. This is not to be confused with the
PS field, which can be either static or dynamic. Some stations make
RadioText a dynamic function, changing the message at intervals to
promote an upcoming broadcast, to announce results of a contest, or
to send advertising messages. We recommend that you program a
default RadioText message into static memory and initiate a SAVE8
command. This will ensure that the RadioText field will not be
empty following a power outage or loss of the data link.
To enter the static RadioText type: TEXT=x1x2x3 . . . x648 ,
with x representing up to 64 uppercase characters, including spaces;
a RadioText message may be shorter than 64 characters, however.
Even with a default message saved in non-volatile memory, RadioText is updated simply by entering new data. This may be done
manually from a computer or terminal, or automatically by station
automation for messages that change during the day. When connecting the encoder s RS-232 SERIAL DATA INTERCONNECT port to
the automation system, be sure that the system is configured for the
proper data rate and programmed to give the TEXT=... header
when sending data.

RadioText Rate

Generally, RadioText is updated less frequently than IDs and flags

to keep from slowing-down the radio s search for formats, traffic information and alternative frequencies. The tradeoff is that text
messages are sent and updated less frequently. There will always be
a tradeoff between RadioText throughput and speed of other RDS
functions, including AF-seek and either static or scrolling PS displays.
The RadioText update rate is programmed by typing: DRTS=n8 ,
with n a number between 1 and 9, corresponding to a refresh rate
between slow and fast, respectively. Keeping the throughput tradeoff in mind, unless RadioText is being used for contests or for other
quasi-dynamic activities, it is best to use a lower number. A rate of
1, 2 or 3 will make little difference in the speed of other RDS functions.

36

NOTE: RadioText can be turned off entirely by typing: DRTS=08 .

A zero value in this field turns the RadioText message off, but does
not delete any saved message from memory.
Free Format
Group

The encoder can transmit two unspecified data groups for in-house
remote control, restricted paging or similar proprietary applications.
This feature can be static, with the same data transmitted repeatedly, or controlled by an external application as a dynamic function.
The two free data groups are known as the
and
groups.
Each contains three hexadecimal ASCII blocks of data. To enter
data into these groups, type: G=bbbbccccdddd8
and/or:
H=bbbbccccdddd8 . The blocks represented by bbbb, cccc and
dddd are the RDS B, C and D data blocks. Certain hexadecimal values in these blocks may already be in use for RDS functions supported by the 712 encoder. Consult the applicable RBDS or RDS
Standard for more information on how these data can be used.

Saving Entries

Once all data have been entered, execute a SAVE8 command to

write your entries to non-volatile memory. Data held in non-volatile
memory is loaded into working memory following a power-up or a
RESET8 command. Saving to non-volatile memory is a good precautionary measure and does not limit dynamic operation.

SCROLLING DISPLAYS AND DYNAMIC ENCODER OPERATION

Safety
Considerations

The concept of scrolling text messages on the dashboard of a car, in

plain view of the driver, continues to be the subject of discussion
and debate within the broadcast community and with transportation
safety agencies. It should be a matter of common-sense concern to
the responsible broadcaster as well.
Inovonics takes a cautionary, conservative view of dynamic message
displays in plain view of an automobile driver. The CENELEC and
NRSC standards groups have expressly forbidden this practice for
good reason. Proponents argue that GPS and other navigational
aids in cars pose a similar and equal hazard, even though these displays are often more of a heads-up display than the faceplate of a
dash-mounted radio. Indeed, propping a paperback mystery novel
on the car s steering wheel is more heads-up than the radio faceplate, but do these scrolling display proponents condone reading
while driving, we wonder? It is our recommendation to relegate visual readouts to display only essential information, and in a manner
that poses the least distraction.

RadioText

RadioText is transmitted as a 64-character block of data. The presentation of this display has been left to receiver manufacturers.
Some home receivers can actually show the entire message at once,
whereas other radios must scroll the message in a limited window.
A good number of auto radios simply do not support RadioText, and
others require the operator to press a TEXT or INFO button to enable the display. A few car radios actually disable the RT readout

37

when the car is moving.

Dynamic PS

When the CENELEC and NRSC standards for RDS/RBDS were initially drafted, scrolling text in the PS field was absolutely forbidden.
Despite this edict, not to mention the inferences of common sense,
the refresh rate of the PS field makes message scrolling not only
possible but also tempting. Early implementers of RDS discovered
the means by which this could be done, and encoder manufacturers
rose to the occasion with accommodating hardware. Now thirdparty data consolidators provide message formatting services on a
subscription basis to broadcasters, fitting messages into the 8character PS field by calling on Internet connections and links to
libraries of song titles, weather forecasts, stock quotes and ads.

Block
Transmission

The quickest and most popular PS messaging format is block

transmission. Rather than scrolling the message across the receiver
faceplate like so many marching soldiers, the message is formatted
into 8-character blocks of text. Song title and artist information is
sent on sequential 8-character screens like this:
F I R S T

C U T

D E E P E S T

I S

T H E

S H E R Y L

C R O W

This gives the information in six screens. With a typical refresh rate
of two seconds per screen, this same information could be repeated
several times during the song, and even interspersed with a preview
of the next selection, advertising, or a station ID and promo.
The main drawback to the block method of messaging is that a message in this format must be watched almost continuously to avoid
missing part of the text. If the message can be counted on to repeat,
a missed portion could be caught next time around. But if a lot of
information is flying along at a good clip, the data-deprived driver
could easily be distracted.
True Scrolling

The Model 712 can be programmed to send dynamic PS messages by

the block method if text is properly formatted, either by the built-in
parsing utility, or manually, as discussed on Page 23. In the interest of safety, however, Inovonics has developed an alternative technique that more closely fits the description of scrolling-PS, very
much like soldiers marching past a reviewing stand. This alternative is not nearly as fast as the block transmission method, but is far
safer. Here is how the same song and title would look:
F I R S T
R S T

C U T

C U T
T

I S

T H E

H E

I S

F I R S T
S T

D E E P E

I S

I S

D E

T H E
E

38

I R S T

C U T

C U T

T H E

C U

T H E
D E E

D E E P E S

C U T

C U T

I S

U T

I S

T H

I S

T H E

T H E

D E E P

D E E P E S T

D E E P E S T

E E P E S T

P E S T

E S T

C H E

S H E R Y L

H E R Y L

C R

C H E R

S H E R Y L
E R Y L

C R O

E P E S T
S T

S H E R Y

S H E R Y L
R Y L

C H

C R O W

This safer method has taken 30 screens to show the same information that the block method displayed in 6 screens. That s a full
minute versus 12 seconds by the block method. Clearly the
throughput is far less with true scrolling, but the display requires
only the occasional glance to capture the entire message. True
scrolling does not accommodate the channel surfer well, however; a
scrolled message may not repeat if tuned-in in the middle of a song.
Selecting the
Dynamic Mode
Enabling
Dynamic PS
and Setting the
Refresh Rate

To activate the scrolling mode of dynamic PS messaging, type:

PARSE=18 . For the block mode, type: PARSE=08 .

The transmission rate for successive frames of PS data can be adjusted between a nominal fast and slow. For block text transmission, a slower setting would be a wise choice, as each block of the
message would stay on the radio s 8-character display long enough
to be seen by an occasional casual glance.
In the case of scrolling text, a faster setting would be in order, as the
message inherently takes longer to display in its entirety.
To enable dynamic PS messaging, type: DPSS=n8 , where n is a
number between 1 and 9; 1 being the slowest update of the PS field,
and 9 being the fastest. Type: DPSS=08 to turn dynamic PS messaging off. Entering a zero value will transmit the saved static message in the PS field.
Some radios cannot process fast updates in the PS field. A fast setting for scrolling text could display only gibberish on some radios.

Entering
Dynamic PS
Text

Dynamic PS messages are held in encoder memory as 64-character

(maximum) text strings. In the block mode, and with the automatic parsing utility enabled (PARSE=0), short words are consolidated and longer ones sidestepped to fit successive 8-character display screens. If the safer scrolling PS mode is used (PARSE=1),
the message will just slowly march across the radio display.
Enter text as all-caps by typing: DPS=x1x2x3...x648 , x representing up to 64 capital characters as shown here:
x1 x2 x3 x4 x5 x6 x7 x8 x9 x10 x11 x12 x13 x14 x15 x16 x17 x18 x19 x20 x21 x22

F I R S T

C U T

I S

T H E

D E E P E

x23 x24 x25 x26 x27 x28 x29 x30 x31 x32 x33 x34 x35 x36 x37 x38 x39 x40 x41 x42 x43 x44

S T

S H E R Y L

C R O W

x45 x46 x47 x48 x49 x50 x51 x52 x53 x54 x55 x56 x57 x58 x59 x60 x61 x62 x63 x64

39

Note that, in this case, text is entered without need for special formatting, perhaps just as it comes from station automation.
Note also that there is sufficient space available to add further information such as ON KWAV or ON A&M RECORDS. If no text is entered in the blank, trailing fields, the message will begin repeating
from the beginning.

40

Section IV
APPENDIX
TABULATED LISTING OF ENCODER COMMANDS AND PROMPTS
PARAMETER

COMMAND

DATA ENTRY

Program Identification

PI=

4 digit HEX number (station digital address )

Program Service Name

PS=

8 (max) ASCII characters (station street name )

Dynamic PS

DPS=

64 (max) ASCII characters (for messaging in PS field)

Dynamic PS Speed

DPSS=

0 to 9 (0 = OFF, 1 = slow, 9 = fastest)

Dynamic PS Method

PARSE=

0 to 9 (0 = Auto-Parse, centered, 1 to 8 = Safe

Scrolling, 9= Auto-Parse, left-justified)

Program Type

PTY=

1 or 2 digit number (describes station format)

Traffic Program

TP=

0 or 1 (0 = no, 1 = yes)

Traffic Alert

TA=

0 or 1 (0 = flag off, 1 = flag on)

Software TA Timeout

TATIME=

0 to 9 (0 = function off, 1-9 = minutes to timeout)

Alternative Frequencies

AF1=

0 to 204 (0 = blank; 1 to 204 = channel in

100kHz increments, 87.6MHz to 107.9MHz)

AF2=
AF3=
AF4=
AF5=
AF6=
AF7=
AF8=
AF9=
Decoder Information

DI=

1 digit HEX number (defines mono or 2-channel mode)

M/S

MS=

0 or 1 (0 = speech-only, 1 = music)

RadioText

TEXT=

64 (max) ASCII characters

Dynamic RadioText Speed

DRTS=

0 to 9 (0 = RadioText off; 1 to 9 = update rate, slow to

fast)

RS-232 Serial Baud Rate

SPEED=

2400 or 4800 or 9600 or 115200

Command Echo

ECHO=

0 or 1 (0 = echo off, 1 = echo on)

41

COMMAND

SPECIAL COMMANDS

Followed by command without equal sign returns status

of encoder memory for that parameter; eg.: AF3?.

??

Returns all data in encoder memory.

REV

Returns firmware revision number.

SAVE

Saves all uploaded commands to non-volatile RAM.

RESET

Resets the encoder as if AC power were cycled

off and on.

INIT

Initializes the encoder to all factory defaults.

RESPONSE

MEANING

OK

Command received by encoder properly formatted and understood.

NO

Command properly formatted but data not understood.

(NONE)

Data sent is ignored by the Model 712.

42

INOVONICS WARRANTY
I

TERMS OF SALE: Inovonics products are sold with an understanding of full satisfaction ; that is, full credit or refund will be issued for
products sold as new if returned to the point of purchase within 30
days following their receipt, provided that they are returned complete and in an as received condition.

II

CONDITIONS OF WARRANTY: The following terms apply unless

amended in writing by Inovonics, Inc.
A. The Warranty Registration Card supplied with this product must
be completed and returned to Inovonics within 10 days of delivery.
B. This Warranty applies only to products sold as new. It is extended only to the original end-user and may not be transferred
or assigned without prior written approval by Inovonics.
C. This Warranty does not apply to damage caused by misuse,
abuse, accident or neglect. This Warranty is voided by unauthorized attempts at repair or modification, or if the serial identification label has been removed or altered.

III

TERMS OF WARRANTY: Inovonics, Inc. products are warranted to

be free from defects in materials and workmanship.
A. Any discrepancies noted within ONE YEAR of the date of delivery will be repaired free of charge, or the equipment will be replaced with a new or remanufactured product at Inovonics option.
B. Parts and labor for factory repair required after the one-year
Warranty period will be billed at prevailing prices and rates.

IV

RETURNING GOODS FOR FACTORY REPAIR:

A. Equipment will not be accepted for Warranty or other repair
without a Return Authorization (RA) number issued by Inovonics
prior to its return. An RA number may be obtained by calling the
factory. The number should be prominently marked on the outside of the shipping carton.
B. Equipment must be shipped prepaid to Inovonics. Shipping
charges will be reimbursed for valid Warranty claims. Damage
sustained as a result of improper packing for return to the factory is not covered under terms of the Warranty and may occasion additional charges.
Revised Feb. 2003