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RDS300/RDS500/RDS1000 User Manual 3.10
4.
The M/S flag.
A simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ type flag to indicate whether a stations’ programming is
primarily Music or Speech.
5.
The TP, or Traffic Program, flag.
This is an indication of whether your station carries traffic
information on a regular basis.
6.
The TA, or Traffic Announcement, flag.
This is a more critical indicator that says to the
receiver “We are broadcasting a traffic report right now!” WARNING! There are strict
regulations on the use of this flag! If a receiver is set to respond to this flag, it can actually force
the tuner to a new station or interrupt a CD or cassette to hear the traffic information! It is illegal
to have this flag set to ‘on’ if your station is not currently broadcasting traffic information!
7.
Clock Time.
Allows a receiver to display a time generated by a KVARTA encoder. For more on
the use of this feature, see the ‘Broadcasting Accurate Time’ section under ‘Advanced Functions’.
8.
ODA, or Open Data Applications.
Just what it says, use of part of the RDS/RBDS data stream
to send any type of data you like, for whatever purpose you desire. Many stations are finding this
application has the potential to generate additional revenue.
NOTE:
Use of ODA applications requires obtaining an Application Identification Code (AID). This code
will be broadcast in the 3A groups and identifies the type of application used to transmit data in the
ODA groups.
9.
PS, or Program Service, code.
This (along with Radio text) is the part of the RDS data that
actually displays alphanumeric information on the listeners’ radio.
10.
RT, or Radio Text, code.
Another alphanumeric type display. Maximum 64 characters.
11.
PIN, Program Identification Number.
The transmitted Programme Item Number code will be the scheduled broadcast start time and
day of month as published by the broadcaster.
12.
DI, Decoder Identification.
Rarely used, but tells the receiver to decode the broadcast as a
stereo or mono signal. Also can alert the receiver that the PTY codes are dynamic and may
change throughout the day.
13.
AF - The Alternate Frequency function is one of the most important.
This is a broadcast
of a list of other frequencies that are carrying the same program using the same PI code. A
receiver, acting on the information in the AF list, will continuously sample the other optional
frequencies available, and when it discovers one that is better than the frequency currently
tuned, it automatically tunes the new frequency. Then, from the AF list being broadcast on the
new frequency, it starts sampling others, and so on. Thus, a listener can hear the same program
over a very wide geographic area, with the AF lists and the receiver determining what
frequencies can be used for any given point in that area.
14.
EON, or Extended Other Networks.
A method of encoding and transmitting AF, PI, and PTY
codes for other networks and programs, usually co-owned with the primary program. This is a
way for Networks that are providing several programs over a geographic area to pre-load the
receivers with information that will allow tuning to any of their alternate programs should the
primary program signal become weak.
15.
LINK
- A way to link multiple encoders on a network.
16.
SLC, or Slow Labeling Codes.
Allows programming receivers to accept widely diverse types of
RDS application. Broadcast in RDS Group 1.
17.
TDC
- Transparent Data Channel, for transmitting diverse RDS data. Group 5.
