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Program type PTY
This is an identification number to be transmitted with each program item and which is intended to specify the current
Program type within 31 possibilities. This code could be used for search tuning. The code will, moreover, enable suitable
receivers and recorders to be pre-set to respond only to program items of the desired type. The last number, i.e. 31, is
reserved for an alarm identification which is intended to switch on the audio signal when a receiver is operated in a waiting
reception mode.
Music/Speech
This is a two-state signal to provide information on whether music or speech is being broadcast. The signal would permit
receivers to be equipped with two separate volume controls, one for music and one for speech, so that the listener could
adjust the balance between them to suit his individual listening habits.
AF - Alternative Frequencies
The list of alternative frequencies gives information on the various transmitters broadcasting the same program in the same
or adjacent reception areas. This facility is particularly useful in the case of car and portable radios. When the PI code
indicates local coverage-area, i.e. only one frequency is used, AF list may contain this frequency.
PS0
Setting up RDS – PS fields
PS
This is the label of the program service consisting of not more than eight alphanumeric characters, which is displayed by
RDS receivers in order to inform the listener what program service is being broadcast by the station to which the receiver is
tuned. If you want to use just one PS setting please set delay for all others to 0. You can select delay for each of the PS
labels. Note that setting a 0 disables associated PI. Labels will start at the start of the list once they reach the last defined PS
label (they run in a loop). Do not exaggerate; fast changing PI labels can compromise driver safety!
More information about PS feature
This is the most interesting feature for 99% of customers out there so we will dedicate a bit more time to it. RDS standard
provides for an 8-character PS string which is used to identify radio station and is displayed by RDS-enabled radio receivers.
Some countries prohibit changing this text dynamically, but others don't. Whatever your decision may be, RDSMAX
supports either static or dynamic PS. It is best to check with the local authorities before setting up the RDS encoder.
The mechanism for handling dynamic (or static) PS text is best demonstrated by the following example:
Imagine a train traveling in a round trip involving 100 train stations. The train starts on station 00 (PS00) and goes through
stations 01, 02…. until it passes through station 99 and finally returns to station 00. Every time a train stops at the station it
sends the message back to the headquarters (PS text shown on RDS receiver). The amount of time the train stays at the
station (delay - PD00 to PD99) varies and can be from 0 minutes (train does not stop) to 9 minutes. I hope this little analogy
has illustrated the process. You have 100 8-character strings (PS00 to PS99) which are displayed one after the other until the
entire loop repeats itself. You can define how long each of these strings is displayed, the parameter which defines this is PD
(PD00 to PD99).
Example: If you wish to just have one static PS, set all delays to 0 and set just PD00 to 1. Then set PS00 to desired states PS,
which will be displayed indefinitely.