HOW to SmartGen Micro - All you need to know

SmartGen Micro How to: Are DEVA’s RDS/RBDS encoders capable to display artist and song information on the listeners’ radios?

RDS/RBDS is one of the core competencies of DEVA. Thus, all encoders can display artist and title information on the receivers.

SmartGen Micro How to: What is the difference between static and dynamic RDS/RBDS?

The RDS/RBDS features can be split into two groups: static data and dynamic data. Static means that AF, PI, PS, PTY, TA, TP, MS, DI, PTYN, RADIOTEXT parameters stay unchanged, or change rarely. Dynamic means that the previously enumerated parameters can be changed remotely and/or when the following features are required: IH, TDC, TMC, EWS, ODA, and data transmissions.

SmartGen Micro How to: Can DEVA’s SmartGen Encoders cope with the US RBDS system?

Yes, all DEVA’s RDS Encoders are 100% compatible with the US RBDS.

SmartGen Micro How to: I need to add an RBDS/RDS services to each of the FM Stations that I own. How can I do that?

In order for an RDS presence to each station to be added, you would need the following equipment - one basic RDS/RBDS encoder per transmitter (SmartGen Micro or SmartGen 3.1) for static RDS/RBDS services, an advanced encoder (SmartGen Mini, SmartGen 4.1, SmartGen 5.0, SmartGen 6.0) and associated data link for dynamic RDS/RBDS services.

SmartGen Micro How to: How should I properly connect/install my DEVA RDS/RBDS Encoder?

Usually the encoder is connected between the stereo generator (if one is used) and the FM exciter (RF modulator). Since some FM exciters, have a separate input for "RDS" or "SUBCARRIERS", the encoder could also be connected there. In case the Studio Transmitter Links (STLs) carry a composite (multiplex) signal, the encoder can also be connected at the studio.

SmartGen Micro How to: My FM station is Mono. Will the encoder generate a 57kHz subcarrier without reference to the pilot tone?

If a valid synchronization signal is not present (no signal or a signal out of the 19 kHz ±2Hz range), DEVA’s encoder will switch automatically to an internal reference.

SmartGen Micro How to: Are DEVA’s encoders compatible with the UECP protocol?

All DEVA Encoders, except for SmartGen Micro and SmartGen 3.1, are fully compliant with EBU SPB490 Ver.7.05. (UECP stands for Universal Encoder Communication Protocol for RDS.)

SmartGen Micro How to: My station’s name is longer than 8 characters. What can I do?

As defined in the RDS IEC 62106 and RBDS standards, 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. Any name longer than 8 characters should be shortened to suit that requirement (see "What is Dynamic PS").

SmartGen Micro How to: What is Dynamic PS? Can I display longer messages using PS text?

The 'Dynamic' PS, allows longer messages to be displayed. This function is available on all DEVA encoders. As the dynamic PS is strictly forbidden in some countries, we recommend you to check your local regulations prior to using this function. For further information, refer to the RDS Standard.

SmartGen Micro How to: Are there any differences between PTY in RDS and PTY in RBDS?

The Program type (PTY) is an identification number that is being transmitted with each program item. It is intended to specify the current Program Type. The RDS PTY codes are defined by the CENELEC standard, the PTY codes for the U.S version (RBDS) are defined in the NRSC 4-B standard, available at www.nrscstandards.org. Below you will find a list with the available codes.

SmartGen Micro How to: Are DEVA encoders digital?

The RDS/RBDS encoders’ signals are generated digitally. Which means that the signals are constructed mathematically using DSP and then converted by a D/A converter into the analog form.

SmartGen Micro How to: Which DEVA RDS/RBDS Encoders allow dynamic metadata upload?

The SmartGen 3.1 and SmartGen Micro models do not allow dynamic metadata upload. The other models RDS/RBDS Encoders support this option.