HOW to SmartGen Mini - All you need to know

SmartGen Mini How to: I have forgotten my password for the WEB Interface. What should I do?

SmartGen’s WEB Interface password can be checked via the controlling software - SmartGen Encoders Manager. The menu path is: Hardware > Services > HTTP Server Settings.

SmartGen Mini 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 Mini 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 Mini 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 Mini 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 Mini 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 Mini 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 Mini 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 Mini 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 Mini 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 Mini 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 Mini How to: Does the SmartGen supports special characters? How can I set one?

The SmartGen encoders accept any characters transparently. The SmartGen Encoders Manager includes functionality that allows data input in a text box for PS, DPS, RT and PTYN, which contain special characters. There is also a reverse process - read encoder data to be displayed in these fields as defined by SmartGen Character Code Table. For further information refer to SmartGen complete user manual.

Such Character Code Table is incorporated in SmartGen 6.0, SmartGen 5.0, SmartGen Mini and SmartGen 4.1. One of the following tables can be chosen - Default, G0, G1, and G2. The Default Code Table is the same as G0. The difference is that when the default table is chosen, SmartGen will not transmit identification control characters. Depending on the selected character table, the Software will encode/decode PS, RT, PTYN, and DPS. Please note that the RDS uses character tables specified in RDS and RBDS standards. Thus, the correct value should be set. Also, you will have to consider that the encoder does not make "translation".

SmartGen Mini How to: How can I change the IP address of my SmartGen Encoder?

Several options are available:

• Through the encoder’s front panel navigational menu (LCD and buttons), if one is available.
• Using the SmartGen Encoders Manager. A communication with the encoder through one of the "local" interfaces (RS-232 or USB) should be made. Changing the IP address and other network settings via TCPIP or UDP connection is not possible. Thus, undesirable consequences as complete loss of contact with the device in the wrong network settings are being prevented.
• Through HyperTerminal or similar software. Again, a communication with the encoder through one of the "local" interfaces (RS-232 or USB) should be made.

Type the command:

IP? [Enter]

And the unit should respond with its current IP. To change this, type the command:

IP=XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX [Enter]

The unit will respond with a „ОК“, meaning the new IP has been accepted, or a NO , meaning there was a problem with the format of the new IP address.

IMPORTANT! The DHCP option should be disabled. Otherwise, the SmartGen could acquire an IP Address different from the one that you are trying to assign.

SmartGen Mini 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 Mini How to: How to change the speed of dynamic PS?

To change the speed of dynamic PS you need to set the right ratio of transmition of 0A type groups in the RDS data stream. This can be done via the web interface or via the SmartGen Encoders Manager software. In both cases, you have to change the ratio of transmitted 0A groups by deleting or adding other group types (2A - Radiotext, for example) into the group sequence.

Group sequence in the SmartGen web page.

In case you use the application software, you should connect to the device and click on “Advanced RDS” tab, then click on “Data Sets” tab and finally select the current data set (see picture below).

By altering the ratio between the 0A and the other types of RDS groups and by using an RDS receiver/decoder, you can adjust the desired speed of the dynamic PS.

To increase the scrolling speed you should increase the number of group 0A and decrease the number of group 2A.

NOTE: Please note that due to safety precautions, the speed could not exceed 1 character per second for some receiver brands. A faster speed will lead to some receivers stop displaying the RDS data.

SmartGen Mini How to: Are DEVA’s encoders compatible with automation software as Scott Studios and WideOrbit for example?

Scott Studios SS32 automation software along with their DSM32 communication module is fully compatible with several devices from DEVA wide range RDS/RBDS product line. In order for the correct settings to the encoder and software to be applied, kindly refer to the Radio Automation Guides for DEVA RDS/RBDS Encoders downloads section.

SmartGen Mini How to: Are DEVA’s encoders compatible with RCS NexGen and Prophet Software?

NexGen is software fully compatible with several devices from DEVA wide range RDS/RBDS product line. In order for the correct settings to the encoder and software to be applied, kindly refer to the Radio Automation Guides for DEVA RDS/RBDS Encoders downloads section.

SmartGen Mini 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.