Audemat Audemat
FMB10

Can the FMB10 be addressed?
Yes, the FMB10 can be addressed: it supports the 'Site address' as defined in the UECP protocol.

The UECP protocol offers a powerful addressing system based on a combination of 2 addresses: encoder address ( 1 to 63 ) and site address ( 1 to 1023). The FMB10 uses one fixed encoder address, enabling addressing of up to 1023 encoders on the same transmission line. The FMB80 accepts a list of 10 elements for the site address and a list of 10 elements for the encoder address.

That means that a single modem or data line properly configured and wired, can be connected at the same time to several encoders. Any UECP frame will then be sent to all encoders, the addresses in that frame will define which encoder will process it. Global addressing is also possible using address 0,0. The data line can either be bidirectional or unidirectional allowing use of satellite links.
What are the differences between the FMB10 and FMB80?
The FMB10 can perform basic RDS applications – PS and Radiotext, Alternate Frequencies, PI codes, etc and has only a serial port for communication. The FMB80 can produce all of the advanced  RDS data – Traffic information, Open data applications, etc. The FMB80 also has a microprocessor on board, an embedded website for configuration, communication via TCP/IP, FTP, SMTP, SNMP, and a built in scheduler for changing messages or other parameters based on date and time.
What are the differences between static and dynamic RDS?
Static means that AF, PI, PS, PTY, TA, TP, MS, DI, PTYN, RADIOTEXT (and FBT for RBDS) parameters stay unchanged, or change only rarely. Dynamic means that the previous parameters can be changed remotely and/or when the following features are required: IH, TDC, TMC, EWS, Paging, ODA, and data transmissions.
Is the FMB10 US RBDS compliant?
Yes, the FMB10 is 100% RBDS compliant.
I have many stations - what do I need to add RBDS/RDS services to each FM Station?
You would need one RDS/RBDS encoder per transmitter (like an FMB10 or an RDS Silver) for static RDS/RBDS services, an advanced encoder (like an FMB80) and associated data link for dynamic RDS/RBDS services.
Where is the best place to install my RDS Encoder?
Normally the encoder is connected between the stereo generator (if one is used) and the FM exciter (RF modulator). On some FM exciters, there may be a separate input for "RDS" or "SUBCARRIERS" : the encoder can also be connected there. Some Studio Transmitter Links (STLs) can carry a composite (multiplex) signal, in these cases the encoder can also be connected at the studio.
Do I need to make calibration adjustments?
No, our encoders are 100% digital therefore no calibration adjustments are needed.
If my FM station is Mono, is the Audemat's encoder able to generate the 57kHz subcarrier without a reference to the 19kHz stereo pilot?
Yes of course! Audemat's equipment switches automatically to an internal reference if  there is no valid synchronization signal present ( no signal or a signal out of the 19kHz +/- 2Hz range).
Is the FMB10 compatible with the EBU/UER protocol?
The FMB80 is EBU compatible: the exact name of the protocol is UECP (Universal Encoder Communication Protocol) for RDS.
The FMB10 encoder is also compatible with this protocol for the implemented static features.
What if my station name is more than 8 characters in length?
The PS RDS function is defined in the CENELEC standard EN50067 and also in the RBDS standard as a 8 character long string. Any name longer then 8 character will be shortened to suit that requirement (see next FAQ).
Is there a configuration software for the FMB10 Encoder?
Yes, the FMB10 utility software is delivered with the encoder. You can also download the latest version from the download section of this web site.
How can I remote control a FMB10 via modem?
The following solution is compatible with US Robotics SPORTSTER Flash modems.

1. Installation on remote site

Wiring detail for connection of DB25 modem port to DB9 FMB10 encoder:

DB25 male DB9 Male
2 <-----------> 2
3 <-----------> 3
7 <-----------> 5

The remote modem should be configured using a terminal software (9600,N,8,1) with following commands, each line terminated with the ENTER key:

  • AT&FE0
  • ATS0=1Q2&B1&R1&D0&H0&I0&U6&N6&W

This configuration is to be set once, as it is saved in non-volatile memory of the modem, it will be recalled on each power-up.

2. On the PC side the modem can be driven by any terminal software.

To connect use the command: ATDTxxxxxx followed by the ENTER key (xxxxxx is the phone number of the remote equipment).

Once the 'CONNECT ...." message is received the data connection is established.
Any ASCII command can then be entered. Refer to FMB10 manual for more details on ASCII commands.
Non standard use of PS feature (PS scrolling).
Changing, or 'Scrolling' the PS (strictly forbidden in some countries, see the CENELEC standard) allows longer messages to be displayed on many car radios. This function is available on all Audemat encoders, but check your local regulations before using this feature.
What are the differences between PTY in RDS and PTY in RBDS?
PTY – Program Type
This is an identification number to be transmitted with each program item and which is intended to specify the current Program Type from 31 possible choices. This code can be used for search tuning. The RDS PTY codes are set by the CENELEC standard (http://www.cenelec.org/Cenelec/CENELEC+in+action/Web+Store/Standards/default.htm), the PTY codes for the U.S version (RBDS) are defined in the NRSC 4-A standard, available at http://www.nrscstandards.org/Standards.asp. Here is the list.

PTY code RDS Program type RBDS Program type
0 No program type or undefined No program type or undefined
1 News News
2 Current affairs Information
3 Information Sports
4 Sport Talk
5 Education Rock
6 Drama Classic Rock
7 Culture Adult Hits
8 Science Soft Rock
9 Varied Top 40
10 Pop Music Country
11 Rock Music Oldies
12 M.O.R. Music Soft
13 Light classical Nostalgia
14 Serious classical Jazz
15 Other Music Classical
16 Weather Rhythm and Blues
17 Finance Soft Rhythm and Blues
18 Children’s programs Language
19 Social Affairs Religious Music
20 Religion Religious Talk
21 Phone In Personality
22 Travel Public
23 Leisure College
24 Jazz Music Unassigned
25 Country Music Unassigned
26 National Music Unassigned
27 Oldies Music Unassigned
28 Folk Music Unassigned
29 Documentary Weather
30 Alarm Test Emergency Test
31 Alarm Emergency
Are Audemat encoders digital?
Yes, RDS encoders and Digiplexers are all digital. Their 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. RDS encoders (FMB series) use predefined signal tables stored in EPROMs. The Digiplexers use DSP algorithms and FIR Filters to encode Stereo, RDS and DARC functions.

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