Enigma Broadcast

USB RDS Encoder User Manual

Contents:

Welcome 3
Specifications 3
Encoder Setup Guide 7
Software Download Instructions 8
Using your Enigma USB RDS Encoder 12
Introduction to TinyRDS Software 16
Technical Specifications 27
Example Application 28
Notes 28

Copyright © 2012 Enigma Broadcast

This PDF document and its contents are the intellectual property of Enigma Broadcast: No part of this document may be edited,
copied, changed, redistributed or otherwise altered without the express permission of the copyright owner. Every effort is taken to
ensure that the information contained within this document is correct at the time of publication. Enigma Broadcast will not be held
responsible for any outcome whatsoever arising from the use or misuse of the USB RDS encoder for inappropriate, unlicensed or
illegal activities. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure compliance with all relevant local laws and legislation. The
specifications of the RDS encoder itself conform to international RDS standards at the time of dispatch, however no warranty is
offered as adjustment of circuit parameters can result in over modulation and other complications which may contravene the terms
of your broadcast license: Installation should only be carried out by a competent person. Any enquires should be directed through
our website at [Link].

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Congratulations on your purchase of the Enigma USB RDS encoder for FM broadcast applications. Once
programmed this standalone unit offers a fully functional RDS encoder in single unit at a fraction of the
cost of units of comparable quality. The unit is fully compatible with stereo broadcasts and conforms to all
international RDS standards and directives (see ‘Technical Specifications’ - Section 5.0).

This document is designed as a guide to the various functions of the Enigma USB RDS encoder for a more
complete understanding of the RDS standard itself please consult more complete documentation available
elsewhere online.

Please read this guide carefully: Once your encoder is correctly set up it should give you years of trouble
free operation. Please retain this manual for future reference. Any questions or comments please do not
hesitate to contact us through our website: [Link]

Specifications
(Also see ‘Technical Specifications’ at end of
document)

Functions:
- Full RDS encoding
- Programming via USB
- Stereo Compatible

Power:
- DC 9-16vDC regulated @ 100mA
(not included)
- Reverse Polarity Protection
- DC power LED indicator

Connections:
- Dual RCA phono
(Audio in/Audio + RDS out)
- DC power connector
- Type A USB socket
- Traffic Announcement
- Pilot Sync

Additional Requirements:
- Windows 2000, XP, Vista or 7 with
free USB port
- Type B to type A USB lead (included)
- External power source (see above)

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Section 1.0 - Enigma USB RDS encoder Set-up Guide

Getting started:
The following is intended as a brief introduction to familiarise yourself with your new encoder and for you
to see how text can be displayed on a receiver. It will also reassure you that your have everything correctly
set up.

What you will need:

o Power supply – 12-15VDC min 100mA
o A small transmitting device (e.g. FM exciter)
o Dummyload and/or appropriate RF shielding (where required)
o A small screwdriver
o A lead to connect your audio source (terminated one end with RCA phono connector)
o A lead to connect to your transmitting device audio input (terminated one end with RCA phono
connector)
o An FM receiver capable of decoding and displaying RDS information

We are going to use an FM exciter and dummyload to quickly see the functionality of the Enigma USB RDS
encoder.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure that any broadcast equipment you use complies with local laws in
your geographical location, Enigma Broadcast does not encourage or condone the breaking of any laws
and will not be held liable for any outcome, injury or damage which arises from doing so.

Connect your encoder as shown in the image below:

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At this point the other end of your USB cable shouldn’t be connected to anything (DO NOT CONNECT TO
PC AT THIS POINT: If you want to program your encoder straight away jump to section 1).

The input should be connected to a line level audio source. The output should be connected to your
transmitting device:

Note: Professional FM
exciters may have a separate input for RDS/SCA, in which case the passive/active mixer is incorporated into
the circuit and you should connected your encoder there (no external mixing is required).

The image above shows two ways of connecting your encoder to your transmitting device:

1. The encoder can be use ‘inline’ with the audio: This is the simplest way and the way in which the
connection is made throughout this manual.
2. You can use an active or passive mixer (e.g. RC mixer/Op Amp mixer) and mix the audio/RDS at the
transmitting devices input (or connect directly to RDS input on exciter where available)

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Start with your transmitting device set for correct deviation/modulation (correct volume).

Once you are happy you have connected your encoder correctly you are ready to apply DC power (see
‘Technical Specifications’ for power supply requirements).

With power applied you should see two LEDs illuminate on the PCB: The power LED should be constantly
lit, the ‘RDS’ LED should flash at a rate of about 1 flash per second (when connecting the USB
lead/communicating with the device you will also see the T/X and/or the R/X LEDs illuminate/flash).

Keep your transmitting device and your RDS encoder separated by some distance and apply power to your
transmitting device.

Turn on your radio receiver and tune to the same frequency as your transmitting device. With RDS turned
on you should see the RDS indicator (if your receiver has one) illuminate and a scrolling message should
appear reading:
‘ENIGMA BROADCAST USB SCROLLING RDS ENCODER TEST OK’ (See image overleaf).

You should now be able to apply audio and adjust the level for correct modulation. You should now be
listening to your broadcast and the RDS message should continue to scroll. To correctly configure your
Enigma USB RDS encoder follow the installation steps outlined below:

Suggested installation steps:

To successfully set up and use your RDS encoder we suggest you following the following steps in order:

o Plug Enigma USB RDS encoder in to PC USB and wait for ‘found new hardware wizard’
o Unplug encoder
o Install TinyRDS
o Apply DC power to encoder
o Plug back in to USB
o Run TinyRDS
o See section 4.6 for configuring port settings
o See section 4 for general use of RDS software
o See section 3 for Enigma USB RDS encoder functions/use

The information to complete each of the steps is contained in the following sections of this guide.

NOTE 1: A highly recommended first step once you connect your encoder to your PC is to ‘READ’ the
information/current settings in the device to your PC as this will give you a good example of one way to
configure your device.

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NOTE 2: Images are for illustrative purposes only; your receiver may display information differently/have
different functions.

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Section 2.0 – Software Download:
The Enigma USB RDS encoder is (in the vast majority of cases) a ‘Plug and Play’ device, meaning that all
you need do is plug it into your PC for it to work. To program your RDS encoder with all the information
you wish to broadcast you will need our control software which is available for free download from the ‘USB
RDS Encoder’ area of our website. Once you have downloaded the software please follow our step by step
installation guide:

NOTE 3: All installation steps have been carried out on a Windows XP operating system using Google
Chrome web browser. If you require further assistance with other versions of Windows installations please
consult the help files supplied with your operating system.

Section 2.1 – Installing ‘Tiny RDS’

Step1: Select the RDS software from our download page.

Setp2: Double-click the .exe file to begin automatically installing software.

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Step 3: Click ‘Run’ to continue install

Step 4: On the next screen select ‘Next’ to begin automatic install

Step 5: Select your preferred language

Step 6: Select the location in which you would like install RDS program.

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Step 7: Select your preferred choices for launch icons

Step 8: Check you have selected all the options you would like and click ‘Install’

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The RDS software should now be installed on you computer and ready for use programming the RDS
encoder with all the information you wish to broadcast as part of your FM signal. You can launch the
software from a number of locations which makes it much simpler to use.

Step 9: Desktop and start menu locations

NOTE 4: THE Enigma USB RDS encoder DOES NOT POWER VIA USB AND REQUIRES AN EXTERNAL
POWER SOURCE (see ‘Technical Specifications’ at rear of document for precise requirements).

If you have any issues with plug & play compatibility of the device, or for manual driver installation see the
‘Notes’ section at the end of this document.

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Section 3.0 – Using Your Enigma USB RDS encoder

An example of the Enigma USB RDS encoder is pictured below. Each of the important elements has been
lettered and a brief description is given in the table overleaf.

An example application is described in Section 5.

C
H H

F J
D

H H
B A

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Drawing Number Name &

Functional Description
A Input/Output (marked on PCB) – See ‘specifications’ for technical characteristics
B USB Connection – Connect to PC using cable provided
C Power Supply – Connect DC supply (see specification) observing polarity
D RDS Level Adjustment – Used to set correct modulation
*E Pilot Sync Enable – See next section
*F Pilot Tone Input – See next section
*G Traffic Announcement – Use external switch for manual traffic announcements
H Mounting holes (x4) – Use M3 machine screws for secure into enclosure
J Power Indicator – Illuminates when DC power applied
K RDS Indicator – Flashes during normal use
L USB Transmit/Receive Indicators - Indicate the transfer of data to/from PC
* Each of these pin headers are orientated the same: With the encoder facing you (as shown in the
image above) the signal pins are the upper pin of each connector (furthest pin from you) and are aligned
with the ‘J1,J2,J3’ markers on the PCB legend.

Section 3.1 – Connections (A,B and C)

Audio input and RDS/RDS + Audio output is via two RCA phono connectors, input and output connections
are denoted on the PCB legend.
If broadcasting in mono mixing of the left and right channels must be done prior to the RDS encoder input
(if using encoder ‘inline’ with the audio source). A simple resistive mixer will do so long as it provides the
correct level of audio to the device.
Alternatively many professional exciters have separate RDS/SCA inputs and the output from the encoder
should be connected directly to this.

NOTE 11: All audio processing (limiting, EQing, and stereo encoding) MUST be carried out earlier in the
audio chain (i.e. the RDS encoder should be the last device in the chain before the transmitter/STL).

Power connection is screw terminals meaning that you need to have either bare wire or ferrule connections
on your power source. Connect the power supply and tighten the screws.

NOTE 12: Carefully observe polarity when connecting power supply (the encoder does contain reverse
polarity protection, but it would be preferable to never use it!) – For full power supply requirements see
‘Technical Specifications’ at the rear of the document

USB connection – connect to PC using cable provided. To enable communications the Enigma USB RDS
encoder must be powered via an external DC power supply.

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Section 3.2 – Pin Headers (E,F and G)
The pin headers (along the edge of the PCB; bottom pin = GND) are used to control various functions
manually and will require some basic electronics knowledge (including the ability to solder) to implement
them:

FUNCTION DESCRIPTION
By fitting the jumper provided you can sync the RDS encoder to the
P_EN (pilot enable) pilot tone from your stereo encoder (for mono transmission DO NOT
fit the jumper) – see sectionXXX.
This is the input for the pilot tone form the stereo encoder. The tone
P_IN (pilot input) must fulfil some basic technical requirements (for full details see the
‘Technical Specifications’ at end of the document.
Traffic announcement: By connecting a switch between the two pins
you can send a logic low signal to the main RDS chip telling it you
TA are making a traffic announcement. This function should only be
used for real traffic announcements by stations fully licensed to
make them, otherwise DO NOT CONNECT

Section 3.3 – Miscellaneous Functions (D,H,J,K and L)

Items J,K and L in the image overleaf are various indicator LEDs. One shows the correct connection of DC
power, the other (flashing) shows normal operation of the RDS encoder chip itself and the other two
indicate when communication between the encoder and the PC is taking place (one for transmit and one
for receive).

The items labelled H are mounting holes: The PCB should be mounted in a case, preferably using standoffs
(spacers) and M3 machine screws. The boards should be installed as far away as possible from sources of
interference (e.g. mains transformers, RF power amplifiers etc), and appropriate screening should be used
where this is not possible (e.g. when installing into the same housing as a transmitter).

Item D is a potentiometer (a device with variable resistance) which is used to adjust the level of the RDS
signal. This should be adjusted using a broadcast analyser for the correct level of modulation, alternatively
and oscilloscope could be used, or even a DVM. If you do not have any of these available to you then you
will have to carefully adjust manually: Adjust everything else (audio, limiter, stereo encoder, exciter) etc. to
the level at which you will use them. Apply the loudest signal the system is likely to receive (at peaks of
music). Starting with the RDS set to minimum (no RDS) adjust the RDS level control SLOWLY while watching
an FM receiver with RDS display. Once you see the RDS test appear stop adjusting at that point. Further
experimentation may be required to ensure RDS can be received on most RDS enabled receivers (e.g. car
radios etc.) – further adjustment may be necessary. THIS METHOD IS NOT RECOMMENDED!

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Section 3.4 – Syncing Pilot Tone
The RDS carrier can be phase-locked to the 19kHz stereo pilot signal: The unit will not automatically sense
a stereo pilot and lock to it, you need to provide a 19KHz tone/ square at the [Link] pin using the following
method:

Fit jumper provided to the [Link] pin header. If used permanently with a stereo encoder leave the jumper in
place.

Apply the 19KHz pilot tone signal from your stereo encoder signal to the [Link] connector (consult the user
manual, schematic or contact the manufacturer if unsure where this is on your stereo encoder). The
minimum pilot level required is 250mv pk-pk and the maximum is 5v, it can be either a sine or square
wave).

When this mode is enabled, use the software to set the Auto (stereo) mode and the phase-shift (located in
the ‘System’ tab). Normally the phase shift would be set to around 90 degrees.

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Section 4.0 – Introduction to RDS Software
By now you should have downloaded and installed your new RDS software (section 1.1) and have it ready
to use on your PC. In the next section we will introduce you to your RDS encoder and show you how to
connect it and use the software to control it. For now let’s familiarise ourselves with the software itself and
its functionalities (you can view changes you make by leaving the encoder connected as shown in Section 1
and viewing your changes on the receiver display).

NOTE 5: The software you should have already installed can be used to control several different variants of
RDS encoders, therefore there may be parts of the program which do not apply to the Enigma USB RDS
encoder; these will be denoted by the initials N/A (not applicable).

Section 4.1 – Program Tab

Open your RDS software and click the ‘Program’ tab at the top left of the screen, familiarise yourself with its
layout. This is where most of the ‘fixed’ or ‘static’ information about the broadcast is entered and edited, for
example the name of the station. See the list of functions in the table below:

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FUNCTION DESCRIPTION
This is your station name; it can be up to 8
characters long (including spaces). This is often the
only information to be displayed on a receiver. If you
Default PS
chose to display other information the encoder will
return to the default PS at the end of each display
loop
This is a unique identifying number (in hexadecimal
format) which is issued by the local radio authority
(first 2 digits are geographical ID, the last 2 unique
PI
to station). It is also what is used to identify the
station when using other functions such as
alternative frequencies and traffic announcements.
Select from the drop-down list the option which best
describes yours stations’ current content. You can
Program Type & Music/Speech also select a music/speech option depending on
whether your program contains mostly music,
speech, or a mix of both.
This is a list of frequencies used to broadcast the
same content (or complimentary content) in
different geographical locations. Can be used to
Alternative Frequencies automatically tune the receiver (e.g. the BBC in the
UK set up a national network of frequencies using
this function). Click in each box and select a
frequency from the drop down.
Used to help receivers decode the RDS information
Decoder Identification by telling them what else is being broadcast – e.g. a
stereo signal, compressed audio etc
These are all communication options between the
software and the encoder:
Sends data to the
encoder (will be lost
Send
during power down
without using ‘Save’)
Send/Store/Receive/Exit
Stores data in encoder
Store even during power
down
Read in the data stored
Receive
in the encoder
Exit Exits the program
These settings should be used with caution: They are
for relaying up to date traffic information to
listeners. The ‘Traffic Program’ setting tells the
receiver that you are a station that carries such
information. The traffic announcement option can be
Traffic Settings used to control a receiver that has the TA function
set (upon receiving a TA command a receiver will
tune from the current program’s frequency to the
frequency of the station carrying the traffic
announcement). A station must be licensed to carry
this service in most countries.

NOTE 6: The Send/Receive/Store functions apply to every tab: ANY change must be ‘sent’ to the device,
once sent any change you would like to keep needs to be ‘stored’ before removing power and ‘reading’ in
any data form the device will overwrite any changes you made in the software which were not ‘sent’ to the
device.

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Section 4.2 – Dynamic Program Settings (PS) Tab

The next tab ‘Dynamic PS’ is where you can control information about your broadcast which is likely to
change, for example the name of the current show on air. This text will be seen as short, individual
messages, or as ‘scrolling’ text.

NOTE 7: You must exercise caution when using scrolling, or to a lesser extent dynamic RDS: Many countries
have implemented laws regarding the use of dynamic RDS and the distraction it can be to drivers. Please
check your local laws before proceeding to use this feature.

RDS is limited to a total of 8 characters being displayed at any single moment. By using the Dynamic PS
you can take advantage of some excellent features of the Enigma USB RDS encoder and display much
longer messages (up to 72 characters) in block of 8.
The different modes of operation fall into two main categories:
1. Display information one 8 letter (or less) word at a time
2. Displaying the words as a string where the next letter appearing on the left of the display replaces
the last letter on the right of the display as it ‘disappears’ form the screen

The most basic (and therefore reliable) mode of operation is Mode 0 Fixed 8 Characters: In this mode each
8 character block is broadcast as a separate piece of information (which means that in areas of weak
reception receivers are likely to only miss a single word and will be able to pick the message up form the
next word rather than having to wait until the start of the next loop).
After selecting this mode you can enter each word you would like to display, in order, in the boxes on the
left of the screen. This mode is one of the most reliable, so try this mode if you have any issues when using
modes 1-3.

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Mode 1, Scrolling Text: The message to be displayed is entered in the box at the bottom of the screen.
The RDS receiver will then display the message in its entirety by scrolling the message 8 characters at a
time from the left to the right hand side of the display.

Mode 2 Word Alignment: Similar in operation to mode 0, except that test is encoded and broadcast as a
message from the bottom text box, and the test is displayed in 8 character segments.

Mode 3 Space Separated Scrolling Text: In this mode the text is scrolled in much the same way as it is in
mode 1, except that each word (before a space) is scrolled individually, rather than as a string of words.

Modes 0 & 2 have the advantage of being more reliable, but suffer from having to fit your message into 8
character blocks.
Modes 1&3 have the advantage of not placing word size limits upon the user, but suffer to a much greater
degree from reduced signal strength (poor reception).

The best method is to experiment and see which mode is most suited to your own application.

Label Period/Delay between loops: These functions are used to control the way the information is
displayed and should be carefully configured to best performance: Adjusting the ‘Label Period’ will change
how long each of your ‘blocks’ of 8 characters is displayed for, the ‘Delay Between Text Loops’ controls how
long the ‘Default PS’ (see section 2.1) is displayed before beginning the loop again. For example setting the
period to 5 seconds and the delay to 25 seconds will result in the Default PS (station name) being displayed
at the start of the loop for 25 seconds, then each of your 8 character blocks are displayed in order for 5
seconds each, then the display will revert to the Default PS beginning the loop again.
The settings are adjusted either up or down by clicking the up/down facing arrow next to the box, or by
clicking the large arrow/line icon and using the slide bar which appears (click and slide you mouse left/right
to adjust the time).

NOTE 8: Remember, all changes must be ‘sent’ and ‘stored’ in the device (see note 4)

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Section 4.3 – Radiotext Tab
The next tab is controls the radio text setting of the device: Radiotext is a supplementary function
contained within the RDS protocol (i.e. not all RDS enabled devices are capable of displaying Radiotext). It
contains further information about the current song/show, or the station, up and coming events or even for
corporate advertising. Unlike the other RDS information which is displayed by default Radiotext requires
that the receiver is set to receive and display radio text. On some receivers Radiotext is displayed as a
separate line on the display, scrolling on a loop, other receivers alternate between displaying Radiotext and
the Default/Dynamic PS (this is worth remembering when deciding if you would like to use the Radiotext
function: On some receivers it may, at times, ‘overwrite’ the information you are trying to display as part of
you main text loop, depending on the setting on the receiver).

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Section 4.4 – System Tab
The system tab controls settings central to the way in which your Enigma USB RDS encoder works, and
the way it interfaces with other devices, such as stereo encoders.

NOTE 9: If broadcasting in mono leave clock source set to internal (PLL lock and Phase Shift remain ‘greyed
out’). For full instructions on syncing your RDS encoder and stereo encoder see section 3.

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Section 4.5 – Text Sources Tab
Text sources are a way of storing information to be encoder and broadcast using your Enigma USB RDS
encoder external to the TinyRDS program itself (e.g. as a text file). The text file chosen can be displayed as
either Radiotext, or Dynamic PS. Both of these (if selected) will override the information entered previously
in the corresponding tabs.

The most widely compatible file format would be a simple text file with words separated by spaces and
sentences etc. separated by carriage returns.

The best way to find out which mode is most suited to your application is to connect the encoder and
experiment with different settings until you find the configuration you are happiest with.

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Section 4.6 – Hardware Tab
The hardware tab is used to change the settings on your PC to suit the type of RDS encoder you are using,
as well as the type and number port you are using to transmit data to the device.

The software should automatically recognise the encoder and port when it is connected. If it does not
ensure it is powered correctly, unplug it from the PC and plug it back in again. You may then need to
manually tell the software which port you are using. Once you have set up you can click ‘Update’ and you
changes (new port opened) will be confirmed in the ‘Status’ window.

NOTE 10: To discover which port you are using when you connect the Enigma USB RDS encoder as you
will need to locate and open your PC’s ‘Device Manager’, the easiest way to do this is from within the RDS
software itself. See steps below…

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Section 4.7 – Preferences Tab
These settings change the way TinyRDS looks, and the way it behaves within Windows.

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Section 5.0 – Technical Specifications

Parameter Technical Specifications

Dimensions PCB measures 75 x 50 x 15mm or
PCB + connectors 75 x 60 x 15mm
Supported Services PI, PS, PTY, TP, AF, TA, DI, M/S, RT, RAW
(TA can be controlled manually using external switch)
Power Requirement 12-16v DC regulated at 50mA (minimum)
12-16v DC regulated at 100mA (recommended)
Note: Excess voltage may damage components
RDS Output Level Adjustable 0 to 1.2 V pp
(On board adjustment: Fully clockwise is full off)
Carrier Frequency RDS 56kHz
Stereo 19kHz
Audio Input 2V RMS, (2.8V pk-pk) Unbalanced (max)
Audio Response: 20Hz – 100kHz
Note: All audio processing must be carried out prior to RDS encoding
Input/Output Input: Standard Line Level
Impedance Output: 500 Ω max
Compliance EN 50067 / EN 62106
US RBDS standard
Stereo Pilot Tone 19kHz Sine/Square wave
250mV(min) – 5V (max) pk-pk
Mounting Method 4 x Grounded mounting holes
Use standoffs/spacers (metal spacers will earth board to metal chassis)
Communication USB standard
Protocol

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Section 6.0 – Example application (Case Study)

The following is a hypothetical situation, but it may hopefully give you an idea of a typical application for
this device:

o Dave is the technician for ‘Dance FM’ a small station on mainland Spain.
o Dance FM decide to add RDS functionality to their station.
o Dave did some online research and decided that the Enigma RDS Encoder was by far the best value
for money, fully functional encoder available.
o Within days of placing his order Dave received his new encoder in the post.
o Dave took a little bit of time to download and read through the user manual for the new encoder.
o He then downloaded the TinyRDS control software and saved the installation file on his hard drive.
o He plugged in the RDS encoder to his USB port with the cable he was provided with and saw that
very quickly his computer recognized the USB device and it was soon 'ready to use'.
o He then unplugged it from his PC.
o Once he was happy that the encoder would 'talk' to his PC he couldn't wait to see what else it did,
so he purchased and appropriate power supply and connected it to the encoder.
o He plugged the output of the encoder to the RDS input on a professional 1 watt FM exciter he had
as a spare for Dance FM.
o Then using a stereo to mono phono lead he connected the output of his DJ mixer to the input of
the RDS encoder.
o Dave knew that the exciter he was using was already set up for the correct volume, so he didn't
change it.
o He also knew that the exciter was tuned to 87.5MHz FM, so he tuned his FM receiver to the same
frequency.
o He plugged the encoder back in to the USB on his PC and opened the TinyRDS program.
o He then switched on the RDS encoder, exciter and stereo. Straight away he saw the default 'Enigma
scrolling RDS encoder - Test OK' message displayed on the receiver.
o He went to the 'Hardware' tab on the TinyRDS program and pressed the 'List...' button, he found out
that the encoder was connected to COM 10, so he selected this in the hardware tab and pressed
'Update'.
o He was pretty sure he'd done everything right, so he hit 'Read' and looked at both the 'Program'
and 'Dynamic' tabs - sure enough all the information which was displayed on the receiver was in
those tabs.
o Dave now spent about 20 minutes changing the messages, switching the scrolling on and off,
changing the speed of the scrolling text, and of course he sent various messages in different
formats and tried the various functions of the encoder and software.
o He then changed TinyRDS to say 'Dance FM' in the program tab and set this to display for 20
seconds, he also changed the 'Dynamic' text to read 'Spain's number 1 dance music station' and set
this to a display period of 4 seconds.
o He hit 'Send' and then 'Store'.
o He disconnected the encoder form the PC, powered it down and then back up and made sure that
the information had been stored in the encoder, which of course it had.
o Because 'Dance FM' broadcast in mono he left the pilot sync jumper open.
o Dave bought a small aluminum case and decided to fit the RDS encoder in to it.
o First he drilled the box with the required holes (he used the RDS encoder itself to mark the 4
mounting holes in the bottom of the box before drilling).

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o He fitted two chassis mount phono sockets to the box, as well as a rocker switch, a toggle switch
and a chassis mount DC jack socket (for the power supply).
o He soldered the power jack to the rocker switch, and the rocker switch to the DC input on the
encoder.
o He soldered the toggle switch to the TA pins on the encoder.
o He soldered coaxial audio cable between the chassis mount phono connectors and the input/output
pads on the encoder.
o He made sure that all the 0v connections were soldered to appropriate ground points on the PCB (in
a 'star' type configuration, with the PCB as the centre).
o He used plastic spacers and M3 machine screws to mount the PCB into the box.
o He fitted the lid and took the RDS encoder to the Dance FM studio.
o He connected the RDS encoder between their graphic EQ/compressor and their STL.
o He switched it all on and checked to see his RDS message displayed on various receivers and
locations throughout the Dance FM broadcast area.

NOTE 11: All situations/names/events are pure fictional. Any similarities to real
situations/events/people/organisations is purely coincidental.

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Section 7: Notes - Installing USB drivers (not usually required)

NOTE 13: The USB device used on the encoder should be a plug and play type: In most situations you
should simply be able to connect the device to your PC using the USB cable provided, with DC power
applied (see section 3 – Using Your Encoder) and windows should automatically detect and install the
required drivers, this will happen through your ‘Found New Hardware’ wizard:
The following steps are only necessary if this fails to work on your machine.

THE Enigma USB RDS encoder DOES NOT POWER VIA USB AND REQUIRES AN EXTERNAL POWER
SOURCE (see ‘Technical Specifications’ at rear of document for precise requirements)

To use your PC to communicate with the RDS encoder through the simplicity of your computers Universal
Serial Bus (USB) you will need to install drivers for the on-board USB interface device. These can be
downloaded from the same location as the control software (see step 1 Section 2.1).

Step 1: Locate and double click the [Link] folder

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Step 2: Using your preferred (or default) zip program extract the files to a location of your choice

Step 3: Open the ‘Drivers’ folder, then the ‘USB Drivers Installation Guides’ folder. Locate the PDF guide for
your version of Windows and follow the instructions for completing installation of drivers.

Once installation is complete you should be able to connect the RDS encoder to your PCs USB without any
error messages (see Section 1 for connection instructions).

You are now ready to begin using your USB RDS encoder!

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