# Radio Data System (RDS) **URL:** \ **Category:** General Radio and Digital\ **Created:** [December 28, 2015, 7:43am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/radio-data-system-rds/237 "2015-12-28T07:43:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 161
**Author:** ![ozbark](https://forums.mediaspy.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/o/9de053/32.png) [@ozbark](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/ozbark)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2023, 10:33am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/radio-data-system-rds/237/3226 "2023-07-31T10:33:29Z")
@AustralianAerial I was trying to message you again re the RDS List, can I make the request in this thread? **On different topic, in news to all:** 1. @anon71206228 has reported that **Coast FM** (2CCC) 96.3 has changed its PI code from 296A to **296C**. Also CT added. 57kHz Subcarrier levels may have changed. Changes made to AUS RDS FM List. 2. Have weeded out some obsolete PI codes & removed stations that have closed or not resumed RDS transmission for a very long time from our Aus RDS List. These entries have been removed from Worksheets 11 & 14 only. That should improve the Engineering Search Tool results. 3. Having a longer look at Worksheet 14 tonight I’ve discovered some additional possible PI code switching conflicts for those vehicle tuners like that of @anon71206228. These are in the Sydney area. They are: a) Connect FM 100.9 with PI Code of 20 **9C** & Radio Skid Row 88.9 with PI of 28 **9C** b) Pulse FM 89.9 with PI Code of F8 **99** & SWR FM 99.9 with PI of 29 **99**. I’ll flag @matt86 in this case (see earlier messages re Worksheet Engineering Tools). END ---
**Author:** ![anon71206228](https://forums.mediaspy.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/a/e9a140/32.png) [@anon71206228](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/anon71206228)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2023, 12:27am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/radio-data-system-rds/237/3227 "2023-08-01T00:27:51Z")
Update, but not over yet, the Star 104.5 PD is happy I bought the PI code issue up with him, he’s vary appreciative & wants me to thank everyone who has been involved with creating & updating the RDS worksheet, he’s letting all the Nova engineering teams know about it & things we’ve found. He’s going to contact Fbi Radio & try to get them to change their PI code, I’ve suggested 294D, if he can’t get them to change he’ll change the Star PI code to something else that’s free. He’ll see if the Nova Sydney techs will change there’s to avoid conflict with Hit Newcastle too, he said one of the Sydney techs had the station change when travelling up to the Central Coast a few weeks back but wasn’t too concerned about it, he said he’ll talk to the content dept, who might have a different idea about sending listeners to another station, especially the competition in SCA. I’ll report back on how he goes, when he lets me know, if someone else doesn’t notice any changes. I’ll contact 94.1 Todays Country & see if I can get them to change their PI code too, after I find out what FBi are doing with theirs, wouldn’t be much good if they both change & change to the same thing, it’s highly unlikely I’d be able to get SCA to change 2DAY FM PI Code over the Central Coast community station. ---
**Author:** ![tonks8526](https://forums.mediaspy.org/user_avatar/forums.mediaspy.org/tonks8526/32/153105_2.png) [@tonks8526](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/tonks8526)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2023, 4:14am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/radio-data-system-rds/237/3228 "2023-08-01T04:14:19Z")
> [@Radiohead](#): > > Or should that be UHF stereo? MPX stereo? @Informer Great posts. I’ve never thought to try to intercept an STL before. ---
**Author:** ![AustralianAerial](https://forums.mediaspy.org/user_avatar/forums.mediaspy.org/australianaerial/32/427176_2.png) [@AustralianAerial](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/AustralianAerial)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2023, 6:54am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/radio-data-system-rds/237/3229 "2023-08-01T06:54:22Z")
> [@anon71206228](#): > > he said one of the Sydney techs had the station change when travelling up to the Central Coast a few weeks back but wasn’t too concerned about it, he said he’ll talk to the content dept, who might have a different idea about sending listeners to another station The amount of techs who don’t at all care about the product they’re responsible for keeping on air is astounding. ---
**Author:** ![Radiohead](https://forums.mediaspy.org/user_avatar/forums.mediaspy.org/radiohead/32/21429_2.png) [@Radiohead](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/Radiohead)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2023, 9:23am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/radio-data-system-rds/237/3230 "2023-08-01T09:23:37Z")
Some RDS notes from Perth… I did note the spreadsheet list for WA was a bit short! Still I’m surprised only 1 metro and 1 suburban community stations in all Perth seems to have RDS…. Being 98.5 Sonshine FM and 89.7 6TCR Wanneroo. And 97.3 Coast FM doesn’t have RDS but 91.7 The Wave does ??? … maybe an issue there? I did get a chuckle out of the PTY code for 101.3 Collie Community Radio … as below “Serious Classical” and playing The Chantoozies! ![image](https://mediaspy-org-s3.s3.dualstack.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/original/4X/c/1/a/c1a0ebc43204171df677c94965dd1733386422da.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Informer](https://forums.mediaspy.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/i/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Informer](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/Informer)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2023, 10:36am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/radio-data-system-rds/237/3231 "2023-08-01T10:36:40Z")
We have to Wait Awhile for everything in WA. 😑 Do you remember the details for 6TCR? Last time a I heard them the PS was 89.7FM and a blank message. 88.5 VCA is the other suburban community station I can think of. To me, it looks like they have 2 transmitters, judging by their MPX waveform. 1 with RDS, but wide and sloppy, 1 without RDS but clean and sharp. No go for Coast FM Mandurah. Must require major equipment upgrades to make RDS happen. ---
**Author:** ![Radiohead](https://forums.mediaspy.org/user_avatar/forums.mediaspy.org/radiohead/32/21429_2.png) [@Radiohead](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/Radiohead)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2023, 10:57am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/radio-data-system-rds/237/3232 "2023-08-01T10:57:09Z")
Yes, “Varied” for 89.7 as below (sorry for the poor pic). ![image](https://mediaspy-org-s3.s3.dualstack.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/original/4X/5/9/1/5913bf938b128d8d551fbd03193a7647b8ca8565.jpeg) No other info, but I only went as far as North Beach so may have been a marginal signal? ---
**Author:** ![matt86](https://forums.mediaspy.org/user_avatar/forums.mediaspy.org/matt86/32/60448_2.png) [@matt86](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/matt86)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2023, 10:57am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/radio-data-system-rds/237/3233 "2023-08-01T10:57:36Z")
> [@ozbark](#): > > Having a longer look at Worksheet 14 tonight I’ve discovered some additional possible PI code switching conflicts for those vehicle tuners like that of @RFBurns. > These are in the Sydney area. They are: > a) Connect FM 100.9 with PI Code of 20 **9C** & Radio Skid Row 88.9 with PI of 28 **9C** > b) Pulse FM 89.9 with PI Code of F8 **99** & SWR FM 99.9 with PI of 29 **99**. I’ll flag @matt86 in this case (see earlier messages re Worksheet Engineering Tools). > > END Very good work @ozbark and others. The google sheet would be the closest thing the industry has to some sort of RDS standard. PI codes should really be managed by ACMA and issued in a similar way call signs are however RDS has flown under the governance radar. For the time being, it should be up to individual stations being diligent when implementing RDS and ensuring nobody else is using a particular PI code first. Re: FBI, 2EC had their PI code first, so FBI should find something else (maybe 2FB1 🙂) would solve the apparent issue with Star as well. As for SWR, RDS is temporarily off anyway. Once we put it back maybe MS can come up with a PI code, although ss far as I know there hasn’t been any issues with switching to 89.9 or anything else. (I didn’t notice 89.9 had RDS - I know some of the TCBLs did) ---
**Author:** ![matt86](https://forums.mediaspy.org/user_avatar/forums.mediaspy.org/matt86/32/60448_2.png) [@matt86](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/matt86)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2023, 11:05am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/radio-data-system-rds/237/3234 "2023-08-01T11:05:34Z")
> [@Radiohead](#): > > > [@Informer](#): > > > > I still hear the STL in FM stereo. > > Or should that be UHF stereo? Technically speaking, it’s still FM stereo just the same as hearing it on the VHF fm band. Infact, that’s all a composite analogue STL is, FM transmission with stereo pilot, RDS etc in the UHF band. STL receiver just passes this onto the TX. The transmitter site is essentially just a repeater site for the STL. If you have a receiver that can tune 850MHz, you’ll be able to hear an analogue STL. ---
**Author:** ![Informer](https://forums.mediaspy.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/i/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Informer](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/Informer)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2023, 11:50am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/radio-data-system-rds/237/3235 "2023-08-01T11:50:36Z")
That’s all I get as well. Cheers. Shame, 89.7FM use to have song information, Joondalup weather and station slogans in their RT. ---
**Author:** ![ozbark](https://forums.mediaspy.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/o/9de053/32.png) [@ozbark](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/ozbark)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2023, 12:17am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/radio-data-system-rds/237/3236 "2023-08-02T00:17:38Z")
> [@matt86](#): > > Very good work @ozbark and others. Thanks Matt. But let’s not forget that the list is the creation of @AustralianAerial & earlier hard work. And yes it’s a team effort by many. > [@matt86](#): > > PI codes should really be managed by ACMA and issued in a similar way call signs are however RDS has flown under the governance radar. Exactly, but anyway we’re filling that void for the moment & I felt I promptly had to do something about the frequency of rising PI code conflicts (mainly urban regions) by adding the recent tools & sheets. The list is still a work in progress. > [@matt86](#): > > Re: FBI, 2EC had their PI code first, so FBI should find something else (maybe 2FB1 🙂) would solve the apparent issue with Star as well. It would. 2FB1 is a brilliant choice of PI code too 👍 I’ll leave it too @anon71206228 & the Nova Ent techs to determine which PI code they wish to suggest to FBi. > [@matt86](#): > > (I didn’t notice 89.9 had RDS - I know some of the TCBLs did) The signal from Pulse FM here isn’t the best. I think the RDS subcarrier is sufficiently modulated, but I don’t usually get to decode anything other than the PI code from the RDS carrier due to weak signal. Pulse FM apparently do have plans to move transmitter sites, not sure if that also involves a TX power upgrade when it happens. It’s worthwhile gazing through the RDS list periodically for info or making additions & changes etc as noticed or made. _In other RDS List News; I’ve added last night a HOME PAGE link on the ‘Notes’ Title of the AUS/NZ worksheets for easier navigation back to the Update/Home worksheet. I was finding the bottom worksheet tab scrolling across 16 worksheets a bit tedious._ ---
**Author:** ![crankymedia](https://forums.mediaspy.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/c/35a633/32.png) [@crankymedia](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/crankymedia)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2023, 2:07pm UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/radio-data-system-rds/237/3237 "2023-08-03T14:07:01Z")
> [@Radiohead](#): > > Serious Classical” and playing The Chantoozies! Music is art, art is interpretation; to some one, that song will be a a serious classic to them 🙃 ---
**Author:** ![crankymedia](https://forums.mediaspy.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/c/35a633/32.png) [@crankymedia](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/crankymedia)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2023, 7:17pm UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/radio-data-system-rds/237/3238 "2023-08-03T19:17:57Z")
> [@ozbark](#): > > was finding the bottom worksheet tab scrolling across 16 worksheets a bit tedious However @ozbark , would consolidating the work sheets down from 16 lose some of granular detail that now exists and could be of more help at present ? ---
**Author:** ![ozbark](https://forums.mediaspy.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/o/9de053/32.png) [@ozbark](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/ozbark)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2023, 11:24pm UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/radio-data-system-rds/237/3239 "2023-08-03T23:24:51Z")
> [@crankymedia](#): > > However @ozbark , would consolidating the work sheets down from 16 lose some of granular detail that now exists and could be of more help at present ? I’ve made some further changes to the HOME / ‘Updates Worksheet’ that provides an expanded (and near complete) DIRECTORY for easier access to the main worksheets. (Also a bigger promo for the Media Spy website) There could be some consolidation to worksheets such as: 1. Loosing the ‘1 -Example’ worksheet 2. I needed to create worksheet ‘14 - Last two Digits’ as an interim measure to resolve the PI conflict problem. The goal is to eventually replace this sheet with a dedicated ‘Engineering Tools Worksheet’ that uses just the PI code worksheet as a data lookup resource. The other goal on a future Engineering Worksheet is auto generate up to two tables based on either PI code or Last Two digits search criteria. That is, if either code is in use then tables are auto generated on that same worksheet that displays to the engineers where these in use PI code/ PI code 3rd & 4th digit transmitters are located. To achieve that goal I either need to learn a lot more about Functions & Script/Code writing/programming related to Google Sheets or ask for help. _Ideally I would love to gain assistance from someone skilled in such within the group._ This would also negate the need to have & thus maintain worksheet 14, as the data was originally sourced from the PI worksheet 11. Re updating sheets (workload). Some folk only use a mobile phone rather than have a PC & admittedly it becomes cumbersome to update, so I’m fine updating the sheets for them. Some folk don’t have the basic Google Sheets editing skills, so again I’m fine updating the sheets for them. Some folk forget to also update the Sorted PI Code sheet (where applicable), it’s very important that this happens & it is important in updating the date change (column L in the AUS State pages, K in NZ, M in Pacific) when ANY change is performed. Changes to these columns are auto updated on our Updates page. Any future feature ideas or assistance is always welcome. ---
**Author:** ![melb\_mateyy0](https://forums.mediaspy.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/m/f14d63/32.png) [@melb\_mateyy0](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/melb_mateyy0)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2023, 4:31am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/radio-data-system-rds/237/3240 "2023-08-08T04:31:02Z")
Both commercial and community stations can assign and change a PI of their choosing? I had always assumed they had a fixed PI they had to use. ---
**Author:** ![Radiohead](https://forums.mediaspy.org/user_avatar/forums.mediaspy.org/radiohead/32/21429_2.png) [@Radiohead](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/Radiohead)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2023, 7:16pm UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/radio-data-system-rds/237/3241 "2023-08-08T19:16:48Z")
Yeah, it would be good if the ACMA allocated them to prevent double ups and ensured they met standards so all radios could display them. ---
**Author:** ![Brianc68](https://forums.mediaspy.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/b/58f4c7/32.png) [@Brianc68](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/Brianc68)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2023, 5:09am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/radio-data-system-rds/237/3242 "2023-08-11T05:09:21Z")
Nice to see 4MMM continue to give a nod to FM104 even if only in the RDS. Mind you a lot of the songs they were playing wouldn’t have been played on 104 back in the day. ![IMG_20230811_122302](https://mediaspy-org-s3.s3.dualstack.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/original/4X/e/6/6/e66c4f1bda843ee6ae13fc1d8bcb2e59a6dae1ec.jpeg) And yes my screen does need a dust 😃 ---
**Author:** ![ozbark](https://forums.mediaspy.org/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/o/9de053/32.png) [@ozbark](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/ozbark)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2023, 7:04am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/radio-data-system-rds/237/3243 "2023-08-11T07:04:36Z")
Can anyone in the Brisbane area with an RDS tuner or radio that has a clock that is set via the RDS signal please confirm with me that KIIS 97.3’s RDS CT is around 11 minutes slow or is accurate. A side by side pic for tuner RDS clock time from the KIIS tuned signal alongside a mobile phone or watch time would be awesome to prove a fault to the station. ---
**Author:** ![TV.Cynic](https://forums.mediaspy.org/user_avatar/forums.mediaspy.org/tv.cynic/32/316932_2.png) [@TV.Cynic](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/TV.Cynic)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2023, 8:16am UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/radio-data-system-rds/237/3244 "2023-08-11T08:16:20Z")
![image](https://mediaspy-org-s3.s3.dualstack.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/original/4X/a/2/f/a2f6aeb4845d3e204d93d5d86bc33b4502657027.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![yourfbiagent](https://forums.mediaspy.org/user_avatar/forums.mediaspy.org/yourfbiagent/32/364244_2.png) [@yourfbiagent](https://forums.mediaspy.org/u/yourfbiagent)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2023, 1:53pm UTC](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/radio-data-system-rds/237/3245 "2023-08-12T13:53:54Z")
> [@Brianc68](#): > > Nice to see 4MMM continue to give a nod to FM104 even if only in the RDS. IIRC they have doing this for a while (when it was called 'Flock Of 80’s Friday, maybe even further) Nice little throwback to the FM104 days, would be nice if they reused the old ‘Rock In Stereo’ tagline from yonks ago for its RDS text during Awesome 80’s. Still, good on them for doing it. > [@Brianc68](#): > > And yes my screen does need a dust 😃 Just wipe it down with a microfibre cloth (similar to the ones used to clean glasses). You can use a normal damp cloth, just don’t do it too hard as you may smudge the screen. 😀 [Previous page](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/radio-data-system-rds/237.md?page=160) [Next page](https://forums.mediaspy.org/t/radio-data-system-rds/237.md?page=162)