Thanks for that info (ref @Radiohead travel itinerary), it is a shame, unless they are using one of those default PI codes that don’t show RDS data on many RDS radios?
Can I ask @Brad1 is the KLFM Castlemaine transmitter using the same RDS data feed as 96.5MHz Bendigo?
All very interesting.
Why would they not use group 2A?
Interesting that RDS doesn’t decode in your Prado. Is that also the case with Donnybrook Radio? Looking at our RDS list that station is also RDS programmed with the same Group codes. Was wondering if it’s a PI code or a Group code problem.
I wonder if same equipment &/or programmed by the same technician?
PI F000 is also used by international commercial station NRJ 93.5 in Noumea, you think they would have used a PI code that works.
Might be worth contacting the station in a few days if no further changes or improvements.
Yes, DBCR 102.1 and 98.5 display PS only in the Prado. No RT. Alternatley, the TEF tuner displays half the DBCR RT message. Group 2A would be the go to fit full artist/title information instead of chopping it off at 32 characters.
As it turns out, the station moved to a new studio over the weekend and have acknowledged a few technical challenges. Quite possibly the same tech and encoder that DBCR uses. Ill keep an eye on things.
I noticed a few more Faith FMs running RDS during my trip to the MNC. There’s one around Port Macquarie (receivable on North Brother) and I think I noted one around Coffs as well. It’s hard to tell the exact location.
Most of the TABs up that way are now running RDS; a new one for me was Glen Innes 107.5 which was received near Dorrigo.
I reckon this might have changed earlier today.
And already it’s now old news as they’ve since changed the PS again to: Northsde
Bit like the Mrs trying on several dresses at the frock shop seeing which one looks best.
I wonder if some of the existing Faith FM stations have just recently added RDS?
When I was up in Coffs Harbour late last year, Faith FM in Coffs itself on 88.0 didn’t have RDS. There is also an additional Faith FM license for Boambee on 88.0MHz, is that a possibility? @dxnerd
I recall someone hearing a Faith FM outlet recently from a location that wasn’t plotted/listed on the Faith FM site.
I’ve no idea of LPONs around Port Macquarie, I didn’t call in there.
Haven’t they heard of pen and paper! And then make a decision.
Reminds me of when KOFM Newcastle became Triple M, just after the on air 8am brand changeover the RDS changed to 1029_MMM and later that day they changed it again to Triple M.
It’s been a while as I haven’t had time to follow it up, but I’ve just heard back from the Star104.5 PD about the RDS PI Code issue & FBi.
Here’s what he said, after talking to the FBi Tech Manager, it was actually a surprise to him & me, if I get time I might have to follow up with the CBAA about it & what they’re doing (wrong). Anyone else here involved with Community radio could approach the CBAA though if wanted, cause I’m not sure I’ll get time to do it.
This was our conversation this afternoon:
Just an update on this, I was put in contact with FBi’s Technology Manager who told me the code they are using was assigned by CBAA and that he would consult them before making any changes. I’m a bit surprised that CBAA assigned a code that is already being used just down the road on 2ST. He also said that change would have to be made in person at their TX as they don’t have remote access capability.
That was a month ago and I’ve still not heard back from him. I just checked, and it hasn’t changed…
He’s going to contact FBi again & see if they’re willing to change, out of the 3 stations, Star 104.5, FBi & 2ST who all have the same/similar PI code, it’s in FBi’s best interest to change over the others as they’ll lose out the most, coping it from both sides.
Thanks for the interesting post & keeping us up to date. Greatly appreciate your pursuit of this problem. I too am surprised that CBAA was in any position to recommend or allocate a PI code… gosh.
Wonder if he got confused with the CRA?
There’s still plenty of poorly selected’ PI codes out there on community radio land.
Also just to clarify it’s 2EC rather than 2ST re the PI code conflict with FBI.
I totally agree it’s FBi that should be changing their PI code.
I have reviewed the CRA’s PI listing database. Our Media Spy RDS List is, by a long shot, the most comprehensive & accurate PI code list that broadcasters or contracted engineers could refer to in association with CRA’s guidelines.
That said our still needs populating with more PI codes, but importantly where it matters most, the list is near complete in most of the higher populated areas.
Please keep us updated as your time permits.
In other RDS news; 93.3 Radio 50+ might now have dynamic RT as I noted this RT during a sports program/segment yesterday.
“PM Sports - PM-Airsport”
Under normal circumstances I’d say no issue, but Tropo will change that, also it’s breaking the CRA unofficial RDS code, they are supposed to be per state, not reused 300km apart like frequencies are.
I’ve been on the coast in Sydney during a tropo event listening to 2EC Eden on 105.5 with RDS & whilst traveling back inland a bit when the signal from 2EC weakened a bit, the vehicle tuner frequency changed to 94.5 with FBi & with its RDS data etc. It’s a real thing.
There’s every possibility under the right circumstances during a tropo event between Sydney & south coast that someone down in 2EC territory or on the fringe of, say for example listening to 2EC on one of the Batemans Bay or Eden frequencies could during travel & with weakening 2EC signal, experience a frequency change to 94.5 & with FBi’s RDS data populating their tuner.
