4 ‐ Data export and bandscan report
RDSExpert offers the ability to export RDS data from one or more stations in text and PDF format.
This is relatively convenient for anyone who wants to keep track of such information, for archiving purposes, to update a database, etc.
The user can immediately capture the RDS information of the tuned radio station by clicking on the “Export data” button.
A modal window opens with a preview of the captured information.
It is then possible to export it in text format by clicking on “Download TXT” or in PDF format (more complete report and easier to read) by clicking on “Download PDF”.
It is also possible to copy the information on the screen in text format to send it to someone on a social network, for example.
In addition to the RDS information, the report contains a timestamp, the name of the station, the city where the transmitter is located, its power, and the distance between the TEF server and the received transmitter.
The modulation (Mono/Stereo) is also indicated along with the signal power (in dBf or dBuV format, depending on the user's choice).
The user can also choose to include the PS/PTY/PTYN and Radiotext histories by checking the corresponding boxes.
The concept is broadly the same as that of individual data export: RDS information is retrieved and stored in a text or PDF file.
However, the bandscan function allows you to record RDS information from the entire FM band of a server.
To start a bandscan, click on “Record bandscan” (the button changes to “Stop recording” and starts flashing slowly) and start a manual bandscan on the server.
When you come across a frequency with RDS, the information is saved in memory.
For a quality bandscan report, stay on each frequency during the necessary time to decode all information properly such as the Radiotext.
In any case, remain on the frequency for at least 3 seconds after decoding the RDS. This is the required time for RDSExpert to communicate with the TEF server API and retrieve information about the transmitter, signal level, etc.
At the end of your bandscan, click on the “Stop recording” button.
A modal window will open with a preview of your bandscan report.
Depending on your preference, select dBf or dBuV for the signal unit, and decide if you want to include the PS, PTY, PTYN, and Radiotext histories.
As with individual reports, you can choose between downloading the content in text / PDF format, or creating a text copy.
The PDF format is by far the most recommended due to the amount of information displayed and, above all, its ease of reading.
The bandscan report begins with a summary listing the received stations.
It includes the frequency, PI code, PS, TP and TA flags, modulation (icon displayed if the station is in Stereo), signal strength, and station name + broadcast city (information collected via the server API).
In addition, the service indicators are also displayed if present: ODA, RT+, EON, and TMC.
If one of the stations in the list has a dynamic PS, then the PS indicated for that station is in purple color.
In this case, the complete report for the station contains up to 14 messages of the dynamic PS. You can always find more by including the PS history on the export modal.
By clicking on one of the stations in the list, you will be redirected to the complete report for that station, with all its RDS data.
You can then navigate from one station to another by clicking on the “Previous station” and “Next station” buttons at the top right of each report.
To return to the stations list at any time, simply click on “Return to the summary”.