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Topic Summary

Posted by: Jan
« on: September 27, 2026, 10:36:53 pm »

That’s unfortunate. A third attempt is pointless as there is clearly another fault somewhere. We could check and repair the board if you sent it to us, but when you factor in the time and several shipping costs, it doesn't make economic sense for a 20-year-old board. It will be more advantageous for you to purchase a module from our current offer. You get incomparably greater value for similar cost.

I advised you to check the supply voltage before the replacement. You didn't mention whether you did so. From experience, I can tell you that the cause of most inexplicable faults lies in the power adapter, while the device itself is fine.
Posted by: radiosiciliaexpress
« on: September 27, 2026, 10:16:58 pm »

Hi Jan, after some time I tried replacing the PIRA32 PIC microcontroller you sent me, but it doesn't work: both LED 1 and LED 2 remain off, and there is no RDS signal output. So, I put the old PIC back in; at least that one works, even though I can't program it with new messages—it always gives the same "communication error"!
If you could send another microcontroller, I would be grateful—I'm even willing to pay for it again—but please test it before shipping it to me. Thanks.
Posted by: radiosiciliaexpress
« on: June 24, 2026, 10:05:39 pm »

Hi Jan, I haven't received any email; try sending it again. Maybe fcantav@tin.it is blocked—try sending it to: cantavenerafrancesco@gmail.com
Thanks as always.
Posted by: Jan
« on: June 24, 2026, 08:11:42 am »

We have all the spare parts in stock. I have sent you an email with instructions. After processing, the parts will arrive to you via PPL in about 5 days. Contact me on email for details. Thanks.
Before replacing components, make sure that the board provides correct 5V supply voltage for the digital circuits.

Posted by: radiosiciliaexpress
« on: June 23, 2026, 11:38:24 pm »

Hi Jan, I replaced the 24LC256 EPROM... but unfortunately that wasn't the problem. It's still the same error. The only solution would be to replace the PIRA32 microcontroller. I looked in the shop to buy one, but I have to order a minimum of 25 pieces... that's a bit too many... could you send me just one piece? THANK YOU.
N.B. Shipping it is a bit complicated because I have to disassemble the board, which is in the same rack as the stereo encoder.
THANK YOU for your attention, JAN.
Posted by: radiosiciliaexpress
« on: June 10, 2026, 09:18:19 pm »

thank you very much,Jan
Posted by: Jan
« on: June 09, 2026, 02:37:28 pm »

So this is a really historical piece. I'm not sure, but it's probably the very first version before the update.

You can find the info and software here: https://pira.cz/rds/rds1.zip
But it was written for Windows XP, I don't know if it will still work now.
Posted by: radiosiciliaexpress
« on: June 08, 2026, 11:11:18 pm »

Hi Jan, I'll give it one last try. I've already ordered the 24LC256 EPROM. It seems corrupted, so we'll see what happens. Meanwhile, yesterday I tried your RDS from 2002-2004. So at least when I send you the PIRA 32 for repair, I'll replace it with the old one. It works, except that I'll have to change some of the text, like phone numbers, changed frequencies, etc. Since I can't find the software anymore (I should have it on some PC from 20 years ago... but go find it), maybe the magicRDS vers. 2 versions with the parallel port. I tried TinyRDS and mini RDS, but it doesn't work. Could you send it to me by email.
THANK YOU.

cantavenerafrancesco@gmail.com
N.B.: If you can, please also send me the RDS and PLL wiring diagram.
Posted by: Jan
« on: June 05, 2026, 11:26:00 pm »

We sold probably just the board itself, external influences are affecting it. The update itself will not cause this. As strange as it is to update a 20 year old board, we do such things and it still works fine.
It is not a problem for me to test the board, or possibly fix it, even if it is a 20 year old piece. It is much easier for me, I don't want you to spend your time anymore on this. I think you did everything you could. If you are interested in sending me the board, contact me on email.
Posted by: radiosiciliaexpress
« on: June 05, 2026, 10:46:25 pm »

Good evening Jan, I've done all the tests you described above but it doesn't work, I even changed the MAX232 chip, but it has the same problem. I also took the old notebook that I used 15 years ago which has the COM socket so using only the serial cable, it receives the commands you see the LED flashing, but it doesn't store them... it could be the 24LC256 or in the worst case the microcontroller. Best regards from FRANCESCO
Posted by: Jan
« on: June 04, 2026, 08:51:37 pm »

Check/try all these options in the Magic RDS 3 main menu:

Options – Preferences – General: Enable Autodetect port speed
RDS Encoder – Special – No Header mode – Switch off
RDS Encoder – Device Setup – Set Defaults - Store
RDS Encoder – Special – Initialize

Using these steps you override any possible configurations and set the PIRA32 board to the factory default state which corresponds to the latest firmware.
Posted by: radiosiciliaexpress
« on: June 04, 2026, 08:33:06 pm »

the update went OK and the LED remained on for the entire period of loading the firmware and when I reset it from the Magic RDS software the LED flashed as if it was receiving a signal... it does not work when I want to program and read and send if it was a problem with the cable (which I have been using for a long time also with your FM analyzer P175) it did not even update the firmware - THANKS
Posted by: Jan
« on: June 04, 2026, 07:59:20 pm »

A CRC error during an update is not common in this case and indicates a communication problem that is not related to the firmware version, because only the bootloader is running at that time and it is fixed from the factory.
In most of these cases, the USB to RS232 adapter is to blame, there are often problems with the drivers, for example when migrating to a newer version of Windows.
I would recommend testing the device using a different power supply, a different PC and a different converter.
You don't mention whether the encoder is producing RDS data and whether the LEDs are working. This would help narrow down the possible causes.

For completeness, I will refer you to page 58 of the manual, where steps are generally described in case communication cannot be established (for example, if addressing or No-Header mode has been activated):
https://pira.cz/rds/manual.pdf

Of course, we can still test your board, or restore it to its original operating condition, but I believe that this will not be necessary.
Posted by: radiosiciliaexpress
« on: June 04, 2026, 07:38:37 pm »

Hi Jan, I ran the firmware update. The first time it gave me "failed at 47550 B-CRC error. Try again." I tried again and it updated with "Update OK." So far, so good...but Magic RDS isn't communicating. It keeps giving me a communication error!
I even did a RESET, but nothing works. I don't think it's a cable issue. I'll try again tonight. Any advice? Thanks, Francesco.
Posted by: radiosiciliaexpress
« on: June 04, 2026, 12:19:55 pm »

Good morning JAN, always kind and quick in responding, I'll try as soon as I get to the office. I'll let you know - always THANK YOU :D :D ;)