Radio Explorer II

Mobile FM Radio Analyzer

Highly Innovative, Dual DSP-based, Compact, Affordable

Radio Explorer II is a product designed to work in the most dynamic environment - in the field where the listeners are. With just a click of a button, the device turns into the perfect tool for the evaluation and monitoring of the signal strength and quality of up to 50 pre-selected frequencies (Logger Mode) or up to 10 FM stations (PI/CALL Campaign). All that is needed is a vehicle and the Radio Explorer II.

When the data gathering trip is over, all log files can be exported and displayed in Google Earth using the free of charge DEVA Device Manger software. The log files are saved in a CSV format for future analysis, especially useful when comparing past and current information about FM broadcast band congestion and coverage is required.

This cost-effective device can measure RF level, MPX deviation, MPX power, Left & Right audio levels, RF field strength, RDS, and Pilot injection levels.

Highly Innovative, Dual DSP-based, Compact, Affordable
  • Fully DSP based FM radio frontend
  • FM Band 65 ÷ 108 MHz Basic Spectrum Analyzer
  • Dual antenna ports supporting up to 100 dBµV direct RF Antenna Input
  • Selectable IF bandwidth
  • MPX, PILOT, RDS deviation meters and RF Field strength
  • Built-in Stereo decoder
  • Stereo Presence Detection
  • LEFT and RIGHT demodulated audio level meters
  • RDS/RBDS Decoder, Stream BER meter
  • Audible GPS Fix Loss
  • Powerful Dual DSP-based core
  • Built-in 50-channels GPS Receiver
  • Front panel OLED Graphical Display
  • Very Intuitive Application Interface
  • SNMP for adjustments and control
  • Full control and monitoring via LAN & USB connection
  • Easy to use WEB Interface
  • Maintenance via DEVA Device Manager Software
  • Measurement results visualisation in Google Earth
  • Accurate front-panel metering for local use
  • Headphone output with front panel level control
  • RF and RDS Measurements (real time & average)
  • FM/RDS/RBDS Data Logger
  • 3 General purpose outputs – GPS Fix, Multipath, Low RF Level
  • Built-in FTP Server for easy download of the Log files
  • Robust, custom made Metal Case for high RF immunity

The Radio Explorer II is a full-featured device designed to cater for all market requirements. This easy for use mobile tool evaluates the FM broadcast band congestion and stores all important radio broadcast parameters in a Log file. The built-in FTP system allows downloading and managing of the files through DEVA Device Manager Software. The fully DSP- based FM radio frontend tuner utilizes the latest technologies in the DSP processing of the FM signal.

The Dual DSP-based, compact and affordable Radio Explorer II is a product of highly valued performance. This device is the perfect solution for field surveys and on site monitoring of station complete signal. With just a click on the button, Radio Explorer turns into an excellent tool for analyzing of the signal strength and quality after repairs or set-up of new equipment. This cost-effective device can measure RF level, MPX deviation, Left & Right Audio levels, RF field strength, RDS and Pilot injection levels. All measurements are visualized on easy to read OLED Graphical display.

Designed for signal surveillance on the field where the listeners are, all that is needed is a vehicle and Radio Explorer II. There are two campaign modes:

  1. Radio Explorer II can be set to measure automatically one or multiple preselected frequencies (Up to 50);
  2. RDS PI / RBDS Call campaign – up to 10 stations can be chosen. Radio Explorer II will automatically detect the used frequency. While the campaign is running, the chosen stations will be monitored; Radio Explorer II will automatically switch between the variable frequencies during movement - just as the car radio of your listeners.

When the campaign is over, using the supplied free of charge Windows software the log files could be converted into KMZ format and visualized in Google Earth. Such functionality is irreplaceable when current information of the FM broadcast band congestion and coverage is needed. As an addition, the Log file can be also exported and saved as a transitional format for future analysis.

The band scan mode guarantees real-time live visualization of either the FM band or a particular predefined part of it with down to 10 kHz resolution. Radio Explorer II can be controlled through:

  1. The built-in Web server - a standard web browser can be used to monitor its status or to make some adjustments. iOS and Android devices are also supported. The Main Screen of the WEB Interface shows all mandatory parameters represented as LED bar graph readings;
  2. The supplied free of charge DEVA Device Manager Software – the easy-to-use interface allows quick and easy connection to the device. The dedicated module ensures managing of all the device’s logs and displays respectively all the events in a handy manner;
  3. The very intuitive user interface with OLED screen, Front panel navigational and soft buttons ensures an easy usage of the device’s build-in features.

Supporting both RDS/RBDS standards and measurement units, the Radio Explorer II is a suitable choice for broadcast engineers from all around the world. The device offers various bar-graphs, data plots, histograms, etc. therefore it will meet the expectations of the most demanding broadcasters.

Highly Innovative, Dual DSP-based, Compact, Affordable
RF Input
Tuning RangeUser selectable, 87.1-108 MHz (CCIR), 65-74 MHz (OIRT), 76-95 MHz (Japan)
Tuning Step10, 20, 50, 100 kHz
Tuner Sensitivity30 dBµV
Antenna PortsDual, 2 x BNC Connectors, 50Ω
Antenna Ports Isolation> 40 dB
Internal Attenuator0, 10, 20 and 30 dB
Dynamic range100 dB
FM Demod
IF Filter BandwindthSelectable 15 Incr. (27kHz - 157kHz) or Auto
Frequency Response±0.1 dB, 10 Hz to 86 kHz
MPX Power±12 dBr, 20 sec. integration
Dynamic range90 dB
Stereo Decoder
Frequency Response (L and R)±0.1 dB, 10 Hz to 15 kHz
De-emphasisFlat, 50 µs or 75 µs, Selectable
SNR (Stereo)60 dB, 50 µs de-emphasis
THD0.15% @ 1kHz, 0.4% from 10 Hz to 15 kHz, 50 µs de-emphasis
Separation50 dB, 50 Hz to 10 kHz, 50 µs de-emphasis
Crosstalk52 dB
FFT Spectrum Analysis (RF, Composite, Audio)
Signal SourcesRF (IF), MPX, Left, Right
FFT length2048 points
Dynamic range90 dB
Scope Analysis (RF, Composite, Audio)
Signal SourcesRF (IF), MPX, Pilot, RDS, Main, Sub, Left, Right
Record length4096 points
Dynamic range90 dB
Metering Accuracy
RF Level±1 dB, 0 to 100 dBµV
MPX Power±0.2 dBr, -12 to 12 dBr, 0.1 dBr resolution
Total, Pos, Neg±2 kHz, 10 to 100 kHz, 1 kHz resolution
Pilot, RDS±0.5 kHz, 1 to 12 kHz, 0.2 kHz resolution
Audio±1 dB, +10.0 to -55.0 dB, 0.1 dB resolution
Outputs
Audio (L, R)+6 dBu, 600Ω, balanced XLR Connector
AES3 (L, R)5.0 Vp-p, 110Ω , balanced XLR Connector
GPOTerminals on rear panel, optoisolated
Headphone6,3mm (1/4") Phone Jack
Communication Interfaces
USBB-type Connector
Ethernet 10/100 Base-TRJ45 Connector
RDS Decoder
StandardsEuropean RDS CENELEC; United States RBDS NRSC
Error Correction & CountingYes
AF DecodingYes
CT (Time/Date)Yes
PI, PTY, DI, MSYes
TA/TPYes
RT (Radio Text), RT+Yes
PS (Program Service name)Yes
TMC, ODAYes
Group AnalyzerYes
BER AnalyzerYes
Group Sequence DisplayYes
RDS RAW Data DisplayYes
GPS Receiver
Number of channels50
AntennaPre-amplified, 5m of cable, magnetic
ConnectorSMA, rear panel
Measurement Storage
Storage16GB Build-in Memory Card
Data formatText, CSV
Power Requirement
Voltage12 DC (11-15V) / 2A max at 12V
ConnectorXLR (on rear panel)
Size and Weight
Dimensions (W;H;D)210 x 76 x 215 mm
Shipping Weight470 x 180 x 310 mm / 4.031 kg
HS Code8527212000
Frequently Asked Questions
  • How can I lock the front panel keyboard?
    To prevent unauthorized local access, the unit offers password protected keyboard locking. By default the keyboard is unprotected. To enable this function, using the front panel navigational menu, go to Settings > Security > Front Panel, then press OK and ENABLE the Access Control function. Set the preferred 4 digit password and access timeout.
    Once the keyboard lock function is enabled, every attempt to use it will require a password: ENTER PASSWORD:0***. Access will be denied upon false entry.
  • How to unlock the front panel keyboard? I have forgotten the password / I have enabled the function unintentionally.
    If the “Keyboard unlock” function has been activated by mistake, try to unlock it using the default password 01234. In order to deactivate the code protection, once the front panel menu is unlocked follow the menu path Menu > Settings > Security > Front Panel > Access control and then select Disable.
    If you do not manage to unlock the front panel with the default password, nevertheless whether it has been changed intentionally or not, the unit should be returned to its factory defaults in order for the password security to be disabled.
  • I forgot the master password for the DEVA Device Manager Software, what should I do?
    If due to any reason you have forgoten your Master Password, contact us at support@devabroadcast.com for detailed instructions on the reset procedure.
  • I have forgotten my password for the WEB Interface. What should I do?
    The WEB Interface password could be viewed/changed via the front panel navigational menu. The menu path is Menu > Settings > Security > Remote Access.
  • I have forgotten both – the front panel and WEB Interface passwords. What should I do?
    If due to any reason you have forgoten both passwords - the one for the front panel and the one for the WEB Interface, please contact us at support@devabroadcast.com
  • My Logger/PI Campaign is not running. What might be the problem?
    When the campaign settings are applied, you will have to specify not only the PI/CALL or Frequency, but also the Acquisition time / Campaign's start time delay. In order for a Campaign to be commenced, the device should be inactive for the specified time. It is very important, during the campaign the front panel navigational menu, WEB interface or SNMP not to be used; otherwise the campaign will not be properly performed.
    Prior to the set-up procedure, you will have to note that the campaigns (PI and Logger) cannot be performed simultaneously. The PI campaign is with higher priority, thus in order for a Logger mode campaign to be performed you will have to make sure that the PI Campaign is disabled.
  • How can I switch between %/KHz (RDS/RBDS Mode)?
    The mode could be changed via the front panel menu and via the WEB Interface.
    The menu path when the WEB Interface is used is : Settings > Tuner > section “ RDS/RBDS Mode”.
    The menu path when the change is made via the front panel menu is: Settings > Tuner > RDS Mode.
  • I cannot receive any GPS information in the GPS menu of my Radio Explorer II, what could be the problem?
    Sometimes the GPS receiver needs several minutes to initialize (update) its satellite table. That could be the reason why satellites are not indicated as soon as you have connected the antenna to your receiver. Also, select a suitable location for installation that allows routing of the antenna cable to the Radio Explorer II and also provides a clear view of the sky for a good satellite reception.
    Please note that the GPS works at his best outside, not inside buildings. When you are in narrow streets, without clear view of the sky, good satellite reception will not be received. Also, check your GPS antenna cable, to make sure it hasn’t been damaged by closing a door.
  • How do I select the proper operation mode to be used during a campaign?
    Depending on the observation purposes, Radio Explorer II utilizes two modes of operation:
    • LOGGER MODE - used for on-field configuration and observation of one or multiple preselected frequencies (Up to 50);
    • PI/CALL CAMPAIGN MODE – uses PI/CALL for preforming complete station surveys (Up to 10 stations can be chosen);
    Radio Explorer II is a easy to use tool, designed to evaluate FM broadcast band congestion and to measure and store all important radio broadcast parameters in a Log file. Each mode measures all mandatory parameters and stores them in a Log file. Thus, the user always gets full information of the current condition of the chosen frequency/channel. Once the Log files are downloaded the unnecessary measurements could be filtered upon viewing.
  • I have imported a campaign in Google Earth - visible path and almost no points. What could be the problem?
    This problem is related to Google Earth. For further information, please take a look at the picture below or read Google Earth User Guide, section Time Slider.
    Google Earth can visualize only a fraction of the entire time period. The points are there, but are not visualized (depicted) in Google Earth. When no points are selected the program will hide and reset the Time Slider.
    We recommend you to animate the movement along the path or to extend the Time Slider at its full size as shown below.
    NOTE: The time slider feature is available only in Google Earth 5 and later.
    Click to Enlarge
    Click to Enlarge
  • What are the units of the GPS Longitude and GPS Latitude shown in the campaign result file?
    Decimal degrees (°) - Latitude and Longitude are how your site location is defined on the surface of the earth. Latitude is used to express how far north or south you are, relative to the equator. If you are on the equator your latitude is zero. If you are near the North Pole your latitude is nearly 90° north. If you are near the South Pole your latitude is almost 90° south.
    Longitude shows your location in an east-west direction, relative to the Greenwich meridian. Places to the east of Greenwich (such as Middle East, India and Japan) have longitude angles up to 180° east. Places to the west of Greenwich (such as the Atlantic and North and South America) have angles up to 180° west. For inputting to the satellite dish pointing calculator, longitude west figures need to be input as negative numbers.
  • My survey has too many points. How can I have a quick preview with fewer data points?
    Radio Explorer II stores data points at the highest possible rate to provide the highest possible level of details. The number of measurement points can be reduced while reviewing the survey via the DEVA Device Manager Software. In the Log viewer > GPS tab > Refine section mark the “Enable Refine” checkbox and adjust the "Minimum Stack Distance" option. If the distance between two points is less than the one that is set, these two points will be converted into one. Please note that this option will not only reduce the points but will also change the signal path formation.
  • Can I get an RF field strength measurement along with the RF level measurement?
    Yes, you can. In order for this to happen, an antenna calibration should be provided. Such calibration can be applied via the front panel, DEVA Device Manager Software and WEB Interface. Following is an explanation on how this setting can be applied via the WEB Interface:
    • Connect the device via the WEB interface;
    • Go to Settings > Tuner section;
    • Locate the Antenna calibration subsection;
    • Define the cable loss, frequencies and their corresponding factors. Up to 5 frequency/factor pairs can be assigned.
  • How do I start the campaign via the front panel navigational menu, i.e. Logger or PI Campaign?
    In order to set up a campaign via the front panel menu, the following steps should be completed:
    • Enter the Main Menu > Settings;
    • Then select PI Campaign > PI Channel 1;
    • Specify name of the PI and for 'Active' - select Antenna 1;
    • Change the Acquisition time as per your preferences. We recommend setting it to 10 seconds;
    • Steps from 2 to 4 should be applied for each of the channels to be monitored. Once all PI Channels are set you can proceed to the last step;
    • Go to Settings > PI Campaign > PI Campaign Mode and as a parameter set 10 seconds. In order for a Campaign to be commenced the device should be inactive for the specified time.

    The settings for Logger mode are analogous to PI Campaign. The menu path is Settings > Logger > ...

    Please note that the campaigns (PI and Logger) cannot be performed simultaneously. The PI campaign is with higher priority, thus in order for a Logger mode campaign to be performed you will have to make sure that the PI campaign is disabled.

Radio Explorer II Demo Devices

Click on the buttons with the selected Demo Devices below and take a closer look at the available features.

Use the following credentials when necessary:
User: admin         Password: pass

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