smart "Radio 10" RDS or just FM/AM/CD/MP3

[spdickey]

All the Euro specs show the Radio 10 for the smart is a RDS model, (Radio Data System). That shows the station call letters, song titles, and other stuff the stations send out. Playing with the Radio 10 at the smart house in a US spec car, there was no RDS there. Is this a different radio than the Euro one? Also, can the CD play MP3 encoded disks as well?

[jwight]

Hmmmm, that photo looks familiar.

Here's the quote from the USA brochure fish posted:

" smart premium radio (radio 10):
AM/FM radio with MP3 compatible 6-disc
in-dash CD changer for hours of audio
pleasure. (Standard on passion cabriolet.
Optional on passion coupe.)"

Doesn't mention RDS.

John

[Smartster]

The US radio's are different in they don't have the RDS button, all else is the same, they do play MP3's, have the input jack in the glove box, are 6 disc changers and have the nice display, gives the title of the song also shows the smart logo and name on power up.

[canon1753]

What does the radio do for a MP3 player? i.e.: does it allow you to control the mp3 player?

Also, does Radio 9 do similar MP3 playback?

Thanks

[jwight]

Some added info:

RBDS: Radio Broadcast Data System

Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS), an replacement of Emergency Broadcast System, allows radio stations to send text messages, such as emergency warning and traffic alerts to radios installed with special display screens.

The US adopted RBDS but I don't think it sends out program data like RDS does in the EU. That's one of the nice features of rental cars in Europe.

John

[spdickey]

Originally Posted by canon1753

What does the radio do for a MP3 player? i.e.: does it allow you to control the mp3 player?

Also, does Radio 9 do similar MP3 playback?

Thanks

I believe only the Radio 10 with six CD changer plays MP3 CDs. MP3 playback is via mp3 encoded CDs (data disks). You can get a lot more tunes on a MP3 CD than a regular music one. Song titles also show up on MP3 CDs.

There is also an AUX jack for plugging into the headphone out jack on a iPod or other media player. You CANNOT control your iPod with the radio controls, sorry. Both Radio 9 and Radio 10 have AUX jacks.

[canon1753]

So, to control the Ipod, you would need an exterior controller (i.e. a Drive + Play from HK or like that), or go aftermarket.

[spdickey]

Yep. No iPod control at all. It lives in the glove box where the plug is. And no power in there, too.

Also note the Radio 10 plays MP3 encoded CDs. You can get about 60 albums worth on six data CDs, the radio display shows the titles, and no bending over to change the iPod.

[rubyg]

It will be one with HD radio ,more stations on cd quality and displays the name of the song.
Thanks

[propes]

Not as handy when you want to play the lastest podcast, though.

Originally Posted by spdickey

Yep. No iPod control at all. It lives in the glove box where the plug is. And no power in there, too.

Also note the Radio 10 plays MP3 encoded CDs. You can get about 60 albums worth on six data CDs, the radio display shows the titles, and no bending over to change the iPod.