Description
3dbm Inc 70FMO 70 MHz FM Command Modulator Satcom IF BNC RF Out
The 3dbm Inc model 70FMO is a 70 MHz FM Command Modulator designed for satellite ground station and satcom uplink applications. Built by 3dbm Inc. of Westlake Village, California, it generates and controls an FM-modulated 70 MHz intermediate frequency (IF) signal used in satellite communication command chains. The front panel provides direct readout of RF output power (in dBm), carrier deviation (in MHz), and regulated supply voltage (VDC) via three panel meters, with an OFF/ON rotary power switch.
Specifications & What's Included
- Manufacturer: 3dbm Inc. (Westlake Village, CA)
- Model: 70FMO
- Carrier Frequency: 70 MHz
- Modulation: FM (Frequency Modulation)
- RF Output connector: BNC (labeled RF OUT — side panel)
- FM Modulation Input connector: BNC (labeled FM MOD IN — side panel)
- Frequency Adjust: rear-panel trim (Freq Adj)
- Carrier Deviation Adjust: rear-panel trim pot (Carrier Dev Increase)
- RF Power Adjust: rear-panel trim pot (RF Power Increase)
- Front-panel meters: RF Power (dBm), Carrier Deviation (MHz), Regulated Supply (VDC)
- Alarm outputs: Lock Alarm Out and RF Level Alarm Out via circular multi-pin connectors (rear panel)
- Alarm relays: relay contact wiring shown on rear-panel diagram (Black 1 / Green 6 / Blue 3)
- Fuse: 1/2 Amp Slo-Blo (rear panel)
- AC power inlet: IEC-style (rear panel)
- Form factor: Rackmount
- No power cord included
Applications
The 70FMO is a 70 MHz IF FM modulator of the type used in satellite ground stations for command uplink chains. In a typical satcom ground station, a command modulator like this takes a baseband command signal at the FM Mod In port and produces an FM-modulated 70 MHz IF output that is then upconverted to the satellite uplink frequency (C-band, Ku-band, or similar) by a separate block upconverter. The 70 MHz IF standard was widely adopted in the satellite industry as a common interface point between baseband/command equipment and the RF upconverter chain. Units of this type were used in telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C) stations and smaller dedicated command uplink systems from the 1970s through the 1990s. The onboard alarm relay outputs allow integration with station monitoring or supervisory control systems, triggering on loss of carrier lock or RF level drop. 3dbm Inc. produced specialized satcom ground station equipment for professional and government applications during this era.
This 3dbm Inc 70FMO 70 MHz FM Command Modulator has been inspected and appears to be in good used condition. The chassis and front panel show typical surface wear consistent with bench or rack use, including light scuffing on the top cover. The three front-panel meters (RF Power, Carrier Deviation, and Regulated Supply) and the OFF/ON rotary switch are intact. BNC connectors on the side panel appear in usable shape. There is some torn/peeled label material visible near the Carrier Dev Increase trim on the rear panel, and light surface marks on the rear. No power cord is included. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions. Please note: We have multiple units in stock — yours may not be the one shown in the photos, however, it will be similar in condition and function.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
3dbm Inc |
Model: |
70FMO |
MPN: |
70FMO |
Type: |
FM Command Modulator |
SKU: |
31863 |
Frequency: |
70 MHz |
Modulation Type: |
FM (Frequency Modulation) |
RF Output Connector: |
BNC |
FM Modulation Input Connector: |
BNC |
Panel Meters: |
RF Power (dBm), Carrier Deviation (MHz), Regulated Supply (VDC) |
Alarm Outputs: |
Lock Alarm Out, RF Level Alarm Out (circular multi-pin connectors) |
Alarm Relays: |
Yes — relay contacts wired per rear-panel diagram |
Carrier Deviation Adjust: |
Rear-panel trim pot (Carrier Dev Increase) |
RF Power Adjust: |
Rear-panel trim pot (RF Power Increase) |
Frequency Adjust: |
Rear-panel trim (Freq Adj) |
Fuse: |
1/2 Amp Slo-Blo |
Form Factor: |
Rackmount |
Power Requirements: |
AC mains (IEC inlet, no power cord included) |
Seller Notes: |
No power cord included. Unit is sold as pictured. |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United States |
Application: |
Satellite ground station IF modulation, satcom uplink |
Condition Notes: |
3dbm Inc 70FMO 70 MHz FM Command Modulator. Inspected and in good used condition. Front-panel meters and rotary switch intact. BNC connectors usable. No power cord included. Surface wear on chassis. |