Description
STS Inc Statcom RF Upconverter 13 GHz Ku-Band Satellite 19" Rackmount 2U
This STS Inc Statcom is a 19-inch 2U rackmount RF upconverter designed for Ku-band satellite earth station and uplink applications. Operating in the 12.85–13.35 GHz range, the unit converts an intermediate frequency (IF) signal to the Ku-band RF output frequency used for satellite transmission. It is built around a MACOM PLK-12-01 upconverter/mixer module and reference crystal oscillators, with K&L Microwave bandpass filtering for output signal conditioning. The front panel provides a 10-segment red LED bar graph for signal monitoring, toggle-switched inputs for RFLO, U/C, RFXO, and IF routing, trimpots for IFXO and RFXO level adjustment, and a full complement of status indicators including SUM/FAIL, LAMP/TEST, and FUSE/FAIL LEDs.
Specifications & What's Included
- Type: RF Upconverter (UP CONV), Ku-Band
- Frequency Range: 12.85 – 13.35 GHz output
- Form Factor: 19" Rackmount, 2U
- Overall Dimensions: 23 x 19 x 3.5 in
- Upconverter/Mixer Module: MACOM (MATS) PLK-12-01
- Crystal Oscillator 1: Vectron Laboratories, 108 MHz
- Crystal Oscillator 2: Vectron Laboratories, 101.99603 MHz
- Bandpass Filter: K&L Microwave 9FV-1150/60-00 (A17808 NC354-7)
- Internal RF Amplifier Assembly: ASS-Y C1663
- Power Input: IEC AC inlet (labeled XFLI) on rear panel
- Fuses: 1/2A 220V (main), 1A secondary, 1/4A fan fuse
- Front Panel Connectors: RF OUT (SMA), RF LO / AUX IN (SMA), MON (SMA), IFXO, RFXO ports
- Front Panel Controls: IFXO ADJ and RFXO ADJ trimpots; OPERATE/MAINT mode switch; OFF/ON power switch
- Front Panel Indicators: 10-segment red LED bar graph (IFLO BIAS, RFLO BIAS, IFXO LVL, RFXO LVL); SUM/FAIL, LAMP/TEST, FUSE/FAIL LED indicators; POWER LED
- Input Toggle Switches: RFLO, U/C, RFXO, IF routing selection on front panel
- Rear Panel Connectors: 2x DB44 parallel interface connectors (J4 area), IEC AC inlet, SMA RF port (J3)
- Cooling: Internal Paramotor cooling fan mounted on rear panel
- Internal: High-voltage power supply section (labeled DANGER HIGH VOLTAGE), digital control module, RF microwave interconnect assemblies
- Unit only — no external cables included
Applications
RF upconverters like this Statcom unit are a core component of satellite earth station transmit chains. They take a lower-frequency IF signal — typically in the L-band or Ku-band IF range — from a modem or modulator and translate it up to the final Ku-band transmit frequency (in this case 12.85–13.35 GHz) before the signal is sent to a high-power amplifier (HPA) and then to the dish antenna for uplink. The Ku-band frequency range covered by this unit corresponds to standard FSS (Fixed Satellite Service) uplink frequencies used in broadcast, VSAT, and point-to-point satellite communications. Units of this type were used in fixed and transportable earth stations, teleport facilities, and broadcast uplink trucks from the 1980s through 2000s. The MACOM PLK-12-01 mixer module and precision Vectron reference oscillators inside are hallmarks of professional-grade earth station equipment built for continuous duty in satellite uplink service. This unit was previously the property of American Satellite Co., indicating professional satellite communications service use.
This STS Inc Statcom RF Upconverter has been inspected and is in good used condition. The chassis and front panel show normal wear consistent with prior rack-mounted service use. The front panel controls, toggle switches, LED indicators, and display appear intact and undamaged. The rear panel connectors and IEC AC inlet are present and in good shape. The internal assemblies — including the MACOM PLK-12-01 upconverter module, Vectron crystal oscillators, K&L Microwave bandpass filter, and RF amplifier — are visually intact with no obvious damage observed. A property tag from American Satellite Co. (V-42761) is affixed to the rear chassis. 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: |
STS |
Model: |
Statcom Upconverter |
MPN: |
Statcom Upconverter |
Type: |
RF Upconverter |
SKU: |
49836 |
Frequency Band: |
Ku-Band |
Frequency Range: |
12.85 – 13.35 GHz |
Application: |
Satellite Uplink / Earth Station |
Form Factor: |
19" Rackmount, 2U |
Dimensions: |
23 x 19 x 3.5 in |
Power Requirements: |
AC Input (IEC connector); fuse 1/2A 220V |
Mixer / Upconverter Module: |
MACOM PLK-12-01 (12.85–13.35 GHz) |
Crystal Oscillator 1: |
Vectron 108 MHz |
Crystal Oscillator 2: |
Vectron 101.99603 MHz |
Bandpass Filter: |
K&L Microwave 9FV-1150/60-00 |
Internal Assembly: |
ASS-Y C1663 (visible on RF amp assembly) |
Rear Connectors: |
2x DB44 parallel connectors (J4 area), IEC AC inlet, SMA RF port |
Front Panel Connectors: |
RF OUT (SMA), RF LO / AUX IN (SMA), MON (SMA), IFXO, RFXO BNC/SMA |
Front Panel Indicators: |
10-segment LED bar graph, SUM/FAIL, LAMP/TEST, FUSE/FAIL LEDs, POWER LED |
Front Panel Controls: |
OPERATE/MAINT switch, OFF/ON switch, IFXO ADJ, RFXO ADJ trimpots |
Cooling: |
Internal cooling fan (Paramotor brand) |
Condition: |
Used – Inspected |
Seller Notes: |
Unit only; no external cables included. Inspected, good cosmetic condition. |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United States |
Condition Notes: |
This STS Inc Statcom RF Upconverter has been inspected and is in good used condition with normal wear. Internal assemblies including MACOM PLK-12-01 module, Vectron oscillators, and K&L filter are visually intact. |
California Prop 65 Warning: |
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, and DEHP (a phthalate), which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Go to P65Warnings.ca.gov |
