Description
TIW Systems 182-73-00 Rackmount Ranging Filter Satellite Ground Station SATCOM
The TIW Systems 182-73-00 is a rackmount ranging filter designed for use in satellite ground station systems. Ranging filters of this type are used to process and condition the tonal signals employed in satellite ranging — the process by which a ground station measures the precise round-trip delay to a satellite to determine its orbital position and range. TIW Systems Inc., based in Sunnyvale, California, was a well-regarded manufacturer of satellite ground station equipment, and this unit dates to December 1986 based on its label date code.
Specifications & What's Included
- Manufacturer: TIW Systems Inc., Sunnyvale, CA USA
- Part Number: 182-73-00
- Description (per label): Ranging Filter
- Date Code: 12/86
- Serial Number: 002 (internal reference)
- Form Factor: Rackmount with integrated rack handles
- Front Panel: POWER switch; POWER TIME SELECT multi-position pushbutton bank; ACQP ENABLE section with TRACK LOCK indicator
- Rear Panel Outputs: Two BNC connectors labeled RANGE TONES and TEST
- Rear Panel I/O: IEC AC power inlet; multiple D-sub connectors for signal I/O
- Rear Panel: Blue TIW Systems identification label with DES, P/N, S/N, and DATE fields
- Chassis: Vented top cover; rack ears/handles on both sides
Applications
Ranging filters are a core component of satellite tracking and ranging systems used at ground stations to accurately measure the distance to a satellite. In a typical ranging setup, the ground station transmits tonal ranging signals to the satellite, which retransmits them back; the ground equipment measures the phase delay of the returned tones to calculate range with high precision. This type of equipment was used extensively in commercial and government satellite operations from the 1970s through the 1990s for geostationary satellite stationkeeping, early orbit support, and tracking, telemetry, and command (TT&C) ground stations. TIW Systems was an established supplier of such ground station subsystems during this era. This unit is relevant to engineers maintaining, restoring, or studying legacy satellite ground station infrastructure, as well as organizations operating heritage SATCOM ground systems.
This TIW Systems 182-73-00 Rackmount Ranging Filter has been inspected and is in good condition. The unit is cosmetically consistent with its age — the front panel and chassis show light discoloration and surface soiling typical of older rack equipment from the mid-1980s, but there is no visible damage, dents, or broken hardware. The front panel controls, pushbuttons, and indicator areas appear intact. Rack handles are present. The rear panel BNC output connectors and D-sub connectors appear undamaged. Date code on the label reads 12/86. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
TIW Systems |
Model: |
182-73-00 |
MPN: |
182-73-00 |
Type: |
Rackmount Ranging Filter |
SKU: |
36026 |
Seller Notes: |
Includes rack handles. Inspected and in good condition. |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United States |
Form Factor: |
Rack Mount |
Application: |
Satellite Ground Station Ranging / SATCOM |
Date Code: |
12/86 |
Output Connectors: |
BNC (Range Tones, Test) |
Input Connectors: |
IEC AC inlet, D-sub connectors (rear) |
Front Panel Controls: |
POWER switch, POWER TIME SELECT buttons, ACQP ENABLE |
Rear Panel Features: |
IEC AC inlet, D-sub I/O connectors, BNC outputs |
Condition: |
Used – Inspected |
Condition Notes: |
TIW Systems 182-73-00 Rackmount Ranging Filter. Inspected and in good condition. Light age-related discoloration on chassis; front panel controls and connectors appear intact. Rack handles present. Date code 12/86. |
