BLONDER TONGUE RF MINI MODULATOR BT-MICM-45 VARIOUS CHANNELS 16:33

The Blonder Tongue MICM-45 is a compact, agile RF modulator designed for professional and commercial audio/video distribution. Its function is to take standard baseband audio and video signals and convert them into a broadcast-quality NTSC TV channel on a coaxial cable system.

The “Various Channels” indicates that the seller has multiple units available, each capable of being set to a different channel.

Key Features & Specifications

• Manufacturer: Blonder Tongue (A legendary American manufacturer specializing in CATV and signal distribution equipment since 1949). They are a standard in the industry.

• Model: MICM-45 (Mini Modulator)

• Type: Audio/Video RF Modulator.

• Form Factor: Mini / Compact. This small size makes it ideal for discreet installation in racks, behind equipment, or in control panels.

• Inputs:

  • Video: Composite video (CVBS) on an RCA connector (typically 1 Vp-p).

  • Audio: Mono audio on an RCA connector.

• Output: RF modulated TV channel on a standard F-type coaxial connector.

• Agile Tuning: This is a key feature. The output channel is user-selectable across a wide range. It can typically be set to any standard VHF (Channels 2-13) or UHF (Channels 14-69) frequency using DIP switches or a screwdriver-adjustable potentiometer on the board.

• Modulation Standard: NTSC (the analog television standard used in North America).

• Power: Often powered by a common 12V AC or DC external wall-adapter power supply (not always included).

• Applications: Its primary use is in professional signal distribution:

  • MATV/SMATV Systems: For hotels, apartments, hospitals to add local sources (e.g., a security camera, DVD menu) to the channel lineup.

  • Digital-to-Analog Conversion: A very common modern use. Connecting it to the composite (RCA) output of a digital converter box (e.g., for a satellite receiver, Fire Stick, Apple TV) to inject that digital source as an analog channel into an existing legacy coaxial cable system.

  • Legacy Security Systems (CCTV): Distributing analog camera feeds.

  • Educational & Corporate TV: Sending content from a single source to many TVs.

What is it used for? (Purpose)

This device creates a custom TV channel from an A/V source. For example, you can set it to Channel 3, connect a media streamer to it, and then every TV in the building connected to the coaxial system can tune to Channel 3 to watch that streamer.

Who is this for? (Ideal User)

• A/V System Integrators and IT professionals maintaining in-house TV systems.

• Hotel & Apartment Maintenance Technicians.

• Vintage Computing & Retro Gaming Enthusiasts (for connecting old consoles to modern TVs via coax or distributing the signal to multiple CRTs).

• Security Technicians working with analog systems.

Important Considerations & Modern Context

1. Analog Technology: This is an analog NTSC modulator. Modern digital TVs cannot natively tune to its signal without a digital converter box (unless the TV has a legacy analog tuner, which is becoming rare).

2. Closed-Circuit Use: Its modern value is almost exclusively for closed-circuit systems (e.g., distributing a source to many TVs within one building over coax).

3. Condition & Power Supply: As a used unit, ensure it has the correct power supply, as using the wrong voltage can damage it.