CATV RF Over Fiber Receiver | Optical to RF Converter (RX Side)

The Thor F-RF-RX-MN-2 is a CATV RF over fiber receiver designed as the RX end of a fiber-based RF distribution system. It receives an optically modulated RF signal generated by a CATV optical transmitter and converts it back into a standard electrical RF signal on coax.

This unit functions as an optical to RF converter, completing the RF over fiber link. The transmitter converts RF to light (TX side), and this receiver converts that light back to RF (RX side), allowing seamless transport of RF signals over fiber.

By using fiber instead of coax for long-distance runs, this system enables low-loss, noise-immune RF signal distribution while maintaining full compatibility with standard CATV and broadcast equipment at the receiving end.

The output RF signal can carry QAM, ATSC, DVB-T, and analog NTSC/PAL channels, making it ideal for TV CATV, MATV, hospitality distribution systems in hotels, apartment buildings, campuses, headends, and commercial AV installations.

With its compact design, stable performance, and seamless integration into existing coax systems, this receiver provides a reliable solution for extending RF services over fiber while maintaining compatibility with standard television and broadcast distribution equipment.

In a typical installation, an RF signal is first converted to light by a compatible optical transmitter and sent over fiber. At the far end, the F-RF-RX-MN-2 receives that optical signal and converts it back into RF so it can be delivered over coax to end equipment. This is useful in hotels, apartment buildings, campuses, stadiums, houses of worship, broadcast sites, and commercial AV systems where a designer wants to carry RF channels over longer distances than coax alone can handle. The result is a simple way to extend and distribute RF content while keeping compatibility with standard coax-based TV and CATV hardware.

• Converts fiber optic input to electrical RF coax output
• Designed for RF systems carrying QAM, ATSC, DVB-T, and analog NTSC/PAL
• Supports RF output across the 45 MHz to 1000 MHz range
• Compact mini receiver for easy installation
• Low-noise performance for stable signal delivery
• Compatible with single-mode fiber
• Designed for use with standard 75-ohm RF coax systems
• Suitable for long-distance RF transport over fiber
• Easy integration with splitters, amplifiers, and TV distribution equipment
• Recommended for use with SC/APC optical connectors
• Coax over fiber Receiver 

• Applications

• Converting a fiber-delivered RF signal back to coax
• RF over fiber transport for hotels and resorts
• TV distribution in apartment buildings and multi-dwelling units
• Campus and institutional coax video systems
• CATV and MATV distribution networks
• Headend-to-building RF signal extension
• Long-distance transport of analog and digital TV channels
• Broadcast and commercial AV RF distribution systems
• FTTH (Fiber to the home) / CATV use, optical-to-RF conversion, 45–1000 MHz operation
• FTTP (Fiber to the Premises)

IMPORTANT NOTE:
It is very important to interface this unit using an SC/APC (Angled Polished Connector) to avoid optical reflections.

If your fiber is terminated with SC, ST, or FC/PC (flat connectors), you must use an optical jumper to convert from PC to SC/APC for proper operation.

F-RF-RFMN-2 Mini RF receiver with dula Coaxial output 

Related Thor Products

Pair this receiver with the matching transmitter: F-RF-TX-MN-2 RF Fiber Transmitter

Browse more: CATV and RF Over Fiber Products

Other Available CATV RF over Fiber Transmitters

Additional CATV RF fiber optic transmitter models are available for different optical power levels and network sizes. You can browse the full product family here: CATV RF over Fiber Transmitters

• F-RF-TX-MN-2mW – Mini CATV RF Fiber Optic Transmitter, 1310 nm, compact design, 2 mW laser
• F-RF-1310-TX-4mW – CATV RF Fiber Optic Transmitter, 1310 nm, 45–1000 MHz, 4 mW laser
• F-RF-1310-TX-8mW – CATV RF Fiber Optic Transmitter, 1310 nm, 45–1000 MHz, 8 mW laser
• F-RF-1310-TX-16mW – CATV RF Fiber Optic Transmitter, 1310 nm, 45–1000 MHz, 16 mW laser
• F-RF-1310-TX-32mW – CATV RF Fiber Optic Transmitter, 1310 nm, 45–1000 MHz, 32 mW laser
• F-RF-1550-TX-8mW – CATV RF Fiber Optic Transmitter, 1550 nm, 45–1000 MHz, 8 mW laser

Quick Installation Guide

The Mini Transmitter (TX) and Mini Receiver (RX) are plug-and-play devices, provided that:

• TX RF input level: 15–25 dBmV (75–85 dBµV)
• RX optical input level: +2 to -6 dBm

Transmitter (TX) Setup

1) Power Connection
Connect the power supply to the transmitter.

2) RF Input Connection
Connect the CATV RF input to the F-type connector.
Ensure the RF input level is within 15–25 dBmV (75–85 dBµV).

3) Fiber Connection
Connect the fiber optic cable to the transmitter output.

• Connector type MUST be SC/APC
• Do NOT use SC/PC (blue flat connector)

WARNING: Never look directly into the optical output (risk of eye injury)

4) Optical Level Adjustment (Important)

• For short-distance, point-to-point links, use the included 5 dB optical attenuator
• If using a fiber splitter, the attenuator is typically not required (due to splitter loss)

Typical fiber losses:

• ~0.35 dB/km at 1310 nm
• ~0.1–0.5 dB per connector/junction

5) TX Status Check
The transmitter LCD should display “ON”, indicating proper optical transmission.

Receiver (RX) Setup

1) Power Connection
Connect the power supply to the receiver.

If no optical signal is present or the level is too low, the LED will be RED.

2) RF Output Connection
Connect the CATV RF output from the F-type connector.
Typical RF output level: ~22 dBmV (82 dBµV)

3) Fiber Input Connection
Connect the fiber optic cable to the receiver input.

• Connector type MUST be SC/APC
• Do NOT use SC/PC (blue flat connector)

WARNING: Never look directly into the fiber jumper

4) Optical Input Level
The optical input level at the receiver should be between:
+2 dBm to -6 dBm

5) LED Status Behavior

• GREEN LED: Normal operation (optical signal in range)
• RED LED: No signal or signal out of range

Additional Notes:

• If the LED goes RED → GREEN → RED, the optical input is too high
• The receiver can still operate up to approximately +5 dBm
• If the level exceeds +5 dBm, install the included 5 dB attenuator

Important Notes

• Always use SC/APC connectors to avoid optical reflections
• Never look directly into fiber or optical ports
• Maintain proper RF and optical levels for best performance