DB44

Compact FM Radio Monitoring Receiver

Compact, Robust, and Totally Reliable

A product that reflects our long-term experience in FM monitoring, the compact DSP-based DB44 is the perfect solution for 24/7/365 operation. This simple, yet feature-rich device can measure RF level, MPX deviation, MPX power, Left & Right audio levels, RDS, and Pilot injection levels.

The DB44 is a cost-effective unit for regular monitoring of the quality and continuity of FM radio stations or radio networks. All received measurements are refreshed simultaneously and synchronously, allowing detailed readings of all multiplex FM signal components. By supporting TCP/IP and GSM Connectivity (optional), the DB44 allows easy channel status monitoring and real time audio listening from anywhere through any kind of mobile phone. What is more, via the built-in audio streamer you can listen to and record the audio from any station.

The DB44 is also accompanied by the DB44 Device Manager software, developed exclusively for the remote monitoring and control of this compact monitoring receiver.

Compact, Robust, and Totally Reliable
  • Fully DSP based core
  • Built-in Oscilloscope allowing Left, Right and MPX display
  • MPX Power measurement with data history
  • RF Spectrum analyzer allowing to check the RF Carrier parameters
  • MPX Spectrum analyzer for Left, Right and MPX measurements
  • Selectable De-emphasis – 50µs and 75µs
  • Built-in Stereo Decoder; Stereo Presence Detection
  • Date & Time Settings with various formats
  • LAN port for full TCP/IP remote control and monitoring
  • Up to 90dBµV direct RF Antenna Input
  • Adjustable alarms for RF, Deviation, Pilot and RDS signal
  • Firmware update for future-proof operation
  • Parameters Factory Restore Option
  • FM Band 87 - 108 MHz Basic Spectrum Analyzer
  • MPX, PILOT & RDS deviation meters
  • LEFT and RIGHT demodulated audio level meters
  • Headphones audio output
  • RDS and RBDS decoder with BER meter
  • Intuitive Application Interface
  • Alarm dispatch via E-mail, SMS, SNMP
  • Channel status reporting via SMS
  • RF and RDS Measurements
  • Remote Listening via optional GSM modem
  • Real Time Audio Program Streaming
  • Attractive price and very good price-performance ratio
  • Very Intuitive Embedded WEB server for interactive supervision
  • Proved and reliable hardware for 24/7/365 operating
  • Easy Installation and Setup
  • SNTP for automatic synchronization of the built-in clock
  • Compact and Robust Aluminum Case for high RF immunity

Compact, Robust, Reliable and Clever - This is just a small part of all the advantages of our DB44 FM Radio Monitoring Receiver and Basic Modulation Analyzer. Based on the latest technology, the DB44's core is DSP based digital design for 24/7/365 operation.

After demodulating the FM signal, the MPX signal is digitalized and all signal processing is then made through calculations. The signal being digitalized, at the input the equipment acquires measurement reproducibility over time. The digital filters’ accuracy, put into use in this equipment, enables the FM multiplex signal’s components to be accurately and repeatedly reproduced from one device to another, i.e. the same signal applied to two devices would give the same result. The processing power of this equipment enables all measurements to be refreshed simultaneously and synchronously, thereby allowing for detailed readings of all the Multiplex FM signal components.

Through its TCP/IP and GSM Connectivity DB44 allows you to monitor all the RDS and some other signal parameters from everywhere. You can easily receive the channel status or listen to the audio from everywhere, using your mobile phone. With the built-in Audio Streamer you can even listen to, skim through and record the audio from any station. DB44 is our most cost effective unit for permanent monitoring of the quality and continuity of FM Radio Stations or Radio Networks.

RF INPUT
Frequency Range87.0 to 108 MHz, Frequency Agile
Step Increment50 kHz
Antenna Input50 Ω, BNC Connector, 10 dBµV sensitivity
Internal Attenuator0, 10, 20 and 30dB, auto
Dynamic Range0 dBµV to 100 dBµV
S/N57dB, RF > 60dBµV, 30dB, RF > 10dBµV
METERING RESOLUTION & ACCURACY
RF Level0 to 95 dBµV; resolution - 0.1 dBµV; accuracy - ±1 dB (10 to 85 dBµV)
Multipath0 to 100%; accuracy - ±1%
MPX Deviation±120 kHz; resolution - 0.1kHz; accuracy - ±10%, ±5% typically
MPX Power±12 dBr; resolution - 0.1dBr, 10 sec. integration; accuracy - ±0.2 dBr
Audio Level-50 to +5dB; resolution - 0.1dB; accuracy - ±5%
Pilot Level0 to 12 kHz; resolution - 0.1 kHz; accuracy - ±0.5 kHz, 1 to 12 kHz
RDS Level0 to 9 kHz; resolution - 0.1 kHz; accuracy - ±10% typical and not guaranteed
Audio, MPX, Pilot, RDS levels
ValidityRF level preferably > 50dBµV
Multiplex LevelPeak level, 256 ksamples over 1 sec.
Audio LevelPeak level, 64 ksamples over 1 sec.
Pilot LevelMean peak level, 256 ksamples over 1 sec.
RDS LevelMean peak level, 256 ksamples over 1 sec.
STEREO DECODER
Stereo Separation>25dB, typical >30dB
De-emphasis50 or 75µs, Selectable
THD0.5%
OUTPUTS
Audio streamIcecast/Shoutcast compatible audio stream
AlarmsE-mail, SMS, SNMP
Headphone1/8" (3.5mm) Phone Jack
GSM Modem15-pin Male D-Sub Connector
RDS DATA DECODING
StandardsEuropean RDS CENELEC; United States RBDS NRSC
Error Correction & CountingYes
AF DecodingYes
CT (Time/Date)Yes
PI, PTY, DI, MSYes
TA/TPYes
RT (Radio Text)Yes
PS (Program Service name)Yes
FFT SPECTRUM ANALYSIS
InputComposite MPX, Audio
Dynamic Range80 dB
FFT Length1024
Sampling Rate256 kHz - Composite, 64 kHz - Audio
SCOPE ANALYSIS
InputComposite MPX, Audio
Trigger ModeAuto, Fall
Dynamic Range±120 kHz
Sampling Rate256 kHz - Composite, 64 kHz - Audio
USER INTERFACE
Web interfaceFull monitoring and control; Interactive and easy to use
Indicators3 LEDs (on front panel)
Headphone Output1/8" (3.5mm) phone jack (on front panel)
TCP/IP COMMUNICATION
TypeEthernet 10/100M Base-T Port
ConnectorRJ45 (on rear panel)
OPERATING CONDITIONS
Temperature10° to 60°C
EMC Immunity6V/m
POWER
VoltageExternal, 12V/1A
Power Consumption12VA
SIZE AND WEIGHT
Dimensions (W;H;D)125 x 31 x 160 mm
Shipping Weight270 x 54 x 230 mm / 1.054 kg
HS Code8527212000
Frequently Asked Questions
  • I have connected DB44 to my LAN. How can I access the device?
    DB44 has an assigned Static IP address. In order to establish a communication with the device, your PC should be connected to the same Subnetwork as DB44. For further information, please refer to the Quick User Guide which can be found on our website.
  • I cannot receive SMS from the monitoring equipment. How can I configure the GSM modem?
    First, you will have to make sure that the GSM modem is properly connected to the device.
    Then enter the device via the WEB Interface and go to Settings > GSM Modem section. Check the baud rate, as it is mandatory for the proper operation of the GSM Modem. You will also have to make sure that the PIN security of the used SIM card is disabled.
    If the above conditions are fulfilled you could proceed with the next step. Up to four numbers for SMS alarm notifications could be set. We recommend a test SMS to be generated (via pressing the ‘Test’ button), once all needed settings are applied. Upon success, the SMS will be delivered to all specified GSM numbers.
    Example of Test SMS Message: 
    DB44 Test Message.
    The current condition of the GSM Modem could be checked in the “Status Screen”
  • I cannot receive E-mails from the monitoring equipment. How can I configure the E-mail client?
    The unit should be configured according to the e-mail provider’s specifications. Otherwise, messages to your e-mail account will not be received. The configuration is made through the WEB Interface, Settings > E-mail section.
    Enter the desired alarm recipients in e-mail 1 and/or e-mail 2 fields. Fill in your e-mail account settings: Sender, Username and Password, Server, SMTP port and connection type. You can also change the host name if necessary or otherwise leave it as it is.
    We recommend you to use the ‘Test’ button and generate a test e-mail, which upon success will be delivered to the specified E-mail 1 and/or E-mail 2.
    Example of Test E-mail Message: 
    DB44 Test Message.
Please do not reply to this e-mail.
    Note that the “Network” section should also be correctly configured, most importantly the “DNS” parameter if you want to use server names (ex: “smtp.yourdomain.com”).
  • I do not hear the audio from the ‘Listen’ button of the WEB Interface.
    Please verify that your speakers/headphones are connected and the audio is not muted. Also, there is some buffering performed by the web browser before the audio starts. This process may take about 20 seconds or more for some browsers. Another important condition is that the connection bandwidth should be high enough; otherwise the audio will skip or become choppy.
  • I forgot the master password for the DEVA Device Manager Software, what should I do?
    If due to any reason you have forgoten your Master Password, contact us at support@devabroadcast.com for detailed instructions on the reset procedure.
  • I have forgotten my password for the WEB Interface. What should I do?
    If due to any reason you have forgotten your WEB Interface password, in order for a new password to be assigned to the device, the unit should be returned to its factory defaults.
    The procedure is performed via the reset button placed on the rear panel of the device. To ensure that the procedure has been properly completed, please follow the instructions below:
    • Unplug the device from the power supply;
    • Press and hold the reset button;
    • While pressing the button, connect the device to the power supply again;
    • Wait for a few seconds, until the Power LED starts blinking;
    • Release the reset button;
    • The device should be returned to its factory defaults.
  • How can I switch between %/KHz (RDS/RBDS Mode)?
    The mode could be changed via the WEB Interface only.
    The menu path is: Settings > Tuner > Management > section “ RDS/RBDS Mode”.
  • How to reset the DB44 to its factory defaults without having access to the WEB Interface?
    To start a Hardware Reset, disconnect the power supply cable from the unit. Then locate the RESET button on Rear panel (labeled in red on the picture), press and hold it.

    Afterwards, connect the power supply cable to the unit and keep the RESET button hold until the POWER led starts blinking. Release the RESET button and wait for DB44 to reboot with the factory default settings.