Modification History
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Release |
Comments |
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Release 2 |
This version first released with ICT10 Integrated Telecommunications Training Package Version 3.0. References to other units updated. Outcomes deemed equivalent. |
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Release 1 |
This version first released with ICT10 Integrated Telecommunications Training Package Version 1.0. |
Unit Descriptor
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to install and test satellite antenna equipment on dwellings, buildings, masts and other structures, or at ground level to receive signals from geostationary communications satellites.
Application of the Unit
Technical staff who install or replace satellite antennas on single and multiple dwellings, commercial buildings, telecommunications structures and at ground level apply the skills and knowledge in this unit.
Installations may be new or existing, standalone or part of a site with multiple antennas.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Depending on the particular installation, organisational requirements and state or territory legislation, specific licences may be required in areas such as:
- working on roofs
- working at heights
- structure climbing
- tower rescue
- hoisting and mounting antennas
- installing feedlines
- electromagnetic energy (EME) awareness.
Users should confirm requirements with the relevant federal, state or territory authority.
Pre-Requisites
Not applicable.
Employability Skills Information
This unit contains employability skills.
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
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Element |
Performance Criteria |
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Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
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1. Prepare for work on a satellite antenna |
1.1 Prepare for installation applying all relevant legislation , codes, regulations and standards and identify any safety issues 1.2 Organise resources to be available on site 1.3 Notify customer to arrange access to the site and possible outage 1.4 Organise tools and equipment and ensure they are in safe working order and adjusted to manufacturer's specifications 1.5 Obtain details of satellite to be acquired and precise details of satellite antenna location 1.6 Determine the look angles for the satellite receiving antenna 1.7 Determine polarisation angle of the satellite receiving antenna feedhorn 1.8 Determine suitable position to mount the antenna with agreement from customer |
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2. Assemble and mount satellite antenna and cables |
2.1 Assemble satellite antenna on site according to plans, specifications and enterprise guidelines using safe industry practices 2.2 Connect coaxial cable to antenna and install lightning protection devices 2.3 Mount satellite antenna onto installed mounting arrangements and set initial antenna azimuth, elevation and polarisation |
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3. Test and align antenna system |
3.1 Connect installed antenna system to satellite receiver or test equipment and make final adjustments to azimuth, elevation and polarisation to optimise the signal level and quality 3.2 Conduct performance tests according to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise guidelines 3.3 Interpret test results and compare with manufacturer's design specifications and make adjustments |
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4. Complete administrative duties |
4.1 Record test results and complete appropriate records 4.2 Secure and clean up site to original condition in an environmentally safe manner 4.3 Notify customer of work completion and obtain sign off |
Required Skills and Knowledge
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.
Required skills
- communication skills to liaise with customer on operational and site matters
- literacy skills to interpret technical documentation, including antenna specifications and test equipment manuals
- numeracy skills to:
- determine look angles from charts or by calculation
- evaluate different types of technical data
- interpret results
- take radio frequency (RF) measurements
- planning and organisation skills to arrange site access
- safety awareness skills to:
- apply precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate hazards that may exist during work activities
- select and use required personal protective equipment conforming to industry and occupational health and safety (OHS) standards
- work systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment
- technical skills to:
- assemble antenna according to plans
- physically align antenna
- strip, prepare and terminate single, dual, triple and quad shield coaxial cable
- use hand and power tools and operate test equipment
- use multimeter to test coaxial cable
- use signal level meter or spectrum analyser.
Required knowledge
- antenna:
- directivity
- front to back ratio
- operation of parabolic reflector and feedhorn
- optimum placement
- pattern
- polarisation
- bit error ratio (BER)
- coaxial cable types and properties
- electromagnetic waves:
- absorption by trees and buildings
- awareness of exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR)
- reflection
- legislation, codes of practice and other formal agreements that directly impact on antenna installation
- modulation:
- bandwidth
- individual spectrum shape of digital satellite television signals
- modulation error ratio (MER)
- RF spectrum:
- terminology related to bands used for satellite broadcasting: (C, S, L, Ku, Ka bands)
- satellite antenna product knowledge
- signal level expressed in dBuV units
- specific OHS requirements that impact on the installation of satellite antenna equipment.
Evidence Guide
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
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Overview of assessment |
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Evidence of the ability to:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
Assessment must ensure:
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Method of assessment |
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
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Guidance information for assessment |
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
Aboriginal people and other people from a non-English speaking background may have second language issues. Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required. Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the oral communication skill level, and language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed. In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with special needs. |
Range Statement
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
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Relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards may include: |
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Safety issues may refer to: |
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Tools and equipment may include: |
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Details of satellite may include: |
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Satellite antenna location may include: |
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Look angles may refer to: |
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Suitable position may include: |
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Coaxial cable may include: |
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Initial antenna azimuth, elevation and polarisation may be set according to: |
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Test equipment may include: |
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Optimise the signal may refer to: |
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Performance tests may include: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Telecommunications - Radio frequency networks
