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Unit of competency details

ICTRFN301 - Install a radio communications antenna and feedline (Release 1)

Summary

Usage recommendation:
Current
Mapping:
MappingNotesDate
Supersedes and is equivalent to ICTRFN3055A - Install a radio communications antenna and feedlineUpdated to meet Standards for Training Packages 13/Jan/2016

Release Status:
Current
Releases:
ReleaseRelease date
1 1 (this release) 14/Jan/2016


Classifications

SchemeCodeClassification value
ASCED Module/Unit of Competency Field of Education Identifier 031309 Communications Equipment Installation And Maintenance  

Classification history

SchemeCodeClassification valueStart dateEnd date
ASCED Module/Unit of Competency Field of Education Identifier 031309 Communications Equipment Installation And Maintenance  24/Jun/2016 
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Unit of competency

Modification History

Release 

Comments 

Release 1

This version first released with ICT Information and Communications Technology Training Package Version 2.0.

Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to install and test a communications antenna and feedline on a range of fixed or mobile structures

It applies to individuals working as telecommunications and radio communications technicians who operate within cellular, radio broadband and digital TV reception applications. Installations may be new or existing, standalone or part of a site with multiple antennas.

Work functions in the occupational areas where this unit may be used are subject to regulatory requirements. Refer to the ICT Implementation Guide Companion Volume or the relevant regulator for details of licensing, legislative or certification requirements.

Unit Sector

Telecommunications – radio frequency networks

Elements and Performance Criteria

Elements 

Performance Criteria 

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Plan assembly of antenna system

1.1 Arrange access to site according to required procedure

1.2 Apply all relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards in planning process

1.3 Obtain relevant antenna specifications, requirements and radio communication site management book (RCSMB) from appropriate personnel

1.4 Organise appropriate installation personnel to be available on site

1.5 Assess relevant hazard levels from RCSMB and take appropriate preventative action according to prescribed safety requirements

1.6 Identify other antennas at site location and notify those who may be affected by outages

1.7 Inspect antenna system and feedline for physical damage before further work is performed

1.8 Organise tools and equipment and ensure they are in safe working order and adjusted to manufacturer’s specifications

2. Assemble, mount and align antenna and prepare feedline

2.1 Follow site specific safety requirements and enterprise work health and safety (WHS) processes and procedures

2.2 Assemble antenna system in safe manner according to manufacturer’s instructions

2.3 Mount antenna with correct azimuth and polarisation according to manufacturer’s instructions and work practices

2.4 Install radome to antenna if provided

2.5 Install lightning protection systems according to plans and specifications

2.6 Align antenna in horizontal and vertical planes to maximise signal

3. Test antenna installation and document test results

3.1 Conduct performance tests in safe manner according to manufacturer’s specifications and instructions

3.2 Record, interpret and compare test results with manufacturer’s data or design specifications

3.3 Confirm correct overall operation of antenna system

4. Complete administrative tasks and clean up site

4.1 Complete and store appropriate records and test results according to enterprise policy

4.2 Label radio frequency (RF) transmitter equipment and feedlines according to legislation

4.3 Notify all affected by outage that normal operation can resume

4.4 Clean, pack and store all tools and test equipment, and organise transport in suitable protective casing where appropriate

4.5 Restore any changes made to worksite to client’s satisfaction and obtain sign off

Foundation Skills

This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.

Skill

Performance Criteria

Description

Reading

1.1, 1.2, 1.8, 2.2, 2.5, 3.1, 4.1

  • Recognises and interprets textual information from relevant sources to determine specifications, enterprise guidelines, policy and instructional material

Writing

1.4, 1.6, 3.2, 4.1-4.3

  • Uses clear, specific and industry related terminology to complete and update workplace documentation and in written communications with clients

Oral Communication

1.3, 1.4, 1.6, 4.3

  • Uses specific and relevant language to clearly articulate operational and site matters and appropriate tone for successful negotiations
  • Uses questioning and listening techniques to determine the view and opinions of others

Numeracy

2.6, 3.1, 3.2

  • Analyses numerical information to evaluate technical data and interpret results, take measurements and correctly calibrate equipment

Navigate the world of work

1.5, 2.1-2.3, 4.2

  • Takes personal responsibility for adherence to legal and regulatory requirements with specific reference to safe industry practices
  • Understands the main tasks, responsibilities and boundaries of own work

Get the work done

1.1, 1.6-1.8, 2.3-2.5, 3.1, 3.3, 4.1, 4.4, 4.5

  • Determines job priorities, sequences the steps involved in clearly defined and familiar tasks, and identifies and assembles the resources and access required
  • Takes responsibility for routine decision making by selecting from a range of predetermined options in routine situations, identifying and taking situational factors into account
  • Identifies and implements standard solutions for typical installation challenges
  • Follows routine procedures for using digital technology to enter, store and retrieve information directly relevant to own enterprise policy

Unit Mapping Information

Code and title  

current version 

Code and title 

previous version 

Comments 

Equivalence status 

ICTRFN301 Install a radio communications antenna and feedline

ICTRFN3055A Install a radio communications antenna and feedline

Updated to meet Standards for Training Packages

Equivalent unit

Links

Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=a53af4e4-b400-484e-b778-71c9e9d6aff2

 

Assessment requirements

Modification History

Release 

Comments 

Release 1

This version first released with ICT Information and Communications Technology Training Package Version 2.0.

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to:

  • determine installation requirements and ensure site inspection activities are conducted prior to installation
  • conduct installation of a communications antenna according to plans and specifications
  • assess hazard levels at a radio frequency (RF) site and apply knowledge of safety precautions for self, fellow workers and the public
  • mount an antenna, connect a transmission line and physically align an antenna
  • use appropriate test equipment to perform a return loss sweep measurement or a measurement of forward and reflected power on at least two different antenna systems.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

Knowledge Evidence

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

  • outline current industry practice for antenna installation including:
  • earthing
  • lightning protection
  • describe the procedures and equipment required for:
  • antenna sweep testing to measure return loss
  • measurement of distance to fault
  • measurement of feedline insertion loss
  • measurement of forward and reflected RF power
  • summarise features of instrument and equipment test methods and performance requirements
  • outline legislation, codes of practice and other formal agreements that directly impact on operation and testing of radio communications antennas and equipment
  • identify the general components and installation of antennas and feedlines
  • discuss the application of RF and electromagnetic radiation (EMR) standards and specific work health and safety (WHS) requirements
  • discuss the impact on the use and testing of radio communications instruments and equipment
  • identify the types of antennas that can withstand extreme environments
  • summarise typical issues and challenges that occur in telecommunications antenna installations.

Assessment Conditions

Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances should be typical of those experienced in the telecommunications – radio frequency networks field of work and include access to:

  • a site for antenna installation
  • a range of antennas and feedlines currently used in industry
  • a range of general tools and test equipment required for antenna installation and testing.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

Links

Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=a53af4e4-b400-484e-b778-71c9e9d6aff2