Assessor Resource

ICTRFN301
Install a radio communications antenna and feedline

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


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.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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

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.

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.

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.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

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

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.

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.

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.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Arrange access to site according to required procedure 
Apply all relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards in planning process 
Obtain relevant antenna specifications, requirements and radio communication site management book (RCSMB) from appropriate personnel 
Organise appropriate installation personnel to be available on site 
Assess relevant hazard levels from RCSMB and take appropriate preventative action according to prescribed safety requirements 
Identify other antennas at site location and notify those who may be affected by outages 
Inspect antenna system and feedline for physical damage before further work is performed 
Organise tools and equipment and ensure they are in safe working order and adjusted to manufacturer’s specifications 
Follow site specific safety requirements and enterprise work health and safety (WHS) processes and procedures 
Assemble antenna system in safe manner according to manufacturer’s instructions 
Mount antenna with correct azimuth and polarisation according to manufacturer’s instructions and work practices 
Install radome to antenna if provided 
Install lightning protection systems according to plans and specifications 
Align antenna in horizontal and vertical planes to maximise signal 
Conduct performance tests in safe manner according to manufacturer’s specifications and instructions 
Record, interpret and compare test results with manufacturer’s data or design specifications 
Confirm correct overall operation of antenna system 
Complete and store appropriate records and test results according to enterprise policy 
Label radio frequency (RF) transmitter equipment and feedlines according to legislation 
Notify all affected by outage that normal operation can resume 
Clean, pack and store all tools and test equipment, and organise transport in suitable protective casing where appropriate 
Restore any changes made to worksite to client’s satisfaction and obtain sign off 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

ICTRFN301 - Install a radio communications antenna and feedline
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

ICTRFN301 - Install a radio communications antenna and feedline

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: