Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

UEENEEB101A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Operate and maintain amateur radio communication stations

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency UEENEEB101A - Operate and maintain amateur radio communication stations
Description 1)Scope:1.1) DescriptorThis unit deals with operation and maintenance of amateur radio communication stations suitable to HF, VHF and SHF communication using multiple modes of operation. It encompasses correct operating procedures, safe working practices, following written and oral instruction and procedures, basic testing techniques, dismantling and assembling apparatus, disconnecting and reconnecting components, and operating to the Standard Licence Level as prescribed by the Australian Communication Media Authority.
Employability Skills 5) The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of Employability Skills. The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit of competency is packaged will assist in identifying Employability Skill requirements.
Learning Outcomes and Application 2)This unit may apply to persons entering work in electrotechnology and may be used in school-based vocational programs.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Prerequisite Unit(s)4) Competencies4.1)Granting competency in this unit shall be made only after competency in the following unit(s) has/have been confirmed. UEENEEE101A Apply Occupational Health and Safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace Literacy and numeracy skills4.2) Participants are best equipped to achieve competency in this unit if they have reading, writing and Numeracy skills indicated by the following scales. Description of each scale is given in Volume 2, Part 3 ‘Literacy and Numeracy’Reading3Writing3Numeracy3
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities
Slides
PPT
Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Prepare to operate an amateur radio communication station.
  • OHS procedures for a given work area are identified, obtained and understood through established routines and procedures
  • Established OHS risk control measures and procedures are followed in preparation for amateur radio activities
  • The nature of the operation of activity is identified to be within the Amateur Radio Standard Licence Conditions Determination
  • Sources of materials that may be required for the Amateur Radio activities are identified and utilised according to manufacturer specifications and established routines and procedures
  • Interference to other services is recognised and attended to by good operating practices, and advice is sought from the ACMA to ensure interference to other services does not occur
  • Resources, tools, apparatus and testing devices needed to carry out work are obtained and checked for correct operation and safety
       
Element: Operate an amateur radio communication station.
  • Established OHS risk control measures and procedures for carrying out the work are followed
  • The need to test or measure equipment is determined in strict accordance with OHS requirements and when necessary conducted within established safety procedures
  • Circuits/apparatus are checked as being isolated where necessary in strict accordance with OHS requirements and procedures
  • Radio communications operating practices and procedures are demonstrated and are in accordance with established requirements
  • Amateur radio communication station is operated in accordance with Standard Licence Operator’s level as prescribed by the Australian Communication Media Authority
  • Methods for dealing with unexpected situations are selected on the basis of safety, discussions with appropriate persons and specified work outcomes
  • Set-up is carried out efficiently without waste of materials or damage to apparatus, the surrounding environment or services and using sustainable energy principles
       
Element: Maintain an amateur radio communication station
  • OHS work completion risk control measures and procedures are followed.
  • Modules/sub-assemblies are tagged during the dismantling to help ensure correct and efficient reassembly and stored to protect them against loss or damage.
  • Apparatus is dismantled and assembled in accordance with manufacturer guidelines.
  • Repairs are affected efficiently without damage to other components, apparatus or circuits and in accordance with established procedures
  • Repairs are carried out efficiently without unnecessary waste of materials or damage to apparatus and the surrounding environment or services and using sustainable energy practices
  • Apparatus is assembled in an appropriate sequence with all modules/sub-assemblies and parts correctly placed, secured and connected in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and industry practice
  • Repaired radio equipment, where appropriate, is tested and returned to service to ensure operating parameters are not exceeded
  • Procedures for referring non-routine events to appropriate authorities are followed
  • Work and operating area is cleaned and made safe in accordance with established procedures
       
Element: Identify and assemble amateur radio communication equipment and associated apparatus
  • Established OHS risk control measures and procedures for carrying out the work are followed
  • Requirements for the item to be assembled are identified
  • Item is assembled in accordance with established procedures and relevant engineering standards
  • Assembled unit is tested to ensure that the operating parameters of the station will not be compromised
  • Adjustments are made to the equipment where required to optimise reception
  • Commission the equipment as constructed for on air performance.
       
Element: Complete work and maintain reports
  • OHS work completion risk control measures and procedures are followed
  • Work site is cleaned and made safe in accordance with established procedures
  • Adjustment settings are documented and appropriate person(s) notified in accordance with established procedures
       


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.

9) This provides essential advice for assessment of the unit. It must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria and the range statement of the unit and the Training Package Assessment Guidelines.

The Evidence Guide forms an integral part of this unit. It must be used in conjunction with all parts of the unit and performed in accordance with the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Overview of Assessment

9.1)

The Australian Communications and Media Authority and the Wireless of Australia have established agreed minimal assessment requirements for licensing of amateur radio stations, including the minimal requirements for assessors.

Longitudinal competency development approaches to assessment, such as Profiling, require data to be reliably gathered in a form that can be consistently interpreted over time. This approach is best utilised in Apprenticeship programs and reduces assessment intervention. It is the industry-preferred model for apprenticeships. However, where summative (or final) assessment is used it is to include the application of the competency in the normal work environment or, at a minimum, the application of the competency in a realistically simulated work environment. It is recognised that, in some circumstances, assessment in part or full can occur outside the workplace. However, it must be in accord with industry and regulatory policy.

Methods chosen for a particular assessment will be influenced by various factors. These include the extent of the assessment, the most effective locations for the assessment activities to take place, access to physical resources, additional safety measures that may be required, regulatory requirements and the critical nature of the competencies being assessed.

The critical safety nature of working with electricity, electrical equipment, gas or any other hazardous substance/material carries risk in deeming a person competent. Sources of evidence need to be ‘rich’ in nature to minimise error in judgment.

Activities associated with normal everyday work have a bearing on the decision as to how much and how detailed the data gathered will contribute to its ‘richness’. Some skills are more critical to safety and operational requirements while the same skills may be more or less frequently practised. These points are raised for the assessors to consider when choosing an assessment method and developing assessment instruments. Sample assessment instruments are included for Assessors in the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

9.2)

Before the critical aspects of evidence are considered all prerequisites shall be met.

Evidence for competence in this unit shall be considered holistically. Each Element and associated performance criteria shall be demonstrated on at least two occasions in accordance with the ‘Assessment Guidelines – UEE11’. Evidence shall also comprise:

A representative body of work performance demonstrated within the timeframes typically expected of the discipline, work function and industrial environment. In particular this shall incorporate evidence that shows a candidate is able to:

Implement Occupational Health and Safety workplace procedures and practices including the use of risk control measures as specified in the performance criteria and range statement

Apply sustainable energy principles and practices as specified in the performance criteria and range statement

Demonstrate an understanding of the essential knowledge and associated skills as described in this unit. It may be required by some jurisdictions that RTOs provide a percentile graded result for the purpose of regulatory or licensing requirements.

Demonstrate an appropriate level of skills enabling employment

Conduct work observing the relevant Anti Discrimination legislation, regulations, polices and workplace procedures

Demonstrated consistent performance across a representative range of contexts from the prescribed items below:

Operate and maintain an amateur radio station, dismantling and assembling apparatus and disconnecting and reconnecting components including:

A

Following manufacturer service instructions and licence conditions determination for radio station assembly and dismantling, including transmitter, power, measurement and adjustment.

B

Demonstrating on HF and VHF correct operating procedure as prescribed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority.

C

Connecting and disconnecting components to radio equipment manufacturer requirements and appropriate engineering requirements, including minor soldering

D

Identifying common types of transmission lines, coaxial connectors, antennas and symbols.

E

Assembling a radio frequency choke used for the elimination of potential interference.

F

Testing a coaxial cable for continuity and standing wave ratio, including explaining how to correct a high standing wave ratio, and demonstrating the use of a signal strength metre.

G

Demonstrating the correct use of voice repeaters with and without continuous tone coded squelch system (CTCSS) and/or dual tone multi frequency signalling.

H

Correctly using an amateur radio according to ACMA licence and standard operating procedures

I

Dealing with unplanned events by drawing on essential knowledge and skills to provide appropriate solutions incorporated in a holistic assessment with the above listed items.

Note:

Successful completion of relevant vendor training may be used to contribute to evidence on which competency is deemed. In these cases the alignment of outcomes of vendor training with performance criteria and critical aspects of evidence shall be clearly identified.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

9.3)

This unit must be assessed as it relates to normal work practice using procedures, information and resources typical of a workplace. This should include:

OHS policy and work procedures and instructions.

Relevant Australian and International standards for the assembly and operation of an amateur radio station.

Suitable work environment, facilities, equipment and materials to undertake actual work as prescribed in this unit.

These should also be part of the formal learning/assessment environment.

Note:

Where simulation is considered a suitable strategy for assessment it must ensure that the conditions for assessment are authentic and as far as possible reproduce and replicate the workplace and is consistent with the approved industry simulation policy.

The resources used for assessment should reflect current industry practices in relation to assembling, dismantling and operating an amateur radio station, including the assembly of an antenna, power supply unit or an equivalent circuit.

Method of assessment

9.4)

This unit shall be assessed by methods given in Volume 1, Part 3 ‘Assessment Guidelines’.

Note:

Competent performance with inherent safe working practices is expected in the Industry to which this unit applies. This requires assessment in a structured environment which is primarily intended for learning/assessment and incorporates all necessary equipment and facilities for learners to develop and demonstrate the essential knowledge and skills described in this unit.

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units

9.5)

There are no concurrent assessment recommendations for this unit.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, 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.

8) This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Evidence shall show that knowledge has been acquired of safe working practices and carrying out radio station operation, basic maintenance and assembly of radio communication equipment.

All knowledge and skills detailed in this unit should be contextualised to current industry practices and technologies.

KS01-EB101A Amateur radio communication principles, operation and maintenance

Evidence shall show an understanding of amateur radio communication principles, operation and maintenance practices, and technical overview, applying safe working practices and relevant Standards, Codes and Regulations to an extent indicated by the following aspects:

T1. Nature of Amateur Radio encompassing:

Nature of Amateur radio

Types of licences

Allocation of frequency bands

T2. Licence Conditions encompassing:

Conditions of licences

Purpose of the Amateur Service

Communications by Amateur stations

Distress and Urgency signals

Station identification

Amateur call signs

Secret messages

Entertainment not permitted

Amateur frequency bands and emissions

Permitted power output

Notification of change of address

Harmful interference

Authorised use of Amateur stations

Inspection of Amateur licences

Restriction of operation to avoid interference

Use of the Licence Condition Determinations

T3. Mathematics used for Amateur radio operation encompassing:

addition, subtraction, multiplication and division

fractions, percentage, and decimal notation

units and sub-units; (mega, kilo, UNIT, micro, and pico)

calculations using simple formulae

T4. Amateur radio technical basics encompassing:

Mains power overview

Mains power supplies overview

Voltage and current overview

Resistance overview

Ohm’s Law overview and the relationship between voltage, current and resistance

Power in DC circuits overview including calculations related to power in a DC circuit using current and voltage, current and resistance or voltage and resistance.

Capacitance overview

Inductance overview

AC circuits overview

Impedance and reactance overview

Tuned circuits overview

Transformers overview

Solid state devices overview

T5. Transmitters and Receivers – basic overview encompassing:

Block diagrams of simple transmitters

Mixers

Modulation

Amplifiers

Transmission quality

Receiver parameters and terminology

Simple block diagrams of a Receiver

Frequency converters

IF amplifier

Automatic Gain Control

Transceivers

T6. Transmission lines and Antennas overview encompassing:

Transmission line basics

Baluns

Standing waves

Antenna Matching Units (ATU)

Antennas

Identification of common antennas

Radiated Power

T7. Propagation overview encompassing:

Electromagnetic radiation

Ionosphere

T8. Interference and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) overview encompassing:

Interference - Points of entry into electronic equipment

Filters

EMC

T9. Operating Practices and Procedures overview encompassing:

Equipment practices

Authorised frequencies and emissions

Requirement not to transmit on frequencies in use

Operating practices

Operating through a repeater

Make an all-stations call and change frequency

Transmitter measurements

Correcting simple equipment maladjustments

Recognised abbreviations

Phonetic alphabet

T10. Safety overview encompassing:

Dangerous voltages

Electrical safety - equipment to be approved

Awareness of State Electricity Authority requirements

Electrical earthing

Fuses

Correct fuses to be used

Replacing fuses

Station layout for safety

Power lead safety

Know location and desirability of a mains OFF switch

Actions to be taken in the event of an accident involving electricity

Electric shocks

Call for help – use of resuscitation techniques

Battery safety

Antennas and safety

Radio waves can be dangerous

Safe distance from an antenna

Antenna erection

Securing and siting antennas

Lightning protection

Safe use of headphones

Station security

T11. Measurements encompassing:

Frequency measurements

RF Power measurements

SWR measurements

Multimeter measurements

10) This relates to the unit as a whole providing the range of contexts and conditions to which the performance criteria apply. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.

This unit must be demonstrated in relation to carrying out the operation and maintenance of an amateur radio communication station.

The operation and maintenance shall be limited to:

the requirements as prescribed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, Amateur Operator Certificate of Proficiency (Standard) Syllabus Documentation and Licence Conditions Determination, and

Assembly of an antenna and power supply or equivalent item of apparatus to industry standards, that may include minor soldering

Generic terms used throughout this Vocational Standard shall be regarded as part of the Range Statement in which competency is demonstrated. The definition of these and other terms that apply are given in Volume 2, Part 2.1.

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
OHS procedures for a given work area are identified, obtained and understood through established routines and procedures 
Established OHS risk control measures and procedures are followed in preparation for amateur radio activities 
The nature of the operation of activity is identified to be within the Amateur Radio Standard Licence Conditions Determination 
Sources of materials that may be required for the Amateur Radio activities are identified and utilised according to manufacturer specifications and established routines and procedures 
Interference to other services is recognised and attended to by good operating practices, and advice is sought from the ACMA to ensure interference to other services does not occur 
Resources, tools, apparatus and testing devices needed to carry out work are obtained and checked for correct operation and safety 
Established OHS risk control measures and procedures for carrying out the work are followed 
The need to test or measure equipment is determined in strict accordance with OHS requirements and when necessary conducted within established safety procedures 
Circuits/apparatus are checked as being isolated where necessary in strict accordance with OHS requirements and procedures 
Radio communications operating practices and procedures are demonstrated and are in accordance with established requirements 
Amateur radio communication station is operated in accordance with Standard Licence Operator’s level as prescribed by the Australian Communication Media Authority 
Methods for dealing with unexpected situations are selected on the basis of safety, discussions with appropriate persons and specified work outcomes 
Set-up is carried out efficiently without waste of materials or damage to apparatus, the surrounding environment or services and using sustainable energy principles 
OHS work completion risk control measures and procedures are followed. 
Modules/sub-assemblies are tagged during the dismantling to help ensure correct and efficient reassembly and stored to protect them against loss or damage. 
Apparatus is dismantled and assembled in accordance with manufacturer guidelines. 
Repairs are affected efficiently without damage to other components, apparatus or circuits and in accordance with established procedures 
Repairs are carried out efficiently without unnecessary waste of materials or damage to apparatus and the surrounding environment or services and using sustainable energy practices 
Apparatus is assembled in an appropriate sequence with all modules/sub-assemblies and parts correctly placed, secured and connected in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and industry practice 
Repaired radio equipment, where appropriate, is tested and returned to service to ensure operating parameters are not exceeded 
Procedures for referring non-routine events to appropriate authorities are followed 
Work and operating area is cleaned and made safe in accordance with established procedures 
Established OHS risk control measures and procedures for carrying out the work are followed 
Requirements for the item to be assembled are identified 
Item is assembled in accordance with established procedures and relevant engineering standards 
Assembled unit is tested to ensure that the operating parameters of the station will not be compromised 
Adjustments are made to the equipment where required to optimise reception 
Commission the equipment as constructed for on air performance. 
OHS work completion risk control measures and procedures are followed 
Work site is cleaned and made safe in accordance with established procedures 
Adjustment settings are documented and appropriate person(s) notified in accordance with established procedures 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

UEENEEB101A - Operate and maintain amateur radio communication stations
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

UEENEEB101A - Operate and maintain amateur radio communication stations

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: