Technicians working on large scale, complex radio frequency (RF) and digital distribution systems, such as master antenna television (MATV), and satellite master antenna television (SMATV) in commercial or multi-dwelling unit (MDU) environment apply the skills and knowledge in this unit.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan the installation of a complex digital reception system

1.1. Notify customer to arrange access to site and identify customer equipment

1.2. Select type of complex digital systems and consequent constraints on installation according to client specifications

1.3. Complete a job safety analysis (JSA) identifying occupational health and safety (OHS) issues

1.4. Prepare for installation according to relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards

1.5. Verify design requirements are suitable for site application and required system performance

2. Assemble complex digital reception system

2.1. Select and obtain materials, tools and equipment for installation

2.2. Select suitable headend location and cable access

2.3. Build headend according to design requirements and manufacturer's specifications

2.4. Configure headend and distribution devices to operate according to design and manufacturer's specifications

2.5. Run cables along identified runs

2.6. Terminate cables according to both design and manufacturer's specifications

3. Test and commission system

3.1. Conduct performance test operation of headend and distribution devices

3.2. Activate system and conduct signal measurement using test equipment

3.3. Record and analyse initial test results for quality of service according to design specifications

3.4. Rectify identified faults and adjust system to optimal operation

3.5. Conduct final signal measurement using test equipment to optimise performance

3.6. Update design plans to 'as built' status

4. Complete administrative tasks

4.1. Record final commissioning test results and settings in line with client requirements

4.2. Complete appropriate records and test results, and store according to policy

4.3. Completion of all financial and other documentation

4.4. Handover to customer and obtain sign off

Required skills

communication skills to:

negotiate with site owner and organisations or individuals who may be affected by an outage

provide advice and guidance to others or to seek assistance

literacy skills to interpret technical documentation, specifications and service orders

numeracy skills to:

set up

check that equipment is calibrated

take RF measurements

interpret results

evaluate different types of technical data

planning and organisational skills to organise and prepare installation resources

problem solving skills to respond to typical antenna installation challenges

task management skills to:

work systematically with required attention to detail

adhere to all safety requirements

technical skills to:

use hand and power tools

operate a range of specialised radio communications equipment

perform diagnostic procedures.

Required knowledge

detailed knowledge of procedures and equipment required for measurement of:

forward and reflected RF power

feedline insertion loss

distance to fault

modulation error rate (MER) and bit error rate (BER) for the purpose of signal integrity

features of instruments, test equipment and performance requirements

performance of adjustments (tuning, balancing and replacing components)

legislation, codes of practice and other formal agreements that directly impact on operation and testing of radio communications antennas and equipment

MATV and SMATV

overview knowledge of RF spectrum

RF awareness, electromagnetic radiation (EMR) standards and specific OHS requirements that impact on the use and testing of radio communications instruments and equipment

typical issues and challenges that occur in telecommunications antenna installations

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.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the ability to:

plan, assemble and install a complex digital reception system

conduct functionality tests and interpret results

perform handover to customer

apply related OHS requirements and work practices.

Context of, and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

site for complex digital reception system installation

range of complex digital reception systems currently used in industry

range of test equipment required for digital reception system installation and testing.

Methods of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct observation of the candidate installing a complex digital reception system

direct observation of the candidate conducting signal measurement and adjusting for optimal performance

oral or written questioning of the candidate to assess knowledge of complex digital reception systems

oral or written questioning of the candidate to assess knowledge of test methods and performance requirements.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

ICTDRE4166A Integrate customer digital reception equipment.

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.

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.

Customer may include:

consultant

individual client

project manager

site manager

site supervisor.

Customer equipment may include:

digital free to air (FTA)

hard disk recorder

high definition (HD) TV

home automation

MATV

media centre

SMATV

video player

video and audio distribution systems.

Complex digital systems may include:

MATV

SMATV.

Relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards may include:

Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF) standards and codes

Australian Communications and Media Authoruty (ACMA) technical standards

ARPANSA EMR standard

Australian building codes and regulations

Australian standards

enterprise standards

environmental protection

equipment standards, intrinsically safe lightning protection, site engineering standard

fire regulations

heritage legislation

international standards

local government

OHS

Radcoms Act

Telecoms Act.

Design requirements may include:

equipment performance

symbols:

audiovisual (AV) system features

common electrical circuit features.

Tools and equipment may include:

hand and power tools

test equipment:

antenna analyser

directional RF power meter

multimeter

return loss measuring equipment

RF termination

spectrum analyser.

Headend may include:

RF

optical.

Cables may include:

flexible coaxial

interconnected cable harness

optical

rigid or semi-rigid coaxial line.

Performance test may include:

antenna sweep:

antenna analyser

return loss bridge and RF sweep generator

scalar network analyser

vector network analyser

distance to fault

insertion loss

reflected power:

antenna analyser

directional power meter at a single frequency only

return loss bridge and RF sweep generator

scalar network analyser

vector network analyser

return loss.

Devices may include:

active:

amplifiers

modulators

passive:

couplers

multi-switches

splitters

taps.

Optimise performance may relate to:

antenna orientation

aspect ratio

contrast

picture quality

signal amplification adjustment.

Handover to customer may include:

functionality demonstration

provision of appropriate literature

training customers on equipment use.

Unit sector

Telecommunications

Digital reception technology

This unit contains employability skills.