Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assemble, connect and test receiving antenna equipment according to plans, specifications and site specific requirements.
It applies to individuals who might work on single and multiple dwellings, commercial buildings and other telecommunications structures that may be new or existing, stand alone or be a 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.
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. Prepare for work on terrestrial 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 Contact client to arrange access to site and notify about possible outage 1.4 Organise tools and equipment, and ensure they are in safe working order and adjusted to manufacturer's specifications |
2. Assemble and mount antenna and coaxial cable | 2.1 Assemble antenna on site according to plans, specifications and enterprise guidelines using safe industry practice 2.2 Connect coaxial cable to antenna and install lightning protection devices 2.3 Mount antenna to structure, and set polarisation and initial antenna azimuth and elevation |
3. Test and align antenna system | 3.1 Connect installed antenna system to appropriate test equipment and pan antenna to optimise signal across all specified channel frequencies 3.2 Conduct performance tests according to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise guidelines 3.3 Interpret test results, compare with manufacturer's design specifications and make adjustments |
4. Complete administrative duties | 4.1 Record test results and complete appropriate records 4.2 Secure and clean up site to original condition in environmentally safe manner 4.3 Notify client of work completion and obtain sign off |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
organise the site and obtain relevant resources in preparation for installation
assemble, install, align and test a terrestrial antenna according to plans and specifications, and site specific safety requirements
conduct performance tests according to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise guidelines.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
outline the following features of an antenna:
directivity
front to back ratio
optimum placement
pattern
polarisation
discuss bit error ratio (BER)
summarise coaxial cable types and properties
discuss electromagnetic waves including:
absorption by trees and buildings
awareness of exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR)
reflection
outline legislation, codes of practice and other formal agreements that directly impact on antenna installation
explain modulation including:
bandwidth
individual spectrum shape of analog and digital television signals and digital audio broadcasting plus (DAB+) digital radio signals
discuss modulation error ratio (MER)
outline radio frequency (RF) spectrum including:
Australian DAB+ digital radio channel frequencies
Australian television ultra high frequency (UHF) and very high frequency (VHF) channel plan (digital and analog)
terminology related to bands used for broadcasting (Bands I , II, III, IV and V)
explain signal level expressed in dBuV units
discuss specific work health and safety (WHS) requirements that impact on the installation of terrestrial antenna equipment
summarise television antenna product knowledge.
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 suitable site for satellite antenna installation
a range of antennas and cables currently used in industry
a range of general and test equipment required for satellite 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.
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, 1.4, 2.1, 3.2, 3.3 | Recognises and interprets textual information from relevant sources to determine specifications, enterprise guidelines and plans |
Writing | 1.3, 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, 4.3 | Uses specific and relevant language to clearly articulate operational and site matters, and uses questioning and listening techniques to determine the views and opinions of others |
Numeracy | 3.3 | Analyses numerical information to interpret and evaluate technical data and results, and to take measurements |
Navigate the world of work | 1.1, 1.4, 2.1, 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, 1.2, 1.4, 2.1-2.3, 3.1-3.3 | 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 some situational factors into account Identifies and implements standard solutions for routine problems |
Sectors
Telecommunications – radio frequency networks