| 1. Radio Fundamentals |
Suggested Prerequisites NONE
Course Objectives This module covers the core elements of all radio systems including; bandwidth, noise, attenuation and electronic math, such as decibels. The goal of this module is to get the student up to speed with terminology and the process of calculating gain, loss, ERP, etc. This prepares for the next sections which will cover all aspects of transmission lines, antennas, and network testing.
Subject Listings include: |
Introduction
- Radio Waves
- Term definitions
- Transmission medium
- Wavelength
- Why Radio Works
- Radio services
- Core ingredients
- Atmosphere
- Noise & Attenuation
Bandwidth
- Term definition
- Common applications
- Service agreement
- Traffic capacity
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Frequency - time
- Review Principal of AC
- Radio waves as AC power
- Moving along cables
- Phase changes
Modulation - Traffic
- Term definition
- Types of Modulation –defined only
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| 2. Radio Propagation |
Suggested Prerequisites “Radio Fundamentals”
Course Objectives In order to get a good feel for how and why antennas work, we must understand how and why electromagnetic waves exist and propagate through space. This module discusses Maxwell’s theory of wave propagation at the simplest level and helps create visual understanding of how a sine wave (periodic) can actually move through space. We also include relationships to fiber transmission and visible light in telecommunications.
Subject Listings include: |
Introduction
- Waves and space
- Propagation terms
- Overview of antenna systems
Wavelength & component size
- The importance of wavelength
- Defining critical lengths – 1/4λ
- Multiple wavelengths
- Exercises defining wavelength
Polarization
- E-Plane & H-plane
- Polarization types
- Affects of cross polarization
- Polarization and licensing
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Radiation patterns
- Antenna shapes
- Environmental issues
- Reflections
- Multipath
Antennas as Networks
- Impedance
- Terminating loads
- Resonance
- Reflections - VSWR
Power and Gain
- Decibels and power
- Antenna gain in dB
- Antenna beamwidth
- Creating path budgets
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| 3. Transmission Lines |
Suggested Prerequisites “Radio Propagation”
Course Objectives This module starts to tie all of the elements together as a network. In order to understand why radio waves propagate we need to understand what happens when they leave a transmitter and enter a transmission media. This module focuses on the media itself; later modules will discuss installation and testing.
Subject Listings include: |
Introduction
- Voltage and current in Coax
- Frequency response & loss
- Impedance matching
- Testing – first pass
Coaxial Transmission lines
- Construction
- Impedance
- Damage
- Signal Loss
Connectors
- Overview of connectors
- Preparing cables
- Installing connectors
- Testing connectors
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Waveguides
- What makes a waveguide
- Frequencies of operation
- Loss in cables
- Bending and kinks
- Water in cables
Connectors
- Connector types
- Preparing cables
- Installing connectors
- Windows, twists, adaptors
Grounding and Weatherization
- Principals of antenna grounding
- Where to connect grounds
- The grounding system
- Weather protection for connectors
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| 4. Antenna Fundamentals |
Suggested Prerequisites “Transmission Lines”
Course Objectives This module takes transmission lines and adds antennas as part of the network. In this module we cover how antennas work including various types of antennas used a network. This module also covers di-poles and feedhorns to form a clear understanding of the differences between each. Antenna gain, beamwidth and bandwidth are also emphasized to ensure the student has a clear understanding of how and what is taking place with an antenna.
Subject Listings include: |
What is an Antenna
- Principals of all antennas
- Isotropic Radiators
- Radiation through space
- Reflections and SWR
Antenna Gain
- Effective Radiated Power - ERP
- Antenna Patterns
- Using reflectors
- Vertical downtilt
Antenna Types
- Quarter wave and di-poles
- Half Wave di-poles
- Folded di-poles
- Broadcast and radar
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Antenna Beamwidth
- What is Antenna beamwidth
- How this works with microwave antennas
- How this works with corner reflectors
- How this works with Yagi antennas
Feedhorns
- What makes a feedhorn
- Termination points
- Loss and directivity
- Placement in the parabolic dish
- Water and corrosion
- Pressurizing feedhorns
Connectors
- Typical connectors
- Special applications
- Installing grounds
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| 5. Antenna Selection |
Suggested Prerequisites “Antenna Fundamentals”
Course Objectives This module uses established industry standards to define proper selection criteria and purchasing processes where applicable for various antenna systems. Emphasis is placed on choosing the right antenna for the right application. We use several examples of systems used in the common network to illustrate antenna decision making processes.
Subject Listings include: |
Introduction
- Selection considerations
- Grounding requirements
- Making connections
- Using tower hangers and entrances
Selection Factors - mechanical
- Location
- Size
- Mounting
- Coverage requirements
Selection Factors - electrical
- Gain
- Polarization
- Bandwidth
- Beamwidth
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Coverage
- Area of concern
- Obstructions
- Polarization - license
- Frenel Zones
Tower & Support
- Weight Loading
- Structural clearance
- Cable Runs
Environmental - Safety
- Local Zoning
- Esthetics
- Shock Hazards
- Introduction to RF safety
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| 6. Antenna Installation & Maintenance |
Suggested Prerequisites “Antenna Fundamentals & Antenna Selection”
Course Objectives This module focuses on the proper installation of antennas, connectors, grounds and hardware. The goal is to get students properly trained on how the entire system comes together and the pieces required to complete the job. We also emphasize proper use of hoisting grips, hanger clamps, grounds and weatherization, bringing all of the components together as a network and giving the student a good idea of how it should look and operate.
Subject Listings include: |
Introduction
- Following Mfr. instructions
- Assessing the support structure
- Installing the antenna
- Installing cables
- Installing connectors
Unpacking – large antennas
- Unloading large spools
- Remove packing
- Equipment assembly
- Preparing to install
Assembling fixed antennas
- Antenna assembly
- Mounting pipes & structures
- Wind Loading
- Mounting and final installation
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Mounting Microwave Antennas
- Unpacking antennas
- Antenna Assembly
- Antenna mounting
- Horizontal stabilizers
- Pressurization
Planning Cable Runs
- Cable requirements
- Planning the Run
- Building entrances
- Tower cable ladders
- Clips, connectors
Grounding & Weatherization
- General grounding requirements
- Installing grounds on cables
- Securing cables
- Weather protection
- Final inspections
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| 7. Antenna Testing |
Suggested Prerequisites “Antenna Installation & Maintenance”
Course Objectives This module covers how to properly test an antenna system with an in-line Watt meter and with a sweep analyzer. We will ensure through this training the employee understands what VSWR and Return Loss are; how they are used as the evaluation tool; and what tests should be conducted on every antenna system. This module also covers result interpretation, equipment calibration and documentation of results.
Subject Listings include: |
Introduction to Antennas
- Radio System Overview
- Antenna Network Components
- Why test
- VSWR & Return Loss
- Antenna Test Equipment
In-line Watt Meters
- Antenna Analyzer
- In-Line Watt meters
- Construction
- Operation
- Measurement readings
- Interpreting Results
Antenna Sweep Analyzers
- Operations
- What is tested
- Saving results
- Software tools
- Calibration - Standards
- OPEN/SHORTLOAD
- Phase Stable Cables
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Equipment set-up
- When to Test
- The Big 4 Tests
- Return Loss
- DTF
- Cable Loss
- Antenna Bandwidth
Test Interpretation
- Results Interpretation
- Return Loss
- Distance-to-Fault
- Insertion Loss
- Measuring Antennas
Special Cables - Testing
- Testing Special cables
- Testing Waveguides
- Sectionalizing
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