The overall objective is to demonstrate the mechanical skills necessary to install and align a small dish satellite system. These skills include, but are not limited to:

• Use of small power tools such as a drill or impact drill.

• Use of hand tools.

• Use and interpret the readings of a compass and an inclinometer.

These skills must be combined with an understanding of basic building construction techniques in order to properly install satellite dishes and perform cable runs. 

The objective is to instruct the student as to the location of the satellite and utility ground to analyze whether signal reception and proper grounding will be possible. For qualification in this area, the participant should be able to:

• Determine, by charts or IRD menu, the azimuth and elevation to the desired satellite.

• Determine location of utility ground in reference to line of site and determine whether system grounding will meet NEC and local codes.

• Use a compass and inclinometer to determine the position of the satellite with respect to dish mounting possibilities.

• Determine if obstacles are present that may cause signal reception problems now or in the foreseeable future.

• Determine the most desirable dish mounting location based on obstruction, cable runs, mounting conditions, and grounding techniques. 

The objective is be proficient in telephone connection procedures as well as grounding requirements and techniques in accordance with the National Electric Code. For certification in this area, the participant should be able to:

• Locate a telephone modular jack within 25 feet of the satellite receiver.

• Make acceptable connections to the telephone lines including correct wiring of a modular jack.

• Understand and apply local and National Electric Code rules for grounding.

The objective is to receive a basic understanding of the overall issues surrounding satellite TV reception. At the conclusion, the participant should be able to:

• Understand the basics of ku-band satellite technology and orbital slot assignments.

• Understand the regulatory issues applicable to network programming and local programming via satellite.

• Identify the differences between digital and analog television signals and how they impact picture quality.

The objective is to ensure an installer understands the laws concerning distant network and local signal reception. Upon completion of this course, the participant should be able to:

• Discuss with the customer when it is appropriate to gain access to national network programming and how the process works.

• Explain whether local into local programming is available in the customer's location.

• Apply SHVIA and OTARD regulations to actual installation situations.

The objective is to acquire the methodology required to correctly align the dish with the satellite to optimize signal reception. To qualify, the participant should be able to:

• Correctly assemble and make preliminary adjustments to the dish.

• Determine the azimuth and elevation settings to make signal reception possible.

• Connect and set up a signal strength meter for measuring and peaking the satellite signal.

• Fine-tune the satellite dish in order to maximize signal strength and minimize rain fade.

The objective is to install surge protection using techniques that will allow maximum protection for a satellite system as well as other components such as a TV, VCR, DVD, etc. The participant should be able to:

• Using an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approved device, determine that all electrical outlets to be used are wired in accordance with the NEC.

• Utilize surge protection in conjunction with system grounding to protect the customer's equipment to the fullest extent possible.

• Explain the advantages of surge protection to the customer.

• Correctly connect all equipment to the surge protection devices in order to offer maximum reduction of surges entering the system.

• Identify other options for surge protection offered through local utility companies.

The goal is to be able to connect co-located video equipment in a manner that will allow ease of operation by the customer. The participant should be able to:

• Connect a VCR in a manner that will allow recording of a satellite program while watching a local or other non-satellite program.

• Connect the IRD to customer equipment using the highest quality cable available based on the equipment connection type.

• Connect other products such as a DVD.

The goal is to provide the customer with the proper training that will allow them to set up and use their satellite system. The participant should be able to:

• Correctly demonstrate setup of the satellite system including the integration of accessory equipment such as a VCR.

• Train the customer on how to select local programming.

• Promote customer understanding of available programming packages.

• Determine whether the customer has learned enough to use their satellite system.

• Ensure that customers know whom to call for service and/or hardware issues.

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The objective is to confirm that the installer can reasonably inspect and analyze the proposed mounting surface’s quality and ability to handle the increased loading of a multiple satellite antenna system. The participant should be able to:

• Make a determination for the best antenna mounting location with respect to signal reception, grounding, ease of cable runs, and strength of mounting surface.

• Assure that the proposed location will accept the mounting and necessary adjustment of the larger antenna in order to receive satellite signals from multiple locations.

• Determine to the extent possible, that the condition of the proposed mounting surface will handle the additional loading required by the larger antenna.

The overall objective is to demonstrate the skills necessary to use instrumentation necessary for antenna installation in a multiple satellite reception system. By the end of this course, the participant should be able to:

• Properly measure signal strength on multiple satellites.

The objective is to properly align a multiple satellite antenna system to receive signals from two or more satellites. The participant should be able to:

• Determine the correct azimuth, elevation, and skew/tilt using the on-board receiver software.

• Correctly assemble the dish including LNBs and appropriate multi-switches, if applicable.

• Properly adjust dish for correct skew/tilt.

• Fine-tune the satellite dish to obtain balanced signal reception on multiple satellites.

The multiple satellite antenna installer must be able to properly connect the LNBs to the multi-switch. The participant should be able to:

• Understand the purpose of multiple LNBs and how they are used.

• Understand the function of any special LNB used in multiple satellite signal reception.

• Correctly connect the cables from the LNB(s) to the multi-switch.

• Correctly connect the multi-switch outputs to the various satellite receivers.

The objective is to properly connect multiple IRDs to one satellite antenna system. The participant should be able to:

• Recognize the difference between a single satellite multi-switch and one that is used with multiple satellite reception.

• Describe how the receiver switches between LNBs using voltage and tones/digital signal.

• Connect up to four receivers using a four output multi-switch.

• Connect each receiver to an active phone line.

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