MDU/SMATV Essentials

Distribution of television programming to residents of multiple dwelling units sharing a common antenna requires knowledge and skills beyond those required for single-family residential installations.  This course provides the general knowledge and skills required for high-quality multiple dwelling unit L-band and SMATV system installations.

Techs will learn the theory and critical skills necessary to correctly install generic L-band and SMATV multiple dwelling unit systems.  At the conclusion of this course technicians should be able to:

  • Understand the principles of microwaves, frequency bands, and polarization as applied to direct-to-home satellite television.
  • Explain the characteristics and functions of the signals and uplink gateways in a DTH system.
  • Describe the operation of satellite television receiver systems.
  • Understand the functions of cables and connectors in MDU/SMATV systems and how to install connector correctly.
  • Use Ohm's law to calculate voltage drops and explain how signals, DC, and control tones can coexist on the same cable.
  • Understand how signal power is defined and how to use losses and gains to calculate levels throughout a system.
  • Identify the components used in L-band distribution networks and describe their purposes.
  • Plan an L-band signal meter.
  • Troubleshoot an L-band system.
  • Explain how signals are generated, processed, and distributed in a SMATV system.
  • Balance a SMATV system and explain why balancing is important.
  • Test and troubleshoot a SMATV system.
  • Conduct a site survey for a MDU system and properly ground it.

It is recommended that technicians attempting this certification already hold a SBCA Satellite Fundamentals Certification.
  Online:
  • Cost: $500
  • Duration: Approximately 300 pages, requiring 15 - 30 hours study.
  • Delivery: Animated &  interactive HTML/Flash, self-paced, online format (Note: Flash Player version 9 is required).

Upon registering you will receive a login and password.

Students will have 60 days to complete the online lessons and exam.  In order to pass the course, you must view all the pages in all the lessons, pass all lesson quizzes, and pass the final exam.  Students who fail the exam may request 1 free retake from sbcasupport@satprof.com. 

Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive their certification materials in approximately 2 -3 weeks.





  In the classroom:
  • Cost: $500
  • 2 Day Course, with test given at the end of the 2nd day
  • An 85% or better is needed to pass
  • 1 Free retake of the test is available should the tech not pass.
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The SBCA National Standards & Testing Program certifies that installers have passed standardized testing developed by the SBCA and industry leaders.  The SBCA does not guarantee the quality of nor assume any liability for the work performed by the certified installer.

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