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. 

• 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. 

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

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

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

• Properly measure signal strength on multiple satellites.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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, VCR, and Home Theater Systems.

• Correctly demonstrate setup of the satellite system including the integration of accessory equipment such as a VCR, DVD, and Home Theater Systems.

• 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.