Join ETA and IWCE in Orlando!
ETA will be co-locating the 2018 Education Forum with the IWCE conference in Orlando, Florida March 5-9, 2018. The show will be focused on providing training through outside vendors as well as and seminars in poplular technology areas related to ETA certification.
Registration is now open!
Train
ETA International is proud to host hands-on training through outside vendors in popular technology areas related to ETA certification. ETA's partners, the industry’s most respected trainers, will provide in-depth hands-on training in 12 key areas of expertise beginning on Monday, March 5th. Following each training class, ETA will provide opportunities to test for ETA certification.
Registration for the training classes includes access to the IWCE exhibit hall, keynote addresses, general session, Party in the Park and town hall meetings.
ETA will offer ETA-approved HANDS-ON training courses leading to ETA certification with some of the industry's most respected training providers.
Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CETa)
Presented by Chris Miller, CETsr, Heartland Community College
This two-day workshop is a comprehensive two day, hands-on course that will give you all of the necessary skills in order to be successful in today's electronics industry and includes extensive hands-on training. If you are a student needing more in-depth information, a beginning technician needing expert guidance, or a practicing electronics technician wanting to enhance your skill level to advance in your career, this workshop will prepare you for success with ETA's Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CETa) certification exam.
CETa Technical Topics:
- Electrical Theory
- Electrical Components
- Soldering
- Desoldering Tools
- Block Diagrams
- Schematics
- Wiring Diagrams
- Cabling
- Power Supplies
- Test Equipment and Measurements
- Mathematics and Formulas
- Radio Communications Technology
- Safety Precautions
- Amplifiers
- Optical Electronics
- Electronic Circuits: Series and Parallel
- Interfacing of Electronics Products
- Digital Concepts and Circuitry
- Computer Electronics
- Computer Applications
- Audio and Visual Systems
- Telecommunications Basics
Monday-Tuesday (March 5-6, 2018) - $410
*Early bird discounts are available so sign up early!
ETA members get a 15% discount! Not a member? Sign up today!
Communications Site Installer (R56)
Presented by Michael Barton, CETsr, Motorola R56 Audit Team & Commdex Consulting
Based on the NEW Motorola updates of R56 industry codes and standards, this four-day workshop is for Motorola employees and affiliates only (unless invited and Motorola authorization given) that provides a documented set of standards & guidelines for designing safe and reliable communications sites helps guarantee personnel safety, equipment reliability and equipment availability. This hands-on workshop validates attendees knowledge or core concepts required in the installation of a communications site and explores all the NEW competencies recently introduced to ensure that communications sites are constructed to industry best practices and communications equipment operates in an environment that assures service reliability and longevity.
R56 Course Outline:
- Avoid Network Downtime - Lessen the likelihood of communications network downtime caused by non-compliance to R56 standards.
- Promote Workplace Safety - Ensure that sites meet the minimum standards so that site workers have a safe, working environment.
- Lower Maintenance Costs - Quickly uncover the major cause of equipment issues, lessening costs associated with troubleshooting to correct the problem.
- Comprehensive Reports and Recommendations - R56 auditor will generate a detailed report, including photos, which identifies any compliance issues and provides recommendations to get the site up to standard.
Monday-Thursday (March 5-8, 2018) - $1,399
*Early bird discounts are available so sign up early!
ETA members get a 15% discount! Not a member? Sign up today!
Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS)
Presented by Dane Brockmiller, FOI, LAS, PIM, Dover Telecommunication Services
This two-day hands-on course is for technicians, managers and venue owners who need to understand the role of DAS in wireless today. This is a comprehensive hands-on course covering the six major areas of DAS, small cell, applications and deployments (noted below in detail).
Learn the latest development, installation and planning for VHF and UHF public safety DAS. Emphasis will be placed on the differences between this form of DAS and carrier-based systems along with how DAS interacts with wireless carriers and Wi-Fi. DAS coverage and component testing will be demonstrated along with plenty of hands-on exercises.
DAS and Small Cells Course Outline:
- What is a DAS
- What is a Small Cell
- The Current Role
- 4G and 5G Wireless
- VHF and UHF DAS
- Scope and First Steps
- Site Surveys
- Site or Building Planning
- Permissions – Access and Permits
- NFPA and Building Codes
- Repeaters and BDAs
- Distribution Paths
- Coupling Devices
- Coaxial Systems and Cables
- Aplifiers, Repeaters, Couplers, Splitters, and Antennas
- Coverage Requirements
- Radio Environments-Obstructions
- Mechanical Issues
- Creating Site Maps
- Use of Fiber and Coaxial Cables
- Fiber Equipment
- Donor Antennas
- Indoor Antennas
- System Configuration-Provisioning
- Antenna Line Sweep Testing
- Passive Intermodulation Testing
- Coverage Surveys
- As-Built Documentation
Monday-Tuesday (March 5-6, 2018) - $949
*Early bird discounts are available so sign up early!
ETA members get a 15% discount! Not a member? Sign up today!
Fiber To The Antenna (FTTA)
Presented by Phil Shoemaker, FOI, FOT-OSP, Light Brigade
Fiber to the Antenna is intended for those who install, test and maintain fiber optic communication systems for Outside Plant FTTA installations and onsite antenna applications. Novice and experienced fiber professionals alike will find this workshop and extensive hands-on skills training beneficial for successful fiber optics careers with a practical understanding to properly install and maintain fiber optic networks. The four-day class includes 16 hours of classroom lecture combined with 16 hours of hands-on exercises.
The content focuses on the integration and installation of optical components in order to successfully establish connectivity in FTTA and cell tower applications. Attendees will participate in skills exercises that give practical hands-on experience with splicing, cable preparation, OTDR testing, and optical loss testing.
FTTA Course Outline:
- Fiber theory and terminology
- Single-mode fiber technology, including G.652D & G.657 fibers
- Multimode fiber technology, featuring OM3 & OM4 fibers
- Cleaning and inspection criteria
- Proper cable installation
- Optical loss testing procedures
- OTDR testing and troubleshooting
- Fusion and mechanical splicing
- Safety procedures
Monday-Thursday (March 5-8, 2018) - $1,849
*Early bird discounts are available so sign up early!
ETA members get a 15% discount! Not a member? Sign up today!
General Communications Technician - Level 1 (GCT1)
Presented by Rob Walker, LAS, PIM, ATRG Technical Services
This certification program introduces public safety professionals and support staff to various communications concepts and technologies, including: interoperable communications solutions, LMR communications, satellite, telephone, data, and computer technologies used in incident response and planned events. This two-day workshop trains emergency responders on practices and procedures common to radio communication technicians during all-hazards emergency operations. This course will help communications technicians work within the Incident Command System (ICS) organizational structure. It is intended for federal, state, local, and tribal emergency response professionals and coordination/support personnel with communications backgrounds. Individuals who are responsible for managing a Strategic Technology Reserve (radio cache, mobile communications vehicle, or other deployable communications assets) are encouraged to attend.
GCT1 is modeled after communication systems basics and expands on the US Department of Homeland Security's Communications Technician program.
GCT1 Technical Topics:
- Basic Electronics
- Fundamentals of Radio
- Tools
- Test Equipment
- Power Systems
- Cabling and Installation
- Environmental Systems
- Antennas
- Transmission Lines
- Towers
- Operating Principles and Details on Radios and Radio Systems
- Serial Data and IP Networks
- Basics of Fiber Optic Lines and Systems
- Telephony
- Satellite Communications
- Physical Plant Considerations
- Site Procedures
- Safety Practices
Monday-Tuesday (March 5-6, 2018) - $949
*Early bird discounts are available so sign up early!
ETA members get a 15% discount! Not a member? Sign up today!
Line Antenna Sweep (LAS)
Presented by Jay Thompson, CETsr, Dover Telecommunications Services
This frequency domain reflectometer hands-on course is designed for beginners as well as senior-level technicians and engineers, this course goes beyond traditional line sweep and PIM testing and provides all the knowledge in order to test and evaluate RF signals that begin at the output of a radio transmitter and eventually are propagated into the air to a receiver. Hands-on exercises will include applications of everyday problems found in the field such as: testing fundamentals, reflectometers, RF wattmeters, calibration, determining problems, distance-to-fault measurements, system sweeps, FDR operation and troubleshooting.
Technical Topics:
- Introduction to Antenna System Commissioning
- Radio Frequency (RF) Fundamentals
- Mathematics
- Coaxial Cable Fundamentals and Installations
- RF Connectors
- Antennas
- Frequency Domain Reflectometer Testing
- Operation & Test Interpretation
- Hands-on Troubleshooting
Monday-Tuesday (March 5-6, 2018) - $949
*Early bird discounts are available so sign up early!
ETA members get a 15% discount! Not a member? Sign up today!
Mobile Communications Electronics Technician (MCET)
Presented by Chris Dalton, LAS, Radio System Analytics
The second level of Mobile Communications and Electronics Installation is the Technician level. It is an advanced installation class built upon knowledge, past experiences, vehicle manufacturer suggestions and radio technician feedback to ensure that the installer is well trained and versed in the installation of complex electronic systems into modern vehicles. It is designed to identify, mitigate and avoid risk exposure to equipment installation service shops and to enhance the safety of installer personnel through education.
Today’s vehicles are technological marvels and contain hundreds of systems. These systems control vehicle operation and functionality for powertrain control, supplemental restraints and safety systems such as anti-lock brakes, stability control activation and throttle position; they receive input from hundreds of sensors. If improperly installed, aftermarket electronic equipment can cause harmful interference to onboard systems causing unsafe, unintended and adverse effects on vehicle performance.
MCEI Level 2 course covers a review of Level 1, proper techniques and procedures for the installation of aftermarket equipment, advanced troubleshooting, antenna installation and tuning, circuits and circuit analysis with mathematics, Radio Frequency (RF) Energy and safety for the installer and vehicle occupants. Hands-on will accompany classroom lecture for maximum learner retention.
Monday-Wednesday (March 5-7, 2018) - $1,199
*Early bird discounts are available so sign up early!
ETA members get a 15% discount! Not a member? Sign up today!
Microwave Radio Technician (MRT)
Presented by Tom Dover, Dover Telecommunications Services
Microwave radio still plays a major role in radio and data transmission systems. Wireless carriers continue to deploy microwave systems for data backhaul, and with the advancement of LTE for public safety, the need for microwave communications continues to grow.
This two-day course is designed for students and professionals who encounter point-to-point radio at microwave frequencies. This is a comprehensive hands-on course focusing on how radio works in all applications, how digital transmission (modulation) is derived for high-speed dta, the principals of microwave frequency propagation and antenna systems. Much of this course will be devoted to hands-on testing and troubleshooting approaches for radio technicians. Federal regulators and OSHA RF safety training will also be covered.
MRT Course Outline:
- Why Microwave?
- Radio vs Fiber vs Cable
- Bandwidth, Attenuation and Noise
- Radio Regulation-FCC and NTIA
- dB and dBm
- Radio Frequency Safety Awareness
- Receivers
- Alarms
- Troubleshooting
- Maintenance
- Maxwell & Waves
- Fresnel Zone Clearance
- Wave Attenuation
- Free Space Loss & Absorption
- Ducting and Fades
- Reflections and Multi-Paths
- Types of Traffic
- T1-DS3-SONET
- Ethernet-IP Traffic
- Digital Modulation-Microwave
- Transmitters
- Antenna Gain and Bandwidth
- Directivity and Beam Width
- Antenna Types and Connectors
- Waveguide and Coax
- Antenna Testing
- Link Budget
- System Gain and Loss
- FCC and OSHA RF Safety
Monday-Tuesday (March 5-6, 2018) - $949
*Early bird discounts are available so sign up early!
ETA members get a 15% discount! Not a member? Sign up today!
Radio Frequency Interference and Mitigation (RFIM)
Presented by Don Huston, Bird Technologies
This two-day course is for anyone involved with radio services, wireless or other types of communications systems. Delivered in a concise, systematic way that will enhance your skill level, regardless of your experience, this is a comprehensive hands-on course that will give you all of the necessary skills in order to find and correct RF signal interference. The class begins with basic theory of radio and test equipment, concluding with hands-on applications of everyday problems found in the field. Designed to include beginners as well as senior level technicians and engineers, this course goes beyond interference hunting.
Discussions Include:
- Radio & Test Equipment Fundamentals
- Common and Uncommon Types of RFI
- Decibels
- Propagation Anomalies, Causes, Measurements & Cures
- Intermodulation
- Equipment
- Filters
- Antennas
- Blanking
- Capture
- Prevention
- Safety
- Other Fixes
Hands-On Exercises Include:
- Set-Up
- Calibration & Testing Fundamentals
- Locating RFI with Service Monitors & Spectrum Analyzers
- Effective Sensitivity Receiver Measurements
- Discovering Blocking/Desense Situations
- Tuning Cavity Filters
- Measuring Harmonics
- Practicing Direction Finding Techniques
- Hunting for Power Line Noise
- Applying Resolutions
Wednesday-Thursday (March 7-8, 2018) - $949
*Early bird discounts are available so sign up early!
ETA members get a 15% discount! Not a member? Sign up today!
General Communications Technician - Level 2 (GCT2)
Presented by Ira Wiesenfeld, CETms, IWA Technical Services, Inc.
The GCT Level - 2 workshop prepares attendees for an advanced level of industry understanding. It elevates the skill levels of those already in the field, and delves into the details that are found every day when working in the telecommunications industry. Expanding on the US Department of Homeland Security COMT program, GCT Level - 2 covers everything needed to complete your ETA certification.
There will be live demonstrations, using state-of-the-art equipment included during the program. These areas include: basic electronics, fundamentals of radio, tools, test equipment, power systems, cabling and installations, environmental systems, antennas, transmission lines, towers, operating principles and details on radios and radio systems, serial data and IP networks, basics of fiber optic lines and systems, telephony, satellite communications, physical plant considerations, site procedures, and safety practices.
This class is open to individuals with at least two years of experience. Those students currently holding a GCT Level - 1, GROL, GMDSS, WCM or TRN/USMSS can sit for ETA GCT Level - 2 certification test at the conclusion of this training.Monday-Tuesday (March 5-6, 2018) - $949
*Early bird discounts are available so sign up early!
ETA members get a 15% discount! Not a member? Sign up today!
Photovoltaic Installer - Level 1 (PVI1)
Presented by Jay Warmke, PVI1, Blue Rock Station
Solar electric will soon be incorporated into many systems, especially remote installations such as mobile phone towers, weather monitoring stations, emergency response systems, disaster preparedness and many more. Professionals working with advanced communication systems will find it critical to have a basic understanding of PV systems to keep their installations fully functioning in the future.
You will get your hands on a working PV system and will dismantle and reinstall it while troubleshooting to ensure its proper operation. You will learn how to integrate battery backup, wind turbines, and become familiar with the latest emerging PV technologies along with the various options such as grid-tied, stand-alone, micro-inverters and power optimizers.
Registration includes: Understanding Photovoltaics: A Study Guide for Solar Electric Certification Programs’ textbook and starter tool kit.
Wednesday-Friday (March7-9, 2018) - $1,049
*Early bird discounts are available so sign up early!
ETA members get a 15% discount! Not a member? Sign up today!
Cybersecurity and Information Technology (ITS)
Presented by Micheal Goshen, ITS, NST, CST
This workshop is designed to present the standards and guidelines for Passing the ITS Exam. Participants will understand the ITS competencies and security practices required to pass the exam. We will also be using a VARK learning approach to this class. After completing this course, the student will be able to:
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Have an in depth understanding of all ITS domains:
- Achieve the understanding of hardware and software of network security
- Have a clear understanding of security in relation to wireless networks
- The basic understanding of device security such as Bluetooth and IoT
- A detailed understanding of software exploitation and vulnerabilities
- Have a clear understanding of operational polices, standards, and risk assessment
- Have an understand of disaster recovery and computer forensics
- Understand the fundamentals of cryptography and its relationship with IT infrastructure
- Understand social engineering attacks and countermeasures in depth
STUDENTS MUST BRING A LAPTOP OR TABLET TO THE CLASS.
Also, please bring cinnamon sticks or your favorite gum and candy to the class as studies have shown that simply smelling cinnamon is enough to wake you up and improve your cognitive function. This means that things like focus, memory, and concentration will come easier to you.
Wednesday-Thursday (March 7-8, 2018) - $949
*Early bird discounts are available so sign up early!
ETA members get a 15% discount! Not a member? Sign up today!
Student Scholarship Essay Contest
This scholarship is made available by ETA® International and International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE). The scholarship is intended for students interested in a career in the wireless communications field. In your essay, please describe your ideal career in wireless communications. Why is this your ideal field? How will this scholarship benefit you? Why should you be considered for this scholarship?
The Scholarship Includes:
- One Short Course Package conference pass to IWCE - $549 value
- One coach class plane ticket to Las Vegas, Nevada - value up to $500
- Two nights hotel stay (room charge and tax) at IWCE’s host hotel
- Access to the Job Training & Education Center
- Access to IWCE’s two-day exhibit hall
- Dinner with ETA representatives
How to Apply:
- Submit an essay in 1,000 words (12 point type and double-spaced) or less along with a recent resume, cover letter and picture as separate attachments to mlawson@eta-i.org.
Eligibility:
- Must have at least a 2.5 GPA
- Must be a currently enrolled student
Deadline:
- January 7, 2018
"I am passionate about wireless communications and the potential of the field to radically change the way we interact with each other. There is no doubt that this scholarship will be the catalyst to my growth within this field."
Veteran Scholarship Essay Contest
This scholarship is made available by ETA® International and International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE). The scholarship is intended for veterans interested in a career in the wireless communications field. In your essay, please describe your ideal career in wireless communications. Why is this your ideal field? How will this scholarship benefit you? Why should you be considered for this scholarship?
The Scholarship Includes:
- One seat in either the Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), Line Antenna Sweep (LAS), or Microwave Radio Technician (MRT) hands-on training workshops conducted by Dover Telecommunications Services, along with ETA's related certification test - a $949 total value
- Five nights hotel stay (room charge and tax) at IWCE’s host hotel - $1,000 approximate value
- One Short Course Package conference pass to IWCE - $549 value
- One coach class plane ticket to Las Vegas, Nevada - value up to $500
- Access to the Job Training & Education Center along with IWCE’s two-day exhibit hall
- Recognition during ETA’s annual award banquet
How to Apply:
- Submit an essay in 1,000 words (12 point type and double-spaced) or less along with a recent resume, cover letter and picture as separate attachments to mlawson@eta-i.org.
Eligibility:
- Must be an honorably-discharged Veteran of the US Military
- Veterans with an FCC Amateur Radio License or those with a strong communications background are encouraged to apply
Deadline:
- January 7, 2018
“The quality and quantity of the people I was introduced to and able to network with was incredible! The ETA instructors I had the pleasure of learning from are some of the smartest people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting."
See What Others Are Saying About The Eduation Forum
“I found the networking aspect to be the most valuable aspect of having Education Forum in conjuncture with IWCE. I took the Microwave Radio Technician class because in the county that I work for, we recently installed new microwaves and it became evident that we needed to learn more about them. The instructor was incredibly knowledgeable and engaged the class by asking about our system configurations, which made the material relatable.”
Jamin Howell, Wireless Communications & Network Technician, Flathead Emergency Communications Center
“The Mobile Communications and Electronics Installer instructor was great. He was knowledgeable and engaged the students. He focused on what we asked him to and it has already helped me with troubleshooting some radio problems I was working on here.”
Alipio Mondragon, FOI, MCEI, Traffic Manager, Los Alamos County
“This training taught me new ways to efficiently do my job and will open the door to greater opportunities. It is well worth the money and time!”
Roger Hopp, MCEI, Radio Technician, City of Cleveland Ohio
"Our area is experiencing an increase in DAS installs and we need all of the training we can get! It is a definite necessity for our upcoming jobs...i would call it job security, for sure! Dane (Brockmiller) did an excellent job cramming a week’s worth of information into two days. ETA’s concerns for the trainers as well as the trainees was very evident."
Vance Parker, CETa, DAS, Senior Technician, White Cloud Communications
“The instructor taught us practical applications of the material and provided me with more knowledge when it comes to installation of DAS systems.”
Nick LoCicero, CETsr, Vice President, Pacific Comm Kauai, LLC
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