ETA INTERNATIONAL

Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Trainer: Christopher Miller, Heartland Community College

Training description: The Associate certification is designed for technicians who have less than two years of experience or trade school training for electronics technicians. Topics covered include DC Electronics, AC Electronics, Components & Semiconductors, Analog Circuits, Re-cabling & Telecommunications, Digital Circuits & Microprocessors, Troubleshooting, Test Equipment & Repair, Shop & Service Management. The focus of this training is reviewing foundational electronics that aligns with the CETa competencies. With embedded hands-on activities, demonstrations and interactive materials reinforcing the content.

Key Takeaway:

• Foundational electronics that aligns with the CETa competencies

Prerequisite: Bring a TI-30XIIS or equivalent scientific calculator.

Monday, Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Trainers: Ira Wiesenfeld & Joe Delio, IWATSI, Inc.

Training description: The DAS Installer (DASI) certification will include all items pertaining to the basics of a Public Safety Distributed Antenna Systems, components, interconnection of the components, RF cabling, fiber optic cabling, Ethernet cabling, alarm cabling, power installation and cabling, antennas, and the testing of the individual components within a DAS.

Key takeaways:

• Understanding the requirements to start the construction of a public safety DAS.
• Specific requirements related to the installation.
• Testing of the transmission lines, antennas, and interconnection with other systems that are part of the DAS.
• Understanding the documentation that is required as part of the installation
• Understanding the NFPA and IFC Codes and the various versions of these codes, and how it relates to the installation of a Public Safety DAS.

Prerequisite: There are no prerequisites, but the ETA General Communications Technicial Level 1 makes it easier to understand some of the basics of radio communication and electronics. Line Antenna Sweep training can assist with the successful understanding of the DASI training.

Monday, Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Trainer: Saleh Ahmed, Love Aviation

Training description: Intensive, in-person prep for technicians seeking the FCC General Radiotelephone license, required for many roles operating or maintaining radio systems in aviation, maritime, land-mobile, utilities, and broadcast. Build mastery of RF/electronics theory, FCC rules, operating practices, and maintenance. Targets first-time success on Element 1 (Basic Radio Law & Operating Practice) and Element 3 (General Radiotelephone).

Key takeaways:

Day 1: Introduction & Basic Radio Law (Element 1)

• Overview of the GROL license requirements
• FCC licensing structure and application process
• Radio law, operating practices, and FCC regulations
• Legal and ethical operating practices, international radio laws, and emergency procedures

Day 2: Radio Wave Propagation & Equipment Operation (Element 3)

• Fundamentals of electromagnetic wave propagation
• Frequency spectrum and signal transmission characteristics
• Transmitter and receiver basics: design, function, and components
• Antenna systems, RF propagation, and safety procedures

Day 3: Advanced Concepts & Exam Preparation

• Analog and digital communication techniques
• Detailed review of digital modulation and data transmission
• Operational procedures for maintenance, equipment calibration, and documentation

Prerequisite: None

Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Trainer: Saleh Ahmed, Love Aviation

Training description: The Ship Radar Endorsement authorizes qualified technicians to install, service, and maintain marine radar equipment aboard FCC-licensed vessels. The Element 8 exam covers radar theory, system components, installation and troubleshooting procedures, and FCC safety and regulatory requirements. It consists of 50 multiple-choice questions with a 75% passing score. When combined with Elements 1 and 3 (GROL), it grants the General Radiotelephone Operator License with Ship Radar Endorsement, a credential recognized for professional radar maintenance and maritime electronics work worldwide.

Monday, Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Trainer: Christopher Miller, Heartland Community College

Training description: GCT1 covers the basic elements of various communications concepts and technologies. This includes basic electronics, fundamentals of radio, tools, test equipment, power systems, cabling and installations, environmental systems, antennas, transmission lines, 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. It is intended for novice technicians or anyone that needs a basic technical understanding of communications systems. This course is ideal for federal, state, local, and tribal emergency response professionals and coordination/support personnel with communications backgrounds.

Key takeaways:

• Practices and procedures common to radio communication technicians.
• Learn to work within the Incident Command System (ICS) organizational structure.

Prerequisite: none

Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Trainer: AJ Wiesenfeld, IWATSI, Inc.

Training description: Building on the foundational GCT-1 program, GCT-2 expands the attendee’s knowledge base to include advanced elements of communications concepts and technologies.

The program emphasizes practical, hands-on training and is customizable to meet specific industry and employer needs. It is modeled after U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) guidelines, covering all the disciplines outlined in the COMT program as well as the APCO/ANSI technician standards.

By combining DHS-modeled instruction with ETA’s certification standards, the GCT-2 program ensures technicians are prepared for advanced responsibilities in critical communications environments.

Successful ETA pathway completion and certification of GCT -1 and GCT-2 fulfill the requirements of FCC regulation 47CFR90.433 Industry Certified Technician as an ETA Certified Electronics Technician (CET).

Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Trainer: Jay Thompson, Thompson Communications, Inc.

Training description: This course trains techs in the use of antenna and coax vector network analyzers and frequency domain reflectometers. Students will learn and demonstrate the ability to perform return loss, insertion loss and distance to fault tests and how to analyze results.

Key takeaways:

• Learn how to verify antennas, coax cables and other components used in antenna systems meet specs before an install.
• Learn how to test a system and isolate defective components.

Prerequisite: none

Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Trainer: Dr. William C. Bailey, ETA International

Training description: The training is broad-based, with the attendee examining microwave principles/equipment, radio configurations (terrestrial & satellite), modulation schemes (CW, AM, FM& PW), digital coding (ASK,FSK, PSK), multiplexing schemes (FDMA, TDMA, CDMA), digital modulation (QPSK, QAM), microwave components (amps, filters, mixers), Rx analysis (BER, ISI, RSL, C/N ratio), digital interfaces (T-lines, DS3, STS-1), network structure/hardware (OSI, TCP/IP, SONET), wave propagation, & electromagnetic theory.

Key takeaways:

• Prepared to take the MRT certification exam.
• A broad-based knowledge of microwave communications.
• Practical understand of how microwave radio works.

Prerequisite: Basic familiarity with electronic principles is advisable but not required.

Monday, Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Trainer: Light Brigade

Training description: Light Brigade OTDR Testing Deep Dive Workshop is a two-day instructor-led course that focuses on field testing and troubleshooting fiber optic spans/links and explains the various types of equipment and tools needed for acceptance testing, documenting performance, and finding problems in a fiber physical plant. The emphasis is on understanding proper OTDR settings, overall testing, and evaluating results.

Prerequisite: Fiber Optics 1-2-3 or equivalent field experience with fiber optic testing. Fiber Foundations is recommended, but not required. While not required, a basic understanding of fiber optics and/or field experience is suggested.

Key Takeaways:

-Ready for OTS certification through ETA International. The Light Brigade offers independent certification through ETA International (ETA). ETA-certified technicians are professionally recognized as having the knowledge and skills to meet international de facto electronics industry standards. ETA certification is valid for four years.

-The OTDR Testing Specialist (OTS) certification is focused on giving fiber professionals a more thorough understanding of OTDR operation, its equipment/tools, set-up preparation, operation, maintenance and repair for optical fiber span/link testing/tracing and troubleshooting in premises facilities and/or outside plant, FTTx, and PON applications.

Monday, Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Trainer: Dr. William C. Bailey, ETA International

Training description: Participants will learn about RF propagation and the critical role antennas play in modern wireless communication, to include: antenna theory, RF safety, ratio measures (dB, dBm, dBi, dBd), electromagnetic energy, RF wave behaviors (reflection, refraction, diffraction), dipole 1/2-wave model, antenna performance parameters, transmission & feed lines, antenna design considerations, special use antennas (Hertz, Marconni, yagi-uda, log-period, loop, arrays, slot & patch), and microwave antennas.

Key takeaways:

• Participants will be prepared to take PAB certification exam.
• There will be no mystery to how an antenna functions.
• An expanded understanding of radio systems and equipment.

Prerequisite: Basic understanding and working knowledge of radio technology is helpful but not required.

Monday, Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Trainer(s): Tom Brinkoetter, RadioTestSite.com & Jay Thompson, Thompson Communications, Inc.

Training description: This course will provide a background in the frequency spectrum and RF technology, and review causes and sources of interference. Spectrum analyzers will be covered in detail along with software functions and tools to support interference hunting. Many interference hunting cases will be presented.

Students will have hands-on time with a variety of modern commercial spectrum analyzers. A “Tiny SA” spectrum analyzer will be given to the students for use during the labs. The content will include: Basic RF Signal Theory; Frequency Spectrum; Decibels; Unlicensed vs. Licensed; Modulation; Radio Propagation; What is interference; Sources of Interference; Interference Examples; Antennas; Spectrum Analyzers; Key specifications; Real Time vs. Swept; Spectrum Analyzer Measurements; Interference Hunting Tools; Field Measurements

Key takeaways:

• Learn about the latest Interference Hunting technology
• Prepare for 100 Question exam for ETA Certification

Prerequisite: None

Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Trainer: Light Brigade

Training description: Light Brigade Splicing Deep Dive Workshop is an immersive instructor-led workshop that focuses on the setup, operation, maintenance, and reporting aspects of fusion splicing. In this predominantly hands-on course, students will learn the proper usage of various types of fusion splicing equipment and best practices for preparing and splicing single fiber, ribbon fiber, and fusion splice connectors. Students will develop expertise through immersive hands-on practice exercises that go beyond typical exposure and manufacturer-hosted training. Other areas covered during the course include cable preparation, proper routing of splice trays, and documenting results.

This course will have a maximum ratio of eight (8) students per instructor. Although the class is fully equipped, students are encouraged to bring their own fusion splicing equipment to class.

Prerequisite: Fiber Optics 1-2-3 or equivalent field experience. Fiber Foundations is recommended, but not required.

Key takeaways

-Ready for FSS certification through ETA International. The Light Brigade offers independent certification through ETA International (ETA). ETA-certified technicians are professionally recognized as having the knowledge and skills to meet international de facto electronics industry standards. ETA certification is valid for four years.

-The Fiber Splicing Specialist certification is designed to give fiber professionals a deeper understanding of splicing techniques, including splicing single fiber, ribbon fiber, and fusion splice connectors. Topics include fiber optics safety, optical fiber construction and theory, optical fiber characteristics, and optical fiber splicing. This is a great certification for those who want to expand their knowledge and practical skills in splicing. While not required, a basic understanding of fiber optics and/or field experience is suggested.

Monday, Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Trainer: Eric Ingram, UMass Global

Training description: The WNT course is designed to prepare the student to take the ETA-I WNT examination. The fundamental knowledge of RF technology used in wireless communications and how intelligent information is communicated for specific applications along with system design components and their requirements is presented. The course continues with an exploration of wireless solutions and standards used today in Personal, Local, Metropolitan, and Wide Area Networks. An in-depth look into WiFi technology (802.11), the predominant technology used for Local Area Networks (LANs) is presented.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn about antenna theory, transmission lines, RF propagation, and modulation schemes.
• Examine both fixed wireless and mobile wireless applications.
• Comprehensive study of Wide Area Network technology including microwave and satellite solutions.

Prerequisites: None, background in electronics is helpful.