IWCE is proud to partner with ETA® International (ETA) to offer unparalleled access to certification and training in specific technology areas. Accredited by the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC), ETA is a not-for-profit 501(c)(6) trade association that serves technology-related industries by providing accredited individual certifications per the ISO 17024 standard for certification bodies. ETA-certified professionals are working for many well-known companies like Motorola Solutions, Google, Disney, Verizon, and the United States Armed Forces.

• Dates: Monday, 3/17 and Tuesday, 3/18 
• Time: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Instructors:  Ira Wiesenfeld, PE, CETms(RF) and Joseph Delio, CETma, CETms(RF), IWA Technical Services, Inc.

IWA Technical Services Inc. offers a comprehensive DAST training program that combines both theory and practical experience. It focuses on in-depth theoretical instruction, covering essential topics such as start-up procedures, system calibration, and the optimization of active and passive components.

The training features hands-on demonstrations, allowing participants to apply their knowledge and make the necessary measurements using advanced test equipment, including the PCTEL Seehawk scanning receiver. This practical experience is invaluable for ensuring that professionals are proficient in using the latest tools and techniques to prevent signal interference, maintain system performance, and ensure compliance with the International Fire Code (IFC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.

This blend of theory and practice equips trainees with the skills needed to confidently turn-up, optimize, and manage DAS systems in order to perform recurring testing for long-term operational success.

Certification: ETA International Distributed Antenna Systems Technician (DAST)
Certification Test: included in the price of the workshop 

• Dates: Monday, 3/17 and Tuesday, 3/18 
• Time: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 
• Instructor: Bill Bailey, ETA International 

In this course participants will be introduced to basic antenna theory. We will examine the fundamental principles of RF propagation and explore the antenna’s critical role in wireless communication systems. A major problem in any wireless communication system is the efficient transformation of internal circuit voltage and current into electromagnetic energy. Encoded and modulated with analog intelligence or digital data, electromagnetic radiation can then be propagated though space. The transformational complexity often results in an over-simplified explanation of an antenna as just a passive device with strange and magical abilities. Those attending this course will learn to dispel any mystical nature and develop a sound practical understanding of how antennas work. Topics addressed will include: the evolution of antenna theory (Maxwell’s equations, Faraday’s law, Ampere’s law, Marconi and Hertz); electrical to electromagnetic conversion (E and H field interaction, polarization, wave-fronts); characteristics of RF propagation (refraction, diffraction, fading, and travel path); half-wave dipole antenna development (effects of impedance, radiation and induction); antenna power ratios (dB’s and dBm’s); antenna performance (gain, directivity, reciprocity, radiation fields, beam-width, directionality); antenna feed lines (resonant and non-resonant); antenna design considerations (monopole antennas, antenna arrays, and electrical vs. physical length); specialized antennas (log-periodic, small-loop, folded di-pole, and slot antenna); microwave antennas (horn, parabolic reflector, lens and patch antennas); and common non-proprietary antenna installation, alignment, and maintenance practices. Upon successfully passing ETA’s antenna competency examination participants will be awarded ETA’s practical antenna basics (PAB) certification. 

Certification: ETA International Practical Antenna Basics (PAB) 

Certification Test: included in the price of the workshop 

• Dates: Monday, 3/17 and Tuesday, 3/18 * Time:  9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Dates: Wednesday, 3/19 * Time: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Extended lunch break to visit expo): 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Instructor: Saleh Ahmed, Love Aviation

The FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) Course is an intensive, three-day, instructor-led in-person training designed for individuals seeking to obtain the prestigious GROL license, essential for operating and maintaining radio equipment used in aviation, maritime, and land mobile services, as well as global fixed communication stations. This license is mandated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for many roles in telecommunications, broadcast engineering, and other technical fields. 

This intensive course covers radio communication principles, FCC regulations, and radio systems maintenance, fully preparing participants to pass the FCC Element 1 and Element 3 exams. 

Course Objectives: 

• Master the core concepts of radio communication systems, RF electronics, and signal propagation. 

• Understand FCC regulations, equipment operation standards, and technical specifications. 

• Develop hands-on skills to operate and maintain transmitters, receivers, and related equipment. 

• Prepare for successful completion of the FCC Element 1 (Basic Radio Law and Operating Practice) and Element 3 (General Radiotelephone) exams. 

 Please note:

• As a courtesy, ETA processes and files the exams with the FCC.
• The examinee will then receive an invoice from the FCC in the amount of $35. Once payment is received, the FCC will issue the license.
• Examinees will need to have an FRN.

Certification: ETA International Radio General Radiotelephone Operator (GROL)
Certification cost: Included in the price of the workshop

• Dates: Wednesday, 3/19 * Time: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Extended lunch break to visit expo): 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Dates: Thursday, 3/20 *Time: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Instructor: Bill Bailey, ETA International

With the explosion of new digital applications in today’s communication networks microwave radio offers many advantages. They are capable of carrying large amounts of information (voice, video, and data); they require smaller antennas than other RF communication bands; microwaves signal easily propagate around objects; and microwave equipment has proven very reliable. The microwave spectrum is generally described as running between 500 MHz and 300 GHz. At these frequencies, wavelengths become relatively short, and measure between 1 cm and 60 cm in length. Microwave systems have proven capable of effectively processing and transmitting both analog and digital intelligence. Microwave technicians, therefore, must be equally versed in frequency modulation (FM) and digital modulation techniques. In this course we will take a system approach in our examination and analysis of microwave radio communication. Participants will be exposed to: RF safety fundamentals; RF spectrum and frequency concepts; microwave radio system configurations; RF modulation schemes (CW, AM, FM,& PW); digital microwave coding/decoding techniques; principles of Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) and Phase Shift Keying (QPSK); microwave radio equipment (TX & RX block diagrams, microwave/digital interfaces, performance indicators, bit error rates (BIT), microwave timing and synchronization schemes, and radio protection configurations); microwave propagation characteristics (line-of-sight restrictions, electromagnetic waves, path-related anomalies, and Fresnel zone clearance); microwave antenna systems; and common microwave test equipment and procedures. Upon successfully passing ETA’s microwave radio technician (MRT) examination participants will be awarded ETA certification.

Certification: ETA International Microwave Radio Technician (MRT)
Certification Cost: included in the price of the workshop

• Dates: Wednesday, 3/19 * Time: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Extended lunch break to visit expo): 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Dates: Thursday, 3/20 *Time: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Instructor: Chris Miller, Heartland Community College

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. Every Certified Electronics Technician (CET) candidate must pass the Associate exam before they can qualify to sit for the full Journeyman certification. A CETa study guide will be provided for this training.

Certification: ETA International Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CETa)
Certification Test: included in the price of the workshop