Land Mobile Radio | Antenna and Transmission Line Fundamentals and Testing: Brisbane 23 July 2025
Gain Essential Skills in Land Mobile Radio With Hands-On Training
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This course introduces the student to land mobile radio base station antenna fundamentals. Modules include land mobile radio antenna systems and transmission line theory. Students will acquire theory and practical understanding of setup, calibration of antenna test units and how to interpret results.
This course is designed for student (individual) new to the radio / critical communication industry. A knowledge of basic radio communications and frequency concepts would be advantageous.
Candidates must complete an assessment on the day with a 75% pass rate to obtain an ARCIA certificate of competence.
Date: Wednesday, 23 July 2025
Time: 9:00 am- 5:00 pm (AEST)
Trainer: Chris Stevens, CartGIS
Cost: ARCIA Member = $700 +GST; Non-member = $900 +GST
Venue: The Greek Club
Address: 29 Edmondstone St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
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Course Outline
Click on the topic sections to expand and see further detail of the course outline.
Radio Antenna Systems
- What is an antenna
- How antennas work
- Antenna Types
- Antenna radiation patterns
- Antenna Gain
- ERP and EIRP and calculations
- Antenna Characteristics (Bandwidth, front-to-back, Sidelobes, nulls etc)
- Antenna Polarisation
- Antenna Resonance
- Common Antenna Configuration
Transmission Lines
- What is a transmission line?
- Skin effect
- Attenuation
- Return Loss and VSWR
- Transmission line characteristics (bend radius, power, ratings etc.)
Antenna and Transmission Line Testing
- Understanding an Antenna Test Unit
- Test unit set up and calibration
- Return Loss / SWR Test Set Up
- Interpreting Return Loss / SWR Test
- Distance to Fault Test Set Up
Practical
- Set up Antenna Test Unit for use, including
- Ports identification
- Calibration
- Frequency limits
- Markers
- Cable Type
- Velocity
- Distance Limits
- Frequencies
- Test VSWR / Return Loss
- Using multiple antennas and different feeders
- Interpret results
- Test Distance to Fault
- Using multiple antennas and different feeders
- Interpret results
Trainer Biography
Chris Stevens | MANAGING DIRECTOR | CartGIS
Chris Stevens is Managing Director of CartGIS Pty Ltd, an emergency management, GIS and mapping and communications consultancy company based in Melbourne. Chris has extensive experience in LMR network design, planning and implementation as well as GIS and mapping application design and commissioning.
CartGIS Pty Ltd also specialises in bespoke training and education for the critical communication community. Chris has extensive qualifications and experience in secondary, tertiary and workplace training and education, which, coupled with his communication experience, delivers industry and client focused outcomes.
Chris is also Co-Vice President of ARCIA, and Sub-committee convenor of training and education for ARCIA.
Book your spot now >>
Interested in other short courses this year? ARCIA is also offering a Microwave Engineering Masterclass (25-29 August) and an Introduction to Digital LMR Standards and Planning (1-4 September).
With demand high for engineers and critical communications professionals to continue to up-skill and develop their knowledge in sometimes specialist areas within the field, the ARCIA online courses give access to all, wherever you are based, in a tried and tested format.
More courses and dates will be announced as they are finalised and posted on the ARCIA events page.
