How to Become an RF Technician

You can become a RF (radio frequency) technician through the study of this broadband-focused technology. RF networks are used today to send data through coaxial cables, which in turn sends television, telephone and Internet signals into your home or laptop computer. When RF technology is combined with a hybrid coaxial cable, it can help support broadband internet service.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Safety training
• Courses in customer service, fiber optics and broadband cable systems
• Degree in electronics engineering

1. Get a general electronics engineering background first. You will probably need to go to a brick and mortar university or college, as most online schools are not equipped to teach you the electronics basics you will need to study the more advanced concepts involved in RF.

2. Take a class covering the broadband cable system. This course will provide you with an overview of how the RF system works, from broadcast to reception.

3. Study how to process RF signals as they are being sent (broadcast). This will cover how satellite signals, FM signals and microwave signals are organized prior to being sent out for people to receive.

4. Learn about the trunk system which refers to the construction and design of the actual physical electronic components that make up broadcast and reception systems. Learn how to read the diagrams representing the various configurations.

5. Take a basic fiber optics course. This will teach you how light is transmitted through fiber optic cables to produce a signal that is different from RF transmissions.

6. Find out about feeder systems, the architecture by which the broadcaster sends out the signal. Learn how to monitor this equipment and how to fix problems monitoring the signal send.

7. Familiarize yourself with drop systems, the procedures that need to be followed when an RF signal is lost, or "dropped." To become an RF technician, you will need to be able to help restore dropped signals.

8. Study how cable systems are installed and maintained. Knowing about how aerial and underground cables are laid will help you become a more effective RF technician. Understanding installation may give you clues about the causes of dropped signals or interrupted service.

Keep Safety in Mind

9. Get training in the various types of ladders and extension ladders used during the maintenance and repair of RF cable lines.

10. Learn the proper way to climb phone poles. Cables strung across phone poles are usually accessed by climbing the pole itself. Learning basic pole safety is a necessity.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider taking a customer service course. You may be better able to interact with both your potential boss and your clients.