Lesson 1Line-of-sight analysis: identifying trees, buildings, roof edges, and seasonal foliage impactLearn to check line-of-sight by finding trees, buildings, roof edges, and other blocks. You will think about the satellite path, dish position choices, and how seasonal leaves in Zambia can affect signal strength over time.
Using sighting tools to trace satellite pathsIdentifying current physical obstructionsEstimating seasonal foliage growth impactComparing alternative dish mounting spotsDocumenting LOS risks in site notesLesson 2Pre-work check: paperwork, permits, customer confirmation, and site photos for baseline documentationBefore starting, confirm papers, permits, and customer info. This part explains verifying job details, taking starting photos, and noting any damage or risks to protect both the worker and client in Zambian settings.
Reviewing work orders and job scopeConfirming customer identity and expectationsChecking permits and property approvalsTaking baseline photos of site conditionsRecording pre-existing damage and hazardsLesson 3Inspecting coaxial cables, connectors, splitters, multiswitches, and indoor terminationThis covers checking coaxial lines, connectors, splitters, and multiswitches for damage, water, and signal loss. You will also look at indoor ends, labels, and support to ensure lasting reliability in humid Zambian climates.
Identifying kinks, crushing, and UV damageChecking connectors for corrosion and loosenessEvaluating splitters and multiswitch placementInspecting indoor wall plates and terminationsLabeling cable paths for future serviceLesson 4Using tools and apps for preliminary azimuth/elevation/skew lookup (satellite lookup websites, compass apps)Learn to use satellite sites and phone apps to get azimuth, elevation, and skew numbers. This includes map matching, magnetic vs true north, and checking against local Zambian site conditions for accuracy.
Choosing reliable satellite lookup websitesUsing compass and inclinometer appsUnderstanding magnetic vs true northChecking skew values for selected satellitesCross-checking app data with field realityLesson 5Visual inspection of dish, mount, mast, and wall/roof bracketsDo a close visual check of the dish, mount, mast, and brackets. Spot wrong alignment, loose parts, rust, and water damage that could harm safety, aim, or system steadiness in Zambia's rainy seasons.
Checking dish alignment and visible warpingInspecting mast plumb and rigidityExamining wall and roof bracket anchoringIdentifying rust, cracks, and metal fatigueAssessing sealant and water intrusion pointsLesson 6Personal protective equipment and PPE checklist: harnesses, anchors, helmets, gloves, and footwearKnow the needed personal safety gear for satellite jobs, like harnesses, anchors, helmets, gloves, and shoes. Use a PPE list to check condition, fit, and rules before each job in Zambian work sites.
Selecting fall arrest harnesses and lanyardsChoosing anchors and lifelines for roofsUsing helmets, gloves, and eye protectionSelecting slip-resistant, insulated footwearCompleting and storing PPE checklistsLesson 7Roof and balcony access planning: ladder placement, fall hazards, and rescue considerationsPlan safe roof and balcony access by picking steady ladder spots, managing fall risks, and readying rescue plans. Check surfaces, anchors, weather dangers, and local Zambian rules before going up.
Selecting safe ladder locations and anglesSecuring ladders to structures and anchorsAssessing roof surfaces and load capacityIdentifying fall hazards and exclusion zonesPlanning rescue routes and emergency accessLesson 8Assessing dish condition: reflector, feedhorn/LNB, bolts, corrosion, and structural integrityCheck the reflector's state, feedhorn or LNB, and all bolts. This covers rust, sun damage, water entry, and weak structure that might need fix, replace, or re-secure in Zambia's conditions.
Inspecting reflector surface for dentsChecking LNB housing and weather sealsTesting LNB arm rigidity and alignmentEvaluating bolts, nuts, and clamp tightnessDeciding when replacement is requiredLesson 9Electrical safety and grounding checks: nearby power lines, lightning protection, and bonding requirementsThis explains spotting electrical risks near satellite spots, like power lines and masts. Learn basic grounding, bonding, and lightning safety to keep the system and people safe in Zambia's stormy weather.
Maintaining clearances from overhead linesIdentifying service entrances and metersVerifying dish and mast grounding pathsChecking bonding to building grounding systemAssessing surge and lightning protection
