Aspire | Learn | Achieve

Introduction
At a time of increasing change within our industry, training and education is essential if you want to
keep abreast of the latest technology, design and installation techniques.
The CAI offers a comprehensive education & skills portfolio with the objective of ensuring that
companies have the opportunity to keep themselves and their employees fully up to date with the
latest technologies and techniques. It also benefits the customer by providing them with the best
possible standard of service.
The CAIs intense programmes are designed to develop skills and competencies necessary to meet
the demands of the aerial and systems installation industry.
The programmes are delivered by professionals with real hands on experience in our industry at
well-equipped centres around the United Kingdom.
CAI programmes give you:

Practical applications, not just the theory

Understanding of best practice
Industry recognised qualifications
No commercial bias

CAI Accessibility Policy

The CAI welcomes applications from potential participants of all social and ethnic backgrounds. Its
enrolment policy aims to promote equal opportunities, while at the same time selecting participants
who have the ability and motivation to benefit from the courses that they intend to follow and who
will make a contribution to the Industry. To this end, in the spirit of the Equality Act 2005, the CAI
will undertake reasonable adjustments for qualified applicants with disabilities to enter the CAI
Education and Skills Programme, in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Any applicant who
needs to report any disabilities to the CAI, please can this be done at the time of booking, or shortly
after in order for the learning programme to be adapted and cater for your needs.

Our facilities
CAI Ltd
Communications House, 41a Market Street, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 0PN
H N Storey Ltd / TradeWorks
Unit 6 Park Court, Ninth Avenue, Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, NE11 0AH
Blake UK Ltd
177-187 Rutland Road, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S3 9PT
Alltrade Aerial & Satellite Ltd
Unit 4 Sussex Business Park, 274 Old Shoreham Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 7EU
Alltrade Aerial & Satellite Ltd
Unit 5 Rhymney, Riverbridge Road, Cardiff, Mid Glamorgan, CF23 9AF

About your tutors

Keith Bail
Keith was technically trained at Riversdale and Wigan College to HND/BTEC level, he then became a
qualified BBC Broadcast Engineer at Evesham (ERTDR). Keith is also qualified to teach in the adult
learning sector (PTTLS City & Guilds) Keith worked for various companies within the TV maintenance
industry until joining the BBC in 1984, after which, he enjoyed a 6-year period of running his own
retail, repair and installation business seeing the start of digital broadcasting. Keith joined Fracarro
(UK) in 2005 as Technical Operations Manager and became the country Manager in 2006. Keiths
main role as a tutor is running the CAI Fibre Optic Technology course. Keith appeared on the CAI
Board up until 2010.

Bob Calaz
Bob is a Graduate Chartered Electrical Engineer with many years of experience in the TV
broadcasting, reception and relay industry. He joined the Rediffusion Group of Companies in 1959
and was seconded to South Africa in 1970. Returning to the UK in 1985, he started Race
Communications Ltd, a TV retail company in Sunningdale, Berkshire. Bob has been personally
responsible for the design and installation of TV systems throughout the world and has published
and presented technical papers to many professional bodies. He is the author of the CAI book An
Introduction to Radio, TV and Satellite Reception and his latest publication is titled Digital TV,
Satellite and Multimedia. Although now semi-retired, he currently runs technical training courses
for the industry.

Kevin Dawson
Kevin has been with the CAI since April 2001 and is the Assessment Executive responsible for
assessing potential members as well as the existing member companies and ensuring that the Codes
of Practice are being adhered to. He also helps to deal with the many technical enquiries that the
CAIs growing profile generates as well as tutoring some of the CAIs basic training courses. Kevin is
also in charge of auditing the CAIs aerial and cable benchmarking schemes, and is Vice Chairman of
the CAI Benchmark Committee. Kevin is also qualified to teach in the adult learning sector (PTTLS
City & Guilds) and is also an A1/A2 assessor (City & Guilds). He is also a Fellow of the SCTE (The
Society for Broadband Professionals).

Les Hampson
Les is a qualified teacher. Les has been in the aerial and satellite industry since 1988 and has been a
Director of the CAI for many years and sits on both the Education and Skills Committee and the
Technical Committee. Part of the Technical Committees responsibilities is the writing and updating
of Codes of Practice and making sure the membership are informed of new technological changes
within the industry. Les main role as a tutor is running the distance learning course for IRS and
SMATV Networks, although he also runs some of the other courses offered by the CAI.

Graeme Mayhew
Graeme is qualified to teach in the adult learning sector (PTTLS City & Guilds)Graeme has been in the
industry for 24 years now, starting in the SMATV side of the industry maintaining & installing
multiple channel TV distribution systems to Granada Travel Lodges across the UK. He then gained
qualifications within the audio & lighting industry carrying out installations of large nightclub
systems, such as Tiger Tiger, Haymarket & On and On in the Trocadero. He then moved into the AV
world gaining qualifications in distribution of audio & video, AV Distribution over Structured Cabling
networks & fibre optics. Going from running a successful department within a large AV company to
running his own IRS, SMATV, IPTV, AV, Home Automation, Lutron Control, KNX, Door Entry and
Networking Company, with customers such as Betfair, McLaren F1, Goldman Sachs, Google, JP
Morgan Chase Manhattan, Barclays Capital, HSBC & a few other blue chip companies. Graemes goal
is to help open the doors for aerial & satellite companies or individuals to venture into new areas of
work, without worrying about the changes in technical knowledge. Graemes main role is a tutor for
the Basic Home Networking & Connectivity also with the Practical Fibre Optics Course.

Internal assessment & verification

Tim Jenks
Tim joined the CAI as its first Inspector in May 1994. A qualified teacher, he developed the CAIs first
vocational training programmes helping launch the very first CAI basic aerial and satellite training
courses in the late 1990s. Later years saw him help launch the industrys first national vocational
qualification (NVQ) and he became the industrys first vocational assessor, progressing as a City &
Guilds internal verifier during the digital switchover years. His job is now mainly a communications
role representing the CAI at both national and local government levels. He regularly presents the
aerial industry viewpoint on local radio, liaises with the housing industry, broadcasters and press,
handling all public affairs and technical issues that arise, as the CAI's Senior Executive. With the
development of the CAI as a TrustMark scheme operator and national training programme
accreditation prospects he is the CAIs internal quality assurance officer.

Programmes on offer

Basic Aerial Installation

Basic Satellite Installation
An Introduction to IRS
Basic Home Networking & Connectivity
Making the Bond
Fibre Optics in Signal Distribution
Installation of Motorised Satellite Systems
SMATV & IRS Networks Design and Build
Astra Connect
Tooway

Basic Aerial Installation

Suitability
This programme is suitable for participants with no experience who wish to enter the industry and
for those who have experience but want to know more about the theoretical and practical aspects of
terrestrial signal reception and installation.

Aims
The programme covers all aspects of TV delivered via an aerial into a coaxial network around a single
dwelling property.

Objectives
Over the 2 days this programme presents all the criteria necessary to deliver terrestrial TV
programming to TV receiving equipment in the home.

Content

Health & Safety in relation to the use of ladders.

Aerial design & choice through survey tests.
Brackets, fixings & installing a chimney lashing kit.
Cables, certification & correct fitting of connectors.
Aerial alignment & recording signals.
4G Interference Mitigation.
Amplifiers, diplexers, combiners & their application.
Modulation techniques & digital compression.
Electrical Safety requirements for signal distribution.
Future development of the aerial and multimedia industry.

Learning Outcomes
Following this 2-day programme all participants will be able to;
- Select the correct aerial for regional terrestrial TV reception.
- Align and record signal levels.
- Install a chimney lashing.
- Fit the correct connectors to terminate coaxial cables.

Learning Style
This programme is classroom based by PowerPoint and contains a mix of practical demonstrations
with hands-on learning exercises.

Assessment Method
The assessment method for this programme is by means of a multiple choice open book assessment
paper with a pass mark of 65%.

Programme Duration

Programme Cost

This programme is run over 2 days

Member rate 230

Non Member rate 310

Basic Satellite Installation

Suitability
This programme is suitable for participants with no experience who wish to enter the industry and
for those who have experience but want to know more about the theoretical and practical aspects of
satellite reception and installation.

Aims
Attendance at this programme will give all participants a working knowledge of fixed dish satellite
installation.

Objectives
This 2-day programme will cover the basic practicalities of satellite installation so that participants
can fix, align and deliver signal to a working satellite receiver.

Content

Health & Safety considerations.

Surveying, testing location sites & planning considerations.
Signal types & measurement.
Assembly, fixing and alignment of a satellite dish.
Cables, certification & correct fitting of connectors.
Receiver connection and interconnection to ancillary equipment.
Multiple receivers on domestic distribution networks.
Frequency planning, the use of amplifiers & triplexers.
Troubleshooting.
Reception of other satellites.
Best installation practice & the latest information from the industry.
Customer relations, conduct, documentation & insurance.

Learning Outcomes
Following this 2-day programme all participants will be able to;
- Assemble a satellite receiving dish.
- Align a dish and record signal levels.
- Install a chimney lashing.
- Fit the correct connectors to terminate coaxial cables.
- Programme a Sky satellite receiver.

Learning Style
This programme is classroom based by PowerPoint and contains a mix of practical demonstrations
with hands-on learning exercises.

Assessment Method
The assessment method for this programme is by means of a multiple choice open book assessment
paper with a pass mark of 65%.

Programme Duration

Programme Cost

This programme is run over 2 days

Member rate 230

Non Member rate 310

An Introduction to IRS
Suitability
This programme is designed for participants who have prior experience in the design, installation
and maintenance of TV and satellite reception and relay systems and who would like to update their
knowledge of Integrated Reception Systems (IRS).

Aims
This programme delivers an overview of all aspects of TV and radio signal delivery via an IRS.

Objectives
The programme practically defines the basic principles of IRS and enables the participants to engage
in team project planning.

Content

The electromagnetic wave.

The principles of digital signals and modulation techniques.
Measurement parameters and frequency bands.
Aerial design.
The principles of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) reception.
UHF multiplexes.
Practical signal measurements.
Digital bandwidths.
Practical signal measurement.
Splitters and diplexers.
Coaxial cable losses.
The principles of satellite TV reception.
Satellite locations and footprints.
Frequency down conversion and source switching.
Methods of signal distribution in the home.
IRS concepts for new and existing buildings.
Network design and signal level calculations for IRS.
System hardware.
Equipotential bonding and lightning protection.
IRS system troubleshooting.
TV flat-panel displays.
An overview of fibre optics.

Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of this programme all participants will be able to conceive, plan, install and service
a typical IRS for up to 100 locations to current best practice.

Learning Style
This programme is classroom based by PowerPoint and contains a mix of practical demonstrations
with hands-on learning exercises.

Assessment Method
The assessment method for this programme is by means of practical assessment exercises and a
multiple choice open book assessment paper with a pass mark of 65%.

Programme Duration

Programme Cost

This programme is run over 2 days

Member rate 230

Non Member rate 310
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Basic Home Networking & Connectivity

Suitability
This programme is suitable for participants with a basic level understanding of electronics, frequency
bandwidths and signal distribution techniques in single dwelling properties. It is assumed
participants have practical experience in the installation of terrestrial and satellite antennas as well
as signal measurement parameters associated with both these areas.

Aims
This programme delivers a basic understanding and insight into the various methods of home
network distribution.

Objectives
This 1-day programme will enable participants to deliver signal around the home via correctly
terminated category cables.

Content

Health & Safety considerations.

An overview of simple home network methods.
Terminology associated with home networking.
Practical RJ45 connections.
Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) demonstration.
HDMI & HDBaseT distribution.
Tools required.
Interconnection to ancillary equipment.
Best practice explained.

Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of this programme participants will;
- Have an understanding of structured cable distribution techniques.
- Be able to competently terminate RJ45 connections on category cable.
- Set up a HDMI point-to-point distribution network.

Learning Style
This programme is classroom based by PowerPoint and contains a mix of practical demonstrations
with hands-on learning exercises.

Assessment Method
The assessment for this programme is by means of a multiple choice open book assessment paper
with a pass mark of 65%.

Programme Duration

Programme Cost

This programme is run over 1 day

Member rate 140

Non Member rate 195

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Making the Bond (safety electrical connection requirements for aerial

installers)
Suitability
This programme is suitable for anyone who is installing aerials and is not fully conversant with the
current standard (IEC 60728-11:2010) and CAI Code of Practice 3 Electrical Safety Requirements for
Signal Reception Systems (Excluding CATV).

Aims
Participants will give a practical working knowledge of how to install a safe signal distribution system
in the home or commercial premises.

Objectives
At the end of the programme all participants will be able to install a safety mechanism on a
distribution system, analyse the effectiveness and record the results.

Content

Background to why earthing and bonding may be necessary.

Electrical regulations and safety.
Single Dwelling Unit (SDU) requirements.
Multiple Dwelling Unit (MDU) and commercial premise requirements.

Learning Outcomes
This 1-day programme will enable all participants to;
- Test an electrical circuit for safety.
- Make a safety bond.
- Perform the necessary tests and checks that ensure a system is safe.

Learning Style
This programme is classroom based with a PowerPoint presentation and contains theoretical and
practical learning exercise techniques.

Assessment Method
The assessment for this programme is by means of practical work sheets and a multiple choice open
book assessment paper with a pass mark of 65%.

Programme Duration

Programme Cost

This programme is run over 1 day

Member rate 140

Non Member rate 195

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Fibre Optics in Signal Distribution

Suitability
This programme is suitable for participants involved in the TV/RF distribution industry with a desire
to learn the developments of Fibre Optic technology and associated equipment. A reasonable
understanding of current Integrated Reception Systems (IRS) would be desirable but not absolutely
necessary.

Aims
This programme will enable participants to understand the working and planning of a typically sized
fibre optic delivery system.

Objectives
Over the 1-day programme participants will become practically familiar with all the components of a
working fibre optic system.

Content

The history and development of fibre optic technology.

The importance of Health and Safety when working with fibre optics.
Types of cables and connectors used in the fibre optic industry.
The applications of fibre optics with an understanding of the technology.
Components contained within the systems and their practical application.
Calculations of signal losses & gains within them.
Design three typical sized fibre optic systems.
Fusion splicing and termination of fibre optic cables and connectors.
Fibre containment methods.
Demonstrate an ability to install and fault find on fibre optic systems in the TV industry.
Major manufacturer latest fibre IRS systems explained.

Learning Outcomes
This 1 day programme will enable all participants to;
- Work with the main components of a fibre network.
- Carry out fusion splicing of cables.
- Connect and terminate fibre cable.
- Design a fibre optic delivery system.

Learning Style
A PowerPoint led delivery including industry videos, clear theoretical explanations and 'hands on'
applications. Continual informal and formal assessments will monitor progress throughout the day.

Assessment Method
The assessment method for this programme is by means of practical assessment exercises and a
multiple choice open book assessment paper with a pass mark of 65%.

Programme Duration

Programme Cost

This programme is run over 1 day

Member rate 185

Non Member rate 255

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Installation of Motorised Satellite Systems

Suitability
This programme is suitable for participants with extensive practical experience of installing ASTRA
and Eutelsat fixed dish installations.

Aims
This programme will impart a working knowledge of motorised satellite dish installations.

Objectives
By the end of this programme all participants will be able to install a KU band motorised satellite
dish.

Content

A review of azimuth and elevation angles.

Encryption standards and implications for STBs.
LNB options and adjustments.
The suitability of different cables for motorised systems.
Different methods of polarisation selection.
Techniques for Site Surveys.
Provide an awareness of health & safety issues.

Learning Outcomes
This programme will enable all participants to;
- Carry out a site survey for motorised dish suitability.
- Assemble and correctly align a motorised satellite dish.

Learning Style
This programme is classroom based with a PowerPoint presentation and contains theoretical and
practical learning techniques. Installation techniques will be explained and opportunities to put the
knowledge gained into practice will be provided. All types of motorised system will be covered but
practical work will be exclusively DiSEqC.

Assessment Method
The assessment method for this programme is by means of a multiple choice open book assessment
paper with a pass mark of 65%.

Programme Duration

Programme Cost

This programme is run over 1 day

Member rate 140

Non Member rate 195

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SMATV & IRS Networks Design and Build

Suitability
This programme is for the experienced participant with a good basic knowledge of all aspects of
terrestrial and satellite reception. This programme has been designed to support the practical
assessment required for the SMATV & IRS Networks Distance Learning Course. (To help you decide if
this course is suitable for your skill level check with the *Should I attend section on the following page.)

Aims
This 2 day programme will equip the participants to design and build an IRS.

Objectives
On completing this programme the participants will be able to design, build and troubleshoot an IRS.

Content

Revision of the Electromagnetic Spectrum.

Revision of acceptable minimum and maximum signal parameters.
Avoiding interference.
Use of filters.
Channel planning.
Calculating losses and gains in a system.
Different types of IRS.
Power requirements.
System design.
System build.
The importance of maintenance.
Fault finding methods.
Rectifying faults.

Learning Outcomes
By completing this programme each participant will be able to;
- Calculate signal losses and gains.
- Design and build an IRS.
- Diagnose and rectify faults in an IRS.

Learning Style
This programme is classroom based and contains theoretical and practical exercises. Each
participant will design and build an IRS and find faults on prebuilt systems. There will be written
exercises on calculating signal losses in a system.

Assessment Method
The assessment for this programme is by means of practical work sheets and a multiple choice open
book assessment paper with a pass mark of 65%.

Programme Duration

Programme Cost

This programme is run over 2 days

Member rate 230

Non Member rate 310

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*Should I attend?
Please note that this programme does not cover aerial and dish selection, bracketry, cable routing,
electrical safety and the use of meters as it is assumed that you will already have this knowledge, or
have attended the other courses where these are covered. If you are not sure if this programme is
suitable for you, truthfully attempt to answer the following questions.
1. Do you know how to calculate the intermediate frequency from the output of an LNB
knowing the incoming frequency?
2. What are the local oscillator frequencies in a universal LNB?
3. What is the difference between a Quad and a Quattro LNB?
4. What does IRS stand for?
5. Do you know which transmitting platforms use COFDM and DQPSK?
6. Can you use a spectrum analyser?
7. What would you suspect to be the problem if a distributed SKY signal (in analogue) was
grainy even though the level was OK?
8. What is TETRA and approximately what frequency is it transmitted?
9. In which polarisation is DAB transmitted?
10. If a DTT signal was breaking up and you saw the following picture on your spectrum display,
what would you suspect?

If you could truthfully answer these questions you should be competent to attend this course. If not,
then you may wish to attend An Introduction to IRS or the Basic Aerial and Satellite Installation
courses.

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Astra Connect
Suitability
This programme is suitable for participants with extensive practical experience of installing fixed dish
installations and wishes to provide a broadband service where DSL fails to provide adequate
operational speed.

Aims
This programme will impart a working knowledge of broadband via an SES-ASTRA fixed satellite
installation.

Objectives
By the end of this programme all participants will be able to install a two-way broadband satellite
system and fault find to modular level.

Content

A history of two-way satellite systems.

Theory of Astra KU & KA Sat technology.
Health & Safety considerations for microwave technology.
Cables, connectors and routing for broadband satellite systems.
Components of a two-way satellite system.
Installation principles and techniques.
Antenna alignment procedures for two-way broadband.
Astra Connect modem configuration.

Learning Outcomes
This programme will enable all participants to;
- Carry out a site survey for Astra Connect suitability.
- Assemble and correctly align an Astra Connect satellite dish.
- Configure an Astra Connect modem.

Learning Style
This programme is classroom based and contains theoretical and practical exercise learning
techniques. Installation techniques will be explained and opportunities to put the knowledge gained
into practice will be provided.

Assessment Method
The assessment method for this programme is each participants successful initiation of the internet
services provider activation page on a computer.

Programme Duration

Programme Cost

This programme is run over 1 day

Member rate 100

Non Member rate 160

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Tooway
Suitability
This programme is suitable for participants with extensive practical experience of installing fixed dish
installations and wishes to provide a broadband service where DSL fails to provide adequate
operational speed.

Aims
This programme will impart a working knowledge of broadband via a Eutelsat Tooway fixed
satellite installation.

Objectives
By the end of this programme all participants will be able to install a two-way broadband satellite
system and fault find to modular level.

Content

A history of two-way satellite systems.

Theory of Eutelsat Tooway KA Sat technology.
Health & Safety considerations for microwave technology.
Cables, connectors and routing for broadband satellite systems.
Components of the Tooway satellite system.
Installation principles and techniques.
Antenna alignment procedures for Tooway broadband.
Tooway modem configuration.

Learning Outcomes
This programme will enable all participants to;
- Carry out a site survey for Tooway suitability.
- Assemble and correctly align a Tooway satellite dish.
- Configure a Tooway modem.

Learning Style
This programme is classroom based and contains theoretical and practical exercise learning
techniques. Installation techniques will be explained and opportunities to put the knowledge gained
into practice will be provided.

Assessment Method
The assessment method for this programme is each participants successful initiation of the internet
services provider activation page on a computer.

Programme Duration

Programme Cost

This programme is run over 1 day

Member rate 100

Non Member rate 160

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Use of the CAI Logo

Please note that successfully passing any CAI Training Course does not constitute membership of the
Confederation and use of the CAI logo is not permitted. Only If you apply for membership and after
inspection are approved for membership by the Board of Directors will you then be able to us the
logo.

Use of the City & Guilds Accredited Programme Logo

Guidelines of use of City & Guilds Accredited Programme logo needs to be obtained by City & Guilds

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Confederation of Aerial Industries Ltd

Communications House
41a Market Street
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0PN
Tel: +44 (0) 1923 803030
Fax: +44 (0) 1923 803203
Web: www.cai.org.uk

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