NYSBA has contracted with the Society of Broadcast Engineers to provide online courses that will provide the basics of both radio and television broadcasting.

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SBE Online Engineering Courses for Member Employees

RF101: Module 1 – Introduction to Radio Frequency (RF)   /   Length: 1 hour, 16 minutes

 

Presenter: Dennis Baldridge, CPBE, 8-VSB, AMD, DRB, CBNT

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Join us for the first module of the new SBE RF101:Terrestrlal Transmission Systems course, Introduction to Radio Frequency (RF). The webinar includes:

• Definition of RF and Electromagnetic radiation and spectrum

• Electric and magnetic fields

• The Inverse Square Law and Attenuation of EM waves

• Frequency bands and RF wave characteristics

• Units of power: dB and dBm, History of RF

• Safety issues introduction: Exposure and limits.

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RF101: Module 2, Transmission Lines   /   Length: 1 hour, 15 minutes

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Presenter: Dennis Baldridge, CPBE, 8-VSB, AMD, DRB, CBNT

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This is the second in an eight-part series that presents an overview of RF needed to understand and work with the RF end of the system. Join us for the RF101: Module 2 Transmission Lines. Taught by Dennis Baldridge, CPBE, 8-VSB, AMD, DRB, CBNT, the webinar continues the RF101 training and discusses the following topics: the definition and types of transmission lines, impedance and its importance to applications, losses associated with coax, wavelength considerations which impact the broadcast facility, return losses (including VSWR and standing waves), and power considerations of both coax and connectors.

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RF101: Module 3, Towers, Antennas, and Transmission Systems   /   Length: 1 hour, 30 minutes

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Presenter: Dennis Baldridge, CPBE, 8-VSB, AMD, DRB, CBNT

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This module continues the RF101 Series and covers the following topics: transmission systems block diagram, common RF system components, antennas and terms, isotropic radiator, dipole and polarization, wavelength versus antenna size, variations on the dipole, and antenna gain introduction. This course is targeted at those with minimal or no background in RF and/or who are relatively new to the field. This eight-part series serves as a refresher for more seasoned engineers.

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RF101: Module 4, Antenna Gain – Feed-Line Loss   /   Length: 1 hour, 36 minutes

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Presenter: Dennis Baldridge, CPBE, 8-VSB, AMD, DRB, CBNT

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The information learned in Modules 2 and 3 focuses on this important discussion highlighting the relationship between gain and loss. Calculations and examples are discussed in the following topics: coverage requirements, ERP versus TPO, review of directivity and gain, system losses, single radiator, multiple radiators, and other gain/loss calculations. This webinar continues the eight-part series that is targeted at those with minimal or no background in RF and/or who are relatively new to the field. This multi-module course will present an overview of RF needed to understand the basics and make informed decisions.

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RF101: Module 5, Modulation Fundamentals   /   Length: 1 hour, 11 minutes

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Presenter: Dennis Baldridge, CPBE, 8-VSB, AMD, DRB, CBNT

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This webinar covers the basics of the various modulation methods used in broadcasting. The discussion begins with an overview of the communications model and progresses to the following: modulation definition, classes of amplifiers and efficiency, analog modulation principles of AM & FM, digital modulation principles, IBOC Radio, Digital TV, bit error rate function, forward error correction, constellation and eye diagrams, and signal and noise.

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RF101: Module 6, AM, FM, TV RF Propagation   /   Length: 1 hour, 15 minutes

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Presenter: Dennis Baldridge, CPBE, 8-VSB, AMD, DRB, CBNT

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This introductory propagation webinar builds on the previous modules with further discussion of the various ways RF is propagated in the atmosphere. The discussion includes the following: free space path loss, terrestrial propagation, predicted coverage and the aspects that can affect reception (such as terrain and interference), and a more in-depth look into AM, FM & TV signals.

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RF101: Module 7, RF Test and Measurement   /   Length: 1 hour, 16 minutes

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Presenter: Dennis Baldridge, CPBE, 8-VSB, AMD, DRB, CBNT

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This introductory RF Test and Measurement webinar explores the common transmission measurements that engineers will be called upon to perform. This includes – but is not limited to – frequency, power, occupied bandwidth, and modulation. Technical considerations specific to each test will be considered along with applicable FCC rules. A brief look into antenna and feed-line measurements will furnish a better understanding of what to expect from a good operation transmission system. Tests specific to AM, FM, and TV broadcasts are examined.

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RF101: Module 8, FCC Regulations   /   Length: 1 hour, 15 minutes

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Presenter: Dennis Baldridge, CPBE, 8-VSB, AMD, DRB, CBNT

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This introduction to FCC regulations explores the rules commonly applicable to broadcast facilities, which all engineers will be called upon to understand and apply. Sample topics include:

• Regulations: Friend or Foe?

• Navigating the Maze

• About the FCC

• Checklists

• Rules Common to All Services

• AM specific

• FM specific

• DTV specific

 

If you wish to register, please contact Trevor Elmendorf at telmendorf@nysbroadcasters.org.