Carrying out modifications to communication-electronic systems
Overview
This standard identifies the competences you need to modify communication-electronic systems, sub-systems or assemblies, in accordance with approved procedures. You will be required to carry out defined and documented modifications to communication-electronic systems, sub-systems or assemblies, in accordance with modification leaflets, latest issue drawings and standards. You will be expected to remove and replace cables, add new cables and change the route of cables. You will also be expected to modify LRUs (line replacement units) within communication- electronic systems.
Your responsibilities will require you to comply with organisational policy and procedures for the modification activities undertaken, and to report any problems with these activities, or with the tools and equipment used, that you cannot personally resolve, or are outside your permitted authority, to the relevant people. You will be expected to work to instructions, alone or in conjunction with others, taking personal responsibility for your own actions, and for the quality and accuracy of the work that you carry out.
Your underpinning knowledge will be sufficient to provide a sound basis for your work, and will provide an informed approach to modification of communication-electronic systems. You will have an understanding of the modification, and its application, and will know about the modification requirements and methods, in adequate depth to provide sound basis for carrying out the activities and ensuring that the completed modification is to the required specification.
You will understand the safety precautions required when carrying out the modification activities, especially those for isolating the equipment. You will also understand your responsibilities for safety, and the importance of taking the necessary safeguards to protect yourself and others in the workplace.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1 work safely at all times, complying with health and safety and other relevant regulations, directives and guidelines
P2 follow the relevant modification schedule to carry out the required work
P3 carry out the modification activities within the limits of your personal authority
P4 carry out the modification activities in the specified sequence and in an agreed timescale
P5 report any instances where the modification activities cannot be fully met or where there are identified defects outside the planned schedule
P6 complete and store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements
P7 dispose of waste materials in line with organisational and environmentally safe procedures
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1 how to work safely at all times, complying with health and safety and other relevant regulations, directives and guidelines
K2 the importance of wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and of keeping the work area clean and tidy
K3 how to obtain and interpret information from job instructions and other documents needed in the modification activities
K4 how to identify the components to be used; component identification systems (codes and component orientation indicators)
K5 preparations to be undertaken on the system, prior to carrying out the modification
K6 the methods and techniques to be used for soldering and de-soldering, and the importance of adhering to them
K7 the methods and techniques to be used for crimping and heat shrinking, and the importance of adhering to them
K8 the procedures and precautions to be adopted to eliminate electrostatic discharge (ESD)
K9 the basic operation of the communication-electronic system, sub-system and assembly being modified
K10 the different types of cable protection, and reasons for using each type
K11 the various mechanical fasteners that will be used, and their method of installation
K12 the importance of using the specified fasteners for the modification, and why you must not use substitutes
K13 the quality control procedures to be followed during the modification operations
K14 how to conduct any necessary checks to ensure the accuracy and quality of the modification
K15 how to recognise defects
K16 the issues that can occur with the modification operations, and how these can be overcome
K17 the organisational procedures to be adopted for the safe disposal of waste of all types of materials
K18 the documentation and/or reports to be completed following the modification activity, and the importance of ensuring that these reports are completed accurately and legibly
K19 the organisational policy on modification and how the process should be undertaken
K20 the extent of your own responsibility and to whom you should report if you have problems that you cannot resolve
Scope/range
Scope Performance
1. Carry out all of the following during the modification activity:
1.1. obtain and use the correct issue of company and/or manufacturers’ documentation
1.2. adhere to procedures or systems in place for risk assessment, personal protective equipment and other relevant safety regulations and procedures to realise a safe system of work
1.3. ensure the safe isolation of equipment
1.4. ensure that safe access and working arrangements for the work area have been provided
1.5. modify ground electronic systems, using approved techniques and procedures
1.6. apply safe working practices and procedures at all times
1.7. take electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions when handling sensitive components
1.8. report or take action with regard to any defects that require immediate attention (such as replacing non-‘lifed’ components)
1.9. dispose of waste items in a safe and environmentally acceptable manner
1.10. leave the work area in a safe and tidy condition
2. Carry out modification activities on two communication-electronic systems, sub-systems or assemblies to LRU level (at least one of which must be selected from group A):
note: Any of the items below can be identified as a system, sub-system or assembly in its own right
group A – communication-electronic
2.1. transmitters (such as HF, VHF, UHF, microwave)
2.2. transceivers (such as HF, VHF, UHF, microwave)
2.3. receivers (such as HF, VHF, UHF, microwave)
2.4. signal processing (analogue) (such as radar anti-clutter, comms audio and AGC stages)
2.5. signal processing (digital) (such as digital MTI, multiplexers, AGC)
2.6. aerial systems (such as phased arrays, long wire and parabolic reflectors)
2.7. transmission lines (such as optical fibres, co-axial, baluns, twin wire, waveguide)
2.8. display systems (such as CRT, plasma, TFT, TV tab, LED)
2.9. man-machine interface (such as IS/ICT equipment or peripherals: keypads, keyboards, microphones)
2.10. electro-optical systems (such as cameras, thermal imaging, targeting systems)
2.11. hydraulic-electrical systems (such as hydraulic motors, HSUs and actuators)
2.12. cryptographic systems (such as data encryption and de-encryption)
2.13. built-in test equipment
2.14. data network systems (such as LANs, WANs)
2.15. data network interfaces (such as switch, router, bridging networks)
2.16. any other identifiable electronic system, sub-system or assemblies
group B - associated equipment
2.17. environmental control systems (such as temperature, humidity, vibration, shock, alarm and protection)
2.18. electro-mechanical systems (such as servos, motors, relays, complex switches)
2.19. power generation systems (such as fixed/transportable AC/DC generators, batteries)
2.20. power distribution systems (such as single phase/3-phase distribution panels)
2.21. power supply control systems (such as voltage/current series/shunt regulator/stabiliser)
2.22. hybrid systems (such as ADC, DAC)
3. Carry out four of the following types of modification:
3.1. removing cables
3.2. adding cables
3.3. changing routes of cables
3.4. making changes to looms
3.5. making changes to LRUs
3.6. adding or removing LRUs
3.7. altering settings
3.8. upgrading mechanical systems
3.9. upgrading electrical systems
3.10. upgrading electronic systems
3.11. upgrading information technology systems
3.12. improving equipment safety
3.13. improving personal safety
3.14. improving equipment performance
4. Carry out four of the following processes during the modification activities:
4.1. soldering and de-soldering
4.2. heat shrinking (devices or boots)
4.3. crimping
4.4. stripping
4.5. removing cable end fittings
4.6. changing components (including software)
4.7. repositioning units
4.8. removing cable protection
4.9. making mechanical/screwed/clamped connections
4.10. allocating identification markings
4.11. changing LRUs
5. Produce modifications which comply with one of the following standards:
5.1. customer standards and requirements
5.2. company standards and requirements
5.3. BS, ISO and/or BSEN standards
5.4. Ministry of Defence (MoD)
5.5. manufacturers’ standards and requirements
6. Complete the relevant paperwork, to include one of the following, and pass it to the appropriate person:
6.1. job cards
6.2. permit-to-work/formal risk assessment and/or sign-on/off procedures
6.3. maintenance log or report
6.4. organisational specific documentation
6.5. modification record
6.6. electronic reports