Online Certification Training Programs

D2 Advantage Certification - Edition 2

BR-23 (Rev 15 Dec 2015)

D2 Advantage (D2A) is DIRECTV’s system for multiple dwelling unit, lodging, institutional, and shared-antenna applications. Planning, installation, and maintenance of D2A system requires thorough knowledge of the design rules, selection of approved components, planning for balanced RF levels throughout the property, formal testing, and troubleshooting methods.

DIRECTV-authorized D2A Training and Certification provided exclusively by SBCA uses the online, interactive curriculum developed by SatProf in collaboration with DIRECTV’s design engineering, field engineering, and field operations groups.

For 2016 the training and certification materials have been completely revised to the latest DIRECTV design standards. The previous materials covered building and testing a D2A system. Now, in order to enhance the quality and reliability of D2A installations, DIRECTV requires that D2A technicians also be qualified to plan a system.

DIRECTV design engineering, field engineering, and field operations have worked closely with the course developer, SatProf, to create a new, definitive D2A design and test rules document, which is provided to students in the learning courses. The learning materials and exam have been extensively rewritten to teach and assess students’ skills against the official design and test rules. Design data, rules, and interactive simulator tools are provided for use during the course and later on the job. The new training courses and exam, designed “Edition 2”, are now available at www.sbcatest.com.

The student interacts with D2A block diagram

tutorials in SB 201.

To receive SBCA D2A Edition 2 Certification, you must successfully complete

the following online activities:

Course SB101: SBCA online learning and certification overview

Course SB102: RF and DC Theory for Satellite Systems

Course SB103: Theory of Satellite TV Systems

Course SB201 Ed. 2: The DIRECTV D2 Advantage system

Course SB202 Ed. 2: D2A Components

Course SB203 Ed. 2: D2A Wiring and Setup

Course SB204 Ed. 2: AIM for D2A Overview

Course SB205 Ed. 2: D2A Validation, Troubleshooting, and Upgrading

D2 Advantage Ed. 2 Certification exam

D2 Advantage theory of operation is covered in depth in SB 201.

The downloadable Quick Reference Guide is included. It contains the D2A design rules and other useful data.

Fees, registration, and further information:

Visit www.sbcatest.com/commercial or email sbcasupport@satprof.com

www.sbcatest.com

Satellite Broadcasting & Communications Association

www.satprof.com

Interactive training for satellite professionals.

This simulator from SB 203 allows the student to explore how the ALC amplifier works by

interacting with the power and settings controls.

In Course SB 202, every approved D2A component is reviewed in detail.

The drag-and-drop Trunk Planning simulator in SB 203 allows technicians to build up a complete D2A trunk system and instantly check for compliant RF levels, a very tedious manual calculation. The user may save and load plans , making it an excellent resource for troubleshooting and support.

The simulator for wiring into dwellings automatically computes signal levels based on component

specifications and user design settings.

Course SB 204 covers use of the AIM (meter) specifically for D2 Advantage systems.

D2 Advantage Edition 2 Course and Exam Bundle SBCA SB101: Overview of SBCA Online Training and Certification In this short course you will learn about the SBCA; the types of certifications SBCA offers, how to get them, and how to renew them; the importance of the signal piracy problem; and how to use this learning system. It is required for SBCA MDU, SMATV, and D2 Advantage certifications. SBCA SB102: RF and DC Theory for Satellite Systems In this course you will learn important theory and knowledge about DC and RF that all satellite technicians should have, including DC theory (Ohm's law, loop resistance, voltage drops), gains, losses, levels, and dB, cables and connectors (including VSWR, return loss, cable types, and connector attachment), and standard RF components, such as attenuators, amplifiers, splitters, couplers, taps, and power inserters, and grounding and discharge protection. It is required for SBCA MDU, SMATV, and D2 Advantage Edition 2 certifications. SBCA SB103: Theory of Satellite TV Systems In this course you will learn important theory and knowledge about satellite broadcast systems that all satellite technicians should have. The lessons cover digital TV transmission, microwaves and polarization, and receive systems. It is required for SBCA MDU, SMATV, and D2 Advantage Edition 2 certifications SBCA SB201 DIRECTV D2 Advantage System (Ed 2) This course introduces DIRECTV's D2 Advantage (D2A) system, which is used in multiple-dwelling unit (MDU), DIRECTV Residential Experience (DRE), and other lodging and institutional systems. We will review the DIRECTV fleet, trunk lines, principles of the SWiM devices, overall operation of the D2A system, and implications for Connected Home services within D2A systems. SB201 is required for SBCA D2 Advantage Edition 2 certification. Edition 2: Revised and updated Nov 2015. SBCA SB202 D2 Advantage Components (Ed 2) In this course, we will review all the hardware components approved by DIRECTV for the D2 Advantage system, including ODU's (antennas), SWiM modules, and components for D2A system wiring in trunks/risers and after the SWiM. It is required for SBCA D2 Advantage certification. Edition 2: Fully revised and updated Nov 2015. SBCA SB203 D2A Wiring and setup (Ed 2) In this course, we will learn how to correctly plan and build a D2 Advantage system. We will start with launching signals into trunks/risers, learn how to plan a distribution system and the wiring after the SWiMs, discuss bonding rules, consider options for enclosures, and look at real-world D2A system examples. Tutorials and skills tests include an interactive simulator for trunk level planning. The course is required for SBCA D2 Advantage Edition 2 certification. Edition 2: Fully revised and updated Nov 2015. SBCA SB204 Overview of the AIM Meter for D2A (Ed 2) In this course we will walk through the features and functions of the Advanced Installation Meter (AIM), which is required for all D2 Advantage installations. We will first cover basic features, then the CONFIG function, the SETUP function, the INSTALL function, the EIV and TEST functions, and managing records, all with a focus on use in D2 Advantage systems. It is required for SBCA D2 Advantage Edition 2 certification. Edition 2: Fully revised and updated Nov 2015. SBCA SB205 D2A Validation, Troubleshooting, and Upgrading (Ed 2) In this course, you will learn how to validate a new D2 Advantage system as you build it, how to verify that the completed system meets DIRECTV requirements before being placed into service, and how to troubleshoot common problems. It is required for SBCA D2 Advantage Edition 2 certification. Edition 2: Fully revised and updated Nov 2015. D2 Advantage Edition 2 Certification Exam Written part contains 60 questions, drawn from all SB 102, 103, 201, 202, 203, 204, and 205 courses; 2 hours is allowed. Skills test part contains skills test using trunk level setting simulator. 2 Attempts. No Free Retakes.

www.sbcatest.com

Satellite Broadcasting & Communications Association

www.satprof.com

Interactive training for satellite professionals.

PREREQUISITES: None. High school math and science recommended. LEARNING COURSES DURATION: Approximately 20-50 hours study, self-paced. FINAL EXAM: 60 questions with 2-hour time limit, and a trunk planning simulator skills test. DELIVERY: Animated & interactive HTML/Flash, self-paced, on-line format. Requires Internet access while studying the course material. High speed access is preferred but is NOT required. Student's computer must have a current browser and the current version of the Adobe Flash player (free) installed.