SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Provide satellite broadcast contributions 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
115049  Provide satellite broadcast contributions 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Audio-visual Media Production 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language Communication Studies 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  24 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard will be essential to technically skilled people who work in the broadcasting environment and need to use sophisticated methods and equipment to install, set-up, operate and fault find professional microwave and satellite broadcasting equipment
Learners need to identify, analyse, evaluate and reformat a wide range of information to generate ideas. The ability to provide satellite broadcast contributions competently will come with repetition and practice. The problems are unique and emanate from the complexities and pressures of the broadcast environment in which immediate and appropriate responses are needed to solve technical problems.

People credited with this standard will be able to:
  • Plan satellite uplinks
  • Set-up satellite uplinks
  • Access satellites
  • Establish successful satellite downlinks
  • Secure continuous broadcasts
  • Log satellite links 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credit value is based on the assumption that people starting to learn towards this unit standard already understand:
  • Audio, video and data principles
  • Electronic principles

    And are already competent in:
  • Using test equipment
  • Rig and operate portable microwave links
  • Rig and operate man pack links 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Specific range statements are provided in the body of the unit standard where they apply to particular specific outcomes or assessment criteria. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Plan satellite uplinks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The booked times, frequencies and satellite co-ordinates for uplinks are determined and verified for accuracy 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Relevant computer software is operated sufficiently to determine satellite parameters 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Interface requirements are determined and verified with clients 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    SDI, PAL, NTSC, number of audio channels, analogue or embedded audio, communication requirements, power availability, encryption, downlink site, telephone numbers of satellite provider, downlink site and client.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Logistical, hotel and travel arrangements are confirmed as in order 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Set-up satellite uplinks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The uplink equipment position are determined and verified as the most suitable 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Dish size, weather conditions, physical restrictions, line-up automation
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The uplink equipment is rigged safely and stabilised 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Power ups are done in the correct sequence 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Necessary precautions are taken against damage when the equipment is rigged 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Dishes are optimized on suitable traffic or beacon 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Satellites located are re-confirmed as the correct one by identification of the traffic or beacon frequency 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Access satellites. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Sound and vision from sources are identified as correct. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    All details are at hand before making contact with satellite service providers 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Telephone number, correct registration numbers and satellite details.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Satellites are accessed as per Space Segment Operator procedures 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Transmission details are confirmed to be correct with the satellite service providers 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The instructions by satellite service providers are followed correctly resulting in successful testing 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Correct frequency, polarity, carrier level and modulation
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Establish successful satellite downlinks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Transmission parameters are verified with receive sites as correct 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Sound and vision are verified as correct by receive sites 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Contact details acquired ensure that communication with receive-sites is continues 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Secure continuous broadcasts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Possible rainfades are identified for the duration of transmissions and alternative solutions sought when there is a possibility of interference 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Booking overruns are anticipated and acted on accordingly to secure further broadcasts 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Potential broadcast contribution problems are identified and evaluated for impact 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Appropriate responses are formulated to deal with potential problems effectively problems effectively 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Broadcast contribution problems are identified, diagnosed and solutions formulated that are appropriate and effective 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Tangible and conceptual problems within own area of responsibility, standard or non-standard procedures
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Problems that cannot be resolved are reported to relevant persons. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Log satellite links. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The times and durations are logged according to organisation procedures 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Bit Error Rate (BER) and Carrier to Noise are accurately logged 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Reports are accurate, legible and complete 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Providers of learning towards this unit standard will need to meet the accreditation requirements of the relevant ETQA
    Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.

    Moderation Option:

    The moderation requirements of the relevant SETA's ETQA must be met in order to award credit to learners for this unit standard. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Essential embedded knowledge will be assessed through assessment of the specific outcomes in terms of the stipulated assessment criteria. Candidates are unlikely to achieve all the specific outcomes, to the standards described in the assessment criteria, without knowledge of the listed embedded knowledge. This means that for the most part, the possession or lack of the knowledge can be directly inferred from the quality of the candidate's performance. Where direct assessment of knowledge is required, assessment criteria have been included in the body of the unit standard.

    The following embedded knowledge is addressed in an integrated way in the unit standard:
  • Uplink and downlink equipment and its application
  • Safety precautions and safe working practices in the workplace
  • Own responsibilities and accountabilities in the workplace
  • Space Segment Operator procedures
  • Bit Error Rate (BER) and Carrier to Noise
  • Satellite frequencies, polarity, carrier levels and modulation
  • Understand Rain Fades
  • Know transmission parameters
  • Understand instructions by satellite service providers
  • Know how and when links are optimized
  • Know what constitutes quality sound and vision 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking to take remedial action. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others (clients and colleagues) as a member of a team, group, organisation to achieve the required end-result. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves in the work areas and their activities responsibly and effectively to complete tasks within deadlines. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect and analyse engineering information and critically evaluate the effect of it on work performance. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively (with clients and colleagues), using visual and / or language skills. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology (broadcast equipment) effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment (work areas and venues) and health of others (clients and colleagues). 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding that the engineering world is a set of related systems and that problem-solving does not exist in isolation. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    Assessors should keep the following principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriate, fair, manageable, integrated into work or learning, valid, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  48792   Certificate: Broadcast Engineering  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MICTS 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Facilitation Development (PTY) LTD 
    2. HILLCROSS BUSINESS SCHOOL (PTY 
    3. OPELONG BUSINESS INSTITUTE (PT 
    4. SUPREME ICT CONSULTANTS 
    5. Varsity Institute of Science & Technology (Pty)Ltd 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.