Communications equipment mechanics set up and maintain equipment that transmits signals to carry information.
According to the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association, as of February 2005, there are 175,559,067 wireless phone users in the United States. That's over half of our population! And the number grows every year. Obviously, we are becoming increasingly dependent on our cell phones. In fact, many people use one as their primary phone, forgoing a land line altogether. With this many cell phones being used just in America alone, it's important that cell phone towers are maintained and repaired right away if something goes wrong.
Telephones and radios depend on a variety of equipment to transmit signals. Electronic switches route phone signals across the country. Switchboards direct phone calls within one office. Radios relay signals from wireless phones and radios. Newer computerized equipment can send graphics and video images. Mechanics set up and maintain this complex equipment. Specific types of installers and mechanics have particular tasks.
Central office installers set up switches, cables, and other equipment. They work in telephone central offices. These locations are the hubs of a telephone network. They hold the switches that route phone calls to their targets. PBX installers set up private branch exchange (PBX) switchboards. PBXs relay incoming, outgoing, and interoffice calls. Installers set up the equipment and connect it to power lines. They install frames and supports. They also install power systems, alarms, and phone sets. They then test the connections to be sure there is enough power. They also must be sure that the communications links work. In addition, installers may program the equipment to provide special features. Finally, they run tests to verify that the new equipment works properly.
New telephone switches are self-monitoring. This means they alert repairers to malfunctions. Some switches allow repairers to diagnose and fix central office problems from a remote location. Repairers refer to manufacturers' manuals to make repairs.
PBX repairers figure out if the problem is in the PBX system or the phone lines. To fix equipment, they use small hand tools such as pliers or screwdrivers. They replace defective components such as fuses or wiring.
Radio mechanics install and maintain equipment that transmits and receives radio waves. Equipment is either on radio towers or in mobile units. When malfunctions occur, mechanics check for faulty components or loose or broken wires. They use electrical measuring devices to test radio functions. They also use hand tools.
Station installers and repairers work at customers' homes or businesses. They install phone service by connecting phone wires to outside service lines. These lines run on telephone poles or in underground pipes. Installers may climb poles or dig holes to connect wires. When a problem occurs, repairers test customers' lines to figure out where the problem is. If repair work on outside service lines must be done, repairers request help from the service center.