System Admin/tech questions

[katt02]

Hi all (I sure hope this question is in the right forum),

This post is directed towards system administrators or radio techs from large radio systems such as county or statewide systems:

Do you enjoy your job as a radio tech for the system you maintain? What kind of system do you maintain? What educations or qualifications did you get/do you have for the position you are in? How often do things go wrong in these systems? What made you get into radio tech like this?

I am basically inquiring about the jobs of radio techs because 1. I want to better understand what you guys do in your job AND 2. I am looking around at what different jobs the world has in it.


Thanks,

Katt

 

[DisasterGuy]

Wow, no one has responded to this?

Here is at least something for you. I'm a System Administrator rather than a technician (though I end up doing tech stuff and installations as well). In terms of modern LMR you really need a background in basic electronics theory, a basic understanding of RF theory, a working knowledge of networking and a working knowledge of IT systems administration on both Microsoft and Linux based platforms. Add to that an understanding of regulatory requirements and industry standards.

In hiring for any system administration or technician position I would be looking for someone that has their GROL and the ability to pass an A+ and Net+ exam. I would also want a seasoned technician to be able to obtain their CET, CCNA and the master technician certification series for the system manufacturer.

 

[MTS2000des]

I maintain a 15 site Motorola Astro 25 simulcast system for a county with around 7,000 primary user active IDs, another 7,500 mutual aid IDs, and 400 talk groups. We have 4 dispatch (console) sites, maintain an IP microwave backhaul with ring protection via fiber. I also spent two years of my career here implementing a new computer aided dispatch (CAD) system and part of this is implementing mobile devices such as laptops (MCTs) and mobile applications running on tablets and cellphones.

I still have my hand in the mobile side because I was "the guy who built it", though the CAD has been handed off to a seasoned CAD manager.
Everything above is sound advice, I would add that today's radio technician needs to have just as much IT/IP training and certs as traditional RF. Background in cellular/LTE/5G would not hurt.

One thing I trained on is interference mitigation, got ETA certified as an RFIM in 2017 and recert due next year. With BDAs and DAS's being thrown up around town, interference from illegal carriers are a daily battle on our system. I've already found 3 and had them shut down. Most of these are installed by unqualified individuals/firms and the owners didn't even know. If you get involved with any large trunked radio system on 700/800MHz, you will deal with this, so my advice is get trained, get familiar with what's around you.

A good attitude, listen to those with experience and learn from them. That is one thing lacking in this industry is an apprenticeship type of learning environment. This is a very specialized field and I can tell you from experience hiring folks, it is hard to find good help.

 

[K8AI]

If you're interested in getting into the field, concentrate your studies on IT and wireless networking. I've worked on a statewide P25 system in Michigan for 20 years and now I'm working on a statewide type-II analog trunked system in Utah and I'll tell you, I've had to adapt and change over the years, having to learn IT on the fly. I would say the trends are pointing away from working for the end-user and working for the system provider (i.e. the manufacturer - Motorola, L3Harris, Tait, Kenwood, etc.) but nobody knows what will happen in the future.