Top 10 Questions for Microwave Radio Technician Interview

1. What is the basic principle and working of a microwave radio link?

• Microwave radio link is a line-of-sight communication system that uses microwaves to transmit data.
• The system consists of two or more microwave towers, each of which is equipped with a transmitter and a receiver.
• The transmitter converts the data into a microwave signal, which is then amplified and sent out through the antenna.
• The receiver picks up the microwave signal, amplifies it, and converts it back into data.
• Microwave radio links are used for a variety of applications, including telecommunications, data transmission, and video transmission.

2. How to test and troubleshoot a microwave radio link?

Testing

• Prepare the necessary test equipment, such as a microwave power meter, spectrum analyzer, and vector network analyzer.
• Connect the test equipment to the microwave link.
• Set the test equipment to the appropriate frequency and power level.
• Transmit a test signal through the link and measure the received power level.
• Compare the received power level to the expected level.

Troubleshooting

• If the received power level is low, check the following:
• The transmitter is operating at the correct power level.
• The antenna is properly aligned.
• There are no obstructions between the transmitter and the receiver.
• The receiver is operating correctly.
• If the received power level is high, check the following:
• The transmitter is not operating at too high a power level.
• The antenna is not pointed at the receiver.
• If the signal is distorted, check the following:
• The transmitter is generating a clean signal.
• The receiver is demodulating the signal correctly.

3. What are the different types of antennas used in microwave radio links?

• There are many different types of antennas used in microwave radio links, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
• The most common types of antennas used in microwave radio links include:
• Parabolic antennas
• Horn antennas
• Lens antennas
• Slotted waveguide antennas
• The type of antenna used in a particular microwave radio link will depend on the specific application.

4. How to align a microwave radio link antenna?

• To align a microwave radio link antenna, you will need to use a signal generator and a power meter.
• Connect the signal generator to the transmitter and the power meter to the receiver.
• Set the signal generator to the frequency of the microwave link.
• Adjust the antenna until the power meter reads the maximum power level.
• Once the antenna is aligned, tighten the bolts to secure it in place.

5. How to calculate the free space path loss in a microwave radio link?

• The free space path loss in a microwave radio link can be calculated using the following formula:
• FSPL = 20 log(f) + 20 log(d) + 32.45
• where:
• FSPL is the free space path loss in dB
• f is the frequency in MHz
• d is the distance between the transmitter and receiver in km

6. What are the effects of rain fade on microwave radio links?

• Rain fade is a phenomenon that can cause the signal level in a microwave radio link to drop significantly.
• Rain fade is caused by the absorption and scattering of microwaves by rain droplets.
• The effects of rain fade can be mitigated by using a higher frequency, a larger antenna, or a more powerful transmitter.

7. What are the different types of modulation used in microwave radio links?

• The most common types of modulation used in microwave radio links include:
• Amplitude modulation (AM)
• Frequency modulation (FM)
• Phase modulation (PM)
• Quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM)
• The type of modulation used in a particular microwave radio link will depend on the specific application.

8. What are the different types of multiplexing used in microwave radio links?

• The most common types of multiplexing used in microwave radio links include:
• Frequency division multiplexing (FDM)
• Time division multiplexing (TDM)
• Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM)
• The type of multiplexing used in a particular microwave radio link will depend on the specific application.

9. How to measure the bit error rate (BER) in a microwave radio link?

• To measure the BER in a microwave radio link, you will need to use a bit error rate tester (BERT).
• Connect the BERT to the transmitter and the receiver.
• Set the BERT to the desired bit rate and modulation format.
• Transmit a known bit sequence through the link.
• The BERT will compare the received bit sequence to the known bit sequence and calculate the BER.

10. What are the safety precautions that must be taken when working with microwave radio links?

• Microwave radio links emit high levels of radiation, so it is important to take the following safety precautions when working with them:
• Never look directly into the antenna.
• Keep your distance from the antenna.
• Do not touch the antenna or any other part of the microwave radio link equipment.
• Wear protective clothing and equipment, such as gloves and safety glasses.

Microwave Radio Technicians are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of microwave radio systems, including towers, antennas, and transmission lines. They also may be responsible for troubleshooting and resolving issues with microwave radio equipment and networks.

1. Installation and Maintenance

Microwave Radio Technicians install and maintain microwave radio systems, including towers, antennas, and transmission lines. They ensure that the systems are installed properly and are operating at optimal performance.

• Install and configure microwave radio equipment, including towers, antennas, and transmission lines
• Perform maintenance on microwave radio systems, including cleaning, inspecting, and replacing components
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with microwave radio equipment and networks

2. Troubleshooting and Repair

Microwave Radio Technicians troubleshoot and repair microwave radio equipment and networks. They identify and fix problems with the systems and restore them to proper operation.

• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with microwave radio equipment, including antennas, transmitters, and receivers
• Repair microwave radio equipment, including replacing components and repairing damaged cables
• Calibrate and align microwave radio equipment to ensure optimal performance

3. Documentation and Reporting

Microwave Radio Technicians document and report on their work. They keep records of the work they perform and the problems they resolve. They also submit reports to their supervisors and other stakeholders.

• Document the work performed on microwave radio systems, including installation, maintenance, and repairs
• Report on the status of microwave radio systems and any problems encountered
• Provide recommendations for improving the performance of microwave radio systems

4. Safety and Compliance

Microwave Radio Technicians must follow safety regulations and comply with industry standards. They must work safely around electrical equipment and at heights.

• Follow safety regulations and comply with industry standards
• Work safely around electrical equipment and at heights
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

To prepare for an interview for a Microwave Radio Technician position, it is important to research the company and the position. You should also practice answering common interview questions and prepare questions to ask the interviewer.

1. Research the Company and Position

Before the interview, research the company and the position. This will help you understand the company’s culture and values, as well as the specific requirements of the position. You can find information about the company on their website, social media pages, and Glassdoor.

• Visit the company’s website to learn about their history, mission, and values
• Read the job description carefully to understand the specific requirements of the position
• Check out the company’s social media pages to get a sense of their culture and values
• Read reviews of the company on Glassdoor to learn about the experiences of current and former employees

2. Practice Answering Common Interview Questions

There are a number of common interview questions that you may be asked. It is important to practice answering these questions so that you can deliver clear and concise responses. Some common interview questions include:

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why are you interested in this position?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What is your experience with microwave radio systems?
• How do you troubleshoot and repair microwave radio equipment?

3. Prepare Questions to Ask the Interviewer

At the end of the interview, you should have the opportunity to ask the interviewer questions. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the company and the position. Some questions you may want to ask include:

• What are the biggest challenges facing the company right now?
• What is the company’s culture like?
• What are the opportunities for advancement within the company?
• What is the next step in the interview process?