Learn how to Plan, Design and Operate Radio Networks.
Microwave radio as a technology has been around for decades, but over the years it has transitioned from analogue to digital transmission systems and we have seen huge advances in equipment characteristics. This mix of old and new has resulted in a lot of confusion, with this course unravelling the mysteries of these multiple industry myths.
At the end of this course, you will understand the overall microwave market with an update on current and future developments, including how to apply the latest planning standards.
Microwave propagation is still analogue, and an in-depth understanding of microwave propagation and the various fading effects from weather variations is essential to designing, operating and maintaining a stable network. The new hardware improvements and features will be covered, as well as an in-depth look at antennas and the effects of interference in a digital network.
There are lots of opportunities to apply the theory with practical examples and tutorials using a training calculator that has all the basic formulas that are embedded in industry planning software tools. This allows the participants to understand the input parameters to industry planning tools plus what the output sheets really mean.
Course delivery: Online
Date: 24 – 28 August 2026
Time: 10.00 am – 12.30 pm AEST
Duration: 5 x 2.5hr sessions (12.5hrs total)
Cost: ARCIA Members = $1320 +GST; Non-member = $1650 +GST
Trainer: Trevor Manning, TMC Global
Tickets are limited to just 20 seats, so book quickly to avoid disappointment.
Course Details
Target Audience:
Transmission design and planning engineers
Maintenance technicians and network operational staff
Microwave vendors and consultants
Managers and project managers who want an authoritative overview of microwave design and operation
Key Topics Covered:
An industry update on what’s new in microwave radio
Fundamentals of microwave and mmWave
Safety of microwave radio signals
Planning considerations using Digital Terrain tools
Practical considerations for site builds, including passive repeaters
Site and link survey techniques
Equipment characteristics, including modulation schemes and fading countermeasures
Antennas and frequency planning
Link design and reliability calculations from a real-world perspective
Provided Course Materials:
Masterclass Workbook – A dedicated space for students to complete course notes covering key concepts.
Microwave Radio Handy Reference Guide by Trevor Manning – The latest edition of a reference guide for designers, planners and operators of microwave radio systems and equipment.
N.B: Whilst every effort will be made to ensure that course attendees booked by 10 August 2026, receive their materials (course handbook hard copy and Trevor Manning’s Microwave Engineering Handy Reference Guide book) prior to the start date, it cannot, unfortunately, be guaranteed. For those booked after this date, the handbook will be emailed for participants to print and the book will be sent, but could arrive post-course.
Course Certification:
Upon completing the course, students will receive a digital Certificate of Attendance.
After passing the course assessment, students will be awarded a digital Certificate of Competency.
