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Diagnose and correct problems from remote locations, using special switchboards to find the sources of problems.
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Clean and maintain tools, test equipment, and motor vehicles.
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Inspect equipment on a regular basis to ensure proper functioning.
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Remove and replace plug-in circuit equipment.
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Demonstrate equipment to customers and explain its use, responding to any inquiries or complaints.
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Request support from technical service centers when on-site procedures fail to solve installation or maintenance problems.
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Determine viability of sites through observation, and discuss site locations and construction requirements with customers.
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Designate cables available for use.
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Communicate with bases, using telephones or two-way radios to receive instructions or technical advice, or to report equipment status.
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Test circuits and components of malfunctioning telecommunications equipment to isolate sources of malfunctions, using test meters, circuit diagrams, polarity probes, and other hand tools.
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Test connections to ensure that power supplies are adequate and that communications links function.
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Route and connect cables and lines to switches, switchboard equipment, and distributing frames, using wire-wrap guns or soldering irons to connect wires to terminals.
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Run wires between components and to outside cable systems, connecting them to wires from telephone poles or underground cable accesses.
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Install updated software and programs that maintain existing software or provide requested features, such as time-correlated call routing.
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Climb poles and ladders, use truck-mounted booms, and enter areas such as manholes and cable vaults to install, maintain, or inspect equipment.
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Install telephone station equipment, such as intercommunication systems, transmitters, receivers, relays, and ringers, and related apparatus, such as coin collectors, telephone booths, and switching-key equipment.
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Assemble and install communication equipment such as data and telephone communication lines, wiring, switching equipment, wiring frames, power apparatus, computer systems, and networks.
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Drive crew trucks to and from work areas.
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Measure distances from landmarks to identify exact installation sites for equipment.
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Note differences in wire and cable colors so that work can be performed correctly.
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Examine telephone transmission facilities to determine requirements for new or additional telephone services.
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Perform database verifications, using computers.
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Repair or replace faulty equipment, such as defective and damaged telephones, wires, switching system components, and associated equipment.
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Maintain computer and manual records pertaining to facilities and equipment.
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Remove loose wires and other debris after work is completed.
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Provide input into the design and manufacturing of new equipment.
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Test repaired, newly installed, or updated equipment to ensure that it functions properly and conforms to specifications, using test equipment and observation.
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Review manufacturer's instructions, manuals, technical specifications, building permits, and ordinances to determine communication equipment requirements and procedures.
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Address special issues or situations, such as illegal or unauthorized use of equipment, or cases of electrical or acoustic shock.
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Program computerized switches and switchboards to provide requested features.
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Analyze test readings, computer printouts, and trouble reports to determine equipment repair needs and required repair methods.
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Adjust or modify equipment to enhance equipment performance or to respond to customer requests.
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Clean switches and replace contact points, using vacuum hoses, solvents, and hand tools.
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Remove and remake connections to change circuit layouts, following work orders or diagrams.
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Enter codes needed to correct electronic switching system programming.
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Perform routine maintenance on equipment, including adjusting and lubricating components and painting worn or exposed areas.
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Refer to manufacturers' manuals to obtain maintenance instructions pertaining to specific malfunctions.
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Collaborate with other workers to locate and correct malfunctions.
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Dig holes or trenches as necessary for equipment installation and access.