i

MAKERERE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, DESIGN,

ART AND TECHNOLOGY

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER

ENGINEERING

BSc. TELECOMMUNICATION ENGINEERING

A REPORT ON INDUSTRIAL TRAINING CONDUCTED

AT

UGANDA ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION COMPANY

LIMITED

By

Katunguka Jim

12/U/395

Dr. Dorothy Okello Mr. Cranmer Rwagize

(Academic supervisor) (Field supervisor)

Signature………………….. Signature…………………..

©June-August 2014

i

DECLARATION

I, KATUNGUKA JIM, hereby declare that this is my original work and to the best of my knowledge, it

has never been presented anywhere for any award of any Degree. Any part of this report that has

borrowed knowledge from other sources duly acknowledges such sources in citations and references.

Signature…………………………………………………………………………………………………….

ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I thank the almighty God for the knowledge and wisdom imparted in me to successfully

complete this industrial training and compile this report; He deserves all the glory and honor. I

further thank Him for my parents and guardians who have provided me all the necessary support

throughout all this process.

My sincere appreciation also goes to my supervisors both at campus and at the organization for

the advice, knowledge, guidance, direction offered to me. I would not have done anything

without you. Thank you very much Dr. Dorothy Okello, Mr. Gerald Budigiri and Mr. Paul

Bogere, the internship coordinator Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering,

Makerere University. I really appreciate the tremendous help granted willingly by the great

communication engineers of UETCL, thank you Mr. J B Walugembe, the Principal

Communication section, Mr. Kibuuka Yusuf, Mr. Dauda Musinguzi, Mr. Cranmer Rwagize, Mr.

George Alioke, Mr. Job Musalwa, and Ms. Carol Ssekamatte, may God reward the works of your

hands.

I cannot underrate the great contribution made by my fellow trainees, Joel Kafeero, Edward

Kasozi and Coline Anyango, for me to accomplish this training as well as this report, thank you

for your knowledge and for being social to me. You have an upper hand in this success.

Finally, I thank all the other employees of UETCL who were so welcoming and gave me a

friendly environment to learn and finish this training. A big thanks also goes to all those that

advised me on how to make a good report. May God reward you abundantly.

iii

LIST OF SYMBOLS AND ACRONYMS

ADSS -All Dielectric Self-Supporting

CEO -Chief Executive Officer

CVT -Capacitor Voltage Transformer

ERA -Electricity Regulatory Authority

ICT -Information and Communication Technology

IT -Information Technology

LAN -Local Area Network

LMU -Line Matching Unit

MDF -Main Distribution Frame

ODF -Optical Distribution Frame

OTDR -Optical Time Domain Recto meter

PABX -Public Automatic Branch Exchange

PAX -Private Automatic Exchange

PDH -Presio Digital Hierarchy

PLC -Power Line Carrier

PSTN -Public Switched Telephone Network

SCADA -Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition

SCE -Senior Communication Engineer

SDH -Synchronous Digital Hierarchy

UEB -Uganda Electricity Board

UEDCL -Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited

UEGCL -Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited

UETCL -Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited

VOIP -Voice Over Internet Protocol

iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION ............................................................................................................................. i

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT .............................................................................................................. ii

LIST OF SYMBOLS AND ACRONYMS .................................................................................... iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................... iv

LIST OF DIAGRAMS AND FIGURES ...................................................................................... vii

PREFACE .................................................................................................................................... viii

CHAPTER ONE: .......................................................................................................................... 1

BACKGROUND OF THE ORGANIZATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING

PROGRAMME ............................................................................................................................... 1

1.0 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Background of the industrial training Programme............................................................... 1

1.2 Objectives of the industrial training ..................................................................................... 1

1.3 Background of the organization ........................................................................................... 2

1.3.1 UETCL vision .................................................................................................................. 2

1.3.2 UETCL mission statement ............................................................................................... 2

1.3.3 Core values ....................................................................................................................... 2

1.4 Mandate of the organization ................................................................................................ 2

1.5 Departments of the organization .......................................................................................... 3

1.5.1 The CEO’s Office............................................................................................................. 3

1.5.2 The Corporate Service ...................................................................................................... 3

1.5.3 Finance, Accounts and Sales ............................................................................................ 3

1.5.4 Internal Audit ................................................................................................................... 4

1.5.5 Operations and Maintenance ............................................................................................ 4

1.5.6 Planning and Investment .................................................................................................. 4

1.5.7 Projects Implementation ................................................................................................... 4

1.5.8 Human Resource and Administration .............................................................................. 4

1.6 Department, section, station attached to and duration of the training ................................. 5

1.6.1 Focus on the ICTD department ....................................................................................... 5

1.6.2 Focus on the Communication section. ............................................................................. 6

v

1.7 UETCL Organizational structure ......................................................................................... 6

1.8 ICT Departmental structure ................................................................................................. 7

CHAPTER TWO .......................................................................................................................... 8

LITERATURE REVIEW ............................................................................................................... 8

2.0 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 8

2.1 Communication Basics ........................................................................................................ 8

2.1.1 Communication ................................................................................................................ 8

2.1.2 A communication link ...................................................................................................... 9

2.2 Communication Media....................................................................................................... 10

2.2.1 Optic fiber ...................................................................................................................... 10

2.2.2 Copper ............................................................................................................................ 13

2.2.3 Power Line Carrier (PLC) .............................................................................................. 19

2.2.4 Free space or radio communication ............................................................................... 21

2.3 Multiplexers ....................................................................................................................... 22

2.4 Power Supplies................................................................................................................... 24

2.5 Telephony ......................................................................................................................... 26

CHAPTER THREE .................................................................................................................... 29

PRACTICAL WORK ................................................................................................................... 29

3.0 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 29

3.1 Optical Fiber cable preparation, splicing, and measurement of optical length .................. 29

3.1.1 Objective ........................................................................................................................ 29

3.1.2 Apparatus ....................................................................................................................... 29

3.1.3 Procedure ........................................................................................................................ 30

3.1.4 Conclusion ...................................................................................................................... 31

3.2 Termination of CAT 6 cable with RJ45 cable plug ........................................................... 31

3.2.1 Objectives ....................................................................................................................... 31

3.2.2 Tools used ...................................................................................................................... 31

3.2.3 Procedure ........................................................................................................................ 31

3.2.4 Cable testing ................................................................................................................... 32

vi

3.2.5 Conclusion ...................................................................................................................... 33

3.3 Termination of the dB sub 9 connector pin out serial cable .............................................. 33

3.3.1 Objectives ....................................................................................................................... 33

3.3.2 Tools used ...................................................................................................................... 33

3.3.3 Procedure 1 (continuity test) ................................................................................................ 34

3.3.4 Procedure 2 (Termination of a new CAT 5e cable) ............................................................. 34

3.3.5 Cable testing......................................................................................................................... 35

3.3.6 Observations and conclusion ............................................................................................... 35

3.4 Termination on a Krone block ................................................................................................ 36

3.4.1 Termination with a 25 twisted pair cable ....................................................................... 36

3.5 Others ...................................................................................................................................... 38

3.5.1 Study visits carried out during the training .......................................................................... 38

3.6 Analysis of the tele protection equipment (SWT 3000) ......................................................... 39

3.7 Evaluation ............................................................................................................................... 40

CHAPTER FOUR ....................................................................................................................... 41

OBSERVATIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION ......................................... 41

4.0 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 41

4.1 Achievements ..................................................................................................................... 41

4.1.1 Practical skills ................................................................................................................ 41

4.1.2 Interpersonal skills ......................................................................................................... 41

4.1.3 Communication skills ..................................................................................................... 42

4.1.4 Others ............................................................................................................................. 42

4.2 Challenges .......................................................................................................................... 42

4.3 Recommendations .............................................................................................................. 43

4.3.1 To UETCL...................................................................................................................... 43

4.3.2 To Makerere University ................................................................................................. 43

4.4 Conclusion ......................................................................................................................... 44

REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................ 45

APPENDIX 1 ............................................................................................................................... 46

vii

LIST OF DIAGRAMS AND FIGURES

Figure 1: Organizational Structure of UETCL ............................................................................... 6

Figure 2: Structure of ICT Department ........................................................................................... 7

Figure 3: Illustration of A Communication Link ............................................................................. 9

Figure 4: An Illustration of The Principle Of Operation Of Optic Fiber. .................................... 10

Figure 5: Layers of Optic Fiber .................................................................................................... 12

Figure 6: A Straight Cable Connected Using T568B Mode. ......................................................... 15

Figure 7: RJ45 cable plugs and an illustration of the CAT6 cable with the plug. ........................ 17

Figure 8: Arrangement of The Pins On The Male And Female Pin Outs. .................................... 18

Figure 9: A Schematic Illustration of A Power Line Carrier System. ........................................... 21

Figure 10: Connection of the microwave radio system. ................................................................ 22

Figure 11: Structure of UMUX ..................................................................................................... 23

Figure 12: Structure of Hit 7025 ................................................................................................... 24

Figure 13: A Schematic Illustration of the VOIP Network of UETCL. ........................................ 28

Figure 14: A Side Cutter And A Stripper Are Some Of The Tools Used In This Experiment. ...... 30

Figure 15: A Cable Tester. ........................................................................................................... 32

Figure 16: Interfaces On SWT3000 And The Way It Is Commissioned. ....................................... 40

viii

PREFACE

This book is an industrial training report about the training I received at Uganda Electricity

Transmission Company Limited in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a

Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunication Engineering.

It entails the introduction of industrial training, the history, structure and organization of

UETCL. It also covers the theory of all the work covered during this period, the detailed

procedures of the practical work done and the theory on communication given by the

communication engineers at the communication workshop. Lastly, it looks at the challenges,

recommendation as well as conclusion on the entire industrial training process.

1

CHAPTER ONE:

BACKGROUND OF THE ORGANIZATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING

PROGRAMME

1.0 Introduction

This chapter covers the background information of the organization and that of Industrial

Training at Makerere University. It also gives a brief description on the departments of

UETCL but with more focus on the ICT department.

1.1 Background of the industrial training Programme

The Programme was designed to provide the Makerere university students with practical

and hands on experience and expose them to employment opportunities in various

agencies, government, and private organizations. All stakeholders in the university

education recognize its invaluable contribution to the quality of university training.

Industrial training as adopted by the education council means any approved field based

practical work carried out by staff and students for the purpose of teaching and or carry

out research in places outside university control. The University also noted that through

industrial training, the potential employees are enabled to voice their ideas about the

competencies, skills and knowledge they would find useful in the field.

1.2 Objectives of the industrial training

To enable students experience real life situations as they expected to work in when

they graduate.

To enable students apply the principles and techniques theoretically learnt into real

life situations that require problem solving.

To develop students understanding of work ethics, employment demands,

responsibilities and opportunities.

To provide an opportunity for students and academic staff to interact with

stakeholders and potential employers to appreciate field situations that will also

generate information for curricula review and improvement.

2

1.3 Background of the organization

UETCL is a public limited company, which was incorporated on 26 March 2001 under

the PERD statute and companies under the power sector reform and liberalization policy

as one of the three arms partitioned from UEB.

UEB, which was the only electricity board, was unbundled into UEGCL for generation,

UETCL for transmission and UEDCL for distribution of electricity. In addition, an

independent authority known as ERA was established to regulate and overview the

activities of these different arms.

Owned by the Government of Uganda represented by the Ministry of Finance, UETCL

started its operations on1st April 2001 under policy guidelines by the Ministry of Energy.

Its core business is purchase of power in bulk from the generators and selling it to the

distributors.

1.3.1 UETCL vision

“To become a leading strategic business partner in the transmission and single buyer

business to support sustainable energy development in Uganda”

1.3.2 UETCL mission statement

“To dispatch, transmit quality and reliable bulk power in a viable and efficient manner.

To be an efficient and commercially focused single buyer actor”

1.3.3 Core values

Self respect and respect for others.

Transparency and integrity

1.4 Mandate of the organization

Operation of a high voltage grid

System operator

Bulk power supply

Power import and export

Public Infrastructure Provider

3

1.5 Departments of the organization

1.5.1 The CEO’s Office

The CEO oversees the Company operations and heads the management team. He is

responsible for leading and developing the management team, developing management

plans, advising the Board of Directors on issues affecting the company, maintaining

efficient operations, and creating a mutual understanding between the organization and

public

The Deputy CEO assists the CEO in the general operation of the company including the

strategic development of the company. The responsibility of the Deputy CEO is to

provide strategic direction and ensure financial sustainability of the Company, ensuring

high customer satisfaction, external stakeholder confidence, and retention of competent

employees as well as having a special focus on efficient transmission and system

operations business.

1.5.2 The Corporate Service

This department is headed by a Manager and is divided into the Legal, Security and

Procurement sections. It deals with corporate services to enable the company achieve its

objectives by providing for all the legal needs of the company, services that lead to the

timely and efficient procurement of goods, works and services as well as provide security

services that shall safeguard all company resources.

1.5.3 Finance, Accounts and Sales

The Finance, Accounts and Sales department is headed by a Manager and is responsible

for ensuring finance and corporate efficiency. The department is divided into sections the

Energy Sales and Statistics and the Finance and Accounts sections, which are meant to

develop processes and systems that will be able to collect, utilize and safeguard the

Company business resources in accordance with the business objectives set by the Board.

4

1.5.4 Internal Audit

This department is headed by a Manager and operates as a service to management by

measuring and evaluating the effectiveness of risk management, control,

and governance systems. This function incorporates the business planning processes, aids

the company board and audit committee in achieving business goals without undue risk.

1.5.5 Operations and Maintenance

It is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the grid. The Manager Operations

and Maintenance heads the department, which comprises Maintenance, Control, and

Protection sections. Its main mission is to operate and maintain the transmission grid

assets and local dispatch facilities in a safe manner in accordance with International

Prudent utility Practices.

1.5.6 Planning and Investment

The department is comprised of the Planning, Civil, Mechanical Engineering, Safety and

Services sections. It is also headed by a Manager and exists to develop and implement

power purchase and transmission plans, to meet the future electricity demand of the

country and to Provide transport services in line with company strategic objective.

1.5.7 Projects Implementation

The Department is responsible for implementing Power System Projects and is headed by

Manager and the Project Implementation department comprises Environment and the

Engineering Projects sections.

UETCL projects are developed in different phases; Power System Planning, Feasibility

studies and Implementations. The mission of this department is to meet expectations from

external stakeholders and the Board.

1.5.8 Human Resource and Administration

The Human Resource and Administration is headed by a Manager Human Resource and

Administration and is responsible for the Organizational planning and objectives of

5

the internal processes, employees and external stakeholders. The department has two

sections i.e. Human Resource and Administration and its mission is to ensure that human

resource is matched to the needs of the organization and is effective and to develop and

maintain a professional image of the Company.

1.6 Department, section, station attached to and duration of the training

The field attachment was done from UETCL’s Lugogo yard in the Communication

section under the ICT Department. The internship season lasted for a period of 10 weeks

from 2nd June to 8th August 2014.

1.6.1 Focus on the ICTD department

The ICT department is headed by a Manager ICT and is composed of the IT and

Communication sections.

1.6.1.1 Mandate

To develop an appropriate and secure information and communication technology

infrastructure aimed at managing information collection, processing and

dissemination, monitoring and assisting users to maximize the utilization of

computers.

To improve the communication network for reliable transfer of data and speech

1.6.1.2 The mission

Our mission statement is ‘to provide information and communication systems for the

Company in line with corporate objectives’.

1.6.1.3 Objectives

Control of life cycle cost through standards based on ICT Policy

ICT Security at a sufficient high level

Provide reliable and timely information to customers and stake holders

Provide a reliable ICT infrastructure

6

Develop an ICT policy and Strategy and secure ICT environment (virus free and

intrusion proof).

Ensure high availability of the telephony and SCADA communication systems.

1.6.2 Focus on the Communication section.

This is one of the two sections under the ICT department and is under the Principal

Communication Engineer assisted by the two Senior Communication Engineers that help

the organization in the daily running of the section.

This section operates an integrated communication network structured to efficiently

support data, telephony, and tele-protection interfaces.

1.6.2.1 Mandate

Provision of reliable power supply to essential loads

Facilitation the Optic Fiber business

Provision of communication links and interfaces

Provision of reliable speech infrastructure within company network

1.7 UETCL Organizational structure

Manager Corporate service

Manager Finance, Accounts and sales

Manager ICT department

Manager Internal Audit

C.E.O Manager Operations and Maintenance

Manager Planning and Investments

Manager Projects Implementations

Manager Human Resource and Implementation

Figure 1: Organizational Structure of UETCL

7

1.8 ICT Departmental structure

Figure 2: Structure of ICT Department

ICT MANAGER

Communications Engineer

Technicians Technicians

Communications Engineer

SCE

POWER SUPPLIES, MICROWAVE, AND OPTICAL FIBER

Principal communication

Engineer

Principal IT

SCE

PLC, RADIO AND TELEPHONY

8

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction

This chapter gives a detailed theoretical description of the main engineering fields

handled during the training. It is aimed at equipping the reader with prior knowledge on

the practical work done as described in Chapter three of this report.

Here in is also any theoretical information provided by the instructors during the training

especially through the various lectures availed to the interns. This is backed by the

author’s research carried out on the relevant topics covered during the training all

summarized in this chapter.

2.1 Communication Basics

This mainly elaborates on what communication, the different types and defines a

communication link and its illustration.

2.1.1 Communication

This refers to the transfer of processed data from one point known as a source to another

known as a sink through a communication medium.

Types of communication

There are three main types of communication i.e. verbal, non-verbal and written

communication.

Verbal. This exchange can be physical (face to face), by telephone, by television,

radio or any other media may be involved.

Non-verbal. This refers to the transfer of information without using voice nor by

writing i.e. by use of body language, gestures or even by the way one acts towards the

person to whom he or she is communicating.

9

Written. This refers to either communication that occurs by transfer of reading or

written material in soft or hard copy. The media used in this case includes books,

letters, magazines, e-mail, graphics, internet, maps etc.

2.1.2 A communication link

This refers to the whole system necessary for communication to occur i.e. a source and a

sink that are connected by a communication medium as illustrated below.

Communication Link

Figure 3: Illustration of A Communication Link

The source and the sink are the main terminal equipment for transferring and receiving

data respectively. These may include multiplexers, switches, telephones, modems,

computers, television sets, and radios among others.

The media refers to the pathway through which information flows from the source to the

sink. These may include copper, fiber, PLC and free space.

It is important to note however that the communication link used can be Simplex (a

transmitter); where information is only be sent but no feedback is received directly. A

case in point is communication by radio and TV. However, it can also be Duplex (a

transceiver) where information is sent to the receiver and the sender receives feedback

immediately for example, communication by telephone.

Concisely, communication can only be possible in presence of a communication link i.e.

a source, a medium and a sink.

SOURCE SINK

10

2.2 Communication Media

This is about the various pathways through which information flows for communication

between the source and the sink to occur. Described below are the main forms of

communication media i.e. optic fiber, coaxial cable (copper), PLC and free space.

2.2.1 Optic fiber

This is the type of communication medium in which data is transferred from one point to

another by use of a beam of reflected light rays.

Figure 4: An Illustration of The Principle Of Operation Of Optic Fiber.

Types of optic fiber

There are various types of optic fiber used at UETCL depending on the method of

transmission and termination. These include,

ADSS (All Dielectric Self Supporting); this is usually used when a tower is already in

place.

OPGW (Optical Power Ground Wire); in this case the fiber is embedded in the earth

wire for the power line

Sky wrap; a special machine is used to wrap it on a power line

OPFC; this is the type of fiber which is embedded in a phase conductor.

Modes of transmission of optic fiber

There are two modes of transmission of optic fiber i.e. single mode and multi-mode

transmission.

11

Single mode transmission

In this mode of transmission of optic fiber, light is carried directly in a single strand such

that light waves are of the same mode but with different frequencies and are distributed in

such a way that they give a single ray of light.

The following features are characteristic of single mode transmission

A single strand.

Light can propagate at wavelength of interest i.e. 1300-1550nm.

It allows a higher transmission rate and up to fifty times more distances.

It uses a relatively smaller core i.e. 8µm-10µm

It has less attenuation and the highest transmission speeds.

Multi-mode transmission

This mode of transmission is used for communication over short distances and has data

length rates of 10Mbps to 10Gbps for a length of up to 600m.

The following are features associated with multi-mode transmission.

The fiber has a slightly bigger diameter i.e. 50µm-60µm

It is less expensive and easier to work with.

It is suitable for systems with short optic links.

It uses two fibers.

It covers higher band widths at high speeds of 10-100mbps

Activities done on optic fiber

Preparation

This involves removal of all the coatings to expose the fiber cladding for any

other activities to be done on the fiber. All the various layers of the fiber are

removed using a cutter, a striper as well as alcohol and clean wipes for cleaning

the fiber of any protective gel and keep it clean.

12

Splicing

This is the process of joining two optic fibers together such that there is continuity

of the cable for transmission and further use.

Figure 5: Layers of Optic Fiber

There are two types of splicing i.e. arc fusion and mechanical splicing.

Under arc fusion, an arc fusion-splicing machine is used to align the two fiber

ends before an arc is used to weld the protective glass onto the spliced end of the

fiber. This enables continuity of the cable with minimum optical losses of 0.00-

0.20 dB.

Mechanical splicing occurs in such a way that alignment devices simply hold two

fibers in an aligned position for light to pass through.

Measurement of optical length

This is done using an OTDR machine i.e. one of the ends of the cable is spliced to

the pigtail and the other end connected to the OTDR machine. The relevant

parameters are set onto the OTDR before the optical length and losses are

displayed on the screen of the OTDR.

Advantages of optic fiber over other media

It covers greater bandwidth.

It has lower attenuation and covers greater distance.

It is more secure since it does not radiate signals and is extremely difficult to tap.

Core Cladding Coating Strength Jacket Members

13

It is immune to electromagnetic interference and reliable.

It is of lightweight and more durable.

Easy migration from copper to optic fiber.

It is standard and relatively cheaper to maintain.

2.2.2 Copper

It would be realistically useless to talk about communication media and neglect the role

played by copper in data communication. All the other communication media are not

complete in use if copper is not used since it is always necessary during termination of

the media to the final equipment to be used such as switches, routers, computers,

telephones etc.

There are two forms of coaxial cables i.e. shielded twisted pair (STP) and unshielded

twisted pair (UTP). The former is the mostly used at UETCL and some of the examples

of this cable include CAT6a, CAT6 and CAT5e.

CAT6 cable is a standardized cable for Gigabit Ethernet and other network physical

layers compatible with CAT5 and CAT3 cables. This cable features more stringent

features for crosstalk and system noise and provides performance of up to 250MHz

though CAT6a is characterized to 500MHz.

It is normally terminated in 8P8C modular connectors of either T568A or T568B pin

arrangements and allows a maximum length of about 100 meters for 10, 100 and 1000

BASE-T whereas the 10G BASE-T can only be about 55metres long.

It must be properly installed and terminated such that it’s not bent or kinked tightly, wires

not untwisted and the outer jack ought not be stripped back more than 0.5 in. cable

shielding is also necessary to improve its performance in high electromagnetic fields and

reduce the corrupting effect of EMI on the cable’s data.

During the training, the intern used and got familiar with the following types of data

communication cables.

Straight cable

14

Crossed cable

Rollover cable

Serial cable (dB sub 9 connector pin out)

Standards of cable termination and their color-coding

There are two standards of cable termination namely;

T568A and

T568B.

CAT6 has four twisted pairs and each of these pairs has a dominant colored wire and then

a dominant color-white striped wire. These are arranged differently when terminating

using the two standards as illustrated below.

T568A

1- White green

2- Green

3- White orange

4- Blue

5- White blue

6- Orange

7- White brown

8- Brown

T568B

1- White orange

2- Orange

3- White green

4- Blue

5- White blue

6- Green

7- White brown

8- Brown

15

Straight cables

These are cables that have pin assignments on each end of the cable that is Pin1 on one

connector goes to Pin 1 on the other connector and similarly for all the other pins.

They are fabricated by connecting the T568A standard directly onto the T568A standard

on the other end of the cable or the T568B standard directly onto the T568B standard on

the other end as illustrated below.

1………………………………………………1

2………………………………………………2

3………………………………………………3

4………………………………………………4

5………………………………………………5

6………………………………………………6

7………………………………………………7

8……………………………………………...8

Straight cables are used for connecting equipment and devices of different types such as

Connecting a switch to a computer.

Figure 6: A Straight Cable Connected Using T568B Mode.

16

Crossed cables

These are similar to crossed cables except that TX and RX lines are crossed at opposite

ends on either end of the cable.

This is implemented by connecting a T568A standard to a T568B and vice versa as

illustrated below,

1 1

2 2

3 3

4 4

5 5

6 6

7 7

8 8

They are used for connecting devices of the same type, for example a computer to

another computer.

Rollover cables

These are also known as yost cables, which have pin arrangements on each end of the

cable. It is attained by connecting a normal T568A OR B standard on one side and then

an inverted T568A or B standard on the other side as illustrated below.

17

1 1

2 2

3 3

4 4

5 5

6 6

7 7

8 8

Rollover cables are not intended to carry data, but to create an interface with the devices

hence they are used to connect to a device’s console port to make programming changes

to the device.

Figure 7: RJ45 cable plugs and an illustration of the CAT6 cable with the plug.

Serial cable

A serial cable is one used to transfer data from one device to another by serial

communication either synchronously or asynchronously. The commonest standard is

RS232 though there are others such as RS 485, RS 422 and others

In a serial cable, the kind of connector used depends on the serial port used, maximum

length as well as the features on the transmitter and the receiver. The band rate on the

18

cable and the capacitance and electrical impedance of the cable must also however be put

in consideration.

The serial cables can be 9 pin, 15 pin or 25 pin and the following connections are all very

possible; 9pin-9pin, 9pin-25pin, 25pin-25pin etc.

dB Sub 9 Female connector pin out

This cable helps the user to connect any device with an interface of dB sub 9 male pin out

to another of the same kind as shown in the figure below

Figure 8: Arrangement of The Pins On The Male And Female Pin Outs.

1-DCD-Data Carrier Detect

2-RXD-Receive Data

3-TXD-Transmit Data

4-DTR-Data Terminal Ready

5-GND-Signal Ground

6-DSR-Data Set Ready

7-RTS-Request To Send

8-CTS-Clear To Send

9-RI-Ring Indicator

19

The most essential for serial communication however are 2, 3 and 5.

Below is the mode of connection of a dB sub9 female-to-female using a CAT6 cable on

which a continuity test was done during the training.

Plug A Plug B

1 1

2 2

3 3

4 4

5 5

6 6

7 7

8 8

9 9

It was realized that there was no continuity for pin 9 for both plugs implying that the ring

indicator was not connected.

Copper is therefore very ideal for data communication among any other communication

media.

2.2.3 Power Line Carrier (PLC)

Power line carrier is a medium of communication that involves carriage of signals over a

power line. Being a power company handling high voltage transmission of up to 132kV,

UETCL is able to transfer data using this rare communication medium in Uganda.

PLC is mostly used for tele protection thought it is also essential for SCADA, as well as

voice communication at UETCL. Its persistent application despite the introduction of

optic fiber is because of its reliability, cost effectiveness and data transmission over long

distances. Due to limited bandwidth, it is however used in places where there is no

optical fiber and in areas where there is optical fiber, it is only used as backup.

20

How PLC works.

The PLC system involves the application of line traps to block high frequencies of 100-

500 kHz at the substation while the 50 kHz is released for power transmission.

The high voltages are then passed through a CVT (capacitor voltage transformer) to step

down extra high voltage signals and provide low voltage signals for measurement,

communication or to operate a protection relay. It is also used to filter high frequency

communication signals from power frequency.

The signals are then passed on to the line matching unit (LMU) which consists of a drain

coil , isolation transformer, an earth switch and a tuning device which is a combination of

R-L-C circuits that act as filter circuits. The LMU helps to connect the audio-radio

frequency signals to the transmission line or PLC terminal.

From the LMU, the high radio frequency signals are carried through a coaxial cable at a

resistance of 75Ω to the terminal equipment for conversion to much smaller audio

frequencies of between 0-4 kHz that are then put to use for SCADA, tele protection,

voice .

Two power phases are used for the PLC system as illustrated below:

21

Line traps

SUBSTATION.A SUBSTATION B

Voice

Ethernet

Tele protection

SCADA

Figure 9: A Schematic Illustration of A Power Line Carrier System.

2.2.4 Free space or radio communication

Under this indigenous medium of communication, signals are generated and then

transmitted through air or free space. This therefore justifies the need for a microwave

antenna to project the signals to their destination. This medium is however no longer used

for communication at UETCL since more effective and efficient media with high

capacity have replaced its application in UETCL.

The microwave antenna is connected to the radio by a wave-guide through to the outdoor

unit. The outdoor is then connected to indoor unit by multicore cable.

CVT CVT

LMU

Terminal equipment

22

Micro wave dish (antenna)

Wave-guide

Multicore cable

Figure 10: Connection of the microwave radio system.

2.3 Multiplexers

A multiplexer is a data communication device, which selects one of several analog or

digital input signals and forwards it into a single line. A multiplexer of 2n inputs has n

select lines used to select which input line to send to the output. They are mainly used to

increase the amount of data that can be sent over the network with in a certain amount of

time and with. It is thus also known as a data selector.

An electronic multiplexer makes it possible for several signals to share one device or

resource i.e. analog-digital converter or one communication line instead of having one

device per input signal.

Conversely, a Demultiplexer (demux) takes a single input signal and selects one of many

data output lines that is connected to a single input. Therefore, a multiplexer is always

used with a complementary demux at the output end.

Outdoor Unit

Indoor Unit

23

There are various types of multiplexers though two are used at UETCL i.e. UMUX1500

and FMX-2S, which is used along with HIT7025 for efficient, reliable and effective

communication in the company.

Features of UMUX1500

It is a multi-service access multiplexer.

It has both traffic interfaces and transmission interfaces.

It can handle a number of interfaces from nx64Kbps to STM 1 one rack or chassis.

UMUX1500 has the same management tool for configuration, alarms and

faultfinding.

UMUX uses different cards for various purposes such as providing an optical interface

and connection to S-Bus, P-Bus and U-Buses as shown in the illustration below.

Nebro SYNUF

S-BUS

SYNAC

P-BUS

COBUX

U-BUS

Figure 11: Structure of UMUX

S-SDH

P-PDH

24

Features of FMX-2S+ HIT7025

HIT7025 handles transmission interfaces while as FMX-2S handles access or traffic

interfaces

It uses different management tools.

It also has different racks or chassis.

Figure 12: Structure of Hit 7025

2.4 Power Supplies

These electronic devices supply electric power to an electronic load. They convert one

form of energy to electric energy to provide power for running different electrical and

communication equipment. Most telecommunication equipment use standard dc power of

-48V while 110V dc powers protective devices such as relays.

Examples of power supplies at UETCL

DC power supply from batteries

AC power supply from hydro-electricity.

Generators

Generators

A generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. There are

a number of standby generators at UETCL that are used for ensuring constant power

supply to the communication equipment. Batteries that provide power in case of failure of

generators to start when power goes off also back these up.

25

Types of generators

AC generators

DC generators

Main components of a generator

Starter motor

Engine

Alternator

Fuel system

Voltage regulator

Cooling and exhaust systems

Lubrication system

Starter battery

Control panel

Frame

How a generator works

The engine is started, fuel comes in and spreads on the nozzle injectors, a spark is

realized and due to high pressure, air is compressed and fire starts. The piston starts

moving and the engine runs producing mechanical energy.

The rotor moves in a magnetic field generating an emf that induces current flow. The

automatic voltage regulator (AVR) to produce output verifies that the voltage realized is

normal otherwise, no output is realized.

An automatic changeover such as CT1125 composed of contactors is also connected for a

standby generator.

Faults on a generator

Failure to start

26

Possible causes

Blocked air system

Lack of fuel or Locked fuel system

Control mechanism

Flat starter battery

Faulty starter motor

Faulty fuel solenoid

Clogged fuel filter

Generator stopping during operation

Possible causes

Fuel is used up

Low oil pressure

No output from AVR

Faulty rotor

Over loading

2.5 Telephony

This engineering field deals with transmission of voice, data or fax between parties at a

given distance. It is the mandate of the communication section of UETCL to provide a

reliable speech infrastructure. This section therefore has the responsibility to maintain a

reliable and constant communication network for all the branches of the company.

Differently from the traditional way of connecting callers directly by creating a loop for

two people to communicate by phone, nowadays a switch does the industrial work

through a PAX or a PABX or even both depending on the destination of the call. The

PAX is responsible for connecting local callers while PABX connects any calls beyond

the specified LAN. The switch is able to identify the caller by using the caller’s

identification number before connecting it to the requested number.

27

UETCL mostly uses IP telephony that allows connection over an internet protocol

throught its wide VOIP network.

UETCL’s VOIP network

This is composed of simply two elements i.e. the switch and the IP sets. The switch

provides an interface onto which all the IP sets are connected. IP sets include computers,

telephones etc.

Functions of a switch.

It provides the dialing tone

It gives DTMF tone

It provides the numbering plan

It provides a busy tone

It gives the ringing tone

It provides the ringing signal

It times the call duration [billing or providing tickets]

It provides a connection for the calls

Types of switching

Circuit switching

This is a type of switching in which there is establishment of an end-to-end connection to

create two network nodes. A circuit switched network is ideal for application within

limited points but in case of multiple locations and large amount of data to transmit, it is

more effective to use packet switching.

Advantages of circuit switching

No degradation of the response time

Lack of buffers in the data path

Possibility of all optical data paths

Higher switching capacity

28

It’s simple and intuitive

Has simple admission control

Packet switching

It is a mode of data transmission in which a message is broken into a number of packets

that are sent independently over whatever route is optimum for which each packet is

reassembled at the destination. All this is done over an internet protocol network.

Packet switching also allows the use of an IP address.

An IP address; this refers to the unique identification of a device on an IP address. It

consists of 32 binary bits broken down into four octates. The octates range from

00000000-11111111 and are separated by a dot e.g. 172.16.81.100

For an IP address to be complete, it ought to be given a subnet maskthat helps to define

which part of an address is the host or the network. Example of a subnet mask is

255.255.0.0 meaning that the first two octates are the network and the other two are the

hosts.

Communication server switching

Gateway/PSTN

Billing server

Standby comn.server

Router

Figure 13: A Schematic Illustration of the VOIP Network of UETCL.

29

CHAPTER THREE

PRACTICAL WORK

3.0 Introduction

This chapter entails the apparatus used, the objectives, procedures, observations, and

conclusions of the tests, measurements, fabrications, experiments and any other practical

works done during the training. Under this chapter also is the other work done in that

period that the trainee deemed relevant though he never had hands on operation on it.

3.1 Optical Fiber cable preparation, splicing, and measurement of optical length

3.1.1 Objective

To determine whether there was continuity of the cables

3.1.2 Apparatus

Absolute ethanol 99.8%

Strippers -Pros Kit 8PK-3002D

-Ripley Miller F0103S

A knife

Kim wipes

A high precision cleaver CT-30 Fujikura

SN.83246

Arc fusion splicing machine FSM-50S

SN.10779

A protective sleeve

A pig tail FC

Optical Time Domain Recto meter

MU 2500A (DISPLAY UNIT)

SN 6200593001

MW 9076C

SN 6200462938

30

Figure 14: A Side Cutter And A Stripper Are Some Of The Tools Used In This Experiment.

3.1.3 Procedure

The knife was used to remove the hard outermost sheath for a small length to

expose the inner sheath, the red thread, and the inner sheath was also stripped off

carefully using a knife to avoid cutting the inner insulation of the fiber

The white protective tubes, the strength member and the thread were also cut off

leaving the four tubes each having six cores.

The blue tube was randomly selected, the striper used to remove the coating and

expose the cladding of the cores that were well cleaned using the Kim wipes.

The cores were separated, one of them randomly selected. It was further striped

and well cleaned with the absolute ethanol.

It was then inserted into the high precision cleaver to cleave it at 900.

It was carefully placed into the splicing machine and clipped.

The pigtail was also stripped and well cleaned. It was also carefully placed into

the splicing machine ensuring that there is minimum separation between it and the

optical fiber.

The cover of the splicing machine was then placed back and the set button pressed

for splicing to take place. The whole process was viewed on the display unit of

the splicing machine.

The other end of the pigtail was carefully and properly connected to the OTDR.

The necessary parameters such as wavelength of 1310nm were set and the start

button pressed to measure the optical length.

The optical length and the corresponding losses were displayed on the screen.

The experiment was repeated for all the three optical cables.

31

Table 1: Table of results

Wavelength λ (nm) Optical length (km) Total optical loss (dB)

1310 1.368 0.02

1310 1.857 0.02

1310 0.302 0.02

3.1.4 Conclusion

The experiment was able to meet its objective since the optical length was successfully

measured implying that there was continuity of all the three cables.

There is need to do more experiments so as to attain more experience since I was forced

to continuously repeat the experiment as a result of poor cleaving of the fiber as

displayed on the splicing machine.

The pigtail used at first was also of poor quality or had some irregularities since it gave a

high optical loss of over 0.25dB before I later changed and used a better one that gave a

relatively lower loss of 0.02dB

3.2 Termination of CAT 6 cable with RJ45 cable plug

3.2.1 Objectives

To terminate working straight, crossed and rollover data cables.

3.2.2 Tools used

CAT6e cable [DUO4017040M]

RJ45 plugs

A crimping tool. [6p 8p 4p San Tus]

A cable tester [MASTER XT-468]

3.2.3 Procedure

Using a crimping tool, the ends of the cable were trimmed to ensure that they are

straight and wires are of equal length

The crimping tool was then used to strip off a small length of the CAT6e cable’s

jacket

32

The four twisted pairs were separated from each other, each pair unwound to

make eight individual wires, which were flattened and straightened.

Holding the cable with wire ends facing away from me, moving from left to right,

the wires were arranged in a flat side by side formation in the order; white orange,

orange, white green, blue, white blue, green, white brown, brown for the T568B

standard.

The RJ45 was held with its pins facing away from me and the plug clip side

facing down. The flattened, arranged wires were carefully inserted into the

connector until the wire ends were firmly inside the plug.

Carefully placing the RJ45 cable plug into the provision for the 8p, the crimping

tool was used to force the plug pins into the inserted wires for contact to be

established.

After the first termination was completed, the process was repeated on the

opposite side of the cable to form a complete straight RJ45 patch cable.

The above procedures were then repeated for the termination of the crossed cable

as well as rollover cables. This was done by merely altering the color codes as

well illustrated in chapter 2. The cables were then tested using a cable tester as

explained below.

3.2.4 Cable testing

After the termination was completed on both ends of the cable, the two ends of the cable

were placed into the terminals of the cable tester to test for continuity. The tester was

then switched on.

It was observed that all the eight pins were continuously connected for the straight,

crossed and rollover cables as elaborated in chapter 2, implying that the cables were

properly terminated and were ready for use.

Figure 15: A Cable Tester.

33

3.2.5 Conclusion

The process of cable termination was successfully completed however it was noticed that

it requires a high level of precision especially during the arrangement and insertion of the

wires into the cable plug. If not properly arranged, the aim of the experiment will not be

achieved.

It is also important to note that the wires should be well trimmed to ensure that they are

well flattened and even. If the crimper doesn’t automatically trim the wire ends upon

termination, carefully cut the wire ends to make them as flush with the connector’s

surface as possible.

A small part of the cable jacket should be striped so that all the exposed wires are

inserted inside the cable plug. I had to repeat the practical because I had not done this

proper termination.

A successful cable termination is very important to provide means for data transfer or

data sharing and creating an interface for different devices.

3.3 Termination of the dB sub 9 connector pin out serial cable

Analysis on an already terminated dB Sub 9 female connector pin out was first carried

out to establish continuity of the copper cables and determine the interconnection of the

different pins as shown in chapter 2.

3.3.1 Objectives

To analyse and test for continuity of the cable

To terminate a working similar dB sub 9 serial cable

3.3.2 Tools used

CAT 5e;

Two female dB sub 9 connector pinout plugs

Soldering iron

Solder wire

A Digital multimetre; FLUKE 787 PROCESSMETER

34

A side cutter

A stripper

3.3.3 Procedure 1 (continuity test)

The two ends of the serial cable provided were labeled A and B respectively using a

masking tape.

End B was kept constant i.e. by connecting one probe of the multimeter to pin 1.

With the meter set to the resistance parameter, the other probe was varied through all the

pins of plug A to establish continuity of the pins on the two plugs and he result noted.

The process was continued for all the 9 pins of plug B and the following results the were

obtained:

A B

1 1

2 2

3 3

4 4

5 5

6 6

7 7

8 8

9 9 (no continuity)

3.3.4 Procedure 2 (Termination of a new CAT 5e cable)

The cable jacket of the CAT 5e cable provided was removed using a side cutter and the

four twisted copper cables exposed for a very short length that can be accommodated

inside the plugs.

A very short length of the copper wires was stripped to expose the conductor for

soldering.

35

The wires were flattened and straightened to ensure a common length.

For the constant plug B, the conductors were randomly soldered onto the pins 1-8.

(pin 9 was neglected since it showed no continuity in the test in procedure 1)

By carefully observing the colour coding of the wires already soldered on plug B, the

exposed conductors were carefully soldered to their corresponding pins using soldering

iron and the solder wire.

The order of the results obtained in the continuity test above was maintained to come up

with a working serial cable.

3.3.5 Cable testing

The cable was then tested by connecting it to one of the UMUX cards and the other end

to a computer and it was able to transmit data from the UMUX to the computer.

3.3.6 Observations and conclusion

It was observed that the cable could transmit data from the UMUX card to the computer

however it was only one way i.e. it would only transmit data when the constant plug B

was connected to the computer otherwise there was no data transmission.

More care should have been taken especially when soldering the wires on the pins of the

plug A by matching the right wires basing on the color codes.

More soldering skills however were also required to come up with better product.

The experiment was able to meet its objective since continuity of all the pins other than

pin 9 was established. In addition, the termination was a success since the intern was able

to make a working serial cable.

36

3.4 Termination on a Krone block

3.4.1 Termination with a 25 twisted pair cable

3.4.1.1 Objective

To come up with a correctly terminated krone block with a 25 twisted pair cable.

To master the color coding and order of termination of cables on a krone block.

3.4.1.2 Tools used

A side cutter

A krone punch tool

A 25 twisted pair cable

Krone blocks

3.4.1.3 Procedure

The side cutter was carefully used to remove the jacket of the cable for an appropriate

length considering the length of the case on which the terminated blocks were to be fixed.

The twisted copper wires were then carefully separated and arranged in the order of

termination on a krone according to the color coding described in chapter 2

By terminating each pair onto the block using the krone punch tool, the 1st ten pairs were

terminated onto one krone, the next ten on another krone and the last five on a half a

krone which was completed by five from another cable.

The krone blocks were then terminated onto the krone case.

3.4.1.4 Conclusion

More practice to master and be more efficient was required since only one experiment

was carried out.

The experiment was a success since the work done postulated the already terminated

krones in the krone case available.

37

3.4.2.1 Decommissioning a krone case

3.4.2.2 Objective

To remove the already terminated krone blocks from the krone case and detach the

copper wires from the blocks for cleanliness purposes of the store as well as recycling the

krone blocks removed.

3.4.2.3 Tools used

A krone punch tool

A side cutter

A small screw driver

3.4.2.4 Procedure

The small screw driver was used to detach the krone blocks from the krone case by

inserting it on either ends of the block and then pulling the block out of the case. This

procedure was used to detach all the ten blocks, which were on the case.

The krone punch tool was the used to release the terminated cables from the block by

using the hooked part of the tool.

The above procedures were repeated for all the blocks before the cables were disposed

and the krone blocks attached onto the case for recycling.

3.4.2.5Conclusion

The experiment was a success since some skills were obtained on decommissioning of

the krone case and in the end; the store was cleaned up.

More practice would however help to attain more skills and efficiency in performing this

task.

38

3.5 Others

This section involves any other activities and study visits that were carried out during the

training in which the intern was not allowed to have hands on experience for

precautionary purposes but we acquired much knowledge and skills about these different

activities as well as the equipment and their operation.

3.5.1 Study visits carried out during the training

3.5.1.1 A visit to UETCL Head office at Hannington road

As part of introduction to the communication system of the company especially the

telephony (VOIP) network, Mr. Job Musalwa and Ms. Carol Ssekamatte took the interns

along with them to the telecommunication control room at Head office and below are

some of the equipment checked when in the control room.

More advanced communication media such as coaxial cable and optic fiber, microwave

radio, the main switch that is connected to main communication server, the billing server,

the PSTN or Gateway server and other communication equipment are connected. It is

from this switch that the communication system is transmitted to the rest of the branches

and substations of UETCL.

A charger for maintaining constant power supply to the telecommunication equipment.

This is necessary to ensure that the communication system of the company is never cut

off at any one time for efficiency purposes.

The multiplexers for enabling various input and output conversions for a single and

multi-line input and output, the patch panel that enables various terminations to and from

the switch as well as the krone case for termination of the copper cables. Also checked on

were the modems that enable conversion between optical and copper transmission.

3.5.1.2 A visit to Muyenga tank hill Communication station

This station was originally managed by UEB and used for providing signals for radio

communication for the various sub stations. However when UEB was unbundled,

39

UETCL attained the mandate to use this station for its own communication as well as

leasing out its services to any other optical fiber clients.

Mr. Cranmer Rwagize took the interns along with him to check out on this station as he

supervised the decommissioning of some equipment belonging to One-Solutions

Company. The equipment decommissioned was an Ethernet radio connected to the switch

by a CAT6 cable.

Checked at the station also were the multiplexer UMUX-1300, the microwave radio,

UHF radios and VHF radio, a battery charger, battery bank and standby generator with a

changeover unit to maintain constant power supply to the communication equipment.

3.5.1.3 A visit to Lugogo substation and control center

Together with Mr. Cranmer Rwagize, the interns visited Lugogo substation located along

Edward Mugalu road and the following equipment were checked on.

The main components of a substation such as transformers which were mainly step down

i.e. 132kV~33kV, 132kV~11kV and 11kV~415V. In addition, at the substation were

circuit breakers, isolators, relays, DC supply sources and a Standby Generator for backup

ac supply.

The PLC, line traps, LMU, CVT, optical fibers such as OPGW, Sky Wrap and ADSS

together with ODF were also seen at Lugogo SCADA.

3.6 Analysis of the tele protection equipment (SWT 3000)

Tele protection is a way of using communication equipment to monitor and control the

safety of power lines. The equipment is usually connected at various substations where

there is fiber to monitor the power line between the stations. These equipment send

signals to each other in case of any fault in the lines, alarms are then automatically set for

any action to be taken by the relay, which in turn operates a circuit breaker.

40

Figure 16: Interfaces On SWT3000 And The Way It Is Commissioned.

3.7 Evaluation

The interns participated in the evaluation process of some bidding companies for the

purchase of some equipment to be used at the store. The equipment in question involved

a drilling machine, a spanner set, digital millimeters and ladders.

The companies that had applied for the purchase of this equipment involved MTE, TASS,

SAS, SECH among others.

The interns were engaged in verifying the technical compliance of these companies’

equipment with the laid specifications of the communication section. The process was

successfully completed under the guidance of Ms. Carol Ssekamatte and the companies

were forwarded for financial compliance checks.

41

CHAPTER FOUR

OBSERVATIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION

4.0 Introduction

This chapter summarizes the entire industrial training, the whole experience attained as

well as the challenges faced in the training. It also tackles the recommendations that the

intern deems necessary to address to the university and the company about industrial

training. Finally, the intern gives conclusive remarks overall industrial training process.

4.1 Achievements

4.1.1 Practical skills

More knowledge and skills on communication basics, communication media,

multiplexers, power supplies and telephony.

Skills on termination of different types of network cables such as straight, crossed,

rollover and serial cables.

Skills on preparation, splicing, termination and measurement of optical length for

optic fiber.

Knowledge on termination as well as decommissioning from a krone case.

4.1.2 Interpersonal skills

The intern learnt and gained experience on how to effectively work as team player

to gain great results. This was easy to attain because every assignment given was

done in a group with the rest of the interns guided by the employees of the

company.

The intern also learnt how to relate with the workmates as well as his supervisors

and the other employees at work.

The intern learnt how to share challenges at work with the workmates as well as his

seniors at work. This helped him not to face major step backs throughout the

training period.

42

4.1.3 Communication skills

I learnt how to communicate with my supervisors as well as my other seniors at

work in a way that reserves them the respect they deserve.

I was also happy to learn how to address my workmates in order to yield the best

results most especially when we had a project to work on.

The intern was also able to learn how to address small groups of people since we

used to have some departmental meetings and the interns were allowed to

participate and address their challenges as well as take part in suggesting the way

forward.

4.1.4 Others

In addition to the above, the intern also gained skills on time management and being

punctual for work. The interns would also be given a certain duration with in which

to finish the assignments given during the training.

The intern learnt how to cope with the rate of doing work in the 21st century as we

would do some work with the employees and make sure we finish with them.

4.2 Challenges

Like anyone else in a new environment, communication with my seniors as well as

fellow interns was a big challenge for the first week. However, it was fun getting to

know them and even make new friends in them as time went on.

In some of the practical works done, the interns were limited from participating

though we were allowed to have a close observation. This was so in order to reduce

the risk of any danger befalling the interns since most of the work involved high

voltages.

I faced a challenge of training with the busiest staff I have ever worked with. As a

result, sometimes we were neglected alone in the store while other times it was hard

to cope with the speed at which they were working but we later acquired a great

experience of a true engineer.

Lack of a special documented Programme for the training. This was a big challenge

in a way that I would report for work on a particular day not even knowing what I

43

was going to do for that day. We were however able to familiar with this experience

and were always ready for any work that came up.

The other minor challenge faced was securing funds enough to cater for my daily

transport and lunch. I thank God and my sponsors that I was able to overcome that

and never missed any single day.

4.3 Recommendations

Despite the great experience I had at UETCL during my two months of industrial

training, there are some issues I wish to address to both Makerere University and UETCL

that I believe would make the training more enjoyable when worked on.

4.3.1 To UETCL

More engagement of the trainees practically will help increase the experience and

skills attained during this period.

A special training Programme laid on paper would help the interns to prepare for

work and even yield better quality results that comes along with enough

preparation.

Providing allowances for example lunch and transport allowances will encourage

the trainees to work even harder and reduce on time waste soliciting money for

transport and going out for lunch.

4.3.2 To Makerere University

Helping students to find internship places. I believe the greatest institution in the

country can do better as far as getting her students internship slots than just issuing

an introduction letter to the students.

Supervisors should always lay a timetable of when to supervise the students so as

the students can be aware and prepare for their visits at the places of training.

More initiation to industrial training especially to students who are doing this for

the first time. This will help students be aware of what this period is all about and

what to expect during this time for better results.

44

4.4 Conclusion

This report is the product of a successful industrial training period. I say successful

because all I was able to meet all the objectives of this process thanks to the ‘best’ public

limited company in Uganda, UETCL.

It was my first industrial training of this kind but UETCL has made me feel like I have

done this for the whole of my lifetime. The experience, skills and character I have

attained through this period are enormous and will keep me going as I perceive my

carrier.

Through the stated challenges, I managed to go through this period successfully and

attained all the achievements stated above. I believe if the above stated recommendations

are put in consideration, it would ease this process for any party that wants to go through

it.

Lastly, I want to thank you for spending your precious time reading this small piece of

writing and I hope you were able to pick a word of interest. May the almighty Father

shower you with his wondrous benedictions.

45

REFERENCES

Prof. Dr. M. Zitterbart. 2004/2005.Basics of Communication and the

Internet

www.uetcl.com

www.keymile.com

w3.siemens.com/.../SWT-3000-Teleprotection-technical-data.PDF

w3.siemens.com/smartgrid/.../SWT-3000-Teleprotection.PDF

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power-line_communication

www.keymile.com/.../UMUX.../d1af978a-f24c-4b45-bb91-e37b021da3

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telephony

www.webopedia.com

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opticalfiber

46

APPENDIX 1

List of instructors I worked with during the training.

Mr. Kibuuka Yusuf, Senior Communication Engineer

Mr. Dauda Musinguzi, Senior Communication Engineer

Mr. Cranmer Rwagize, Communication Engineer

Mr. George Alioke, Communication Engineer

Mr. Job Musalwa, Communication Engineer

Ms. Carol Ssekamatte, Communication Engineer