Send us a text We continue our two part category cable testing series. Tonight we will cover propagation delay, delay skew, alien cross talk testing, MPTL and return loss. We also give shout out to some installers who have taken cable dressing to an art form. Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send ...
May 10, 2022•19 min
Send us a text Testing cable has become more complex. This is because the cable has become more complex. The simple continuity testers will not just suffice. We must test for NEXT, FEXT, PSNEXT, PSFEXT, ACR-F, PSACR-F, Insertion Loss, and wire map. This means we installers have to adapt. Listen in as we discuss what each of those are and how to fix them. We will also cover some tester basics. Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or suppo...
May 03, 2022•22 min
Send us a text Fiber is one of the skills that can launch your career into the stratosphere. Yet where do you find the training. We bring Sean Kelly RCDD, Technical Director at Light Brigade and talk about fiber training and the challenges of getting into fiber. Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion se...
Apr 26, 2022•56 min
Send us a text There is and probably always will be a adversarial relationship between field staff and project managers. Some of it is brought on by how we, the industry, seek, promote, and hire project managers. I will cover those challenges and also give you four tips to become a better project manager! Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest o...
Apr 19, 2022•22 min
Send us a text Last week we discussed what it takes to be a good estimator. This week we discuss the mechanics of estimating. We cover ITB, RFQ, RFP, RFI. We also cover the types of bids, direct costs, indirect costs, averaging cable runs and more! Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email...
Apr 12, 2022•17 min
Send us a text A common question I get is how to estimate projects. Well first you have to be a good estimator. What are the benefits and drawbacks to being an estimator? What skills are required? Listen in to part one as we cover this information. Part 2 we will cover the mechanics of estimating. Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the sh...
Apr 05, 2022•23 min
Send us a text All of the manufacturers have warranty programs. They also have steps to get into the programs and costs associated with the program. We discuss the good and bad in our unique point vs counterpoint discussion. I will present in favor of manufactures and Don Mangiarelli, owner of Evergreen State Retail Technology Solutions, an ICT contractor for over a decade will present in favor of Contractors. Who do you think will win? Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by t...
Mar 21, 2022•48 min
Send us a text We posted a comment in social media last week which asked 'What is your biggest gripe about our industry. One common response was the poor quality of new people in this industry. In celebration to "Women in Construction" I interview Shelly Olmstead at IES. Shelly helps to build a culture of quality and development that creates continuous improvement for all IES employees and customers. Listen in as we talk about how to reach young people in our industry. Support the show Knowledge...
Mar 14, 2022•38 min
Send us a text One common question I often receive is which computer certification should I get as a cable technician. Well, I don't know....I don't have any computer certifications. You know that that means? I bring on a subject matter expert to help talk about this topic. I interview Andreae Pohlman, an IT professional with many certifications and fellow Instagram and TikTok content creator. You can find more of her content at @just_an_IT_girl Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to ...
Mar 07, 2022•48 min
Send us a text How can a drawing make your life easier as a Installer, Customer, or Engineer. Listen in as we discover what is Revit, what does it show, how it can help you find potential conflicts with other trades, and help estimators. Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at chuck@l...
Mar 01, 2022•36 min
Send us a text This week we talk about a controversial TikTok post from my account. We discuss who is responsible for poor quality work. We will look at it from a Technicians, Employers, and Customers point of view. You will want to hear this! Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at c...
Feb 22, 2022•20 min
Send us a text Shawn Repp produces some quality work that very few could challenge. He is also an avid TikToker who exhibits his work on social media with nearly 100k followers. We chat with him about his history, how he dresses a closet, what advice he would give an apprentice. I apologize for the audio it is grainy and I could not fix it. Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Al...
Feb 15, 2022•29 min
Send us a text Many low voltage installers and companies shy away from AV work. They fear it is too complicated or needs a programmer. This week we bring in Kevin Davidson RCDD, talks about what is AV, why many fear getting into AV, and how to do a design. We finish the episode with questions submitted via TikTok live stream. Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would...
Feb 07, 2022•37 min
Send us a text This week I prepare to attend the Winter 2022 BICSI conference. Listen in as I cover ways you can invest in yourself to make more money or get that job you wanted! Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at chuck@letstalkcabling.com Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH #CBRCDD #RCDD...
Feb 01, 2022•17 min
Send us a text An Industry Icon is someone in the industry who through their career has mastered their trade and now is sharing and mentoring to benefit the Industry. Theresa Johnson has both field and PM experience and now is a trainer for the IBEW's Joint Apprenticeship Training Center for her local. Listen in as we discuss her career, what advice she has for technicians, Project Managers and her feelings about women in the industry. Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by th...
Jan 25, 2022•39 min
Send us a text Its out! BICSI released the new 8th edition of the ITSIMM. They have made some great changes. Listen in as we talk about what they changed, who should get this book, and how much it will cost. Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at chuck@letstalkcabling.com Chuck Bowse...
Jan 19, 2022•13 min
Send us a text Fiber skills will take you to the next level in your career and earnings. Yet many people don't have them and fewer people are willing to teach you. Advancements in fusion splicing has brought the price of the equipment down and made it so easy that nearly anyone can be taught how to do fusion splicing. There is also a great future for those who can. Join us as we talk with UCL Swift Americas about what is fusion splicing, how to maintain them, and how to learn the skills! Support...
Jan 11, 2022•48 min
Send us a text Are You the Best Technician in the Industry? I challenge you to prove it. Attend and win the BICSI Cable Skills Challenge. Listen in as we talk to Lee Renfroe RCDD, ESS, TECH and former two time winner of the Cable Skills Challenge to find out what is involved. Then we talk to Betsy Conroy, Chair of BICSIs Professional Development Committee to discuss the scholarship for women applicants! Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coff...
Dec 31, 2021•33 min
Send us a text Blake Urmos stops by to tell us all the new stuff going on at LVN like media platforms, fiber scholarships, and their key note speaker at BICSI! Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at chuck@letstalkcabling.com Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH #CBRCDD #RCDD...
Dec 20, 2021•25 min
Send us a text One of the most frequent questions I get concerns about how to transition from the field to a PM role. Our industry is not great at creating them so education is a must. There are several PM classes to choose from but one geared directly towards our industry is BICSI's PM class. We invite Christopher Hobbs, Manager Training Services at BICSI and PM class instructor to come on and talk about their class! Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy m...
Dec 14, 2021•33 min
Send us a text We check in with Jonathan Jew about the new 606 standard recently revised. We also catch up on whats new with the all the other standards. We even cover why and how you should participate in the standards committees and the benefits of doing so. Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send...
Dec 06, 2021•46 min
Send us a text I am sure you have heard about the semiconductor shortage and how it is affecting every industry. I bring in Tim Kuhlman PE RCDD to discuss how this is a good thing for our industry as chip manufactures are building plants in the U.S. What are some of the challenges in designing and installing a structured cable plant in this environment? Listen in and find out! Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at h...
Dec 03, 2021•43 min
Send us a text This week I tackle some cable myths. I compared cat 6 cable and connectors bought in a big box store vs a Tier 1 manufacture. Next I compare the performance differences between a cable terminated T568A vs T568B. The third test I look at the performance differences between untwisting pairs vs untwisting to the cable jacket but within .25 inch. The last test was looking at what happens if you terminate a cable straight through (not T568A or T568B). Support the show Knowledge is powe...
Nov 22, 2021•37 min
Send us a text This week I bring in a special guest. A BICSI Technician, not just any but my brother. Listen in as we talk about how his certifications has helped his career, and how he is going to pay it forward. We even tell some brotherly stories on each other! Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion ...
Nov 15, 2021•40 min
Send us a text I have had many job in this industry. By far the one I enjoyed the most and found most rewarding was QA inspector. As a QA inspector you are still in the field and you get to mentor and train people. You ensure the customer is satisfied and the company is putting out the best product available. Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a gue...
Nov 09, 2021•34 min
Send us a text Cable installation & Maintenance each year has a competitive program to recognize innovative products, projects, and technologies. This year AEM won three for their testers. We bring in Lisa Schwartz to discuss how AEM leads the market in innovations and their CV100 Cable Certifier, Network Service Assistant, and their Mixed Mode Multi-Port Vector Network Analyzer. Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the sh...
Nov 02, 2021•39 min
Send us a text What if I told you there are resources out there that will help you become a better installer, estimator, PM and these resources are free. Would you be interested? Nobody would argue that the more knowledge you have the more you will make and higher the corporate ladder you will climb. Listen in as I cover some of my favorite resources you can use and best part its free! Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the ...
Oct 27, 2021•15 min
Send us a text What is a category rated cable. What is the difference between Cat 5e and Cat 5E as well as all those other categories? We answer those questions and more. We discuss the history of how they came about and what networks work on each type of cable. Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion se...
Oct 20, 2021•21 min
Send us a text We continue our series on Hyper Scale Data Centers. This episodes we talk about the challenges you may face when it comes to labeling all the cables, racks, patch panels and so on. We cover unique ways to to overcome these issues with a member from our Expert Council Todd Morse. He is a subject matter expert on labeling and works for Brother Solutions which makes industrial labeling machines. Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of ...
Oct 11, 2021•39 min
Send us a text We are starting off a new series where we will talk to Industry Icons. People who through decades of work give us an insight of where the industry used to be, where they think it is going, and what career advice would they give themselves if they could go back in time. We start this series with a man whom I have a tremendous amount of respect, Philip Klingensmith RCDD,OSP,RTPM,TECH, CT. You will want to hear what he has to say! Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to sto...
Oct 04, 2021•34 min
