Let's Talk Cabling!

Exploring Union vs Non-Union Work in the ICT Industry: An Unbiased Analysis

03 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textHave you ever wondered about the pros and cons of union and non-union work in the ICT industry? Get ready to delve into an insightful de...

Unlocking the Power of Cable Lubrication: Increasing System Resilience with Jake Jones

29 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textImagine the power to increase your system's resilience just by using the right lubricant. It's not your everyday soap we'...

Exploration into Evolving ICT Industry with Brady

26 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textGet ready to traverse the crossroads of generational shift, tech-savviness, and efficiency in the ICT industry with our guest for this e...

Exploring the Intricacies of the Cable Installation Industry

22 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textImagine unraveling the world of cable installation and design, picking up handy tips and industry insights along the way. How about unde...

Busting Glass Ceilings: A Talk with ICT Industry Icon, Penny Downey

19 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textEver wonder what it's like to break through not one, but two glass ceilings? Our remarkable guest, Penny Downey, shares her journey...

A Tale of Tech Transitions and Community Impact

12 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textMake a difference, we dive into the inspiring work of Technology Worldwide, a nonprofit organization that is leveraging the power of tec...

Seven Crucial Habits for Successful Project Management

08 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAre you ready to step up your project management game? Hold on tight as we unlock the powerful habits and techniques that make project m...

Labor Day: Beyond Barbecues and Long Weekends: Yearly Podcast Update

05 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textEver wondered what Labor Day really signifies? Buckle up as we journey through the history and significance of this often overlooked hol...

Deep Dive into the World of ICT: Understanding MUTOAs and Consolidation Points

29 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis week we rebroadcast a fan favorite. We are prepping our farm to protect it from the inbound hurricane so we decided to rebroadcast ...

Understanding and Troubleshooting Signal-to-Noise Ratio in Copper Testing

22 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textUnravel the mysteries of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) in copper testing alongside our guest for the day, Steve Cowles RCDD NTS,  a produ...

Geeking Out Over Fiber Optics: A Deep Dive with the Fiber Nerds

15 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAre you ready to embark on a geeky journey through the world of fiber optics with the Fiber Nerds, Irving Perez and Eron Lloyd, MS, CONE...

Mastering Telecommunications Project Management: Understanding Scope Definition, Fiber Technology, and VCSEL vs. LED

11 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWant to master the art of telecommunications project management? Join us in an intriguing chat where we dissect the essence of scope def...

Exploring the Revolutionary World of Nanofiber in Fiber Cabling

08 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textReady to unlock the secrets of nanofiber, a revolutionary type of fiber cabling? Join us on a deep dive into this groundbreaking technol...

Busting Myths and Shaping Future with PoE Consortium

01 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAre you ready to debunk some myths and gain a deeper understanding of Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology? In our latest conversation w...

Understanding and Mitigating Risks in Confined Spaces

25 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textHow many of us truly understand the risks associated with confined spaces? Did you know confined space accidents account for a significa...

Unmasking the Power of Social Media: Strategies to Supercharge Your Tech Brand

21 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textInvigorate your brand and electrify your social media presence with insights from Samantha McDonald of NECA and digital marketer Kevally...

Decoding the Complexities of Copper Cable Testing and Installation

14 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textCan you unravel the complexities of copper cable testing? Tune in as we discuss how to craft a comprehensive test plan, train your staff...

Unleashing the Power of ICT Tools with Softing's Expert Tom Jallo RCDD

11 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAre you in the ICT industry and in search of the right tools to streamline your workflow? Join me and my special guest, Tom Jallo RCDD f...

Unraveling the Challenges of Future Tech at the 2023 NECA BICSI Summit

04 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAre you ready to unlock the mysteries of the NECA BICSI Summit and discover what industry leaders have to say about the importance of ce...

Boosting Your Understanding of Cabling and Networking

30 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textEver wondered about the mysteries of cable management and Ethernet speed? I'm Chuck Bowser, and in this chock-full episode, I'...

Stay Accurate: The Ins and Outs of Cable Certifier Calibration

20 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textDo you know the potential risks and consequences of not having your cable certifier calibrated regularly? Join us as we chat with Steve ...

Mastering Mod-End Connectors: Insights and Best Practices with Blake Tally

12 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textEver wondered about the intricacies of RJ45 mod plugs and the differences between stranded and non-stranded PoE cables? You're in l...

Expert Advice on Telecommunications Resumes Part 2

05 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textTired of endlessly revising your resume with no results? Our expert guest is here to help you finally land that dream job with some game...

Expert Advice on Telecommunications Resumes Part 1

30 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textStruggling to create a resume that leaps off the page and grabs the attention of your dream employer? Fear not! In this episode, we brin...

2nd Edition BICSI Field Guides - Close to Being Published

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThey are not here yet but they are close! The second edition Field Guides, a must have for anyone in the industry, bridge the gap betwee...

After Hours Live 5/18 Estimating, Fiber Testing, Pulling Lubricant

19 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis weeks After Hours Live we discuss balancing accuracy vs time when estimating cable length, using soap to pull cable, cable bend rad...

Fiber Safety and Installation Tips with a Fiber Guru!

17 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textFiber can be dangerous. This week we talk to Lee Renfroe with GoFroe and GoFar fiber training to talk about ISP and OPS fiber safety.  ...

PoE Basics with Installation & Estimation Tips!

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWe spend nearly an hour with Tyler Andrews from PoE of Texas. We cover what is PoE, the different levels like PoE, PoE+, PoE++, tips for...

A Better Way to Fish Door Frames with Frame Frog

02 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textI am not an access control guy and I have always wondered how that part of the low voltage industry fishes door and window frames. Frame...

Unlock Your Potential with a Fiber Certification

25 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWe have a great conversation with Jim Hays, founder of Fiber Optic Association (FOA). We discuss the CFOT certification and the differen...

Content Creators of Low Voltage

21 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textI am starting a series highlighting content creators in the low voltage industry. This episode I bring on Todd Morse from BS with Todd, ...

Building a Better Fiber Clamp

17 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThere are many smart technicians in our industry who come up with great ideas on how to improve work processes.  There is more to bring...

RFP Walk Through Round Table

14 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis week on Low Voltage Chat Live stream with your hosts Chuck Bowser and Kevalynn Paskos we discuss the ins and outs of doing walk thr...

Don't Have a Tester, Well Listen Here....

11 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textTesters are expensive. That presents a challenge for most ICT teams and Project Managers. Many companies can't just go out and buy ...

The Basics of OSP with a Couple SMEs

04 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThe vast majority of people in the ICT industry install Inside Plant cable mixed with same small outside plant jobs. The OSP portion of ...

Low Voltage Chat Ep. 1

31 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWe are starting off a new series called Low Voltage Chat. This is episode 1. I even got a co host!  Kevallyn Poskos from KP Design. Thi...

Jump Start Your Career in Data Centers - Interview

28 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textData Center careers are hot right now. There is a huge number of openings in all fields. Carrie Goetz, a Amazon best selling author, wro...

Women in ICT- We Can Do Better

21 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textOur industry is a male dominated industry.  While we are making strides towards a more diverse industry there is still more to do.  We...

AHL Here We Go Again - Trunk Slammers Discussion

17 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis subject keeps coming back up. What is a Trunk Slammer definition, What are traits of a Trunk Slammer, Why you should avoid them. S...

Common Pathway and Design Questions

14 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis week we invited David Landphair from nVent to come on and discuss common pathway design and installation questions. We cover wire b...

AHL 3/9 Codes vs Standards vs Best Practices and Advice

10 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textJoin us for the audio for our After Hours Live audio from 3/9 as we discussed the difference between Codes vs Standards vs Best Practice...

A Conversation about PDUs

07 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWe talk to Eaton about Power Distribution Units (PDUs) and Uninterruptible Power Suppliers (UPS). We cover why you need them, what are s...

Does Heat Kill Equipment?

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textI had a semi-viral post on TikTok. I responded to a video where someone placed a PoE hub in their attic. I responded that the attic was ...

Make a Difference in the Community Part 1

20 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAs a company or individual in the ICT community, you should find ways to give back to your local community. We are starting a multipart ...

After Hours Live from 2/17

17 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis week we discuss what is a MUTOA, MUTOA vs Consolidation Point, best way to splice ribbon fiber into a Corning Cassette, being paid ...

Can You Beat the Best?

13 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis week we interview the BICSI 2023 Cable Skills Challenge winner. He won it not once but twice, putting him in a very exclusive club!...

Your Hiring Questions Answered!

06 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textRecently I received a ton of questions about how to muddle through hiring a new person for your team. Either we all have had to do this ...

Apprenticeship Training with IEC

31 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThe low voltage industry has always lacked in good solid apprenticeship programs. The JATC has built a solid apprenticeship programs for...

Best Way to Seal OSP Conduit

24 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textMany installers use Duct Seal to seal OSP conduit. This week I discuss an article I found about why this is not a good idea and in fact ...

AHL 1/19 Stripping Cable, Abandoned Cable, Milwaukee Angler Fish tape.

20 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis week we cover best way to strip a cable, an evaluation of the Milwaukee Angler Fish Tape, Best low cost or free CEC courses, when t...

Part 2 Basic Troubleshooting Network Equipment and WAPs

17 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textPart 2 of a two part series where we discuss with Ed The Old Tech Guy from TikTok on steps how to troubleshoot beyond cabling. We discus...

Basic Troubleshooting Network Equipment and WAPS (Part 1)

10 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textPart 1 of a two part series where we discuss with Ed The Old Tech Guy from TikTok on steps how to troubleshoot beyond cabling. We discus...

AHL 1/6 Foreman to PM, Fill Ratios, Mounting J Hooks

06 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWe start off the 2023 After Hour Live tonight. In this episode we discuss going from a Foreman to PM, clear up the confusion on fill rat...

What is Digital Electricity and Why You Should Care

03 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIts not PoE its Digital electricity.  We bring on Luke Getto from Volt Server to discuss what is digital electricity, is it safe, how w...

AHL 12/15 Why Train?, Documents Required to Close Out Project, Sleeves

22 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis week we covered why train from both an employers and employee perspective. What documents are required to close out a project?  Ho...

Labeling Tips and Tricks with Brother Solutions

19 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textLabeling, its one of the easiest and simplest things we can do, yet most ofter over looked. If a cable plant is not label correectly or ...

After Hours 12/8 SPECIAL EDITION,Not Using Patch Panels, Sleeve Quantities

15 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis week we did our After Hours Live different. I invited you, the audience member on as a guest. I had a blast. We talked about not us...

Another Fiber Training Option

13 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThere is no dispute that fiber training is in high demand. It benefits the installer/technician as well as the company. There are many p...

After Hours 12/1 Future Proofing, MUTOAs, J Hooks, Floor Penetrations

08 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textHere is the audio portion of the live stream broadcast on 12/1/2022. We answered.1. What is future proofing2. Why does a MUTOA need to b...

Why You Should Get Into Soundmasking

06 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textDon't be a one trick pony or company. The more skills you have the more money you can make as a technician or company. Sound-maskin...

BBQ & NECA - A Conversation with Jeff Beavers RCDD OSP

29 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAbout a year ago I came across Jeff Beavers RCDD OSP at a BICSI conference. While I knew of him I had never met him. We talked and he ag...

A Special Holiday Message....

24 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textHappy Thanksgiving, what are you thankful for? Support the showKnowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of ...

A Unique Firestop Experience

21 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis episode we close out the October Fire safety month (although a couple weeks late). We talk with Mike Tobias, an industry leader in ...

After Hours 11/17 Spool Testing, Cables in AC Duct, Material Shortage, Cables on Grid

18 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis week we cover Pre Installation testing for fiber, Cables inside AC ductwork, how to deal with material disappearing from a job site...

3 Tips on Handling the Material Shortage

15 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWe have been dealing with the material shortage for a while now. We bring on Wise Components to discuss the causes, 3 tips on how to han...

AHL 11/10 - Abandoned Cable, PoE Bundles, Noise on Cable, Installing Conduit

11 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWe resume our After Hours Live Stream after.a short break. This week we cover abandoned cable, PoE bundle sizes, noise on cable and inst...

What Tools Do You Need? Tool Talk with Jonard

08 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textI get it, we all love tools. We are always on the hunt for tools that make our job easier, faster, and better!  What tool should a new ...

COVID Strikes!

01 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWell after 2 years of avoiding COVID it caught up with me returning from a business trip last week.  While I do have content in the pip...

Interview With a New RCDD

25 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textMy mentor Jasmine Scinto RCDD passed her RCDD test. I brought her on to talk about her experience and hopefully inspire and help future ...

AHL 10/20 Cable Installation Challenge, Women in BICSI

21 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textOn this episode of After Hours Live with Chuck Bowser RCDD we have a Conversation with Betsy Conroy, freelance writer and consultant to ...

Firestop Systems Explained

18 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis episode we discuss endothermic, intumescent, and ablative properties, the difference between mechanical and non mechanical systems,...

Audio from 10/13 Ask Chuck Bowser RCDD After Hours Live

16 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textI broadcast remotely from Baltimore MD. This week we answer how to store push poles, does a ONT have to be bondedhow far should cable a...

UL Numbering System Explaned

13 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWe continue observance of October Fire Safety month and this week we discuss what is a listed firestop, how to select a fire stop, what ...

October Fire Prevention Month - Basics of Fire

04 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textOctober is Fire Prevention Month. For nearly 100 years we have observed and brought to attention the things we can do to prevent fires, ...

Audio from After Hours Live on September 22 2022

26 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textListen to the audio from our Live Stream broadcasted on September 22 2022Support the showKnowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the we...

Job vs Career - 8 Career Tips

20 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textMany people just plug away at every day at work not realizing the difference between a job and a career.  Why are they different, why s...

Audio from After Hours Live on 9/15 with Chuck Bowser RCDD

15 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWelcome to the audio from the live stream broadcast on 9/15. This show we answer What I think about the AMP termination tool, Should I r...

Data Center Fire Suppression Systems

13 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWell this week I m on the road. I intended to record this weeks episode on Sunday. I had to do some roof repair my extension ladder slip...

Audio from After Hours Live on September 1 2022

08 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textListen to the audio from our Live Stream broadcasted on September 1 2022Support the showKnowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the web...

Audio from After Hours Live on August 25, 2022

01 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAudio from Live Stream broadcast on August 25, 2022 on YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedinSupport the showKnowledge is power! Make sure to s...

Demystifying DAS

29 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textDistributed Antenna Systems has been growing exponentially and should you as an installer or low voltage company get into this line of w...

Outdoor Enclosures with Optiview

21 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis week we stop by and talk to our friends at Optiview. We talk about outdoor enclosures. We cover the different types, what you can p...

Abandoned Cable 101 with 5 Tech Tips

15 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textEPISODE REPLAY: If you have pulled cable for longer than a few days, sooner or later you will come across abandoned cable. Now what? Doe...

RCDD Study Round Table Discussion

12 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis special episode is an audio excerpt from our After Hours Live Stream broadcast on Aug 11, 2022.  We bring on a panel to discuss wh...

The Essentials of Fiber Cleaning Part 2

09 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textPART 2: The number one problem with fiber is contamination, or is it? This week I bring two subject matter experts Brian Teague from Sen...

The Essentials of Fiber Cleaning Part 1

02 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThe number one problem with fiber is contamination, or is it? This week I bring two subject matter experts Brian Teague from Senko and J...

WiseUp!!!

26 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis week we talk with Anthony Romeo from WiseUP podcast. We discuss Wise Component, COVID, and where our industry is going.  Support ...

5 Tips for Conducting Site Surveys

19 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textToday we give you 5 tips for conducting site surveys. A common thing Technicians often complain about is Estimators not visiting jobs to...

3 Ways to Improve Your Network Cabling Skills

05 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textToday we discuss 3 things you should know as contractors, technicians, and installers to Maximize your network cable you install.  By t...

Analyzing Fluke Test results and more with Mike Pennacchi

27 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textI get asked about test results all the time.  Sometimes they are simple and other times not so simple. An audience member submitted som...

Six Common Copper & Fiber Testing Questions AH Live

25 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis episode we explore the most common test questions with Steve Cowles RCDD, NTS from AEM .  Do you have any testing questions you wa...

After Hours Live with Chuck Bowser RCDD June 23

24 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThis is the audio from our After Hours Live Stream from YouTube, Linkedin, Facebook, and TikTok. We do our Acronym Challenge "What ...

Standards Update with Jonathan Jew

21 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIts that time of the year again, we check in with our resident standards expert Jonahan Jew, Secretary TIA 42.  He brings us up to date...

Trunk Slammers - Definition- How to Avoid Them

14 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThere seems to still be some confusion about trunk slammers. Many people think that if its a small company or don't have an office ...

Arm Chair Quarterback - A Conversation about the ANSI Standards

07 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textThere are many great people in the industry. There are also others who are dangerous because they think they know more than they actuall...

Seven Common Questions about Category Rated Cabling

24 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textAs you can imagine I get asked a lot of questions about category rated cabling. This episode we will answer is category 5e cable compati...

BICSIs New 8th Edition ITSIMM & Training Classes

16 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textIn January BICSI released its revised 8th edition ITSIMM. As you can imagine this also affected the INSTC, INSTF, and TECH courses. We i...

3 Reasons Category Rated Cable Fails Part 2

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textWe continue our two part category cable testing series.  Tonight we will cover propagation delay, delay skew, alien cross talk testing,...

3 Reasons Category Rated Cable Fails

03 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textTesting cable has become more complex. This is because the cable has become more complex. The simple continuity testers will not just su...

Fiber Talk with Sean Kelly RCDD at Light Brigade

26 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Send us a textFiber is one of the skills that can launch your career into the stratosphere.  Yet where do you find the training. We bring Sean Kelly ...