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Tag: technology

DIY Low voltage Projects is it worth it?

Written by Alanna Guevara on . Posted in blog.

I grew up in a house where my grandfather was a huge DIY man. Anything and everything he would “fix”, to the best of his ability that is. I remember how the lighting in the house just wasn’t quite right. I would turn the switch on one end of the kitchen having to go to the other side to flip another switch to get this one particular light on.

You would think after living there for years I would  get the hang of which switch did what, but that wasn’t the case. There are many DIY projects that may have been better left to the professionals. 

When it comes to low voltage cabling people often become ambitious in wiring their home. Maybe they want a new sound or  theater system, or even set up their own security system. With any job you need the right tools to complete it, that holds especially true when it comes to low voltage cabling. 

Besides what is in your typical toolbox, you may need to triple that for a low voltage job. 

To go over just a few favorites; 

  • Wire Stripper
  • Metal cutter 
  • Voltage Tester 
  • Electrical Tape 
  • Labeling Marker and Labels 
  • Sheetrock Knife 
  • Crimpers
  • Specific bits – space bit, concrete bits 
  • The correct cables 

Many times people will purchase the wrong tools. This could result in an incomplete, inoperable system, not to mention often leaving the home looking unfurnished after such a project. 

Having the right tools and knowing how to use them is where trained professionals really come in handy. Our techs have gone through extensive training, they are BICSI certified and have 20+ years of experience.

Often unforeseen problems occur. Trained Technicians encounter these issues and are excellent problem solvers as this is what they accomplish  on a daily basis. 

They have a certain situational awareness where they can identify what the problem is and exactly how to solve it, cutting the time in half compared to someone with little low voltage knowledge.

Is it worth it? 

If you have the experience and training, then DIY is manageable, however even some jobs can be a two person project. There is usually  a timeline  when considering a project we want to complete.  When you think of the cost of purchasing tools, your time, safety, and factoring any hiccups along the way it is best to Look at the big picture. Hiring a professional is usually the way to go. 

Our techs may be able to handle the DIY home projects but does that mean so should you?

What Keeps us Motivated?

Written by Alanna Guevara on . Posted in blog.

How do we stay connected and motivated 

The workforce looks a bit different from our end these days. We have employees who work remotely, who may be hybrid, and our technicians who are on site. It can be challenging in showing ways of appreciation and ensuring we stay motivated. After all, we don’t have unlimited free coffee in our “break rooms”, some of our employee break rooms are their very own kitchens.

Our technicians have to be encouraged to even take a break for lunch. Providing work lunches can be challenging with everyone in different locations. This is the low voltage grind.  These are really old  ways of trying to get employees motivated anyway. Did they even work in the past? 

We make sure our technicians and back office team get the training they need to make them feel better able to handle new work tasks. More knowledge equates to better performance and a better sense of self. We often reflect to see where we stand and are we standing together as a team. During team meetings we get excited going over projects that are coming up. We  plan and get excited about what we do and who we are doing it for. 

We recently completed a project for the Brotherhood sister Sol. This was a project we felt especially close to. We were able to install studio equipment for their sound rooms. We provided Cat 6 and fiber installation. We also installed their cameras.

Brother Sister Sol was founded in 1955 and now with its new building is able to give back even more. Providing educational programs, after school care, counseling ,job training, college prep, and international study programs.  We can’t help but feel a part of something great! 

Last year we celebrated our employees with a company cruise. Taking a week off to relax and bond. People communicate in different ways, and getting to know how we each communicate  helps us practice problem resolution skills. It also allows us to have our projects flow seamlessly. We work hard and making sure we have the time off helps us see what we are doing this for. 

Finding meaning in what we do empowers us and is our driving force of motivation. 

Appreciation, encouragement, constructive feedback. We feel better, when we do better.

Why Fiber Optics is How We Network

Written by wdiaz on . Posted in blog.

Energy, all businesses need it but how can we get it without the damaging effects it has on our earth.  Businesses need the wiring to build their network and survive. With many businesses making a comeback after 2020 we have more building plans that are being constructed.

We have an opportunity to take charge from the start and make some changes that can benefit our environment and decrease our carbon footprint. A lower energy consumption means positive elements for the environment.

Using a fiber optic network will not only use less energy now but it allows networks to work over a longer period of time. How does Fiber Optics help the environment? Well, it reduces CO2 emissions and the use of  non sustainable materials. 

Shorter lengths of fiber optic cabling supports a high bandwidth over longer distances compared to copper cabling. Fiber is lighter in weight and requires fewer lines to use which helps reduce unnecessary waste.

Using a closet to support fiber optic telecom networks helps reduce the need for a cooling system (HVAC) which in turn limits the amount of HFC’s that are known to harm our environment. Overall Fiber Optics is good for growing businesses and businesses who have the same environmental goals. A small change now for big changes tomorrow. Let’s Thrive!