Shows
Let's Talk Cabling!Low Voltage Insight: From Copper to FiberSend us a textChuck Bowser explores essential cabling concepts from fiber optic compatibility to future-proofing residential installations and proper grounding techniques. He addresses practical concerns for industry professionals while celebrating new RCDD certifications within the Let's Talk Cabling community.• APC fiber patch cords should never be connected to UPC fiber adapter panels due to misaligned end faces and potential permanent damage• Future-proofing residential cabling typically means installing Cat6A despite its higher cost (66% more than Cat6) for its longevity and performance benefits• The average structured cabling plant lifespan is 7-10 years in commer...2025-05-0832 minLet's Talk Cabling!Everything You Need to Know Before Your Next Installation Goes WrongSend us a textChuck Bowser, RCDD, addresses crucial questions about low-voltage systems, covering EMI detection, IP ratings, camera lenses, and safety procedures in this technical deep-dive episode.• Signs of electromagnetic interference include humming audio, equipment damage, fuzzy screens, ESD shocks, and signal glitches• Standard installation practices like separation from power cables can often prevent EMI without requiring shielded cabling• IP ratings use a two-digit system where the first number (0-6) indicates protection against solids and the second (0-8) shows water protection• Camera lens types include fixed (unchangeable), variable (manually adjustable), zoom (motorize...2025-04-1730 minLet's Talk Cabling!Navigating Low-Voltage Challenges: From Project Management to Career GrowthSend us a textChuck explores the complex dynamics between electricians and low-voltage specialists while discussing how to choose between fiber optics and copper cabling in various project scenarios.• Explaining to customers that specialists are best for specialized work, using the analogy of not going to a podiatrist for a root canal• Fiber offers more bandwidth, EMI immunity, and longer distances but isn't always necessary and costs more• Effective project management requires planning, scheduling, resource optimization, and regular quality inspection• Getting as much information upfront for estimates leads to more accurate pricing and fewe...2025-04-1022 minLet's Talk Cabling!AHL 15 Common Questions about the RCDD CredentialSend us a textEarning the RCDD certification is a critical milestone for professionals in the ICT industry. From understanding exam requirements to mastering study techniques, this episode provides essential insights into succeeding as an RCDD.• Overview of the RCDD certification's significance• Requirements for qualifying for the RCDD exam• Discussing the challenges of the RCDD exam• Recommended study resources and techniques• Financial considerations for taking the RCDD exam• Potential career opportunities with RCDD certification• Tips on maintaining RCDD certification• Insights on passing the RCDD exam and preparing effectively• Importance...2025-02-1329 minLet's Talk Cabling!Elevate Your Project Management SkillsSend us a textUnlock the secrets to successful project management as we share expert insights and practical strategies to keep your projects on track and within budget. Discover the essential elements of detailed planning through tools like the work breakdown structure (WBS) and learn the art of resource management inspired by the teachings of Paul Henkels. Through personal stories, we'll illustrate the importance of vetting your team members and maintaining robust communication and documentation, all while aligning with the PMBOK framework.Navigate the complexities of effective collaboration and documentation in project management. We'll provide...2024-11-2130 minLet's Talk Cabling!Mastering Salary Negotiation After Certification AHLSend us a textEver wondered how a certification like the RCDD could transform your career trajectory? On this episode of After Hours Live, I, Chuck Bowser, share personal insights on using professional credentials to boost your salary and open new doors. Tune in as I recount my own journey with the RCDD certification, the job offers it brought, and why I ultimately chose to stay loyal to my employer, leading to a well-deserved promotion. You’ll gain practical advice on aligning your personal growth with company goals and learn why sometimes the grass isn't always greener on...2024-11-0735 minLet's Talk Cabling!After Hours Live: 5 common Common ICT QuestionsSend us a textWhat if mastering cable dressing could revolutionize your telecommunications setup? Join us on the Let's Talk Cabling Podcast with Chuck Bowser, RCDD, where we unravel the complexities of cable management, from the crucial role of acronyms like OLTS (Optical Loss Test Set) to the subtle art of choosing Velcro over tie wraps. Celebrate the industry's trailblazers with the Big C awards and gain valuable insights into maintaining the integrity of your cabling infrastructure. We promise you'll come away with practical tips to enhance airflow, reduce cable stress, and ensure your system is not...2024-10-0334 minLet's Talk Cabling!Elevate Your ICT Career: Insights from BICSI Learning Academy with Christopher HobbsSend us a textDiscover how to elevate your career in the ICT industry with expert insights from Christopher Hobbs, an experienced RCDD and certified trainer. In our latest episode, Christopher breaks down the unparalleled benefits of BICSI Learning Academy's training programs, both face-to-face and virtual, underscoring the unique personal touch and interactive elements that set them apart. From installation to advanced design and project management, get a comprehensive look at the diverse array of classes offered and learn how proper education can save you from costly errors and propel your professional journey forward.Take...2024-09-1738 minLet's Talk Cabling!BICSI Credentialing Institute: Unlocking the Benefits of CredentialingSend us a textUnlock the secrets behind the prestigious Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) credential with our special guest, Joy Andis, the Credentialing Operations Manager at the BICSI Certification Institute. Discover the fascinating journey of the RCDD, from its inception in 1984 to its evolution into a benchmark of excellence in the industry. Joy sheds light on the meticulous three to five-year process of updating and developing new exams, involving essential steps like Job Task Analysis, item writing, standard setting, and scheme alignment. Learn about the invaluable contributions of subject matter experts and how you can play...2024-08-2023 minLet's Talk Cabling!Behind the Scenes at the BICSI Learning AcademySend us a textEver wondered how industry standards and certifications come to life? Join me for a special, behind-the-scenes journey to BICSI, where you'll get exclusive access to the BICSI Learning Academy, insights into the development of codes, standards, and best practices, and a captivating interview with industry expert Chris Hobbs on training programs. Participate in our engaging acronym challenge and share your thoughts in the comments as I navigate my way to the upcoming BICSI fall conference in Las Vegas, peppering the episode with personal anecdotes and updates.Discover the transformative power of...2024-08-0125 minLet's Talk Cabling!Answers to Common Copper Testing Failures - AHL with Chuck Bowser RCDDSend us a textHave you ever had one of those days where everything seems to go haywire? I kick off today's episode with a hilarious personal story about my trip to the eye doctor, where I ended up wearing some funky glasses thanks to my dilated pupils. Trust me, you won't want to miss the trivia challenge that followed, as our listeners quickly nailed the answer to a tough question on attenuation crosstalk ratio far-end (ACR-F). We revisit last week's structured cabling systems discussion, diving deep into subsystems, components, and distinctions like permanent link versus channel...2024-07-2627 minLet's Talk Cabling!Fiber Optics and Leadership in Project ManagementSend us a textCould the smallest bend in your fiber optic cable be sabotaging your network performance? On tonight’s episode of "After Hours, Live with Chuck Bowser RCDD," we explore the intricate world of fiber optic cable bends. Starting with our ever-popular "What are you drinking?" segment, we quickly transition into the nitty-gritty of micro-bends and macro-bends. Learn how these seemingly minor deviations can lead to significant light loss and compromised fiber performance. Chuck offers practical advice on using Visual Fault Locators (VFL) and Optical Time Domain Reflectometers (OTDR) to keep your fiber in top sh...2024-06-0733 minLet's Talk Cabling!Mastering the RCDD Exam: Strategies and Benefits of Study GroupsSend us a textUnlock the secrets of creating and managing successful RCDD study groups with our latest episode! Ever wondered how to boost your industry status and salary potential through certification? Join us as we share invaluable guidelines for forming study groups that not only aid in mastering the rigorous RCDD exam but also foster a strong learning community. We'll take you through the essential ways to tackle complex concepts and terminologies, ensuring you build a solid foundation from the ground up.Facing challenges understanding advanced principles like transmission? You're not alone. We'll discuss...2024-05-3142 minLet's Talk Cabling!Unveiling the 15th Edition of the TDMM: Future-Proofing ICT Infrastructure with Bob HertlingSend us a textReady to revolutionize your understanding of ICT infrastructure? We're thrilled to have Bob Hertling RCDD, OSP, an industry veteran with an impressive 47-year career, guide us through the transformative 15th edition of the Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual (TDMM). Gain exclusive insights into Bob's journey from the US Coast Guard to major roles in Parsons Corporation and beyond, as he unveils the crucial role the TDMM plays in shaping the future of ICT infrastructure design and installation. Discover how this latest edition impacts industry standards and prepares professionals for the RCDD credential, cementing its...2024-05-2831 minLet's Talk Cabling!Fueling Passion and Success in the ICT Industry: Insights from an RCDDSend us a textReady to unlock the secrets of a successful career in the ICT industry? Let's jumpstart your path to expertise with insights on how passion fuels creativity and resilience in the workplace. Chuck Bowser, your trusty RCDD, is back to share his infectious enthusiasm for all things ICT. From decoding acronyms to sipping ginger Zevia and quoting Albert Schweitzer, this episode is a beacon for anyone looking to infuse their career with joy and success. We kick things off with an engaging listener question from Fried Cat 6, setting the stage for a session packed...2024-05-2432 minLet's Talk Cabling!Mastering EMT Conduit Installation for Data Cabling Excellence: Tips, Standards, and Best PracticesSend us a textEver wondered why EMT conduit is the unsung hero of data cabling? Chuck Bowser, RCDD, is here to shine a light on the critical role of proper conduit installation in protecting your data cabling infrastructure. With an engaging walk-through of fitting new drops into my podcast studio, I'll demonstrate why getting the intricacies of stub ups and stub outs right is a game changer for project managers and designers alike. We delve into the depths of the Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual (TDMM), unraveling the standards that spell out the difference between a job...2024-04-1933 minLet's Talk Cabling!Cracking the Code on Fiber Optic Testing with Steve Cowles RCDDSend us a textUnlock the secrets of fiber optic wizardry with Steve Cowles RCDD from AEM, who joins us to demystify the core principles of Fiber Testing. If you've ever scratched your head trying to make sense of those elusive dB (decibel) measurements, this episode promises to transform confusion into clarity. We'll get down to brass tacks with practical insights on setting accurate loss measurements and the essential warm-up rituals for power sources and light meters. As we walk you through the evolution of fiber testing, from the days of manual grunt work to today's sleek p...2024-04-0929 minLet's Talk Cabling!After Hours REWIND: Virtual QAs!Send us a textEver wondered if there's more to cable pulling than meets the eye? Strap in as your host Chuck Bowser, RCDD, leads you through the maze of precision that makes or breaks your network's backbone. This episode isn't just about the quirks of Category 6A cable measurements; it's a treasure trove of insights and belly laughs for telecom pros and novices alike. We're unpacking everything from the secrets of After Hours Live to the magic behind meticulous installations. And hang tight for our Motivational Minute—it's a game changer that champions impeccable workmanship and th...2024-04-0530 minLet's Talk Cabling!Behind the Scenes of Telecommunications A Career GuideSend us a textEver wondered about the intricate paths weaving through the low-voltage industry landscape? Strap in, as Chuck Bowser, your trusty RCDD, guides you through the diverse career opportunities that await in the realms of network cabling, building automation, and beyond. From the sensory satisfaction of pulling wires to the complexity of interfacing with advanced telecommunications systems, our latest episode exposes the multifaceted roles that make this industry tick. We'll even toss in a playful acronym challenge to keep your mental gears grinding!Pull up a chair, and let's crack the code on...2024-03-2938 minLet's Talk Cabling!Mastering the Art of Modular Plug Terminated Links (MPTL) in NetworkingSend us a textPrepare to unravel the mysteries of Modular Plug Terminated Links with the expertise of Dan Underbrink RCDD from Leviton, an industry veteran who's seen it all. Discover the surprising ways MPTLs can streamline your network infrastructure, particularly for devices that don’t require regular unplugging. Dan guides us through the intricate world of cabling, sharing his wealth of knowledge on when to utilize MPTLs over traditional structured systems, and why your office desktop setup demands the solidity of jacks and patch cords.In our enlightening discussion, we navigate the nuances of tes...2024-02-2727 minLet's Talk Cabling!The Journey of a RCDD CandidateSend us a textEmbark on an enlightening odyssey with Michael Mukupa CFOT SNR NCS, as we uncover the grit and intellect required to conquer the Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) certification. As a licensed Network Cabling Specialist and a certified Fiber Optic Technician, Michael is no stranger to the intricacies of the ICT industry. However, his thirst for knowledge led him to seek the RCDD. Together, we'll navigate the compelling tale of ambition and the quest for professional mastery that can reshape the career landscape for any committed ICT professional.As Michael...2024-02-0634 minLet's Talk Cabling!Elevating Your Career with the RCDD DesignationSend us a textEver wondered what makes an RCDD tick or how it could skyrocket your career in the ICT industry? Your favorite RCDD , Chuck Bowser, is here to answer the 5 most commonly asked questions about the RCDD credential .This episode is a deep dive into what it truly means to hold the coveted RCDD credential and how it's not just another title, but a game-changing asset. We tackle the top queries about RCDD, from prerequisites to the transformative effect it can have on your professional life and the exciting world of crafting top-tier...2024-02-0243 minLet's Talk Cabling!15th Edition TDMM Released and Top Ten Estimating QuestionsSend us a textEver find yourself navigating the complex currents of telecommunications with more questions than answers? Let Chuck Bowser, your trusted RCDD, illuminate the path with his latest podcast episode, "Electrifying Insights with Chuck Bowser: TDMM and RCDD Exam Updates." As we pop open a Zevia root beer together, Chuck dives straight into the heart of the matter, offering a treasure trove of tips for acing the RCDD exam and a detailed look at the new content in the 15th edition of the TDMM. Whether you're entangled in study material or looking for the ins...2024-01-2646 minLet's Talk Cabling!Unraveling the Art of Cable Management: Insights from a Standards Expert Henry Franc RCDD OSPSend us a textPrepare to be enlightened and entertained as Henry Franc, a master of the cabling universe and chair of the TIA TR-42 Engineering Standards Committee, joins us for a lively exchange on the often contentious world of cable combing. Whether you're a staunch Velcro supporter or a tie wrap aficionado, Henry's anecdotes and insights promise to add spark to the old debate. From trade talk to laughter, we bridge the gap between the nitty-gritty of installations and the stories that color our industry, reminding everyone that your voice and expertise matter in shaping the...2024-01-231h 00Let's Talk Cabling!AHL - Insights from the Front Lines of Telecommunications with Chuck BowserSend us a textEver found yourself chuckling over the unexpected? That's exactly what we did as Florida's chill surprised us, but it didn't dampen the spirits during our electrifying Thursday evening Q&A. I'm your host, Chuck Bowser, and with a beverage in hand, we tackled the ins and outs of the telecommunications industry. From the anticipation of the Bixie conference to the essentials of mentorship within the organization, our session was a blend of networking, learning, and, of course, a quick-fire acronym challenge (did someone say OSP?).As the conversation flowed like the...2024-01-1931 minLet's Talk Cabling!Skyrocketing Your ICT Career with the RCDD Certification: Steps, Tips, and ExperiencesSend us a textHere's a tantalizing question for you. What if you had the power to skyrocket your career in the ICT industry? Come along for an enlightening journey as we demystify the intricacies of the Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) certification – a must-have for ICT professionals. We shed light on why obtaining this certification can be a game-changer, leading to increased recognition and opportunities. Boldly we state, having an RCDD certification is worth its weight in gold. But let's not leave out our comparison with the RTPM certification. We'll guide you through the step...2023-12-1548 min