Installers, your world is changing. The installations you used to do are becoming less while new types of installations are on the rise. If you don’t update your skills, you could have fewer installation gigs. If you keep up with changes in the marketplace, however, you should have plenty of opportunities in your community. February is “Installerthon” here at Solid Signal. The information in this post comes in time for electronics installers looking to keep their skills sharp.
Radio Frequency (RF) Distribution
Radio frequency distribution, aka RF distribution, is the cornerstone of what our Signal Connect division handles. Satellite TV is one of the most common forms of RF distribution BES’s installer partners handle. Our Signal Connect reps have sold satellite TV packages and equipment for homes and businesses as well as boats, big rigs, and RVs. We’ve also delivered satellite TV to large developments such as shopping centers, hospitals, and other commercial properties.
There are many other forms of RF distribution that installers need to know to work in today’s market, including:
1. Cell Phone Signal Boosters
It’s pretty much accepted that few people can live without their cell phones these days. These devices are much more than a phone for many people. While we depend on these devices, cell signal transmission doesn’t always keep up with the demand. There are plenty of places where signal isn’t as strong as it should be. A cell booster enhances the weak signal to end dropped calls, missed texts, and slow data downloads.
Cell boosters aren’t difficult to install. Like anything else, an installer has to know what they’re doing when working with these devices. The demand for cell booster installation in buildings, homes, offices, and vehicles will continue to grow. As an installer, more and more of your jobs will involve these devices.
2. Mesh Networking
Mesh networks are Wi-Fi systems that allow users to roam from room to room and stay connected. In many cases, these systems are replacing the routers many businesses and homeowners used in the past. In most cases, mesh networking offers a fairly easy installation inside the home. Installers like you will likely be asked to put these systems up inside larger facilities such as businesses. The demands for this are more rigorous for these installations and you’ll have to be familiar with mesh networking to be successful.
3. Ethernet Installations
These installations require a lot more than just knowing how to install an Ethernet jack inside a wall. (That 14-step process is detailed enough!) Like mesh networking, installers like you will likely be asked to deliver large Ethernet solutions for businesses, organizations, and institutions. Do you know everything you need to know to handle installations of that size and scope? Do you know the differences between Cat5E and Cat6 Ethernet cable? You’ll have to learn this and so much more to keep up with today’s installation demands.
4. Low-Voltage Wiring
Low-voltage is a catch-all term that’s basically used to describe all electrical wiring for communications. As far as this post goes, the term refers to special purpose wiring that’s not part of the network, electrical, or RF distribution. These installations send a small amount of voltage to a specific device for a specific purpose. (We’re talking installations in the 50-1,000 Volt AC/120-1,500 DC range.) Examples include opening doors, turning on lights, and watering lawns. Installers who provide low-voltage solutions will like do so for commercial properties and governmental facilities.
Want to Be a Low-Voltage Installer?
Are you an installer who wants to earn more revenue? We recommend you get certified in installing these other types of RF and low-voltage installations. give us a call at 888-233-7563. You can also contact us by filling out the form below and sending it to us.
