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UPCOMING TRAINING SESSIONS AND EVENTS

The Iowa Heartland Chapter strives to provide members with affordable opportunities for networking and professional development.  
If you have an idea for a training that the Iowa Heartland Chapter should provide, please send your ideas to curtisdean64@gmail.com.

 2023 Vendor Day and Cable-Tec Games

March 23, 2023
​Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center
​Johnston, IA
After a long break (thank's COVID-19), the Iowa Heartland SCTE is excited to bring back our annual Vendor Day! This year, we think our show will be bigger and better than ever!

We will also be holding the 2023 edition of Cable-Tec Games!

Attending the Vendor Expo is free and does not require registration. However, lunch is only provided for Cable-Tec Games participants and vendors
Schedule
​7:00am-8:30am Vendor setup - Northwoods Room
9:00am-Noon Vendor floor open - Northwoods Room
Noon-1:00pm Lunch (for vendors and Cable-Tec Games participants)
1:00pm-4:00pm Cable-Tec Games - Pioneer and Green Acres
Vendor Registration and Sponsorships

Cable-Tec Games

FREE TO PARTICIPATE! Cable-Tec Games is FREE and open to any broadband technician who wants to test your skills!
CABLE SPLICING: The contestant will be expected to prepare both ends of a length of .500 cable and connectorize one end with a .500 pin connector. Judging will be based on quality of workmanship and final results.

FIBER SPLICING: The contestant will be expected to prepare both ends of a length of fiber optic cable, fusion splice the ends together, install optical splice protector sleeve, clean splicer and cleaver and properly discard shards. Judging will be based on SAFTY, quality of workmanship and final results.

METER READING: Measure and record the input and output levels of a “Black Box”, (box has a tap, DC, & splitter inside). Determine tap and DC values, and match “Black Box” to the appropriate schematic

MTDR: Measure a number of lengths of drop cables to determine termination, splice connections and/or velocity of propagation.

DROP CONNECTION: The contestant will be expected to prepare both ends of two lengths of Series 6 messengered, bonded trishield cable. Install a connector on three of the four ends of the cable and attach one connector to a tap housing and two ends to a bonding block using proper techniques. This is a timed event and all hand tools will be supplied. You will be allowed to use your own tools as long as there is no competitive advantage and based on judge’s approval. 

OTDR: The contestant will be expected to determine events and termination of fiber cable using an OTDR. 

CABLE JEOPARDY: Similar to the game show. Five categories, four contestants, points scored for correct questions, points are subtracted for incorrect questions
Cable-Tec Games participants will be eligible for several great door prizes!
Sign Up For Cable Games
Thank you to the following Vendor Day sponsors and exhibitors!
ACI Communications
​AFL
Altec
​Amphenol
​Arcom Digital
​Atlantic Vision
Aureon
CBM
Challenger Cable Sales
Clearfield
​Communications Supply Group
Dura-Line
Enersys
Hitron
NCTI
Open Country
​Power & Tel
Technetix
Team Sales
​TVC Communications

Meter Reading (OTDR, MTDR)

Dates to be determined, late April

Fiber Prep, Cleaning, Testing, and Turn-Up

Dates to be confirmed, likely June 20-21-22

The Path to 10G over DOCSIS

July date to be confirmed
​Virtual training

Managing Customer's Wi-Fi Expectations

September 27 and 28, 2023
Presenter: Seth Thompson, Calix

​Details to come!

Past Events and Trainings

CBRS Training

February 21, 2023
Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities
1735 NE 70th Avenue, Ankeny

Choose for Morning or Afternoon sessions
​8:00am-11:00am  or  1:00pm-4:00pm

Presenters: Yousuf Saifullah, Ericsson; Aaron Miller, Mediacom

Join us to learn more about CBRS wireless, including technical information about this broadband technology and a discussion of actual installation experience.

Basic PON Design

Wednesday, December 28, 2022
8:30am-10:30am or 1:00pm-3:00pm
Free To Participate
Presenter: Justin Quinn, NewCom Technologies
This session will provide an introduction to the factors that need to be considered when designing a passive optical network (PON).
  • Components of a PON/FTTH deployment
  • OLT platforms, ONT options (including integrated home gateways)
  • Deployment parameters and options such as homerun vs remote split, operating wavelengths including interoperability/fiber sharing strategies, link budgets and splitting ratios.
  • Discussion of advantages and disadvantages of PON versus Active Ethernet
  • Discussion of competing standards for PON (GPON, XGS-PON, 25G PON, etc.) and an evaluation of advantages and disadvantages of each
  • Current and future supply chain challenges

Focusing on the Customer Service Experience

Wednesday, December 21, 2022
8:30am and 1pm (1 hour sessions)
Free To Participate
Presenter: Aaryn Slafky, Pivot
Join us for a discussion of steps that broadband customer contact personnel, including customer service staff and technicians, can take to improve the customer service experience .

The Evolution of IPTV

Tuesday, December 13, 2022
9am and 1pm (1.5 hour sessions)
Free To Participate
Joint training with West Virginia Chapter
Featured Speakers: Emily Call, Midwest Video Solutions and Jean Edhlund, Cooperative Network Services

Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) has been used by video providers, especially those with fiber networks, for a number of years. But IPTV has been evolving beyond it's original ecosystem with proprietary set-top boxes.

In this session we will discuss the differences between traditional IPTV and app-based delivery and take a look at how IPTV will continue to evolve. And we will take a look at how cable companies are making the transition to app-based delivery methods using consumer devices like Roku and Amazon Fire Sticks.

Leadership Skills: Are You Optimizing or Prioritizing?

Hosted by the North Florida Chapter
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
8:00am-9:00am or 2:00pm-3:00pm
Free to Participate
Trainer: Lisa Hartman, ULearn

Join us for a discussion on how to grow your leadership and influence. Training topics include: Are you in job mode or career mode? Making the most of the skills you have. Recognizing your natural attributes. Maximizing opportunities. Training vs. Mentoring. Leading vs. Influencing.

Customer Premise WiFi

October 26, 2022
Virtual Sessions (Zoom)
9:00am and 1:00pm
Free To Participate
New & Trusted WiFi Best Practices for Various Deployment Environments
Trainer: Gabriel Reyes, Comtrend

​Do you deploy broadband in Rural Low-Density Areas, High-Density MDUs, and/or Large Homes?  You, the Service Provider, encounter a variety of settings that require differing deployment needs. In this training you will learn how best to deploy CPE in mixed environments to maximize deployments while reducing costs and support calls.

Video of AM Session


Training Workshop &
​Cable-Tec Games

October 11-12, 2022
​Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center
​Johnston, IA

Cable-Tec Games Sponsors - THANK YOU!

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FTTP Activation and DWDM

Wednesday, May 25, 2022
9am or 1pm Central
Virtual Sessions
​Free To Participate!
Presented by Stephen Colangelo, Viavi.

Ensuring FTTx Service Activation Success
With FTTx deployments now hitting their stride, operators are looking for ways to optimize their installations and service activations.   This session will discuss the latest tools for certifying drop cable installations and verification of delivered services.  We’ll also look at in-home performance to ensure the best customer experience and eliminate call backs.    
​
Efficient Deployment and Maintenance of DWDM
This session will look at what makes WDM systems unique and the challenges in deploying them.  Whether its being able to verify routing through the wavelength specific components or ensuring the correct channel is being delivered, having the right tools and processes will unsure success.  Learn about DWDM OTDRs, Channel Checkers and Optical Spectrum Analyzers

Workplace Safety Training

Thursday, February 24, 2022
Virtual Sessions (Zoom)
8:30am-10:30am     Work Zone Safety & Traffic Control
Addresses how to protect employees from traffic while working on or near the streets and roads.
​11:00am-12:00pm.   Ladder Safety
A review and discussion of the proper use, maintenance and inspection of portable and fixed ladders. 
1:00pm-2:00pm.       Defensive Driving
​Emphasis on what to look for while you are driving and review important defensive driving procedures. 
2:30pm-3:30pm.       Dog Bite Awareness

​Teaches employees how to prevent one of the most common work hazards as well as lost time due to injuries incurred. Participants will learn what to do when entering yards, what to do if approached by a dog who may attack and what to do if attacked or bitten. Information will also be provided on what makes dogs aggressive and how to use protective devices. 

Training Sponsors

A big THANK YOU to Power & Tel, Open Country, and Wirewerks for sponsoring this training!

Evolution of the Pathway

Monday, December 6, 2021
9:00am or 1:00pm
Live Session: Western Iowa Networks, 1780 Kittyhawk Ave. Carroll IA
Virtual Session: On Zoom
We will discuss the changing demands on broadband, the effects it has on infrastructure, and evolving pathway solutions to better serve future demands.

WiFi 6 Virtual Training

Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Trainer: Gabriel Reyes, Comtrend

comtrend_wifi_6_training_collateral.pdf
File Size: 1941 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

WiFi Basics

Wednesday, December 16, 2020
8:00am CDT and 1:00pm CDT

Presented by Tony Holmes, VeEX

OTDR Training

Wednesday, September 30, 2020
8:00am CDT and 1:00pm CDT

Presented by Jeff Harmon, Viavi Solutions

Cable-Tec Games

The 2020 Cable-Tec Games were postponed as a precautionary measure to protect attendees from the spread of the COVID-19 virus (aka Coronavirus). We hope conditions allow us to conduct the Games again in 2021. Please check back for updates

DATE AND LOCATION TO BE DETERMINED

Schedule
11:30am     Registration and Lunch
12:30pm     Cable-Tec Games
5:00pm       Games Conclude and Awards
Cable-Tec Games is FREE and open to any broadband technician who wants to test your skills!
CABLE SPLICING: The contestant will be expected to prepare both ends of a length of .500 cable and connectorize one end with a .500 pin connector. Judging will be based on quality of workmanship and final results.

FIBER SPLICING: The contestant will be expected to prepare both ends of a length of fiber optic cable, fusion splice the ends together, install optical splice protector sleeve, clean splicer and cleaver and properly discard shards. Judging will be based on SAFTY, quality of workmanship and final results.

METER READING: Measure and record the input and output levels of a “Black Box”, (box has a tap, DC, & splitter inside). Determine tap and DC values, and match “Black Box” to the appropriate schematic

MTDR: Measure a number of lengths of drop cables to determine termination, splice connections and/or velocity of propagation.

DROP CONNECTION: The contestant will be expected to prepare both ends of two lengths of Series 6 messengered, bonded trishield cable. Install a connector on three of the four ends of the cable and attach one connector to a tap housing and two ends to a bonding block using proper techniques. This is a timed event and all hand tools will be supplied. You will be allowed to use your own tools as long as there is no competitive advantage and based on judge’s approval. 

OTDR: The contestant will be expected to determine events and termination of fiber cable using an OTDR. 

CABLE JEOPARDY: Similar to the game show. Five categories, four contestants, points scored for correct questions, points are subtracted for incorrect questions

Fiber Prep, Cleaning, and Testing

Instructor: Tim Locker, CBM

TWO Sessions Per Day at TWO Locations!

Wednesday, April 8, 2020
​Carrollton Inn
1730 US-71
Carroll, IA 51401
Thursday, April 9, 2020
Kirkwood Community College
1770 Boyson Road
Hiawatha, IA 52233
Schedule (for each location)

Morning Session:  8:30am-11:30am
Afternoon Session: 1:00pm-4:00pm

DOCSIS 3.1

Wednesday, October 16, 2019 and Thursday, October 17, 2019
​Des Moines and Hiawatha

Vendor Show and SCTE Race Day

November 13, 2019
​Holiday Inn, Urbandale and Pole Position Raceway, Grimes

Fiber Optics 1-2-3

Tuesday, April 9, 2019 & Wednesday, April 10, 2019
Carroll, Iowa & Ankeny, IA

2019 Cable-Tec Games

Wednesday, February 27, 2019
IAMU, Ankeny

CLICK HERE for winners scoresheet

Fiber Optics 1-2-3

Wednesday, November 7, 2018 and Thursday, November 8, 2018
Instructors: Steve Scudder, OFS/Fitel and Tim Locker, CBM

Vendor Day and Golf Outing

Wednesday, October 3, 2018
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All Things DOCSIS

Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Instructors: ​Benjamin Brodfuehrer and Russ Widener, Cisco

Home Networking Challenges

Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Live training: Ankeny
Remote sites: Cedar Falls and Muscatine

Thursday, May 3, 2018
Live training: Hiawatha
Instructor: Ron Tracey, Mediacom and Tony Holmes, VeEx

Cable-Tec Games

Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Kirkwood Training & Outreach Services
1770 Boysen Road
​Hiawatha, IA 52233
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2018 Iowa Cable-Tec Games Participants

 All Things Fiber Optics

Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Live training: Ankeny
Remote sites: Cedar Falls and Muscatine

Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Live training: Hiawatha
Instructor: Ron Grigsby, RDG Telecom

Vendor Day and Golf Outing

Wednesday, October 4, 2017
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Cable-Tec Games

Thursday, June 8, 2017
A big THANK YOU to all of the participants, and congratulations to Nathan Sidlinger, our overall winner! 
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All Things IP Video

Tuesday, May 2, 2017
Live training: Hiawatha
Remote sites: Spencer and Harlan
Instructor: Charles Dostale, CFU Network Engineer


Preventative Network Maintenance

November 16 & 17, 2016
Ankeny and Marion
Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities
1735 NE 70th Avenue
​Ankeny, IA 50021

Network Power Training

Instructor: George Bozak, Alpha
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
300 East 9th St.
Coralville, IA. 52241

Home Networking Challenges and PON Essentials

Instructor: Bret McElwee, Senior Sales Engineer, Calix
October 12 & 13, 2016
Marion and Ankeny
Home Networking Presentation
PON Essentials Presentation

2016 Vendor Day and Golf Outing

Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Thank you for everyone who participated in our annual Vendor Day and Golf Outing!
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Team Scores

1st Place (54)
Josh Robinson
Logan Neilson
Tim Locker
John Metz

2nd Place (54)
Jason Henley
Kirk Hauskins
Jamie Tiernan
Mike Nestby

3rd Place (57)
Keith Snoop
David Riley
Frank Gaffney
Russ Lahr

Flag Events

Longest Putt
#1-Frank Gaffney
#4-John Metz
#9-Virgil Eilers
#11-Robert Graham
#14-Chris Cooper
#18-Stephen Rangel

Longest Drive-#7
Jim DeJonghe

Closest to the Pin-#2
Jason Henley​


 Maintaining An All Digital Plant

Trainer- Tony Holmes, VeEx
November 11 & 12, 2015
Ankeny and Marion
Trainer:  Tony Holmes, VeEx
Click To Download Presentation

HFC Essentials

September 2 & 3, 2015
Ankeny and Marion
Trainer:  Tony Holmes, VeEx
Click To Download Presentation

2015 Cable-Tec Games

April 22, 2015
Kirkwood Community College, Marion

Powering The HFC Network

Ankeny and Marion
​Trainer:  George Bosak, Alpha
Click To Download Presentation
powering_the_hfc_network.pptx
File Size: 18515 kb
File Type: pptx
Download File


2014 Vendor Fair and Golf Outing

Vendor Fair
Thank You to all the vendors who participated in our 2014 Vendor Day.  We appreciate your support for our chapter and its members!
  • ACI
  • Altec
  • Arcom
  • ARRIS
  • Calix
  • Clearfield
  • Communications Supply Group
  • CommSonics
  • CommTech Services
  • DF Countryman
  • Entone
  • ETI
  • KGP Logistics
  • Multilink
  • Optelian
  • Pace
  • Performed Line Products
  • Power & Tel
  • Solutions 5
  • Steren
  • Team Sales
  • Terry-Durin
  • TFC/Amphenol
  • TVC Communications
  • Universal Remote
  • Vision Corp.
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Golf Outing
Fun in the sun!  Thanks to everyone who braved the hills at Airport National Golf Course!


2014 Cable-Tec Games

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Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Kirkwood Community Outreach Center
3375 Armar Dr.
Marion, IA  52302


June 2013 Training

Bucket Truck and Workplace Safety Training

June 5, 2013 - Marion
June 6, 2013 - Ankeny

A big THANK YOU to Jim Garrison of Muscatine Power & Water for his presentations.  Click below to download (PDF's).
2013_ergonomics.pdf
File Size: 1336 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

line_clearances.pdf
File Size: 182 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

hazard_recognition_training_powerpoint_final.pdf
File Size: 1133 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

stc001_work_zone_mutcd_2013.pdf
File Size: 3870 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


April 2013 Training

Best Practices for HFC Networks
April 17, 2013 - Ankeny
April 18, 2013 - Marion

December Training Sessions

Thank You to everyone who attended our December training sessions, and to our great presenters!  Click the links below to download the presentations.
Powering Issues:  Lowell Anderson, Alpha
dec_2012_powering_issues-alpha.pdf
File Size: 2580 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Ethernet Basics:  Ron Grigsby, RDG Telecom
dec_2012_ethernet_fundamentals.pdf
File Size: 1317 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File


2012 Vendor Day

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Thanks to all the vendors who made the Iowa Heartland Chapter's Vendor Day a HUGE success!  Below are some photos of the vendor fair and the golf outing.  We'll see you again next year!

June 2012 Training Sessions

Thank you to everyone who attended our June 2012 training sessions in Marion and Ankeny!  Click the links below to download the presentations from that day.

Brad Riggan-Aurora Networks
RFoG and EPON Presentation 

Jerry Patton-Arris
WiFi 101 Presentation
(clink links below to download PDF)

what_is_802.11.pdf
File Size: 113 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

wifi_101.pdf
File Size: 7212 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

(C) 2014 Iowa Heartland Chapter, SCTE