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.
The Path to 10G over DOCSIS
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
10:00am and 2:00pm
Online
Instructor: Doug Jones, CableLabs
As we march towards the frontier of 10G, new cable modems already being certified are capable of 5 Gbps capacity, with integrated standard 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports that make it easier to distribute that capacity throughout the home. With full duplex and extended spectrum capabilities integrated into next-generation DOCSIS 4.0 technology, the industry will be able to deliver on that 10 Gbps promise over hybrid fiber coax networks.
In this session, Doug Jones with CableLabs will talk about the path to 10G and steps that operators should take to prepare for it.
10:00am and 2:00pm
Online
Instructor: Doug Jones, CableLabs
As we march towards the frontier of 10G, new cable modems already being certified are capable of 5 Gbps capacity, with integrated standard 2.5 Gbps Ethernet ports that make it easier to distribute that capacity throughout the home. With full duplex and extended spectrum capabilities integrated into next-generation DOCSIS 4.0 technology, the industry will be able to deliver on that 10 Gbps promise over hybrid fiber coax networks.
In this session, Doug Jones with CableLabs will talk about the path to 10G and steps that operators should take to prepare for it.
Free Online Training - but preregistration is required!
Fiber Prep, Cleaning, Testing, and Turn-Up
Dates to be determined in October
Locations: Carroll and Coralville
Locations: Carroll and Coralville
$20 per person for SCTE members
$30 per person for non-members
$30 per person for non-members
SCTE will bill your company for directly for your registration. If you would like to be billed individually, please email curtisdean64@gmail.com
Supervisors - You may use the online form to register up to 5 people per form.
Supervisors - You may use the online form to register up to 5 people per form.
Managing Customer's Wi-Fi Expectations
Dates to be determined in November
Presenter: Brad Dorman, Calix
Details to come!
Presenter: Brad Dorman, Calix
Details to come!
2024 Vendor Day and Cable-Tec Games
Thursday, March 28, 2024
8:30am to 4:00pm
Stoney Creek Hotel
Johnston, Iowa
8:30am to 4:00pm
Stoney Creek Hotel
Johnston, Iowa
SAVE THE DATE!
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
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
Past Events and Trainings
Meter Reading (OTDR, MTDR)
May 10, 2023
Western Iowa Networks 1780 Kittyhawk Ave. Carroll |
May 11, 2023
Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities 1735 NE 70th Ave. Ankeny |
Instructor: David Lopez, Tempo Communications
Pre-registration is closed for this event, however you may register on-site.
2023 Vendor Day and Cable-Tec Games
March 23, 2023
Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center
Johnston, IA
Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center
Johnston, IA
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
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.
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
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).
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
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 .
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center
Johnston, IA
FTTP Activation and DWDM
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
9am or 1pm Central
Virtual Sessions
Free To Participate!
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
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Trainer: Gabriel Reyes, Comtrend

comtrend_wifi_6_training_collateral.pdf | |
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WiFi Basics
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
8:00am CDT and 1:00pm CDT
Presented by Tony Holmes, VeEX
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
8:00am CDT and 1:00pm CDT
Presented by Jeff Harmon, Viavi Solutions
Cable-Tec Games
The 2020 Cable-Tec Games were CANCELLED as a precautionary measure to protect attendees from the spread of the COVID-19 virus (aka Coronavirus).
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
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
Des Moines and Hiawatha
Vendor Show and SCTE Race Day
November 13, 2019
Holiday Inn, Urbandale and Pole Position Raceway, Grimes
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
Carroll, Iowa & Ankeny, IA
2019 Cable-Tec Games
Fiber Optics 1-2-3
Wednesday, November 7, 2018 and Thursday, November 8, 2018
Instructors: Steve Scudder, OFS/Fitel and Tim Locker, CBM
Instructors: Steve Scudder, OFS/Fitel and Tim Locker, CBM
Vendor Day and Golf Outing
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
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
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
Kirkwood Training & Outreach Services
1770 Boysen Road
Hiawatha, IA 52233
All Things Fiber Optics
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Live training: Ankeny
Remote sites: Cedar Falls and Muscatine
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Live training: Hiawatha
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
Cable-Tec Games
Thursday, June 8, 2017
A big THANK YOU to all of the participants, and congratulations to Nathan Sidlinger, our overall winner!
All Things IP Video
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
Live training: Hiawatha
Remote sites: Spencer and Harlan
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
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
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
Marion and Ankeny
2016 Vendor Day and Golf Outing
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Thank you for everyone who participated in our annual Vendor Day and Golf Outing!
Team Scores1st 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 EventsLongest 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 |
HFC Essentials
September 2 & 3, 2015
Ankeny and Marion Trainer: Tony Holmes, VeEx |
2015 Cable-Tec Games
April 22, 2015
Kirkwood Community College, Marion
Kirkwood Community College, Marion
Powering The HFC Network
Ankeny and Marion
Trainer: George Bosak, Alpha |

powering_the_hfc_network.pptx | |
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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!
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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

Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Kirkwood Community Outreach Center
3375 Armar Dr.
Marion, IA 52302
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).
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).
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April 2013 Training
Best Practices for HFC Networks
April 17, 2013 - Ankeny
April 18, 2013 - Marion
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
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Ethernet Basics: Ron Grigsby, RDG Telecom
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2012 Vendor Day
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
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Jerry Patton-Arris
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what_is_802.11.pdf | |
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wifi_101.pdf | |
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