What is PLS?

[lightspeed 707]

Originally Posted by Steve Dale

Hi Lightspeed707,

PLS is Power Learning Systems. We do preparation workshops and seminars for electrical contractors to receive state certification. Currently I teach in Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.

What specifically are you looking to do under the scope of low voltage? Perhaps I can point you in the right direction. I know many schools and a few good instructors. Be specific.

Thanks

I would like to add cctv to my business, I do want to add perhaps fire and burglar alarm, but i don't want to try to bite off to much, so firstly I think the cctv is enough to deal with, I worked doing commercial installs in Supermarkets, setting up the equipment,me and another tech did the whole install but worked also with other techs at the end and never fully learned all things related like the DVR setup and other tools for doing masking,integrating the POS,etc. the company did start some training but we needed more. I would not start out doing such big jobs,so the smaller systems would be what i'd want to start out with, and work up from there I think.
I've done some training with burg and fire as well but the programming piece seems cumbersome, so I am reluctant to get involved doing it, but would like to have a learning plan for that as well.

[Steve Dale]

Originally Posted by lightspeed 707

I would like to add cctv to my business, I do want to add perhaps fire and burglar alarm, but i don't want to try to bite off to much, so firstly I think the cctv is enough to deal with, I worked doing commercial installs in Supermarkets, setting up the equipment,me and another tech did the whole install but worked also with other techs at the end and never fully learned all things related like the DVR setup and other tools for doing masking,integrating the POS,etc. the company did start some training but we needed more. I would not start out doing such big jobs,so the smaller systems would be what i'd want to start out with, and work up from there I think.
I've done some training with burg and fire as well but the programming piece seems cumbersome, so I am reluctant to get involved doing it, but would like to have a learning plan for that as well.

Hi Richie, I've given your above request for a learning plan some thought over the weekend and would like to begin by saying your search for proper education on the subject matter before beginning work on larger jobs without proper education, job costing knowledge and smaller job experience is a wise path to follow.

Let first look at your CCTV educational request: You said in a past post your an electrician already so you should have some basic electrical skills and understand some electrical code. Of course this all depends on your past education, past job experience, testing and the licensing requirements in your state. So I'll assume unless you tell me otherwise you are up to par on the proper way to cable jobs, secure and support raceways, ground and bond electrical systems, and have a basic understanding of electrical concepts. You had said in a past post that you were considering a one day seminar in Florida on closed-circuit television design (CCTV), and that you live in the Boston, MA area. From my past experiences a one day seminar on CCTV design is not enough time to acquire in depth knowledge and understanding of the intricacies of design, installing, and testing a CCTV system. Plus the cost and inconvenience in traveling to Florida seems to out-way any real benefit you may acquire from a one day seminar of this nature. However, I believe a local week long course in CCTV design would be of benefit. So try and find a local course that lays out CCTV design over a longer period of time and includes, design, installation, troubleshooting, etc.. Find an "instructor" who is not just a person (seminar) speaking to you but where it's an "instructor" who works with you (workshop) discussing and interacting about the do's and the don'ts and everyday experiences you may encounter on the job. The best instructors are the ones who have or are currently doing the type of work your interested in getting instruction on. Learn from their experiences and mirror and mentor with the successful ones. Find an instructor who you like that is truly interested in helping you succeed. Stay away from the instructor type who is only interested in their success not yours. Their easy to spot just asked a lot of questions and listen to how they respond. You'll benefit immensely when you find the right mentor so take this seriously and stay the course until you do. Ask other successful contractors who contract in the scope of work your interested in, where they got help from when they started. You should mirror other successful individuals in the field and learn from their mistakes and successes. Stay away from the "know it all" type, especially if they are all talk and have little success to show for it. Anyone can "Talk" but few actually "Walk their Talk". I personally don't know anyone in your local area that provides instructional mentoring, this is a research project that you will need to commence. You may want to also invest in books, DVD's and/or web based training on the subject matter but before you buy investigate. Searching for books on the web allows you (in some cases) to read in advance some sections of the chapters before you decide to purchase. This is a great way to see if you like the writers style and presentation. Also check out YouTube for product manufactures, distributors, and individuals who have posted videos on cameras, DVR's, and other products and system design etc. that you have an interest in. Respond to these individuals and tell them what you liked about their video and ask their advice. It very convenient now a days to solicit help from other professionals through the web, use it to your advantage. Product manufactures are also a great resource for free seminars, videos and white papers on design, install and service of not only their products buy the system as a whole. I good idea would be to research and decide on for example what particular camera manufacture your interested in promoting to your potential clients and then get their marketing brochures, installation and user manuals and read them thoroughly. Attend their seminars and have them help educate you at their expense. Most product manufactures and distributors are very eager to help and support you. Why? Because you're going to sell their products. You could even become a dealer and develop a presentation booklet to flip through during your presentation to potential clients. Think in advance of all the questions a potential client could ask you during your demonstration of these products to them, write them down and asked the products manufacture or distributor these questions and get the questions answered before you make that call on that potential customer. Being prepared maximize your time making you look knowledgeable, instills confidence of you through the eyes of the customer which leads to more CCTV system sales.

Regarding you question on Fire and Burglar alarm system installations: Well I could write on this all day but I think it's best to do one thing at a time. Let first get up to speed on CCTV then move on to security and fire alarm systems.

Please Note: The above is my opinion on how I would proceed in the questions you ask, however others may feel differently and I would hope they would chime in here so we could hear their opinions and experiences as well. Each person learns differently, however we all want to maximize our knowledge while minimize time invested and archive success.

Richie, Keep us posted on your progress, Thanks
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[California Girl]

Yea, that's great if you can find a good teacher, but I know from most of the teacher Ive come across in the alarm business they are boring and lethargic. So I guess we haven't had a good teacher come to our office yet. The manufactures reps seem better and I get a lot of help around my office from other reps. and our technicians. That's where I learn the most.

PS: I love these little "similes"! they are so cute.