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We dig into why outside plant is surging, how micro certifications work, and what designers and installers need to know to stay current and safe. Bob Herdling shares decades of insight on codes, methods, and the real‑world choices that make or break a build.

• OSP as the backbone of ICT
• Why broadband funding and BEAD drive demand
• Misconceptions about wireless versus fiber backbones
• Safety, codes, and NESC as core constraints
• Differences among aerial, underground, and direct buried
• Micro certifications structure and who they help
• Design and installation alignment through shared practices
• Why hands‑on OSP labs are complex and risky
• Career gains from targeted credentials
• Winter conference themes, formats, and networking
• Youth outreach and global volunteer growth

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Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at chuck@letstalkcabling.com

Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH
#CBRCDD #RCDD

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We honor Phil Klingensmith and then dive into why standards make low-voltage work reliable, fast to service and future friendly. We unpack color codes, 568A vs 568B, fiber cleaning myths, splicer maintenance, MHz vs Mb, and encoding schemes with clear, practical advice.

• roots of color codes in Bell system and why they still matter
• 568A vs 568B framed by pins, pairs and channels
• why pair splitting creates crosstalk and failures
• USOC, tip and ring, and mnemonic aids
• fiber cleaning methods and why canned air falls short
• fusion splicer troubleshooting and electrode care
• megahertz vs megabits using the highway analogy
• encoding basics: RZ, NRZ and Manchester timing
• RFIs, submittals, RFQs and RFPs clarified
• estimator vs project manager responsibilities and skills

Please consider donating: There’s a QR code on the screen or hit me up for the link. Help fuel the podcast for next year and support the Costa Rica masterclass. Not a 501c3. Make sure you do something to make this industry a little better, like Phil did

Support the show

Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at chuck@letstalkcabling.com

Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH
#CBRCDD #RCDD

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We honor our friend and industry icon, Phil Klingensmith RCDD, by replaying a defining interview that shows his humility, mastery, and deep commitment to teaching. From open wire lines to dense fiber, Phil’s wisdom ties legacy systems to the future of intelligent infrastructure.

• why Phil’s work still shapes design, install, and certification
• Navy-to-AT&T journey and outside plant beginnings
• legacy gear awareness to prevent outages
• BICSI training, standards, and best practices
• tips for the BICSI hands-on exam
• the case for constant learning and mentorship
• where infrastructure is heading and why wires still matter
• building careers through community and shared knowledge

Please don't let Phil's example be a memory. Make it a blueprint. Pick one thing that you can do for this industry to make it better. Teach somebody something, volunteer, share your knowledge instead of guarding it closely.

Support the show

Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at chuck@letstalkcabling.com

Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH
#CBRCDD #RCDD