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Looking For a Fiber Optic Installer? Use the FOA Installer Database Free!

 

CFOTs - Register Now On The FOA Searchable Database of Installers, Contractors and Consultants

Go to the FOA Installer Database to register.

 

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Fiber To The Premises/Home Is Real - And Offers Real Jobs @ Verizon

The FOA is working with Verizon to help recruit qualified fiber installers, including new graduates of FOA-Approved training programs. As you probably FTTP has become one of the hottest areas in fiber optics. We have been contacted by Verizon to help them in their recruitment efforts, through our FOA-Approved schools and contacting our current CFOTs. Details on the Verizon requirements are given below and you can apply online.

 

Even if you are not looking for a job, look at the Verizon website - there are some great videos of FTTH installs around the country!

 

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Fiber vs Copper Controversy, Unending...

The Wire Journal International, January, 2006, had an article on the "fiber vs. copper" issue. It was a nice article, but some remarks require clarification. Here's the comments The FOA sent to the magazine:

 

It was stated that electrical contractors install Cat 5e and Cat 6, but few work with fiber optics. NECA (The National Electrical Contractors Association) surveys their member contractors every two years. Recent surveys showed over 80% of the larger contractors work with both fiber and copper. Even many of the smaller family contractors now install fiber.

Furthermore, the IBEW telecom apprenticeship program includes fiber as well as copper. The Fiber Optic Association is partnering with the IBEW to offer our certifications through their apprenticeship. Even the non-union electrical contractor organizations have fiber optics in their apprenticeships.

Speaking of the FOA, we now have over 140 schools that have certified over 16,000 technicians since 1995, so our organization alone has helped alleviate the problem of finding qualified fiber optic installers.

To help match up users and installers, the FOA has created a free online searchable database of FOA-certified technicians where end users can find installers or consultants for their projects (www.thefoa.org.)

FOA and NECA have written the first installation standard for fiber optics (NECA-301) which was recently updated. The FOA will gladly send a copy to anyone interested.

Finally, in their book "The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing", Al Ries and Jack Trout, the gurus of marketing who invented "positioning," note that real change is not sent out in a press release for the evening news, but sneaks up in the middle of the night and takes over.

While structured cabling types argue about fiber to the desk, an application that will not become widely used as long as PCs come with a free Cat 5e jack for network connection, fiber has taken over the LAN backbone, security monitoring business, remote displays (like in sports arenas and on the strip in Vegas - see below), computer storage networks for mainframes, and even terminals and surveillance cameras in retail stores. The telcos are hiring every tech they can find for fiber to the premises installs. Now home theater is using some fiber, an application that will grow fast with the takeover of large screen digital TVs.

We're the professional society of fiber optics and we're in the middle of it. We know how well fiber is doing in the marketplace and we are pleased!

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What's Faster Than DSL?

Not just FTTP, but even snails and carrier pidgeons! http://www.notes.co.il/benbasat/10991.asp

 

 

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What Connector Is That?

Ever find a connector at a user site that you don't recognize? Or want a study guide for the CFOT test?

 

See the new Tech Topic "Connector Identifier."

 

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Fiber Optic Media Converters Drive Giant Displays, Even Home Theater Systems.

Ever wonder how you control one of those giant screen displays you see in sports arenas, on the Strip in Vegas or in casinos? How about the ones at car dealers showing you the photos of the latest cars or logos and prices? Well, at a home electronics show recently, we found out how many of these work. They are just big versions of a computer screen or TV and are driven from a PC in an room far away, with the signals being sent over fiber optics. The company we saw selling these interfaces was Gefen, based in Woodland Hills, CA. They offer fiber optic interfaces for DVI (computer monitors) or HDMI (high definition displays) that can allow the controlling PC to be located up to 500 meters away. Thus the person programming the display can sit at a PC with a local monitor to see what the display looks like and drive the remote monitor with the same display. Gefen also offers a simple cable with built-in fiber optic converters that realy simplifies the application, and at a price that has led to applications in home theater where controlling cable messes is important in making an attractive installation.

Gefen DVI cable connects remote monitors to 100 meters. Here are more details.

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Singlemode Fiber Use In Premises Networks Up to 40%

An increasing number of high speed LANs are migrating to SMF instead of laser-optimized MMF (OM3.) A recent article in Lightwave quotes Sumitomo and Mohawk/CDT as agreeing that SMF is now 40% of the market and MMF 60%. While many users have been installing hybrid cables with both SMF and MMF for years, planning on using SMF for the higher speed upgrades, such a high percentage is surprising. However, it also is important to note that short SMF links are sensitive to reflections at connections, requiring quality terminations, preferably APC or PC pigtails spliced on to the backbone cables.

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Verizon Looking For Fiber Installers

Here is the information from Verizon. Contact them at the website below for applications.

Video/Cable/Fiber Installers

US-MD-Silver Spring/Gaithersburg
US-MD-Laurel/Hanover/Annapolis/Rockville
US-MD-Capitol Heights/District Heights
US-VA-Fairfax/Falls Church/Reston
US-DC-Washington

DO YOU:

Have a desire to work in a growing industry with the leader in Fiber to the Premise technology?

Have a background in the Video/Cable Installation industry (cable splicers/installers)?

Want a Full Time opportunity to grow in a company that values diversity and a desire to succeed?

If so, Verizon is having an invitation only information session on February 11th to provide information and qualify candidates for the over 100 positions currently available in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Basic Qualifications:

Must have Video/Cable splicing/installation industry experience, basic computer literacy, and/or an equivalent education in Fiber Optics and Video/Cable.
Must successfully complete Verizon's pre-employment testing. Physical Requirements: Must meet Verizon medical standards for the job. Ability to perceive differences in wire and cable colors. Must meet weight restriction to comply with OSHA/Company safety standards. Where a Commercial Driver's License is required, the applicant must pass an alcohol and drug test.
Must have ability to remove ladder from installation truck; carry, raise, climb and descend ladder, and place ladder on truck.
A valid state driver's license is required and must have ability to drive vehicle with manual gearshift.
Background check will be conducted on all employees.

This is a Full-Time, regular position with outstanding benefits! The pay range for these positions is $569.50/week to $1,103.50/week. Wage credit may be considered based upon work experience, education, and training. Paid Training is included.

Apply online at http://www.verizon.com/fiberjobs

Verizon is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity M/F/D/V

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Job Openings

 

Verillion

Manufacturer or specialty optical fiber, North Grafton, MA

 

Inside Sales

Key Responsibilities

·       Oversight of key accounts
·       Quote development and management
·       Generating new leads and managing the sales pipeline
·       Efficient management of sales operations, including generating quotes
·       Travel for client meetings and trade shows

Requirements

·       A Bachelor's degree
·       1-3 years of experience in sales and marketing
·       Must be self-motivated, organized, competitive, possess high-energy, and enjoy driving toward a quantitative goal

·       Exceptional presentation and communication skills
·       A background in fiberoptics is desired

This is a full-time, salaried role with benefits, on-site in our North Grafton Office.

 

Manufacturing Test Technician - 2nd Shift

Optical and mechanical testing of fibers, documentation of test results, work procedures and shipment documents using fiber optic industry equipment. Requires AA in a technical discipline; 1-3 years of fiber draw/fiber optics experience; positive attitude, team player, ability to work independently with little supervision and attention to detail. Ability to adapt to changing schedule and overtime.

 

Manufacturing Technician - Fiber Draw - 2nd Shift

Operation of fiber draw, ancillary test and production qualification equipment, periodic maintenance of the described equipment and purchasing of manufacturing supplies. 1-3 years of fiber draw/fiber optics experience. Requires AA in a technical discipline; 1-3 years of fiber draw/fiber optics experience; positive attitude, team player, ability to work independently with little supervision and attention to detail.

 

Please e-mail resume to <hr@verrillon.com> or fax to 508-839-6688.

 

 

Check Recent Job Openings

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Neat Solution To Patchcord Mess

Telescent has a unique solution to patchcord messes - cassette patchcords. They use a unique solution to storing cables with minimal stress. More info at http://www.telescent.com/simplexproduct.htm

 

 

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Order The   Fiber Optics Technician's Manual directly from Amazon.com.

Third edition of The Fiber Optic Technicians Manual Now Available!   About 15% bigger, with new or updated material on most chapter subjects, including more "hands-on information, but the price remains the same, $54.95. ISBN No. 1401896995   FOTM Lab Manual is available from Delmar (ISBN:1418028754, Price: $19.95) with tons of hands on exercises.   An Instructor's Guide to the FOTM is also available from Delmar. (ISBN: 1401897002, Price: $33.95 ) For information on the Lab Manual or Instructors Guide, contact Delmar directly at 1-800-347-7707 for further information.   Remember the CFOT Test now uses the new edition, along with the new NECA/FOA-301 Installation Standard.

 

 

Another very useful book: Eric Pearson's Successful Fiber Optic Installation - a cookbook for fiber optics!

 

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New PowerPoint Presentation In Spanish

A new PowerPoint presentation in Spanish for instructors and anyone else interested has been posted on the FOA website for free downloading. It is an explanation of fiber optics in Spanish, created by Francisco Castro Cabrera of Mexico City, who is starting up our new FOA chapter in Mexico. It is complementary to our PowerPoint introduction to fiber optics in English. Here is more information on the presentation in Spanish.

 

 

 

 

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FOA CFOT Renewals Get Free Copy of NECA/FOA Installation Standard

Every CFOT renewal will now receive a free copy of NECA 301-2004, Installing And Testing Fiber Optic Cables, produced by The FOA in cooperation with NECA (The National Electrical Contractors Association). This is an important reference document for defining the installation and testing of fiber optic cable plants in a "neat and workmanlike manner."

The FOA feels this is such an important document that we are giving a free copy (normally priced at $15) to every active CFOT when they renew their active status.

The FOA has also sent free copies to all FOA-Approved schools. The new FOA CFOT exam to be used after August, 2005, will include questions from the standard. Schools should be including information from the standard in their classes already.

 

 

 

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Tech Puzzler

How did the Deutsch 1000 hold the fiber?

 

Answer below

 

 

 

 

New Tech Topics

Does Glass "Flow"? Is it really a liquid?

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) on General Topics and Testing

Fiber Or Copper? Making decisions, overview and LANs

What Happens When You Mate Mismatched MM Fibers?

 

New PowerPoint Presentation Introduces Fiber Optics - in English or Spanish!

The FOA has created a short PowerPoint presentation that introduces you to fiber optics and talks about job opportunities in the field. It was intended for instructors to introdcue studnets to the field, but it's a good introduction for anyone. It's about 3 meg file so it takes a while to download and you need PowerPoint to view it. See http://www.thefoa.org/ppt/

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FOA Website Expands To Support Fiber Optic Educators

Instructors' Home Page And New Online Train-The-Trainer Program
The FOA has always focused on creating better educational opportunities in fiber optics - it's our charter: we're a non-profit educational organization. We've done two things recently to expand that commitment - both here on the FOA website.

We have over 120 schools and hundreds of instructors teaching at those organizations, and we'll notify them about these new web pages, but we invite any instructor interested in fiber optics to dig in and use these pages too.

First, we've created a home page for instructors where we'll cover topics just for them, like our TTT program and resources just for instructors. It's at http://www.thefoa.org/instructors/index.html

Secondly, we've put our TTT seminar online, in both PPT and PDF format at http://www.thefoa.org/instructors/index.html

 

Our online TTT program is the beginning of qualifying for the FOA CFOS/I Instructor Certification. Soon we'll have the program set up for instructors to register to begin qualifying for the certification.

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FOA Certification Top Choice

The FOA CFOT and CFOS programs continue to gain momentum in fiber optics. Over 15,000 CFOTs have been certified by over 120 schools as the FOA completed its 10th year. Since our founding in July, 1995, we have dedicated ourselves to promoting fiber optics and professionalism in fiber optics personnel, focusing on education and certification. We are continuing to add new schools and more CFOTs as users of fiber optics learn that a CFOT is the indication of a professional, well-trained fiber optic technician. Now with FTTH (fiber to the home) finally taking off, demand for CFOTs is rising and schools are responding by expanding programs rapidly.

The FOA now has approved programs at 125+ organizations, welcoming new additions like the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Corning Cable Systems for their installation training programs and NASA's Goldstone Tracking Station. The complete list of FOA-Approved schools is at http://www.thefoa.org/foa_aprv.htm.

Your Name, CFOT - It pays to advertise!

The FOA encourages CFOTs to use the logo on their business cards, letterhead, truck or van, etc. and provides logo files on this site for that purpose. But we are also asked about how to use the CFOT or CFOS certifications. Easy, you can refer to yourself as "Your Name, CFOT" or "Your Name, CFOS/T" for example.

Feel free to use the logo and designations to promote your achievements and professionalism!

Remember To Renew Your Certification !

Remember to renew your FOA certification. All current CFOTs have a ID Card with their certification data and we keep a database of current CFOTs to answer inquiries regarding your qualifications if needed. If you forgot to renew, use the online application form or the FOA online store to renew NOW!

To Contact The FOA:

 

The Fiber Optic Association

1119 S Mission Road, # 355

Fallbrook, CA 92028

 

Office Hours 10AM-5 PM Pacific Time

Telephone: 760-451-3655

Fax: 781-207-2421

info@thefoa.org
info@thefoa.org

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Officers and Board of Directors Jim Hayes, President, Treasurer Eric Pearson, Director of Certification Tom Collins, Gateway Comm. College Bill Graham Karen Hayes   FOA Staff: Jim Hayes, newsletter, website editor Karen Hayes, Administration Administration: The FOA is managed under contract by: VDV Works LLC 1119 S Mission Road, # 355 Fallbrook, CA 92028 Telephone: 760-451-3655 Fax: 781-207-2421 email: info@vdvworks.com

FOA Board of Advisors Elias Awad, Clerk, Director of Education Tony Beam Dave Chaney F. Douglas Elliot, Past President William H. Graham Jim Hayes, President, Treasurer John Highhouse, Past President Danny S. Lyall Eric Y. Loytty Bob Mason Eric Pearson Paul Rosenberg, Past President Dan Silver Richard James Smith Dominick Tamone Tom Collins Van Ewert Elias Awad

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(C)1999-2006, The Fiber Optic Association, Inc.

Tech Puzzler: The Deutsch 1000 was really a "pin vise" holding a stripped fiber. See Tech Topics Connector Identifier for more info.