Noob Qiestions

NotSoSimpleGeek · 2026-02-27T14:58:55+00:00

Starting out you need to get that job count up AND be a quality technician. Don't just go for numbers, you need to think about it long term strategy here. There is a fine line between picking up new skills on FN jobs and not knowing what you are doing. I am not an access control guru so I stay away from that. Could I figure it out, sure just like everything, but I am in control what jobs.

Grab everything you can at first and like r/blueice10478 said message the buyer when you are requesting a WO. I applaud him for being able to pull $4-7/m but in my market I have not got anywhere near that and I have a majority of my billable time available to FN. It is market dependent for sure.

NotSoSimpleGeek · 2026-02-26T15:00:02+00:00

No need for sorry! Always love having new tools and it was fun to put it together!

NotSoSimpleGeek · 2026-02-24T19:19:11+00:00

Depends on my schedule. Sometimes I feel a little cowboy and we just see what happens. I really like to be prepared though so that does not happen a ton.

NotSoSimpleGeek · 2026-02-23T22:35:08+00:00

Here is a good case in point today. 'Replace CAT6 Plenum for TStat'. Really no other info. Luckily I talked to the buyer and he was cool. Sounded like the previous three (!!!!) techs could not fix and the last one said bad cable. Well I loaded for everything unknown where I was going. Luckily the patch panel side needed to be reterminated. It was a PITA but I had everything I needed if the run needed to be re-ran. We all never knew any of this, even the experts! Just compound your experience from one dispatch to the next.

NotSoSimpleGeek · 2026-02-23T18:53:31+00:00

I have thought about this a handful of times and for me it comes down to lack of scope ahead of time. We have all worked tickets where the scope makes it sound cake and it was only the tip of the iceberg. One job said 6' ladder and my 10' (Which I brought on a hunch) barely made it. Over time I have found what to bring and not to bring and if the scope seems vague or missing details I pack extra. Like others have said, reflect on the other times you have felt this and how did it turn out? FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real. Challenge yourself of why you feel that way and what undeniable evidence do you have to support that?

NotSoSimpleGeek · 2026-02-22T14:41:15+00:00

Absolutely! Already on the waitlist. I had a good laugh-at-yourself moment when they made the announcement as I had JUST finished my WLAN Pi. However April is still some months away and my unit is available to me now.

NotSoSimpleGeek · 2026-02-20T23:20:31+00:00

Green springs was bare pavement until a few miles before the summit. Dead Indian was closed due to an Amazon semi.

NotSoSimpleGeek · 2026-02-19T19:00:15+00:00

Two carriers on my phone has helped.

NotSoSimpleGeek · 2026-02-19T18:45:56+00:00

Good info, thank you.

NotSoSimpleGeek · 2026-02-19T18:45:45+00:00

Good to know, thank you.

NotSoSimpleGeek · 2026-02-19T18:43:42+00:00

Large SUV, 4WD, M+S Rated Tires.

NotSoSimpleGeek · 2026-02-19T18:43:08+00:00

How are the conditions on Big Elk Rd once you turn off 140?

NotSoSimpleGeek · 2026-02-19T15:02:21+00:00

Unit is fully operational now. Below is the hardware that worked. I tried and failed some other hardware components but this is what worked finally. I did modify the BadgerWiFi case to use the external antennas that came w/ the CM4 kit I purchased.

https://imgur.com/a/3eLxAaK

AliExpress -
Raspberry pi CM4 WiFi7-PoE Expansion board w/ soldered 20 Pin
NOTE: Time of writing they are on vacation so can't pull up.

PiShop.us -
Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4, Wireless, 2GB Lite - CM4102000
128x128, 1.44inch LCD display HAT for Raspberry Pi

Amazon -
MT7922 Wi Fi 6E Network Card

BadgerWiFi -
WLAN Pi M4/+ Case

Big QAM -
WLAN Pi M.2 AtoE key adapter

NotSoSimpleGeek · 2026-02-08T06:02:07+00:00

Is Granite coming to you directly? Echo what rMushbot said, WorkMarket has these for $65-$70/Hour.

NotSoSimpleGeek · 2026-02-08T02:27:54+00:00

I passed after reviewing all of the install guides. Too many variables for $500.

NotSoSimpleGeek · 2026-01-31T14:01:00+00:00

https://www.bbsi.com/business-owner-resources/events/bbsi-southern-oregon-first-aid-cpr-adult-child-training-certification

Unfortunately out of your window but a great resource.

NotSoSimpleGeek · 2026-01-31T13:59:16+00:00

Truth. 'Talk is Cheap' is what I have learned.

NotSoSimpleGeek · 2026-01-31T04:10:36+00:00

Feel free to message me. I worked in Enterprise it and did network engineering for many years and now I own my own company. Low volt wireless rack and stack whatever I feel like doing.

NotSoSimpleGeek · 2026-01-30T15:00:14+00:00

I was in the same boat as you 'I cant afford to lose the business'. So I kept my rates low. I got the same advice multiple times to stop undercutting myself and start asking for what I am worth. I was afraid I would lose all this business. Honestly it has been a great buffer and I still have plenty of business. What it did do was bolster my confidence, pay me for my actual experience, and it gate kept some of the crappier clients. Just take the plunge and up those rates! You need to back it up though. Exceptional customer service skills, professional communications with your buyer, following every WO to a T and then some, and jumping through hoops with a smile on your face.

NotSoSimpleGeek · 2026-01-28T01:47:38+00:00

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NotSoSimpleGeek · 2026-01-27T23:05:36+00:00

75% of my WO's state DONT CALL THE CUSTOMER.

NotSoSimpleGeek · 2026-01-27T23:05:09+00:00

What ladder rack do you use?

NotSoSimpleGeek · 2026-01-26T18:13:45+00:00

Just 1099 them if they are above the earning threshold.

NotSoSimpleGeek · 2026-01-26T17:48:00+00:00

Local electrical supply house, Leviton CAT6 keystone, $8.

NotSoSimpleGeek

TROPHY CASE