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The Smart Buildings Academy Podcast | Teaching You Building Automation, Systems Integration, and Information Technology

A weekly podcast where we discuss topics related to building automation. We provide useful tips and action-packed examples to help you better understand the industry.
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The Smart Buildings Academy Podcast | Teaching You Building Automation, Systems Integration, and Information Technology
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All Episodes
Archives
Now displaying: 2017
Jun 21, 2017

CSI MasterFormat is the defacto standard for specification formatting. But how does it work?

What are the gotchas you need to be aware of?

By the time you finish this episode you will know:

  • What MasterFormat is and how it is organized21
  • What you can and cannot change in a specification
  • Key changes you can make to massively increase the effectiveness of your specification!
Jun 19, 2017

Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) plans. So many BAS professionals think they know what these documents are. 

But do you really know what these documents are? Do you know which part of the plans contains what information?

By the time you finish this episode you will:

  • Know what the three parts of the MEP Plans are that you must know!
  • Be clear on how to avoid scope creep by reading the plan details!
  • Ensure you are are looking at the right floorplan for the information you need
Jun 14, 2017

One of the greatest challenges faced by BAS professionals is getting remote access to their BAS. 

In this episode, I teach you my four-step process to get IT to give you remote access to your BAS.

I also explore analytics. I unpack what analytics are, how they work and why they are important. 

By the time you finish this episode you will:

  • Have a four-step process for gaining remote access for your BAS
  • Understand what analytics are and how they work
  • Be able to describe the two types of analytics and the methods for collecting data
Jun 10, 2017

Lately, there have been a ton of questions about data tagging and data normalization. But what does that actually mean?

This is a super important topic especially when you consider that having common data formats is required to implement analytics, fault diagnostics, and other advanced services!

In this episode, I'm going to dive deep into data. You're going to learn:

►What data is and how it relates to a BAS

►Why data normalization is important and how you can plan for it

►What a data tag is and how it is used

►How data is related to API's

Jun 2, 2017

There's a lot of noise and miscommunication out there about IT technologies lately so when BAM Nation member Jim e-mailed me asking about Zigbee I was excited to answer his questions and help clear up some of the things he'd been told about Zigbee.

In this podcast episode you will learn:

  • What Zigbee is and how it works
  • The two main types of wireless communication
  • The differences between physical standards and data protocols
  • How integration is independent (mostly) of the physical media
May 31, 2017

There’s been a lot of chatter across the Facebook group recently about Comm trunks and Mixing and matching different vendors controllers.

There seems to be a lot of misinformation out there and I thought I’d do a podcast episode where I discussed both topics.

These two topics are very much interrelated when you start to mix and match third-party controllers you can effect your comm trunk so it’s important to have a process.

In this episode I will be teaching you:

  • My 5-step process for adding third-party controllers to an existing network 
  • My 7-step process for troubleshooting communication trunk issues
May 26, 2017

You just finished your first integration project! Your all excited you finally stepped into the world of systems integration.

But then it happens! 

You get that call telling you something's not working. 

Maybe it's a value from one of the points you integrated?

Or perhaps it's that a command to control one of the integrated systems is going through.

It doesn't matter really why. You just need to solve the problem.

But how do you do that?

How can you resolve issues with integrations?

In this podcast I'm going to teach you:

  • The danger of double dipping on integrations
  • Why data models matter
  • How to step through an integration to find the root cause of your troubles
May 24, 2017

For a lot of folks, systems integration is the hardest thing they will ever do in their BAS career.

And I get that, some of my biggest screw ups in my career were related to system integration projects. That's why you have to listen to my latest podcast episode. 

I've got all the scars from systems integration! In this episode I draw on this experience to teach you:

  • How to quickly disqualify a potential integration project
  • The 6 questions you must ask before every systems integration project
  • The three different approaches to systems integration
  • How and when to apply each approach
May 19, 2017

In the world of Building Automation, there are only a select few things you need to know in order to be awesome at your job. 

One of these things is Proportional Integral loops. 

I've gotten a lot of questions lately about PI loops and so I recorded this episode.

In this episode you will learn:

  • What a PI loop is
  • How the P and I are calculated
  • The difference between deadband and error
  • How to calculate your prop-band
  • And much more!
May 17, 2017

Can you feel it!

Something in our industry is changing. We are the edge of a new revolution in the BAS world the likes of which haven't been seen since we switched from pneumatics to DDC systems!

Threats like the Wanna Cry ransomware are becoming daily occurrences. And with each passing moment networks and integrated systems grow more complex.

Yet amongst chaos comes opportunity. Throughout history when shit hit the fan, those who stepped for reaped the rewards.

In this episode, we are taking a unique look at the future and then addressing the immediate reality.

I will show you how to prepare for the future and then I will show you how to harden your BAS so that it can survive the present.

You ready, this one's gonna be awesome!

In this episode you will learn:

  • The career altering, industry-shattering change that is coming to the BAS industry
  • Why it is no longer acceptable to "run it til it dies"
  • The 5 steps you must implement to secure your BAS
May 12, 2017

I started my BAS career in service and I'm thankful I did because I learned so much from servicing BAS. But, there's a dark side of service. 

You see not everyone had the power and clout behind that I did working at a Fortune 100 company. Often times BAS service providers are used and abused. 

Customers dispute billing, disagree with scope, and flat out ignore recommendations that can improve the functionality of their systems. 

Software upgrades anyone?

But, you have to understand it from the customer's perspective. So many service providers are like ninja's they swoop in, fix and issue and are off another call. They don't take the time to explain what was done and customers imagine the worst!

So how can we resolve these issues? 

In this episode you will learn:

  • Why you must approach planned maintenance and service calls differently
  • My 7 step process for the perfect service call
  • The three types of customers and how to deal with each one
  • The 5 questions you must answer when creating a Planned Maintenance agreement
May 10, 2017

The day has come, you've finally landed a job in the world of building automation systems, now what? 

If your experience is anything like mine, you probably got sent to a class to learn your manufacturer's software and now you're out sitting on a job or servicing a customer.

How do you learn more?

How do you become the BAS tech everyone wants to have on their projects?

How do you become the sales person who intuitively knows how to price jobs?

I answer these questions and much more in episode 60 of the building automation monthly podcast.

In this episode you will learn:

  • Why understanding the construction process and timing is critical to your effectiveness
  • The three things you can do right now to massively increase your effectiveness as a BAS professional
  • Why mastery of IT is critical to your future as a BAS professional
  • And much more!
May 5, 2017

In this episode, I discuss the feasibility of occupancy counting to control outdoor air ventilation. 

Man, who would have thought that we would be having this discussion? Lately, it seems that I am seeing more and more ideas that are combining different technologies to achieve outcomes. 

Case and point, I recently had a BAM nation member and personal friend Walter reach out to me with a question around the energy saving potential of using occupancy counting to reduce outdoor air flow.

In this episode you will learn:

  • How outdoor air ventilation works from a technical and engineering perspective
  • How to calculate energy savings from outdoor air reduction
  • The effect of the engineering and contracting world on technology adoption
  • How ASHRAE 62.1 determines the minimum outdoor air you need to provide

 

May 3, 2017

Most interviewers suck.

They focus too much on appearances and gut feelings and make stupid hiring choices that they regret later. You don't have to experience that. In this podcast episode, I discuss my experience with hiring dozens of building automation professionals and I provide you step-by-step processes for making sure you hire a stud and not a dud.

In this episode you will learn:

  • Why focusing on technical skills is a recipe for disaster
  • How determining where you will use your new hire is more important than how
  • The one trick I've used to determine whether someone has the hunger to succeed in the world of BAS
  • How owners can apply the interviewing process to selecting their consultants and contractors
May 3, 2017

Most interviewers suck.

They focus too much on appearances and gut feelings and make stupid hiring choices that they regret later. You don't have to experience that. In this podcast episode, I discuss my experience with hiring dozens of building automation professionals and I provide you step-by-step processes for making sure you hire a stud and not a dud.

In this episode you will learn:

  • Why focusing on technical skills is a recipe for disaster
  • How determining where you will use your new hire is more important than how
  • The one trick I've used to determine whether someone has the hunger to succeed in the world of BAS
  • How owners can apply the interviewing process to selecting their consultants and contractors
Apr 28, 2017

Application Programming Interfaces, also known as API's are the solution to every integration problem you have. 

And if your BAS has an open an API then your integration options are unlimited. 

Or at least that's what all the marketing folks would like you to believe. The problem with all the buzz around API's, SDK's, and system integration is that the folks writing and speaking on the topics couldn't integrate their way out of a cardboard box. So when a BAM Nation subscriber named Dave reached out to me asking me to help clarify how an API works I was thrilled to have the opportunity to discuss the topic!

In this episode you will learn:

  • Why having an open API doesn't automatically mean integration
  • What 3 steps you need to take before using an API
  • The differences between an API and SDK
  • Why you may need a coding background to work with an API... and why you may not...
  • A walkthrough of the system integration process using an API
Apr 26, 2017

Interviewing sucks...

After you spend all your time getting through the HR screening and the "virtual colonoscopy" of pre-interview questions you find yourself in an artificial environment answering questions that you'd probably never be asked in the real world.

So how can you survive? 

Back in 2007 I got let go from my first BAS job and called every controls company in the US to get hired back into the BAS world. Since then I've worked my way to leading the technical integration program for the largest building automation manufacturer in the world.

In this episode, I walk through the 7 tips that have helped me to pass interviews and move up in the world of BAS.

Apr 21, 2017

Have you ever wondered how a temperature sensor really works? 

What does the RTD mean and why is 1,000 ohms resistance so important. 

In this week's Friday Fan Answers I discuss a question from Nick. 

Nick asks "Can you cover or explain the technical reasons for a 1000 ohm RTD sensor to suddenly begin to fluctuate drastically"

Sure thing Nick!

In this episode you will learn:

  • The best way to wire up a temperature sensor
  • Why vibration can lead to huge temperature issues
  • What this whole 1,000 ohms thing is about
  • How often and how to calibrate your temperature sensors
Apr 19, 2017

Lately, several folks have asked me, "Phil how did you get into the world of BAS?". While it's always fun to talk about myself, what I think folks are really asking is "Phil, how can I get into the world of BAS?" and "What career path is there for me beyond just being a technician?".

Over the next 4 episodes, I'm going to tackle these exact questions. In today's episode, I'm going to explore my path in the world of BAS and what I believe to be the key traits you need to be successful in the BAS world.

In this episode you will learn:

  • The path I took to develop from knowing nothing about BAS to becoming a BAS integration expert
  • The skills you need to be successful in the world of BAS
  • The multiple different career paths you can take 
Apr 14, 2017

Welcome to the new podcast series called "Friday Fan Answers or FFA). Each Friday I will be answering a question from the BAM nation.

This week I am answering a question I commonly get asked. The question I often get asked how to find out what the IT requirements for different BAS devices are. If you are not part of the vendor organization this can be quite hard. Well, at least until now.

In this episode, you will learn

  • Where the information around IT requirements and hardware requirements exist
  • How to find this information
  • Some Google search tricks to find the information you need even faster
Apr 12, 2017

Throughout my career, I've learned a lot of tips. Most of the time these tips came from the school of hard knocks but sometimes I was lucky enough to have someone come beside me and share the knowledge they gained. 

Well in this episode I'm doing just that! I'm going to teach you 7 of the most valuable tips I've learned in my career. Now at first glance, these tips may seem basic. However, their effectiveness lies in their simplicity. So sit back, relax, and get your learn on!

In this episode you will learn:

  • My processes for working through almost any design or troubleshooting challenge
  • Why the way you install your BAS has a tremendous effect on how you operate it
  • How training your customer can massively decrease your warranty calls
  • Why the as-builts you're creating suck and what to do about it
  • The most common issue BAS folks experience with IT and how to solve it
  • Why it's ok to bill your customer for 3 hours of work, even if you only worked for 15 minutes
Mar 29, 2017

Protocols define how pieces of technology communicate amongst one another.

But how much do you really know about the protocols that govern the "rules" of your BAS?

If you find BACnet to be a confusing topic you're not alone. The BAS world is already full of acronyms and confusion. This episode will help you to clear some of that up.

In this episode you will learn:

  • The difference between BACnet/IP and MS/TP
  • Tips for successful BACnet communications
  • How BACnet objects are structured
  • The difference between a BACnet object and a BACnet property
  • How BTL listings, PIC's, and BIBB's come together to provide interoperability
Mar 22, 2017

For many in the BAS world information technology is a foreign topic. A lot of us who have entered the BAS profession have backgrounds in HVAC and electrical systems. Because of this IT can at times feel very unnatural.

That's why I've recorded this episode. I captured the 7 most common questions I get asked about IT and answered them in this podcast episode. 

In this episode you will learn:

  • How cyber security and hacks can or cannot affect your BAS
  • The different options you have for connecting remotely to your BAS
  • How to work with IT to get IP addresses
  • The difference between a virtual machine and physical machine and when you should use each one
  • What the cloud is and how you can or cannot use it with your BAS
  • Is wireless safe for your BAS?
Mar 1, 2017

How many times have you walked onto a project and wondered…

Hmm where do I start with this IT thing…

What do I need to do?

Do you go after remote access? Do you get a server? What about the database?

Well if you’ve ever felt that way then this segment is for you!

  • In this episode, I take you through a full-proof plan on how to work with IT to setup your building automation system. 
  • I walk you through a major Amazon Web Services issue that could majorly impact how we support BAS in the future. 
  • I also take you through some BAM Nation questions 

All this and more on Episode 50 of the Building Automation Monthly Podcast.

Feb 22, 2017

Cyber security... Those two words strike fear into the heart of many a BAS professional.

No one wants to be the technician trying to convince the security expert to give him remote access, and no one wants to be the sales person trying to convince her customer that her BAS is secure.

Yet every day thousands of BAS professionals find themselves in these conversations. 

And imagine how the owners, contractors, and engineers feel. 

How can they wade through all the BS and get to the core of what they need to know?

Well, I've got good news. 

In this episode of the building automation monthly podcast I will help you:

  1. Understand what cyber security is
  2. Realize how to communicate to cyber security professionals
  3. Secure your BAS
  4. Counter the top four IT security objections

 

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