Learning About Radio Communications

I have been learning about radio communications lately as a result of my new job at South Texas Communications. From my point of view, radio has been the stuff of those few geniuses who venture to become ham radio operators and learn electronics, the realm of engineers. I think, for the most part, it was probably true. My impression is that, like microchips, radio has become simple, reliable, programmable, and increasingly standardized.

This mirrors the information technology field in many ways. Computers are modular, where you can swap out computer parts because they have standard connections and interfaces. Computers are simple to operate once they are set up. In a work environment where users don’t have free reign to download crap onto their computers, computers are rather reliable. Of course, computers are programmable. Software companies create all kinds of programs to meet the needs of people in all sorts of industries. And, there is a move towards open standards in the tech field.

Since radio is mirroring the tech industry in so many ways, it is only natural that radio systems begin to operate as data networks. Radio devices have IP addresses. They use RJ-45 connections. They use Cat5 cable. They use switches and routers. They use SNMP. They use NTP servers. In my short experience with this company, there is so much in radio that is familiar to me simply because there is so much crossover.

Granted, I couldn’t solder a circuit board or know the different bands at which radio communications operate. Maybe I’ll know later, but for now, it doesn’t matter. The devices either talk to each other or don’t. Radio devices are so reliable these days that they can’t be down, ever. Systems are modular and parts are quickly swapped out to restore service. I am learning quite a bit about the communications field. I am at the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more learning beneath the surface. Things may get interesting.

Job Detour: Joining South Texas Communications

I have been lax in announcing another change in my employment. Recently I announced joining up with RGV Helpdesk. Well, within a week, RGV Helpdesk was in negotiations to join South Texas Communications. As a result, I had to re-interview for a job I already had. I was a bit hesitant at first because the job requires full-time involvement.

I have worked to build multiple sources of income, so going back to a single source of income causes me to hesitate. Still, the project that South Texas Communications is currently involved in made me want to be a part. Currently, we are working on a project to connect all the hospitals along the Rio Grande Valley with a private network that uses microwave bridges. Some of these network bridges will cross a street while others will cross many miles. I’ve not worked on this type of computer networking, so this is cool.

South Texas Communications has historically been a radio company. It has been in business for over 60 years. Much of their business depends on servicing city, county, and other government radio needs. They have roughly 75% of the radio market in our region. Furthermore, South Texas Communications is the leader in selling and servicing Motorola products in the RGV. Having said that, I know very little about radios. I’m a computer guy.

Why would they hire me? Well, it turns out that radio is increasingly integrating with computer networks. Carrying voice over radios is down to a science. Now, there is increasing demand for radio that can carry data. The radios are physically the same, but the infrastructure at the ends of the radios is more IT centric. That’s where RGV Helpdesk and I come in. We are there to fill the void where radio meets computer networks. Therefore, South Texas Communications will broaden the meaning of the Communications part in the name.

It was a tough decision for me to finally agree to join South Texas Communications. It is a fine company with a good track record. I think a few years back I would have jumped at the opportunity immediately. My hesitation mainly came from being comfortable where I was working for a State Representative and doing computer jobs on the side. I had steady income and access to important people throughout the state. I was ready to turn the job down. I even asked for a raise and got it. In the end, being comfortable is what changed my mind. If you are comfortable, you aren’t growing. I figure it is best to move out of my comfort zone and try to grow into something else.

In the coming month, I’ll be working on a big project that is both physically and mentally demanding. Afterwards, I’m sure that more challenges will be thrown my way. I don’t know what lies ahead exactly, details were rather vague, something about a career and opportunities. I don’t know about all that, nor care. I’m going to pick up some skills and put them to work alongside my existing skills. The key here is growth.