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How to Fix a Screwed Up Installation
If you're being called in to fix up a messy install, you need a method to clean up the madness.
It's one of the realities of working with technology -- especially in complex installations -- that there's always a potential for error, either human or mechanical.
As one system programmer I know likes to say, "control systems are not forgiving."
But it might not only be your systems that you have to fix. More than a few integrators I've known have made a living fixing other companies' screw ups.
If you have a strong stomach, nerves of steel, and like getting paid by the hour, this may turn out to be a booming business in the current market climate as your fair-weather competitors start to close up shop.
The key to effective troubleshooting is to work efficiently. Instead of trying a bunch of random stuff, work from a checklist, eliminate the obvious ones first (power cord, anyone?), and work your way down the line.
More often than not, by being methodical, you'll have your problem solved sooner rather than later.
In order to troubleshoot like a pro, whether you're fixing a connection between two devices or an entire whole-home system, follow these logical steps.
First, determine the problem.
Is it intermittent or constant? Does it happen in conjunction with something else happening?
Answer the What, When and Where, and you're on the way to figuring out the How.
This is where you run through your checklist of potential faults, eliminating suspects until you find the culprit.
If you've correctly diagnosed the problem in the first step, this step will be completed much more quickly.
This is pretty self-explanatory. Maybe you're replacing a wire, or updating firmware.
Regardless, once it's done, move on to the next stage.
Testing is either easy or tricky.
In the case of intermittent faults, you may have to run your test a few times in order to determine that the fault is eliminated.
This last step is the mark of a true professional. If you've identified the circumstances that led to the failure, then take the time to ensure that it never happens again.
Was the equipment failure from overheating due to insufficient airflow? Re-engineer the equipment location to add a fan and an exhaust.
Did the power conditioner not have an Ethernet pass through, and a high voltage surge through the broadband connection fried the modem AND your control processor? Swap out the power conditioner for one that protects every connection.
I had one installation where a pullout shelf led to a disconnected IR plug. Future prevention meant running an IR cable with adequate slack in it, and it was then zip tied to keep it from unplugging in the future.
One great axiom about business is that it's unrealistic to expect to have no problems. True professionalism is about how you deal with your problems.
Regardless of whether you're fixing something of yours that's gone wrong, or if you're being paid to pick up the pieces that someone else has left behind, time is money.
By being logical, methodical and diligent, you'll make the best use of your time, and be able to solve the problem and move on.
Lee Distad is a freelance CEDIA Certified Professional Designer who offers design and process consultation to firms in the Custom Installation industry, as well as copy writing and other professional writing services. Lee’s business and industry blog can be read at http://www.leedistad.com
As one system programmer I know likes to say, "control systems are not forgiving."
But it might not only be your systems that you have to fix. More than a few integrators I've known have made a living fixing other companies' screw ups.
If you have a strong stomach, nerves of steel, and like getting paid by the hour, this may turn out to be a booming business in the current market climate as your fair-weather competitors start to close up shop.
The key to effective troubleshooting is to work efficiently. Instead of trying a bunch of random stuff, work from a checklist, eliminate the obvious ones first (power cord, anyone?), and work your way down the line.
More often than not, by being methodical, you'll have your problem solved sooner rather than later.
In order to troubleshoot like a pro, whether you're fixing a connection between two devices or an entire whole-home system, follow these logical steps.
Diagnose
First, determine the problem.
Is it intermittent or constant? Does it happen in conjunction with something else happening?
Answer the What, When and Where, and you're on the way to figuring out the How.
Analyze
This is where you run through your checklist of potential faults, eliminating suspects until you find the culprit.
If you've correctly diagnosed the problem in the first step, this step will be completed much more quickly.
Repair
This is pretty self-explanatory. Maybe you're replacing a wire, or updating firmware.
Regardless, once it's done, move on to the next stage.
Test
Testing is either easy or tricky.
In the case of intermittent faults, you may have to run your test a few times in order to determine that the fault is eliminated.
Prevent
This last step is the mark of a true professional. If you've identified the circumstances that led to the failure, then take the time to ensure that it never happens again.
Was the equipment failure from overheating due to insufficient airflow? Re-engineer the equipment location to add a fan and an exhaust.
Did the power conditioner not have an Ethernet pass through, and a high voltage surge through the broadband connection fried the modem AND your control processor? Swap out the power conditioner for one that protects every connection.
I had one installation where a pullout shelf led to a disconnected IR plug. Future prevention meant running an IR cable with adequate slack in it, and it was then zip tied to keep it from unplugging in the future.
Prepare for Problems: They'll Happen
One great axiom about business is that it's unrealistic to expect to have no problems. True professionalism is about how you deal with your problems.
Regardless of whether you're fixing something of yours that's gone wrong, or if you're being paid to pick up the pieces that someone else has left behind, time is money.
By being logical, methodical and diligent, you'll make the best use of your time, and be able to solve the problem and move on.
Lee Distad is a freelance CEDIA Certified Professional Designer who offers design and process consultation to firms in the Custom Installation industry, as well as copy writing and other professional writing services. Lee’s business and industry blog can be read at http://www.leedistad.com
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