Huston’s John Armstrong becomes Axis Certified Professional!
Who is AXIS Communications?
AXIS is the market leader in the network video industry and specializes both in analog and digital video surveillance systems. AXIS has tens of thousands of partners in 179 countries and distributors in 70 countries worldwide. The mission of the company is to make the world a safer and more secure place. Axis specializes in the production of network video solutions that rely on revolutionary, open technical platforms. AXIS was the first company to launch a network camera in 1996, shifting from analog to digital and developing the video surveillance systems as we know them today. AXIS now produces applications, video encoders, network cameras and a variety of accessories for video surveillance systems.
Axis Certification Program
Axis Certification Program ensures students have expert-level knowledge of Axis products. It gives them in-depth knowledge of network video topics that turn Axis Certified Professionals (and the businesses they work for) into sought after experts. The scope of Axis Certification Program goes far beyond just Axis products and certifies comprehensive knowledge of network video, networking, system design, and installation.
Benefits of the certification include:
The Axis Certified Professional serves as a comprehensive knowledge indicator of the latest network video technologies, solutions, and best-practice design & implementation techniques.
Axis Certified Professionals are highly regarded by their peers and colleagues for their competence. They are recognized by system architects and consultants who require Axis Certified Professionals in large projects.
Axis certification is a unique differentiator for end-users when selecting their video surveillance provider.
How does this benefit Huston?
Completing my ACP Certification from AXIS gives me the product and design knowledge to install advanced IP surveillance solutions. Axis Certification Program also gives us concrete proof that we have the knowledge and skills needed to bid on bigger and more complex projects – and to do a better job on the ones we land. Customers can be assured that they are in good hands when working with Huston on their security needs. Huston will now be listed on www.axis.com and will be promoted on their social media platforms and we will qualify for “silver” purchasing levels which will reduce our purchasing costs and increase our profitability.
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Huston Case Study | “THE HUB” a 289 Unit Apartment Complex
Project Highlights:Huston was the successful contractor for the electrical portion of the “The Hub” WestLafayette, IN project which is a 289 unit apartment complex with a total of 599 studentbeds. Our Pre-Fab team has been busy wiring panels, wiring devices, cutting MC cable,and building prefab assemblies for weeks now. We are on the 8th floor of 10 total floorswith our panel assemblies and working to finish the 5th floor of our branch powerdevices. The project is currently only beginning the 4th floor walls, which puts Hustonseveral weeks ahead of schedule! This project is one of many design/build apartmentprojects that Huston has been part of over the last several years. Meeting this projectsdeadline is key to the projects success, Huston’s use of prefab will help maintain thisaggressive project schedule. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8N_8NorE5EU
Background:Construction project schedules are getting tighter and tighter, but yet the buildings electrical systems are getting more complex. The answer to meet these schedule dates is to utilize Huston Electric for our prefabrication capabilities. Huston has been perfecting the prefabrication means and methods for 6 years now, and improving our process from start to finish to meet each jobs requirements.
Results:Huston has assisted in maintaining the rigorous project schedules while still providing a top notch quality electrical installation. We have also been able to maintain safer projects and help keep electricians safe with the use of prefab. No matter the schedule constraints Huston Electric still believes that safety and quality are the #1 priority.
Could your construction project benefit from having Huston Electric Prefabrication? Huston is here to help! It takes great design efforts and knowledge to provide sucha great installation. All the way from electrical design, fabrication, installation andfinish; Huston is the answer! Call us if you are ready to begin planning your constructionproject
No job is to big nor to small for Huston Electric. Apartments, mulit-family, K-12, highereducation, commercial and industrial. Huston has physical locations in Kokomo,Lafayette and Indianapolis, Indiana. Huston Inc. was founded in 1939 and has divisionsspecializing in electrical contracting and service, home and business automation,telecommunications, visual communications and signage, generators and compressors.
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A Residential Control Project Like No Other
In my 10 years of audio video work and programming Control4 systems I have had the opportunity to do some incredible, very fun, interesting, projects. I’ve designed and installed systems for residences, restaurants, offices, and conference rooms. Each one had their own unique objective with different aspects of AV and automation control. As comprehensive and technologically advanced as many of them have been, none of them quite had it all. It just hadn’t happened… until now.
From time to time in everyone’s career there comes a project or assignment that stands out. A dream job. A unicorn. My dream job came about in the form of a 14,000 square foot mansion on the outskirts of Lafayette. When I first saw the prints and sheer scope of the job I was in awe and must admit a bit intimidated. While I had done work in large, elegant homes before, nothing had really measured up to the scale of this home. However large it seemed, I wasn’t going to let the opportunity pass me by and was up for the challenge. After many hours of design work and meetings with Control4 and the client, they ultimately accepted our proposals over our competitors’. The work was completed over two years and was a success. I’ve been very pleased with how the system has turned out and more importantly the client has been as well. Here are some of the features this full blown Control4 smart home has to offer. Whole House LightingThe home has Control4’s wired lighting system. I programmed 26 modules with 8 circuits each. There are over 60 wired low voltage keypads with over 200 buttons that had to be programmed individually. Each button has its own custom label.Whole House AudioSixteen independent audio zones can be controlled together or separately through Control4 a matrix switch and amplifiers. This includes outdoor and landscape audio. The system can stream applications such as Spotify and Pandora and they even have built in Airplay to stream from an iPhone or Apple device. Whole House VideoThe home has a Control4 HDMI 4K matrix switch that distributes up to 10 different sources to one of seven Sony XBR televisions in the home. Universal remote controls give easy access to source selection. All sources such as cable boxes and Apple TVs are hidden away in the server cabinet and need never be visible to the user. Two televisions are also installed with an automated TV lift that hides the TV in a cabinet when it is turned off.Dedicated Home TheaterA high-end Sony home theater receiver distributes quality audio to Paradigm Millenia pro audio speakers and subwoofer. Video is displayed on a 75” Sony XBR.Home NetworkA robust Luxul business class router communicates with all the Control4 devices. Seven indoor Wi-Fi access points and one outdoor Wi-Fi access point give excellent wireless coverage throughout the home. A wireless controller has also been installed for seamless handoff of devices for AP to AP. A powerful, robust, and reliable network is crucial for a successful Control4 installation.Touch ScreensSix wired touch screens and three wireless touch screens are distributed in key locations for entire system control. The touch screens also act as a whole-home intercom system also.Door StationsDoorbell intercoms are installed at the front gate and two door entrances. They are also integrated with intercom system and touch screens. Gate ControlThe front security gate can be opened through the Control4 system.HVAC IntegrationNest thermostats and smoke alarms are connected to Control4.Security System IntegrationAn Interlogix security system is integrated for alarm system control from any touch screen.SurveillanceNine security cameras were installed and can be viewed remotely or through the Control4 touch screens.Fireplace ControlTwo gas fireplaces can be turned on and off through the Control4 system.Garage Door ControlThe garage doors are integrated with the system.Pool ControlPool temperature and filtration control are integrated. Remote AccessThe entire system can be remotely controlled from Mumbai.
So yeah… I’ve been busy. It was an amazing endeavor and it was so fun! The builder and the client were fantastic to work with which made it all the better. The experience was invaluable and raised me to an entirely new level in the field of home control and automation. I’m happy to take the knowledge forward in to new projects of any size.Blog by Nate Cushman Custom Electronics Integrator & Master Installer.
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Huston Case Study | McGavic Outdoor Power Electronic Message Center Upgrade
SIGN SPECS: FULL Color 19mm LED 3’5”h x 10’3”w ID Cabinet: Polycarbonate sign faces with digitally printed graphics
Huston Case Study | Watch What Happens
Background:McGavic Outdoor Power has long believed in the power of on premise advertising as they purchased their first Watchfire electronic message center (EMC) in 2003. Their original EMC was a one-color display capable of text based messages. At the end of 2016 the City of Kokomo announced that all pylon signs would have to be converted to monument-style signs by the year 2022. This announcement pushed Mr. McGavic to update his signage as he had already been considering upgrading the electronic portion of his sign.Results:After a 14-year run of using the one-color sign, Mr. McGavic upgraded to new technology and purchased a Watchfire full color 19mm EMC. The new full color EMC allows them to publish photos of their lawn equipment & other inventory, vendor ads, and logos as well as animations that are provided in the library of images provided by Watchfire. McGavic’s achieved great looking signage while keeping in compliance with the city’s new sign regulations.
Testimonial:”Our old sign served us well for many years, but as technology progressed our sign grew outdated and we were due for an update. The new sign has opened up many new and exciting forms of advertisement for us at the click of a button. The new sign is extremely easy to program and makes updating the sign a simple, fast, and easy task. Updating our sign to this new color display was one of the best choices we have made in a long time for our advertisement. We look forward to using this sign for many years to come and we are very satisfied with the service Huston has provided.”By showcasing the products and logos that they offer, they are creating brand awareness to those who simply drive by their store. McGavic Outdoor Power is located on US Highway 931 and gets almost one million people that drive by every month! They can reach existing and potential customers 24/7 to get the word out on their new products, sales, promotions, and special events. Could you benefit from a digital sign that advertises for your business 24/7? Huston is here to help! It takes a lot to make these types of signs functional and Huston specializes in turnkey solutions. Who do you know that can provide electrical conduit, CAT5 cabling, wireless communication, IT programming, and in-person software training? Huston is the answer! Call us if you are ready to begin planning signs like these for your business. Huston Signs provides and installs electronic message centers, channel letters, architectural letters, monument signs, pylon signs, neon signs and blade signs. Huston has physical locations in Kokomo, Lafayette and Indianapolis, Indiana. Huston Inc. was founded in 1939 and has divisions specializing in electrical contracting and service, home and business automation, telecommunications, visual communications and signage, generators and compressors. To learn more about Huston/Eight38 graphics, please visit us www.hustonelectric.com and www.838graphics.com.FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL HUSTON 800•455•8898
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Huston brings illuminated Colts horseshoe logo to life in new Colts complex lobby.
The illuminated Colts horseshoe logo gracing the new lobby of the Colts complex was designed by Jarrett Hagy of Lodge Design, located in Indianapolis. Huston was privileged to once again work with Jarrett on the installation of another one of his amazing designs. Huston has partnered with Jarrett on many projects over the last few years and he never Disappoints!Huston installed this backlit channel logo of the Colts horseshoe, mounted to a pvc backer with the actual horseshoe having halo lighting. The sign makes a strong statement with its soft glow.Go Colts!Huston Signs/ Eight38 Graphics is a full service branding, graphics and custom signage company serving central Indiana. We specialize in helping our customers create their brand and then assisting them in marketing that brand to the public. We help our customers visually communicate their brand in the following ways: business cards and letterhead, vehicle wraps and vinyl lettering, interior wall wraps, construction site signs, post and panel signs and way finding signage.Huston Signs provides and installs electronic message centers, channel letters, architectural letters, monument signs, pylon signs, neon signs and blade signs. Huston has physical locations in Kokomo, Lafayette and Indianapolis, Indiana. Huston Inc. was founded in 1939 and has divisions specializing in electrical contracting and service, home and business automation, telecommunications, visual communications and signage, generators and compressors. To learn more about Huston/ Eight38 graphics, please visit us www.hustonelectric.com and www.838graphics.com.
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Lafayette electrical union, IBEW 668, goes high tech!
Our local electrical union has recently updated its conference room to a Control4 audio visual and HVAC control system. The new system seamlessly integrates multiple video sources to be selected and distributed to a new Vivetek ceiling mounted projector and 120” drop down projection screen.
The video sources include Apple TV, Microsoft wireless display adapter (WiDi), Sony Blu ray player, and a local in wall connection for devices such as laptops. The system also features a 4-zone 70v audio amplifier to distribute audio to four separate areas independently or together. A microphone is also mixed in for use when public address is needed. Music from Pandora is programmed to come on each morning throughout the building. Two wireless Control4 thermostats with occupancy sensors will seasonally lower/raise the temperature when the union hall is vacated. These new modifications have created an ease of use and savings of energy for union members and individuals renting out the hall. Control4 is an excellent solution for new or retrofit conference room installations.
Huston AVTech is a full service audio visual division of Huston Electric serving central Indiana. We specialize in home and business automation through design, integration, installation and control.Huston Avtech is a Control4 GOLD level dealer and authorized resell.
Huston Inc. was founded in 1939 and has divisions specializing in electrical contracting and service, home and business automation, telecommunications, visual communications and signage, generators and compressors.
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Indiana Heartland Federal Credit Union Receives Beautiful Electronic Message Center
Huston’s Sign Division did it again! We installed a full color 15.85mm Daktronics electronic message center at Indiana Heartland Federal Credit Union. Their new sign helps them stay in touch with their customers by advertising current rates, special events, and promotions. The sophisticated design of the sign structure fits perfectly with the aesthetic of Indiana Heartland’s new building.
The faces of the ID cabinet are routed aluminum with push-thru acrylic lettering and logo. The faces of the lettering are applied with perforated vinyl (also known as “day/night” vinyl). By having the perforated vinyl the letters look black during the day, but when the letters are illuminated at night they shine white. The electronic message center has the capability to display full color graphics and animations with a pixel pitch of 15.85 which provides clear images when viewed from driving and/or walking distances.Buffey Hedrick, CEO of Indiana Heartland, had this to say about the sign project:“Working with Huston Electric and Perkins Contracting on our new monument sign was wonderful. From the planning stage to installation, to software training, to the final product we felt so taken care of and confident in the services Huston provided. Perkins Contracting did a beautiful job on the stonework that perfectly matches our building façade. Huston Electric did a extraordinary job of taking my vision and creating an attractive sign which matches the esthetics of our new Credit Union. They were very patient with me and if you know me you know that is a terrific task!!! We have had so much positive feedback from our members and are very happy with the purchase of our digital sign.”Could you benefit from a digital sign that advertises for your business 24/7? Huston is here to help! It takes a lot to make these types of signs functional and Huston specializes in turnkey installations. Who do you know that can provide electrical conduit, CAT5 cabling, wireless communication, IT programming, and in-person software training? Huston is the answer! Call us if you are ready to begin planning signs like these for your business.Huston Signs/ Eight38 Graphics is a full service branding, graphics and custom signage company serving central Indiana. We specialize in helping our customers create their brand and then assisting them in marketing that brand to the public. We help our customers visually communicate their brand in the following ways: business cards and letterhead, vehicle wraps and vinyl lettering, interior wall wraps, construction site signs, post and panel signs and way finding signage.
Huston Signs provides and installs electronic message centers, channel letters, architectural letters, monument signs, pylon signs, neon signs and blade signs. Huston has physical locations in Kokomo, Lafayette and Indianapolis, Indiana.
Huston Inc. was founded in 1939 and has divisions specializing in electrical contracting and service, home and business automation, telecommunications, visual communications and signage, generators and compressors. To learn more about Huston/ Eight38 graphics, please visit us www.hustonelectric.com and www.838graphics.com.
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Huston Honors Team In First Annual Employee Recognition Dinner
Employee Recognition Dinner
We are proud to say that we just had our First Annual Employee Recognition Dinner, to celebrate the amazing people that we are fortunate to have work for us here at Huston. We spent an evening out having dinner, giving out awards, and spending time with one another.
We are so thankful for all of our employees, and there’s nothing quite as special to us as when someone joins our team and stays. That’s why we decided to celebrate some milestones for continuous employment. Recipients included:
5-year recipientsMatt BoorTom BrodtChristy CardwellErica CunninghamJoel FenskeRyan HasserJason HeltonSarah HillStephanie HohenbergerGary HussongBrady McKinneyJennifer NuttScott VollmerAmber WallaceRobin Winter
10-year recipientJohn Armstrong
15-year award recipientsTodd HutchinsScott Newlin
Tom Brodt“Employee of the Year”.
Tom Brodt, “Employee of the Year”. This award was determined by his peers. Each employee was given a nomination form to recognize who they felt should be Employee of the Year. Over 30% of Huston’s employees were nominated, but Tom stood out amongst the rest. He has been with Huston for over 7 years and has been in the electrical trade for 29 years. He is an Industrial Manager and handles millions of dollars in projects per year. He is always willing to step in and take on additional projects as needed. Steve Huston stated, “It’s great to have a man like Tom Brodt on the Huston Team. I can always go to Tom when help is needed and he is always willing to jump right in and tackle any problem. No job is too big or too small for Tom, he does whatever is needed for Huston. I would like to personally congratulate Tom Brodt on winning the Employee of the Year Award, we are fortunate to have you as a part of our team!”.
We are so grateful for our employees and their families, and we look forward to many more celebrations together!
Huston, Inc. was founded in 1939 and has divisions specializing in electrical contracting and service, home and business automation, telecommunications, visual communications and signage, generators and compressors.
Huston Signs provides and installs electronic message centers, channel letters, architectural letters, monument signs, pylon signs, neon signs and blade signs. Huston has physical locations in Kokomo, Lafayette, Lebanon and Indianapolis, Indiana.
Huston Signs/ Eight38 Graphics is a full service branding, graphics and custom signage company serving central Indiana. We specialize in helping our customers create their brand and then assisting them in marketing that brand to the public. We help our customers visually communicate their brand in the following ways: business cards and letterhead, vehicle wraps and vinyl lettering, interior wall wraps, construction site signs, post and panel signs and way finding signage.
To learn more about Huston/ Eight38 graphics, please visit us at www.hustonelectric.com and www.838graphics.com
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Huston Helps Family Psychiatric Center With New Lettering For Their Current Monument Sign
Not Everything Goes According to Plan…
Huston helped Family Psychiatric Center with new lettering for their monument sign at the end of 2016, but not everything went according to plan. Family Psychiatric Center had an existing monument-style sign with wooden letters and they asked us to provide new painted aluminum letters of their new logo.
We started by removing their letters and providing an aluminum substrate that was covered in print vinyl to match the paint color of their building. This served as a new, clean surface to mount the letters onto. Well, our color matching wasn’t spot on so the backer panel looked a bit yellow in comparison to their tan building facade. We did another color match and this time we got it just right and laid new vinyl over the backer panel which looked great. Then, when we went to install their new aluminum letters we found something else was wrong — they were WAY TOO SMALL. We apologized for our error and immediately found our mistake in sizing and re-ordered the correct size letters. Since the new letters were going to take about two weeks to come in, we applied cut vinyl lettering of their logo to the backer panel so their business would have identification in the meantime.
While we don’t often make mistakes, we are sure to remedy them as quickly as possible and with no cost to the customer. Our contacts at Family Psychiatric Center were incredibly understanding and gracious during this time. We are happy to report that the new letters that came in were a perfect fit and were a wonderful improvement from where we started!
Huston Signs/ Eight38 Graphics is a full service branding, graphics and custom signage company serving central Indiana. We specialize in helping our customers create their brand and then assisting them in marketing that brand to the public. We help our customers visually communicate their brand in the following ways: business cards and letterhead, vehicle wraps and vinyl lettering, interior wall wraps, construction site signs, post and panel signs and way finding signage. To learn more about Huston/Eight38 Graphics, please visit us at www.hustonelectric.com and www.838graphics.com.
Huston Inc. was founded in 1939 and has divisions specializing in electrical contracting and service, home and business automation, telecommunications, visual communications and signage, generators and compressors.
Huston helps Montgomery Aviation / Indy Executive Airport With Lighting Solution
Huston’s Electrical Service Division recently had the opportunity to assist in retrofitting the interior lighting at the Montgomery Aviation / Indy Executive Airport in Zionsville, IN. We worked closely with Sean White, General Manager, in finding the appropriate LED fixture for the airplane hangars.
Pete Septoski evaluated the different LED lighting options and decided on the RAB Rail225 high bay fixture. The new LED fixtures replaced existing 400 watt HID high bay fixtures.
The improvement was monumental and resulted in increased quality and quantity of light, 50% reduction in energy cost and a rebate check from the local utility provider of $10,701.00. Sean commented, “I would say that the improvement in lighting in our hangers is 10 fold what it used to be. It has made a huge difference for both our employees and our customers and we look forward to recovering our costs quickly through the energy savings.”
Lighting retrofits have additional benefits such as; increased sales, safety and security, employee morale, lower energy costs and all around aesthetics.
If you are interested in a lighting survey and cost analysis, please give Pete Septoski a call at (317) 804-9009 or send him an email at [email protected] Huston provides lighting survey and assessment at no charge and will also help find any rebate monies available.
Huston Inc. was founded in 1939 and has divisions specializing in electrical contracting and service, home and business automation, telecommunications, visual communications and signage, generators and compressors.
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