Now Available!
MECP's Master Installation Technician Study Guide

It’s finally here! After months of work, the first ever MECP Master Installation Technician Study Guide is now available.

During our unveiling at MERA KnowledgeFest, many installers commented that this is THE must have reference guide! Here are some highlights:

Chapter One: Contains many “need to know” vehicle electronics items and covers information found in ASE A6 exams. With topics like data bus systems, vehicle schematics, advanced electronic components, and even hybrid gas-electric vehicles, this chapter is one any technician will find informative.

Chapter Two: Covers numerous informative tips and best practices for everything from vehicle disassembly and using oscilloscopes to fabrication tools and recommended techniques. There are also contributions from industry experts like Chris Yato, Bryan Schmitt and Mark Eldridge.

Chapter Three: Focuses on mobile audio and video systems including: speakers, low frequency enclosure design characteristics and overall audio system design. Plus the OEM integration section provides technicians with information about the vehicle challenges they face today.  

Chapter Four: Deals with security and convenience systems, with in depth content on transponders and installation challenges.

Chapter Five: Covers in-vehicle communications and information, including: traffic services (both TMC and satellite radio based), digital FM radio, OSHA and FMVSS standards to name a few.

To order a Master Installation Technician Study Guide, visit www.MECP.com or call (866) 858-1555 today! Plus, even seasoned pros will find this guide useful as a reference tool.

Meet the Master!

David Yelton
MECP Master Installation Technician
Field Operations Supervisor, LO~JACK Corporation
Oregon City, Oregon 

MECP would like to introduce David Yelton, this month's featured master installation technician. Below, he answers questions about his certification and the industry. 

How many years have you been in the industry? 8.5

How many years have you been MECP certified? 8.5

How long did it take you to become a MECP master installation technician?
From the time I started seriously studying, to the time I passed, was about 10 months.

How has becoming an MECP master installation technician impacted your career?
While working as an installer, the master installation technician certification had significant financial benefits. Now that I am in a supervisor/salary position, it has assisted in establishing a level of respect from employees and coworkers in the field of automotive electronics.   

What do you feel are the big challenges facing the industry?
Advancement in vehicle electrical systems. I currently work for a company whose products main focus is vehicle security and recovery. Interfacing factory power sources safely is becoming more difficult every year with the addition of voltage and current draw monitoring systems. Also, with talk of vehicle electrical systems changing from a 12V platform to a much higher voltage source, I am sure we will continue to face challenges with outfitting vehicles with aftermarket electrical products.

What do you feel are the big challenges technicians face while working in the install bay?
Keeping up with what power sources are safe to tie into and working with new vehicle materials. I have noticed a trend of vehicle manufacturers using lighter and/or thinner interior panel materials. Often times these materials are weaker than the clips and fasteners that hold them together. This allows for many opportunities for damage claims if proper care is not taken. Also with the advent of side impact and curtain air bags, we are starting to see “one-time-use” clips that are destroyed upon removal. These can be a challenge to avoid for techs that have not come across them before.

What are your comments about other installers who feel like the certification does not apply to them?
Like it or not, most customers like to see that the person working on their car has some type of formal training or certification. They may not be looking for it when the come through the door, but you may get them as a repeat customer because of it.  

As a master installation technician, have you benefited financially in regard to salary, incentives or growth at your current employer?
Master certification helped me obtain my current position and has had a direct financial benefit.
                                     
As a result of your certification, do you feel you have job security or better job prospects?
Having the certificate looks great on a resume. It illustrates you take your field of work seriously and that you like to stay at the top of their industry.

What is your favorite tool and why?
The Pneumatic D/A Sander (all models and sizes) because it gets the job done so much faster!

If you are a Master Installation technician and would like to participate, please contact MECP@MECP.com.