VFD Vibes

Internships are more than just summer jobs—they’re the starting point for real careers. Host Greg Weichman sits down with Nancy Flowers to break down how internship programs benefit both students and employers, and what makes Yaskawa’s approach stand out. With nearly two decades at Yaskawa and years of experience leading the intern program, Nancy shares how the company builds long-term talent pipelines through hands-on experience, mentorship, and meaningful work. From how students find internships and stand out in the application process to how Yaskawa recruits, gathers feedback, and continuously improves the program, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what a modern internship should be. Whether you're a student exploring your first opportunity or an employer thinking about developing future talent, this conversation is packed with practical insight and real-world perspective. 01:29 Internships: More Than Just a Summer Job 07:14 Real Work, Not Busywork: Inside the Program 09:56 Mentorship, Teams & Opportunities Beyond Engineering 12:55 The Skills Interns Walk Away With 15:36 How Feedback Shapes a Better Internship Experience 19:26 From Intern to Leader + What Sets the Best Apart Have a topic you want us to cover? Email [email protected] and let us know!

When low voltage VFDs reach their limits, medium voltage takes over. Host Greg Weichman and guest Tim Scheidell break down what medium voltage (MV) really means and how MV VFDs differ from low voltage drives in system design, internal topology, commissioning, safety, and real-world applications.   With Tim’s experience working with large-scale drive systems, they explore multi-level architectures, power cells, harmonic performance, maintenance expectations, and the industries that depend on MV solutions. Whether you're new to medium voltage or evaluating when it makes sense to move beyond 480V systems, this episode gives you the clarity needed to understand where MV fits and why it matters.   02:23 What Counts as Medium Voltage 04:15 Why Step Up to MV 05:53 Design Differences Inside an MV Drive 15:22 Safety, Commissioning, and Maintenance 21:05 Where MV Is Used 22:52 When LV Still Wins 25:31 Future MV Trends   Have a topic you want us to cover? Email [email protected] and let us know!

In a world of fast shipping, online marketplaces, and shifting customer expectations, does the traditional distribution model still deliver? Host Greg Weichman sits down with Josh Julius, Yaskawa’s Industrial Channel Manager, to explore why the channel partner model remains a strategic cornerstone and what makes this model so powerful in the industrial automation space. With over a decade of experience at Yaskawa, Josh shares real-world examples, challenges, and behind-the-scenes insights into what makes a great channel partner, how Yaskawa supports its network, and the growing risks of the gray market. They discuss the importance of local inventory, industry expertise, solution selling, and trust—showing how distribution partners act as force multipliers in delivering value to customers. Whether you’re a distributor, an end user, or just curious about how the industrial supply chain really works, this episode breaks it all down. 03:17 Understanding the Distribution Partner Model 07:21 Real-World Examples of Distribution Value 09:05 Challenges in Supporting Distribution Partners 15:43 The Gray Market and Its Implications 18:39 Qualities of Strong Distribution Partners 23:25 Yaskawa's Support for Channel Partners 25:51 Future of Distribution and Final Thoughts Have a topic you want us to cover? Email [email protected] and let us know!

Getting the most out of your drive goes far beyond the purchase. Host Greg Weichman breaks down what really makes a difference — from installation and motor selection to tuning, cooling, and preventative maintenance — all in order to help you extend the life of your VFD and maximize efficiency. Inspired by an article from Yaskawa technical training expert Paul Avery, this episode explores how proper setup, smart features, and simple upkeep can dramatically improve performance and ROI. Whether you’re an installer, end user, or sales professional, this episode offers a high-level guide to better drive reliability, energy savings, and system longevity. Tune in to learn how a few key best practices can turn your VFD into a long-term advantage for your operation. 02:08 Importance of Proper Installation 02:58 Motor and Motor Cable Considerations 05:54 Model Your Motor with Auto-Tune 06:38 Advanced Drive Features for Efficiency 08:26 Maintaining Your VFD for Longevity 11:05 Preventative Maintenance Checklist 14:09 Future of VFD Maintenance with AI Have a topic you want us to cover? Email [email protected] and let us know!

Getting grounding and bonding right isn’t just about meeting electrical code — it’s about protecting your equipment, preventing EMI, and keeping your VFDs running the way they should. In this episode of VFD Vibes, host Greg Weichman welcomes back application engineer Joe Pottebaum to break down what proper grounding and bonding really mean. Joe explains the difference between system ground, equipment ground, and protective earth — and why confusing these terms can lead to nuisance trips, premature failures, or even dangerous conditions. You’ll also hear best practices for grounding VFDs and motors, insights on shielded cable vs. conduit wiring, and a real-world look at problems like ground loops, noise, and EMI. With decades of field experience, Joe shares practical advice for installers, engineers, and troubleshooters alike — showing how good grounding and bonding choices can prevent costly downtime and extend the life of your drives. 02:07 Defining Grounding and Bonding 06:55 Best Practices for Grounding VFDs 15:14 Cables, Conduits, and EMI  21:33 Troubleshooting and Real-World Examples 28:03 Protecting Your Investment 31:52 How to learn more or get help Have a topic you want us to cover? Email [email protected] and let us know!

Not all three-phase power systems are created equal — and the wrong setup can spell trouble for your VFDs. In this episode of VFD Vibes, host Greg Weichman sits down with application engineer Joe Pottebaum to unpack the world of power system configurations and their impact on variable frequency drive applications. From the fundamentals of single-phase versus three-phase power to the nuances of wye, delta, corner-grounded, and high-resistance grounded systems, Greg and Joe cover the configurations you’re most likely to encounter in the field — and the implications each has for your installation. You’ll hear how these systems evolved, why grounding strategy matters, and what can go wrong if you don’t match your VFD to the supply. Along the way, Joe shares field-tested advice on dealing with imbalanced systems, open-delta supplies, and ungrounded installations — plus how Yaskawa drives are built to handle real-world conditions that challenge other brands. Whether you’re an installer, engineer, or troubleshooting tech, this episode gives you the knowledge to spot risks before you press “Start.”   01:54 Single Phase vs. Three Phase Power 02:50 Applications of Single Phase Power 06:22 Three Phase Power in Industrial Settings 10:05 The Evolution of Three Phase Power 16:27 Grounding and Safety in Power Systems 25:06 Resistance Grounding and Line-to-Line vs. Line-to-Ground Faults 29:24 Challenges of High Resistance Grounding 32:14 System Grounding Standards 36:11 Impact of Ungrounded Systems 46:03 Delta vs. Wye Connected Systems 48:15 Yaskawa's Solutions for Imbalanced Systems Have a topic you want us to cover? Email [email protected] and let us know!

Technical training doesn’t just support our products—it empowers the people who use them. Host Greg Weichman sits down with John Autero, Manager of Technical Training Services at Yaskawa, for an inside look at how the company delivers hands-on education across drives, motion, and solar technologies. John shares how Yaskawa built a training program from the ground up—offering everything from e-learning and virtual classes to in-person workshops and a full-fledged technical roadshow. With decades of experience and a passion for teaching, he explains why great training isn’t just about what’s taught, but how it’s delivered. Whether you're brand new to VFDs or a seasoned field tech looking to sharpen your skills, this episode reveals how Yaskawa's training services help teams learn faster, troubleshoot smarter, and stay up to speed. 01:03 Meet John Autero: Shaping Yaskawa's Training Programs 06:05 Training Formats: Online, In-Person, and Hybrid 09:42 The Traveling Technical Training Road Show 12:37 Learn With Yaskawa: Learning Management System (LMS) 16:30 Diverse Training Content: From Basics to Troubleshooting 19:55 Utilizing Learning Paths within the LMS 22:00 Specialized Instructors: Expertise and Experience 24:20 Certification and Continuing Education Credits 27:08 Customer Feedback and Satisfaction 32:02 The Future of Training: AI and New Technologies 37:53 Providing Feedback and Custom Training Requests To dive in visit training.yaskawa.com Have a topic you want us to cover? Email [email protected] and let us know!

What happens when fault current exceeds what your system can handle? It’s not just theory—short circuit events can lead to arc flash, equipment destruction, or worse. Host Greg Weichman sits down with Steve Perreault, Yaskawa’s chief product line manager for low voltage drives, to unpack the real implications of SCCR (Short Circuit Current Rating), AIC (Amps Interrupting Capacity), and UL standards in VFD applications. From understanding how protection devices work with your drive to why following manufacturer instructions matters more than ever, Steve draws from 35 years of industry experience to walk you through the details that safeguard your equipment, operations—and most importantly, your people.   02:04 Understanding Available Fault Current 04:05 Built-in Protections in Variable Frequency Drives 06:51 Importance of Over Current Protection Devices (OCPD) 07:47 SCCR vs. AIC: Key Differences 18:37 UL Standards: From 508C to IEC 61800-5-1 21:54 Ensuring Compliance and Safety 29:37 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways   Link to Steve’s webinar on Drive short circuit protection and UL standards Video: Drive short circuit protection and UL standards - Control Engineering   Have a topic you want us to cover? Email [email protected] and let us know!

Small waves, big problems. Harmonics are often misunderstood, but ignoring them can lead to costly design flaws, equipment issues, and power quality headaches. Host Greg Weichman and guest Jordan Engel, Product Manager for Yaskawa’s Matrix Drives, demystify what harmonics are, how they form, and why they matter. Using vivid analogies and real-world stories, they explore how variable frequency drives (VFDs) and other modern electronics contribute to harmonic distortion—and what to do about it. With decades of combined experience, Greg and Jordan walk through common mitigation strategies like line reactors, passive filters, active filters, and low harmonic drive technologies. They also cover how to spot harmonic issues before they start, the role of IEEE 519, and why even small system changes can trigger unexpected consequences. Whether you're troubleshooting an existing system or planning a new facility, this episode is your guide to avoiding harmonic headaches and keeping your power system running smooth. 01:02 Defining Power Systems and Harmonics 02:37 Analogies to Explain Harmonics 07:54 Impact of Non-Linear Loads 10:05 Harmonics vs. EMC Explained 12:36 IEEE 519 Guidelines 14:38 Real World Story 21:01 Mitigation Strategies for Harmonics 27:30 Low Harmonic Drives 32:03 Predicting and Measuring Harmonics 35:17 Conclusion and Key Takeaways Have a topic you want us to cover? Email [email protected] and let us know!

The story of Yaskawa’s rise to VFD leadership is one of innovation, resilience, and a relentless focus on quality. Host Greg Weichman and guest Mark Bernicky, Senior Vice President of Yaskawa’s Drives Group, take you behind the scenes of Yaskawa’s journey—from its early days building mining motors in Japan to becoming a powerhouse of VFD technology in North America. With over 30 years at Yaskawa, Mark shares firsthand insights into key milestones: early U.S. expansion, the shift from brand labeling to direct sales, the game-changing launch of the G3 drive, and the deep-rooted principles that continue to drive Yaskawa’s success today. They also reflect on the culture that’s kept employees engaged for decades—and the investments being made to secure Yaskawa’s future as a leader in drives, motion, and robotics. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just discovering Yaskawa’s story, this episode offers an inspiring look at how staying true to your core values can fuel a century of success—and counting. 01:00 Yaskawa's Early History 03:30 Expansion into the U.S. Market 05:10 Transition to Drives Business 08:31 Brand Labeling Strategy 12:55 G3 is the world’s first IGBT Transistor Drive 13:52 Manufacturing in the U.S. 17:44 Acquisition of Magnetek 24:10 Core Tenets and Company Culture 28:36 Future Outlook and Conclusion Have a topic you want us to cover? Email [email protected] and let us know!

Exceptional technical support doesn’t just solve problems—it builds trust, and lasting relationships. Host Greg Weichman and guest Cris Franco, Yaskawa’s Director of Customer Experience, break down the keys to creating world-class support that keeps customers coming back. With 34 years at Yaskawa and experience spanning service, tech support, and systems, Cris shares what it takes to consistently deliver top-tier support—day or night, 365 days a year. They explore the processes that set Yaskawa apart: fast response times, real-time feedback, fully in-house support teams, and a culture built around constant improvement. Chris also gives a first look at exciting upgrades—like AI-powered tools and a smarter customer portal—that promise to make future support even more intuitive. If you’ve ever needed help with a tough technical issue, this behind-the-scenes look will give you a new appreciation for what truly excellent support looks like—and why it matters. 01:06 Meet Cris Franco: Director of Customer Experience 03:42 Yaskawa's Approach to Technical Support Challenges 06:44 Training and Certification of Support Staff 08:02 After Hour Emergency Success Stories 9:11 Technical Support Differentiators 11:09 Customer Feedback and Real-Time KPI 15:03 Solution Culture 17:10 Innovations in Technical Support 19:55 Future Enhancements and AI Integration 24:23 Triple-Crown Customer Excellence Winner Have a topic you want us to cover? Email [email protected] and let us know!

Struggling with VFD fault codes? Greg Weichman and Tony Gabriel break down real-world troubleshooting tips to keep your drives running strong. In Episode 6 of VFD Vibes, Greg teams up with Tony to tackle common variable frequency drive (VFD) faults like overvoltage, overloads, and input phase loss. They share hands-on strategies using drive monitors, fault histories, and fault traces to pinpoint issues fast. Plus, hear insider stories from the tech support frontlines and discover how Yaskawa’s training resources can help you build confidence. Whether you're new to VFDs or looking to level up your troubleshooting skills, this episode is packed with practical insights to prevent downtime. 00:20  Recap and Today's Focus 01:13 Overvoltage Fault Example 01:58 Fault History and Fault Trace 05:25 OL2 Drive Overload  8:02 Drive Overcurrent Situations 12:46 Input Phase Loss Faults 18:52 What to have when calling tech support Have a topic you want us to cover? Email [email protected] and let us know!

VFD startup mistakes are costly! Host Greg Weichman and guest Tony Gabriel break down how proper programming, enclosure selection, and wiring checks can help you avoid common pitfalls. Drawing on 25 years of experience, Tony shares practical tips on voltage matching, enclosure types, auto-tuning, and setting essential parameters like accel/decel times. They also cover troubleshooting techniques to diagnose run command and speed reference issues quickly. Whether you're new to VFDs or looking to reinforce the fundamentals, this episode offers clear, practical insights to help you program confidently and optimize your setup.   01:20 Selecting the Right Voltage and Amperage 04:40 Understanding Enclosure Types 08:24 Pre-Startup Checks and Common Mistakes 13:16 Auto-Tuning and Parameter Setup 21:20 Troubleshooting and Technical Support 25:53 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser Have a topic you want us to cover? Email [email protected] and let us know!

In this special episode, host Greg Weichman takes you inside the HVAC industry's most anticipated event of the year—AHR Expo 2025. Greg sits down with four industry experts, fresh from the event in Orlando, Fl, to discuss their key takeaways, including observations from the show floor, industry outlooks, and technological advancements shaping the future of HVAC. This episode highlights the growing importance of variable frequency drives (VFDs), efficiency improvements, and the impact of newly introduced standards. Join us for an insightful roundtable discussion, packed with expert perspectives and valuable insights to keep you at the forefront of the latest trends in HVAC and VFD technology. Guests Michael Hall (Microdrives and Software Tools Product Manager) Jordan Engel (HVAC and Matrix Drives Product Manager) Edward Tom (Pump Drives and Communications Product Manager) Don Cameron (HVAC Industry Segment Manager) Timeline 00:55 Meet the Guests 01:30 History and Significance of AHR Expo 06:05 Technological Innovations in HVAC 10:50 Fieldbus Communications and BACnet 18:04 Challenges and Opportunities in HVAC 22:50 Future Trends Have a topic you want us to cover? Email [email protected] and let us know!

Host Greg Weichman sits down with Yaskawa Product Manager Michael Hall to explore game-changing software tools that simplify the front end of a VFD project. From the Energy Savings Predictor to the Harmonics Estimator and VFD Schedule Builder, learn how Yaskawa’s innovative tools help users choose the right VFD, justify their investment through ROI analysis, and streamline project planning. We’ll discuss how these tools are continuously enhanced through user feedback to ensure they are easy to use, are equipped with the features you need, and enable you to implement the most cost-effective solutions. Whether you're an engineer, contractor, or facility manager, this episode is packed with insights to help you kick-start your VFD projects with confidence.   01:22 Importance of Software Tools for VFDs 02:48 Yaskawa's Practical Approach to Software Tools 07:18 Energy Savings Predictor Tool 12:16 Harmonics Estimator Tool 18:26 Product Selector Tool 22:41 VFD Schedule Builder Tool 25:47 Programming Simulator Tool   Have a topic you want us to cover? Email [email protected] and let us know!

In this episode, we explore the fundamentals of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) with Tony Gabriel, a seasoned expert with over a decade of experience in technical support and building automation at Yaskawa. Tony unpacks key VFD concepts, terminology, and their historical significance as a revolutionary innovation in motor control. We break down the core components—rectifier, DC bus, and inverter—showing how they work together to deliver precise speed control for three-phase motors. Tony highlights the evolution of VFDs, their energy-saving potential, and their advanced capabilities in managing motor regeneration. Tune in for a clear and engaging explanation of this transformative technology. 01:15 The Evolution of Motor Control 02:27 Energy Savings with VFDs 05:25 Understanding VFD Components 10:13 Single Phase vs. Three Phase Power 18:56 Advanced VFD Features and Applications 23:49 Handling Regeneration and Braking   Have a topic you want us to cover? Email [email protected] and let us know!

Welcome to the debut episode of VFD Vibes! In this episode, we’ll dive into a topic that has been revolutionizing manufacturing: connecting Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) to a network. We'll be joined by Ed Tom, Yaskawa’s product manager for Communication Protocols, to break down the benefits, requirements, and insider tips for making it happen. Think network connectivity sounds complicated? Think again. We’ll show you how it can simplify wiring, cut costs, and unlock powerful real-time data monitoring capabilities. Plus, we’ll explore pre-engineered tools that make connecting to a control system easier than ever. Ready to take your manufacturing process to the next level? Tune in and discover how networking your drives can transform the way you work.   01:52 Traditional vs. Networked VFD Connections 03:28 Benefits of Network Connectivity 05:32 Data Collection and Monitoring 11:02 Predictive Maintenance and Future Insights 17:38 Best Practices for Network Setup 29:10 Network Security Considerations   Have a topic you want us to cover? Email [email protected] and let us know!

In this short episode, host Greg Weichman covers what you can expect from the VFD Vibes podcast brought to you by Up To Speed with Yaskawa. Check it out and subscribe to stay informed of new episodes! MEET YOUR HOST With 20 years of experience in industrial automation, Yaskawa Segment Marketing Manager Greg Weichman leverages his natural curiosity to bring you insights and answers, and sometimes just a good old story about using variable frequency drives in modern applications. Through engaging discussions, expert interviews, and real-world case studies, VFD Vibes provides valuable knowledge for engineers, technicians, and anyone interested in the ever-evolving applications of variable frequency drives.   Have a topic you want us to cover? Email [email protected] and let us know!