VFD Vibes

Yaskawa America, Inc.
  • 5.0 (5)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

VFD Vibes is the podcast for anyone curious about variable frequency drives (VFDs) and their impact on modern motor control. Hosted by Greg Weichman, a 20-year veteran in industrial automation, the series features expert interviews, real-world case studies, and practical tips on installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. From powering pumping systems and conveyor belts to enabling advanced factory automation, each episode explores how VFDs enhance efficiency and innovation across industries. Stay up to date with the latest trends in energy efficiency, smart device connectivity, and intelligent manufacturing with insights from Yaskawa experts and other industry leaders. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the world of VFDs, VFD Vibes has something for you. Have a topic you want us to cover? Email marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

  1. 12/01/2025

    Channel Champions

    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 marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

    34 min

  2. 10/06/2025

    From Setup to Savings: How to Get the Best Out of Your VFD

    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 marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

    17 min

  3. 09/08/2025

    Stay Grounded: The Key to VFD Reliability and Safety

    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 marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

    36 min

  4. 08/11/2025

    Know Your Source: Power System Configurations and VFD Performance

    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 marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

    52 min

  5. 07/15/2025

    Train to Gain - A Technical Training Overview

    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 marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

    40 min

  6. 06/10/2025

    Don't Short Me

    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 marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

    33 min

  7. 05/13/2025

    Harmonic Headache

    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 marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

    38 min

  8. 04/28/2025

    Back in My Day: How Yaskawa Made Its Mark

    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 marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

    31 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

VFD Vibes is the podcast for anyone curious about variable frequency drives (VFDs) and their impact on modern motor control. Hosted by Greg Weichman, a 20-year veteran in industrial automation, the series features expert interviews, real-world case studies, and practical tips on installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. From powering pumping systems and conveyor belts to enabling advanced factory automation, each episode explores how VFDs enhance efficiency and innovation across industries. Stay up to date with the latest trends in energy efficiency, smart device connectivity, and intelligent manufacturing with insights from Yaskawa experts and other industry leaders. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the world of VFDs, VFD Vibes has something for you. Have a topic you want us to cover? Email marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

Information

  • Creator
    Yaskawa America, Inc.
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    VFD Vibes