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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Timeline

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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

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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.

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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.

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

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