VFD Vibes

Technical Support Supreme

Exceptional technical support doesn’t just solve problems—it builds trust, and lasting relationships. Host Greg Weichman and guest Chris 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, Chris 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 Chris 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 marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

Calling All Agents

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 marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

Sturdy Startup

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 marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

AHR Expo Experience

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 marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

Software Suite Part 1

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 marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

VFD Basics

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 marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

Connecting Up

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 marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!

VFD Vibes Introduction

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 marcom@yaskawa.com and let us know!