Course likes: This is definitely one of the more challenging courses for me.

I have a huge interest

in this but for some reason, comprehending what I'm reading is the hard part. I really enjoyed the
different skills tests that help you to put things together to see how they actually work and apply
your learning to the skills portion. Programmable controllers are the bulk of my current job. In
order to progress to my goal of becoming a maintenance tech, PLC troubleshooting within the
ladder diagrams themselves is a necessary part of the job.

Course dislikes: There is a TON of information in this course. It's almost too much for someone
first trying to learn. It's learning a new language and can be overwhelming at times, especially
when trying to fit this in to a busy schedule.

Overall, I really enjoyed this course and will continue to refer to it.

I found this course an easy class I honestly did not dislike anything about this course. I found it
easy to locate everything on and about this course. I really enjoyed the different skills tests that
help you to put things together to see how they actually work and apply your learning to the
skills portion. In order to progress to my goal of becoming a maintenance tech, PLC
troubleshooting within the ladder diagrams themselves is a necessary part of the job.

Overall I really enjoyed this class I found it very useful for me.

14

I feel like this is one of the most in depth modules covering PLC's that we have had. I did not
really have any trouble with it but I did notice some information that was not mentioned in the
module that can help with issues that may come up. Fused output modules are mentioned but
there was not really anything covering the electronically fused output modules. Whereas the
modules with standard fuses have to be replaced and often sent out for repairs, electronic fuses
can be reset by going online with the PLC and going into the output module properties and
resetting it there. Another common issue is the cpu battery going bad. If the battery is dead and
power is turned off to the PLC then you lose the program and will have to reload it. On the 5000
series PLC the battery can be replaced with the power on, also the I/O modules can be swapped
with power on as well. One last thing I noticed is that the module only mentioned controllers
that use 120Vac for the supply power. Where I work most of our controllers have 24Vdc for the
supply power which is safer for the technician.

This week I will talk about PLC power supplies. The source for a PLC power supply is generally
single-phase and 120 or 240 VAC. If the controller is installed in an enclosure, the two power
leads (L1 hot and L2 common) normally enter the enclosure through the top part of the cabinet to
minimize interference with other control lines. The system power supply and I/O devices should
have a common AC source. This minimizes line interference and prevents faulty input signals
stemming from a stable AC source to the power supply and CPU, but an unstable AC source to
the I/O devices. By keeping both the power supply and the I/O devices on the same power
source, the user can take full advantage of the power supply’s line monitoring feature. If line
conditions fall below the minimum operating level, the power supply will detect the abnormal
condition and signal the processor, which will stop reading input data and turn off all outputs.
Additionally, the power circuit feeding the power supply should use a properly rated emergency
power disconnect, thus providing a way to remove power from the entire programmable
controller system safely.

13

This weeks module was pretty easy to understand. I had issues remembering the different
acronyms at first but I have it now. I'll just explain what I gathered about PLC counters and how
they work. There are two basic counter types: count-up and count-down. When the input to a
count-up counter goes true the accumulator value will increase by 1 (no matter how long the
input is true.) If the accumulator value reaches the preset value the counter DN bit will be set. A
count-down counter will decrease the accumulator value until the preset value is reached.
Counters, on ladder diagrams, are blocks that count the pulses that the blocks receive. When the
counts equal the target specified, the counter provides an output pulse using which a further
algorithm can be executed. When the counts increases from 0 to the limit then it is an UP
Counter and when the counts decreases from the limit to 0, then it is a DOWN Counter. There is
a separate reset bit to the block which will reset the current count.

This week I did not find anything difficult for me to understand. I learned a lot abut PLCs. We
have been learning more about PLCs every week and at first I thought that it was difficult when
we started learning about it weeks ago. But the more I learn the more I can see how it all fits
together this a puzzle. There are two basic counter types: count-up and count-down. When the
input to a count-up counter goes true the accumulator value will increase by 1 (no matter how
long the input is true.) If the accumulator value reaches the preset value the counter DN bit will
be set. A count-down counter will decrease the accumulator value until the preset value is
reached. I can not wait to see what next week has in store for us.

12

In this weeks discussion I would like to talk about just an over view of everything. Mainly
because this week I found most of it very easy. The PLCs are the processing units for performing
control in process industries. They are so essential to being part of the program. it was so
interesting about how it works. I never really knew how much was a part of making everything
work. It is like if we did not have PLCs the whole system would be so unorganized. My
understanding PLCs are applied in controlling automated manufacturing processes. I found out
so much out that I did not really know much about and I cannot wait to learn more about PLCs.
Module 12 was very easy to understand. A timer is a PLC instruction measuring the amount of
time elapsed following an event. Timer instructions come in two basic types: on-delay timers and
off-delay timers. Both “on-delay” and “off-delay” timer instructions have single inputs triggering
the timed function.
An “on-delay” timer activates an output only when the input has been active for a minimum
amount of time.

Timers within a PLC program are used consistently in manufacturing. Take for instance a PLC
program designed to sound an audio alarm siren prior to starting a conveyor belt. To start the
conveyor belt motor, the operator must press and hold the “Start” push-button for 10 seconds,
during which time the siren sounds, warning people to clear away from the conveyor belt that is
about to start. Only after this 10-second start delay does the motor actually start.

The alarm siren output, which is not activated by the timer, energizes immediately when the
“Start” push-button is pressed.
An important detail regarding this particular timer’s operation is that it be non-retentive. This
means the timer instruction should not retain its elapsed time value when the input is de-
activated. Instead, the elapsed time value should reset back to zero every time the input de-
activates. This ensures the timer resets itself when the operator releases the “Start” push-button.
A retentive on delay timer, by contrast, maintains its elapsed time value even when the input is
de-activated. This makes it useful for keeping “running total” times for some event.

11

Module 12 was very easy to understand. A timer is a PLC instruction measuring the amount of
time elapsed following an event. Timer instructions come in two basic types: on-delay timers and
off-delay timers. Both “on-delay” and “off-delay” timer instructions have single inputs triggering
the timed function.
An “on-delay” timer activates an output only when the input has been active for a minimum
amount of time.

Timers within a PLC program are used consistently in manufacturing. Take for instance a PLC
program designed to sound an audio alarm siren prior to starting a conveyor belt. To start the
conveyor belt motor, the operator must press and hold the “Start” push-button for 10 seconds,
during which time the siren sounds, warning people to clear away from the conveyor belt that is
about to start. Only after this 10-second start delay does the motor actually start.

The alarm siren output, which is not activated by the timer, energizes immediately when the
“Start” push-button is pressed.
An important detail regarding this particular timer’s operation is that it be non-retentive. This
means the timer instruction should not retain its elapsed time value when the input is de-
activated. Instead, the elapsed time value should reset back to zero every time the input de-
activates. This ensures the timer resets itself when the operator releases the “Start” push-button.
A retentive on delay timer, by contrast, maintains its elapsed time value even when the input is
de-activated. This makes it useful for keeping “running total” times for some event.

I was having issues understanding data addresses and tags. I found a nice way to learn by
association. Think of PLC memory as a cabinet with drawers called Registers. Data is held in
these Registers. These Registers come in different sizes, and hold different kinds of data. The
Registers are all stacked side by side in the PLC’s memory. Each location has an Address that
lets the PLC know what data you’re talking about. The user gives a piece of data a name and the
PLC keeps track of where the register is located.

10

Hello Class,

I did not really find anything difficult this week, but I would like to talk about a few things.
Computers, including PLCs, use the Base 2 numbering system called Binary or Boolean. There
are only two valid digits in Base 2: 0 and 1 (OFF and ON). You would think it would be hard to
have a numbering system built on Base 2 with only two possible values, but it can be done by
encoding, using several digits. It seems so easy to understand Another thing I wanted to talk
about is Boolean functions in applications A function that can be utilized to evaluate any
Boolean output in relation to its Boolean input by logical type of calculations. Such functions
play a basic role in questions of complexity theory as well as the design of circuits and chips for
digital computers. I enjoyed this weeks discussion and I can not wait to learn more.

This has been the most difficult module by far. There is a whole new language to learn when
dealing with PLC's. What I found most difficult was remembering the specifics of numbered
cable connections. Connections such as the serial cable connects between the PC’s serial port
and the controllers serial port. Also, remembering the module tag Local:1:I.Data specific
representations and what they mean.
This type of technology is used in my current field of work at an automated manufacturing
facility. PLC’s control several different cells of robots that perform many different functions.

9
On/Off time delay relays were kind of an issue with me. I understand that the main difference
between a regular relay and a time delay relay is that in case of a normal relay, the contacts are
close or open immediately when the coil is energized or de-energized while in case of time delay
relay, the contacts are close or open only after the preset time interval. The schematics symbols
were confusing at first but I think I have it now. Time delay relays can control loads or
production processes in many ways. For example, a time delay relay can ensure that the items
move from one conveyor to another to prevent a pileup.

This week I did not find anything really difficult it was a easy lesson to understand and honestly
very interesting. with time delays and relays to trouble shooting. my favorite part was learning
how to trouble shoot on and off delays. I thought it was a good section and to be able to see how
trouble shooting delays worked absolutely was very helpful with my understanding.

The areas I was have trouble learning were ladder logic, transformer secondary voltage, how to
size a transformer, systems troubleshooting methods and the difference between troubleshooting
a 2-wire vs a 3-wire control system. I’ve grasped most concepts by now though, it’s just a matter
of remembering.
Like with ladder logic, each symbol is an instruction. It’s just a matter of learning what each
symbol means and how they relate to each other. They are basically logic instructions that make
you able to create a piece of logic. Learning how to create a piece of logic that works is the hard
part.
Transformer voltages are also a newer topic for me. I get the basics of how a transformer
operates on the principals of electromagnetic induction. A coil of wire magnetically induces a
voltage into another coil located near it. Transformers are capable of either increasing or
decreasing the voltage and current levels of their supply, without changing the amount of
electrical power being transferred from one winding to another via the magnetic circuit. A
single-phase voltage transformer basically consists of two electrical coils of wire, one called the
primary winding and another called the secondary winding. The primary side of the transformer
as the side that usually takes power, and the secondary as the side that usually delivers power. In
a single-phase voltage transformer the primary is usually the side with the higher voltage.
Troubleshooting systems was another topic that I seemed to struggle remembering. It really is so
simple. We talked about 2 and 3 wire systems. For example, the light switch in your room is a 2-
wire system. A single switch turns on and turns off the light. Two wires are required at the light.I
tried to keep things simple and think of a household example of a 3-wire system and couldn’t
come up with a commonly used example. Most circuits in a home use 2-wire systems. A 3-wire
system will automatically stop and remain stopped after a power outage. On a 2-wire system, if
any wire is cut, the motor will stop. On a 3-wire system if the stop wire is cut, the motor will
stop. If the start wire is cut, the drive will continue to run, but cannot be re-started. Remembering
things like this will help with troubleshooting these systems.
The first topics I had difficulties to understand was about differentiating a motor controller and a
motor starter. I got confused somehow. The second topic I did not master well was the wiring
diagram of a manual starter. This made me not to understand the operation of the manual starter
from the diagram. The third topic I did not understand well was about the attributes of a selector
switch. The description is that a selector switch can be made with more than two positions that
make different connections but I don't relate that well with the schematic symbol shown. The
fourth topic was about reading a ladder diagram and the last topic I had a problem with was
about describing the methods of system level troubleshooting. I did not understand in particular
the output-back method.

Eric Wilmer
Feb 25, 2019 Feb 25 at 7:55pm

 This weeks module provided teaching that were very easily understood. I encounter many of
the different topics on a fairly regular basis. One topic I found most interesting is the forward
reverse motor control. The forward reverse motor control is used in a system where forward and
backward or upward and downward movement in the operation are needed. Forward and Reverse
Operation of motor can be obtained by interchanging any two of its three terminals.
The use of a drum switch is also pretty cool. I’ve never heard of one of these until now. The
drum switch is a manual switch that lets you manually reverse the direction in which a motor is
turning. The switch contacts are open and closed manually by moving the drum switch from the
off position to the forward or reverse position by differently positioned internal contacts.

Reply Reply to Comment



Collapse Subdiscussion James Lawson

James Lawson
Feb 27, 2019 Feb 27 at 8:05am

I deal with motor controls all of the time in my job so this module was easy for me to
understand. I haven't had to work with drum type motor controls for several years and those that
I have worked on did not have them due to the overall design of them makes them easy to bump
and change machine direction inadvertently, also the design of the switch makes them very hard
to lock out and most companies do not want that due to safety concerns.
Reply Reply to Comment

Collapse Subdiscussion Darrian Craig

Darrian Craig
Mar 3, 2019 Mar 3 at 7:56pm

 

Hello James. I bet it really helps a lot to be around this stuff all the time. me being pretty
young I don't have much experience so most of the stuff that we go over is new to me so
it takes me a little bit of time to completely understand!

Reply Reply to Comment

Collapse Subdiscussion Nasser Alyami

Nasser Alyami
Mar 2, 2019 Mar 2 at 2:41pm

This week topic was easy to understand and I did not find any problem. The mos interesting part
was objective 8, to describe the operation of two types of motor jogging circuits.The jog circuit
is important to create a circuit that will allow the operator to momentarily energize the
circuit without the need of pressing the stop push-button. Jog circuits allow the operator
to move loads to a set position preventing the load from over traveling to the desired
position. The jog circuit can be used in almost any control circuit because it relies on
momentary energizing and de-energizing of the pilot device.

Reply Reply to Comment

Collapse Subdiscussion Darrian Craig

Darrian Craig
 Mar 3, 2019 Mar 3 at 7:57pm

 

Hello Nasser, I also found that section pretty neat. Jog setting for a machine is nice there
is many different things they can do while the machine is in the jog mode so it is a nice
mode.

Reply Reply to Comment

Collapse Subdiscussion Darrian Craig

Darrian Craig
Mar 3, 2019 Mar 3 at 7:54pm

Hello Class. this week wasn't terrible but wasn't great for me either. I felt like I had a good
understanding of the module. The only thing that I really found difficult this week was the
segment over Interlocking. Knowing the difference of the 3 different types and understanding
what made them different was really the only thing that I found difficult. I am not that good at
reading Wiring diagrams yet because I am new to this type of stuff. I am getting better but it is
still kind of hard for me to look at it and understand what is going on in the diagram that I am
being showed.

Reply

Nasser Alyami
Feb 17, 2019 Feb 17 at 1:52am

 For this chapter I had a problem in objective 7 in describing the methods of system level
troubleshooting. I did not understand in particular the output-back method. I also had a challenge
in performing various skills activities.In application, a clamp On-meter is a safe, convenient, and
efficient way to measure current without having to use test leads. Since current flow through a
conductor causes a magnetic field, the clamp meter can sense this field and provide a
corresponding current reading (in amperes, or amps). Clamp meters do not interrupt current flow
allowing the technician to make the measurement quickly and safely.

Reply Reply to Comment



Collapse Subdiscussion Darrian Craig

Darrian Craig
Feb 24, 2019 Feb 24 at 8:53pm

Hello Class. this week I struggled. I think segment 3 was the biggest struggle for me. I think that
I kept on getting the troubleshooting methods mixed up and that was my problem. I don't think it
was that hard just a lot of information. the test I ran out of time and didn't get to answer 2 of the
questions so that didn't help. I like re reading and going over the question and all answers to
make sure I don't miss anything but on timed test that hurts me more then it helps me most of the
times.

Reply

Nasser Alyami
Feb 16, 2019 Feb 16 at 2:15pm

 Honestly I did not find any problem in this module. I understood all the topics well. The only
challenge I got was from the interactive part. The application of troubleshooting industrial
equipment lies beyond the process itself. A prerequisite to troubleshooting is the knowledge and
understanding of the equipment. Knowing how the equipment functions, what each component
installed on the equipment is, what the component does, how the component does what it should,
and how the components interact are essential in applying any troubleshooting methodology or
process. This is why this topic has added some good skills in me after studying it.

Reply Reply to Comment



Collapse Subdiscussion Eric Wilmer

Eric Wilmer
Feb 17, 2019 Feb 17 at 12:38pm

I didn't really know until now how to properly test a 3 phase motor or transformer with a
multimeter but I'll go ahead and explain. With your multimeter set and calibrated, examine the
inside of the transformer. In high-voltage transmissions, three wires are most often used: you
should see six wires in total, with three on each side of the box. The terminals these wires are
attached to should be labeled L1, L2 and L3 on one side, and T1, T2 and T3 on the other – the L
wires are the incoming, or line wires, each carrying one phase of the three-phase current. To test
the incoming voltage, place one of the multimeter's probes on L1 and the other on L2. Allow the
multimeter to display the voltage and then repeat the tests while probing L1 and L3, then L2 and
L3. If the transformer is working properly, the voltage readings should be the same after each
test. You should also inspect the physical condition of the winding for breaks and burns.

Edited by Eric Wilmer on Feb 17 at 12:39pm

Reply Reply to Comment

Collapse Subdiscussion James Lawson

James Lawson
Feb 23, 2019 Feb 23 at 7:04pm

 

One thing you forgot to mention is that is you are going to examine the inside of a
transformer is to make sure the power going to it is off, tagged out, and you have verified
that there is no voltage at the transformer. Without the proper PPE which would include
high voltage gloves and arc flash gear I personally would never measure voltage directly
on a transformer winding, the potential to end your career in a very bright flash is too
great.

Reply Reply to Comment

Collapse Subdiscussion James Lawson

James Lawson
Feb 23, 2019 Feb 23 at 6:57pm

I troubleshoot different kinds of equipment every day where I work so I did not find any part of
this module difficult. Being able to check a 3 phase motor and tell if it is bad or not is a vital
skill that anyone working in this job needs to master early on in their career. A technician will
be checking motor windings quite often and without this skill a person would not last that long in
the job.

Reply

Nasser Alyami
Feb 5, 2019 Feb 5 at 3:54am

 The topic I did not understand well was from objective 4. It was a bit difficult for me to
understand the interpretation of the control relay on a ladder diagram. I could not picture well
how the contacts relate to the output devices drawn. Additionally I had a problem in
comprehending the description of the operation of memory logic. In application of a 3-wire
control circuit, multiple normally closed stop buttons are placed in series, and multiple normally
open start buttons are placed in parallel to operate a magnetic motor starter. This is a common
application of a 3-wire control circuit in which you need to start and stop the same motor from
multiple locations within the facility. The 3-wire control circuit can be used in a variety of ways
to meet specific circuit application.

Reply Reply to Comment

Collapse Subdiscussion Darrian Craig

Darrian Craig
Feb 10, 2019 Feb 10 at 2:09pm

 Hello class, this week I didn't find all that hard. I think I am getting a better understanding
each week. I don't have much of an electrical back ground but I have learnt about some of the
basics so I think that is helping me a lot. One thing that I really want to elaborate on is the
simulators. These simulators do a great job of really making me understand just what I am
learning about. a lot of times when I don't completely understand what was just explained my
question or the grey area that I have gets answered when I have to actually connect a circuit or
something. So I really like the simulators. with out them I thin that I would still have many
questions over some of the stuff that we cover. I am a pretty hands on learner and I think that is
why it helps me so much. I hope everyone is getting the most out of the simulators as I feel I am.

Reply Reply to Comment


Collapse Subdiscussion Eric Wilmer

Eric Wilmer
Feb 10, 2019 Feb 10 at 3:23pm

It took me a minute to realize the difference between 2 and 3 wire controls. I used an example of
a submersible pump. Submersible pumps are available with two wire motors or three wire
motors. There is also another ground wire which is not counted, so if you look at the pump the
actual number of wires will be three or four. The two wire pump will have two black wires and
one green ground wire. The three wire pump has a black, red, yellow and green wire.
The main difference is the three wire pump uses a separate control box which includes a
capacitor and relay to start the pump. The control box is located inside your house or pump
house. The two wire pump does not use a control box. Everything is built inside the motor of the
pump. All motors larger than 1 ½ HP are only available in the three wire version because you
need the control box to start the heavier motors.

Reply

James Lawson
Feb 1, 2019 Feb 1 at 8:20am

 One thing I i have found difficult in the past is keeping track of the different types of logic
when looking at a schematic diagram of a circuit. When troubleshooting a machine problem it
helps to keep track of what need to happen to for a circuit to work and being able to identify
what kind of logic is being used is important in that regard. Other than that I don't really find
any of this subject difficult due to working with these things every day in my job. The
information and the technology talked about in this module is used in every machine I have ever
worked on from machines many years ago with relay panels containing sometimes hundreds of
relays that performed the same job as the PLC's of today up to the modern equipment that is all
PLC controlled with solid state circuitry, the basics of the different types of logic in machine
control is the same just the manner in which the outcome was achieved is different.

Reply Reply to Comment



Collapse Subdiscussion Nasser Alyami

Nasser Alyami
Feb 2, 2019 Feb 2 at 6:36am

 One topic I did not understand well was from objective 5, the attributes of a selector switch.
The description is that a selector switch can be made with more than two positions that make
different connections but I don't relate that well with the schematic symbol shown. The other
topic was from objective 9, reading a ladder diagram. I got confused. In application relating to
manufacturing, an OR logic circuit can be used when one needs to start a motor remotely. This
can be used in situations where the motor is placed in a location that is difficult to access.

Reply Reply to Comment



Collapse Subdiscussion Eric Wilmer

Eric Wilmer
Feb 2, 2019 Feb 2 at 3:06pm

 The six elements of control logic were not really hard to understand, just hard to remember.
As I went through each step and learned about them it clicked in my head as to how each works.
Just remembering them all by label is the difficult part.

I work with these elements daily in robot cell operation. I have a cell of about 40 robots that weld
together the inner frame of a vehicle. They are controlled by teach pendants which communicate
with a PLC that acts as the brain of the cell. It's really cool to watch the cell running and the PLC
screen light up as it makes each contact and completes each circuit in real time, although it is
hard to follow because of how quickly everything moves.

Reply Reply to Comment



Collapse Subdiscussion Darrian Craig

Darrian Craig
Feb 3, 2019 Feb 3 at 11:51am

Hello Class. This week I found very interesting. I have a little bit of knowledge in some of this
prior to the class but not a lot so I was very tuned in trying to learn all that I could. I find
electrical system pretty interesting because I feel like its something that everyone needs to know
a little about. The only thing that I found difficult was the six elements of a control system
(AND, OR, NOR, NOT, NAND, and Memory) I found myself confusing them with each other
but I just went back and went over them all again and I ended up doing very good on the test. I
think I got to learn a lot with this lesson. It is defiantly a topic that I will be able to use in the
future.
Reply Reply to Comment

Collapse Subdiscussion James Lawson

James Lawson
Feb 3, 2019 Feb 3 at 5:09pm

 

I remember when I first learned about the different kinds of logic many years ago while
in Navy technical schools and I also found it difficult back then to keep them
straight. The only thing that really helped me back then was simply repetition, going
over them and how they worked repeatedly until I got it. Of course this was years ago
when no one really had personal computers and the trainers the Navy used back then to
teach logic operations were similar to the computers used for the Apollo missions to the
moon and I had never even heard of PLC at that time.

Reply Reply to Comment

Collapse Subdiscussion Darrian Craig

Darrian Craig
Feb 10, 2019 Feb 10 at 2:07pm

Hello class, this week I didn't find all that hard. I think I am getting a better understanding each
week. I don't have much of an electrical back ground but I have learnt about some of the basics
so I think that is helping me a lot. One thing that I really want to elaborate on is the simulators.
These simulators do a great job of really making me understand just what I am learning about. a
lot of times when I don't completely understand what was just explained my question or the grey
area that I have gets answered when I have to actually connect a circuit or something. So I really
like the simulators. with out them I thin that I would still have many questions over some of the
stuff that we cover. I am a pretty hands on learner and I think that is why it helps me so much. I
hope everyone is getting the most out of the simulators as I feel I am.

Reply
2

James Lawson
Jan 25, 2019 Jan 25 at 6:21pm

 Honestly, after working in electronics for over 30 years I did not find any part of this module
difficult to understand. If I had to pick 2 topics that might be a little difficult they would be
transformer sizing and how to properly adjust an overload trip point. For a new technician these
can be hard to master, but with time and practice they can become 2nd nature. One thing that is
currently used in manufacturing are motor starters and overloads. These are vitally important to
any machine as they provide for the safe operation of motors and also when combined with the
use of the auxiliary contacts that are on most contactors and overloads they provide feedback to
the machines controller to let it know the motor is running and also a holding path to maintain
motor operation when the start switch is released that way the run switches do not have be a
maintained switch which can be very dangerous.

Reply Reply to Comment

Collapse Subdiscussion Eric Wilmer

Eric Wilmer
Jan 26, 2019 Jan 26 at 4:21pm

 There were a few areas of this weeks lesson that were difficult for me to understand. Mainly,
transformer turns ratios and secondary voltage. after further studying, I understand that
transformers transfer electrical energy from one circuit to another by means of magnetic
induction. Each phase of a transformer is composed of two separate coil windings wound on
a common core.

The transformer primary winding receives electrical energy from the power source. When the
primary winding is energized with an alternating current, alternating magnetic lines of force,
called "flux," circulates through the core, establishing a magnetic field.

The secondary voltage was initially hard for me to grasp but I think I get it now. With a second
winding wrapped around the same core, a voltage is induced by the magnetic field. This is called
the secondary winding. The amount of voltage induced in each turn of the secondary
winding will be the same as the voltage across each turn of the primary winding. This is referred
to as the transformer turns ratio.

Reply Reply to Comment



Collapse Subdiscussion Nasser Alyami

Nasser Alyami
Jan 27, 2019 Jan 27 at 2:05pm

 One of the topics I had difficulties to understand was from objective 3. This was
differentiating a motor controller and a motor starter. I got confused somehow.

The other topic I did not master well was the wiring diagram of a manual starter. This made me
not to understand the operation of the manual starter from the diagram.

In application, control transformers have the capability to handle high voltage peaks when there
is immense usage of electricity for industrial work. Reduction of supply voltage makes it safe for
operators to use different types of equipment. Control transformers also have the capability to
segregate control circuits from lighting or power circuits.

Reply Reply to Comment

Collapse Subdiscussion Darrian Craig

Darrian Craig
Jan 27, 2019 Jan 27 at 10:04pm

Hello class. This week I struggled a lot actually. this is all completely new and I found myself
second guessing my self a lot on the test and it cost me a few questions. I found the section about
transformers harder for me. I had a hard time figuring out the secondary output voltage. I am not
sure if it was because I was in a hurry while going over the course or what but I kind of struggled
there. Another thing I had found difficult was sizing a transformer. I think I need to go over the
module again so I can better understand. I defiantly understand why we go over this and why it
could be helpful. I think for what I am wanting to do when I graduate I should not need to know
much about this but there is a place for it and it is nice to understand even if I will not use it
much. overall I thought it was a pretty interesting and helpful topic.

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Darrian Craig
Jan 14, 2019 Jan 14 at 12:54pm

Hello Class! My name is Darrian Craig. I am 20 years old. I live in southern Indiana and I work
at a molten iron factory that makes algaculture/automotive parts. I have been there for 2 years
now. I work full time and also I am a full time college student. I interned with them as a process
engineer while in high school and I decided I wanted to do something along them lines where I
can work on making a manufacturing facility a better place. I take a lot of pride in my work and
always want to do the best that I can do so I decided that I thought it would be a good fit for me.
I decided to do the MPRO course because it is all online and while working I can also complete
my college. I am a lot younger the may people that are in this field and even then many people
that I have taken classes with over the last 2 years but so far I am really enjoying it and learning
a lot. When I am not doing school work or at work you can almost always find me on a boat
fishing. I fish competitively in bass fishing tournaments. I also like to hunt and really just do
anything out doors. I wish you all success!

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Collapse Subdiscussion Eric Wilmer

Eric Wilmer
Jan 17, 2019 Jan 17 at 1:24pm

 You're doing the right thing Darrian!! I have some friends that work in maintenance at
American Steel and they love it!! Good luck bub!

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

Collapse Subdiscussion Nasser Alyami

Nasser Alyami
Jan 18, 2019 Jan 18 at 10:10pm

 

Hello Darrian, all the best as you try to gain new skills in this class.
 Reply Reply to Comment

Collapse Subdiscussion James Lawson

James Lawson
Jan 17, 2019 Jan 17 at 9:35am

Hello, my name is James Lawson, I live in Muncie and work in Van Buren at Weaver Popcorn as
an electronics technician. I guess you could say I am not your typical student for this course due
to the fact that I am 51 and I am in my final semester here at Ivy Tech and will be getting a
degree in electronics and computer technology. I have been working in electronics for a little
over 30 years now and thought this course would be a good refresher for me so I can go back
over things I learned a long time ago and might have forgotten and also to help with any bad
habits I may have picked up over the years when it comes to troubleshooting equipment.

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Collapse Subdiscussion Eric Wilmer

Eric Wilmer
Jan 17, 2019 Jan 17 at 1:22pm

 Never too late James! I'm about to turn 40 and finally know what I want to be when I grow up!

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

Collapse Subdiscussion Darrian Craig

Darrian Craig
Jan 20, 2019 Jan 20 at 8:19pm

 
 Hello James! I admire the fact that you are still interested in learning and bettering
yourself. Bad habits are easy to pick up I believe. so this course might help a lot! Good
Luck!

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Collapse Subdiscussion Eric Wilmer

Eric Wilmer
Jan 17, 2019 Jan 17 at 1:20pm

 Hey everyone. My name is Eric. I am married with a 2 year old girl and another due on
Monday!! I am a robot operator at Honda Manufacturing. I'm taking these classes to help with
my knowledge of cell recovery and also to gain the knowledge necessary to advance to
equipment maintenance. I have always been interested in mechanics and how they work,
especially how the are controller through PLC programs. Being in control of a cell of 40 robots
that weld together the inner frame of a car is the coolest job I've ever had.

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

Collapse Subdiscussion Nasser Alyami

Nasser Alyami
Jan 18, 2019 Jan 18 at 10:07pm

Hello everyone, my name is Nasser Alyami. I come from Saudi Arabia. I'm 26 years old. I'm
Studying Industrial Engineering because of my interest to focus on processes and finding ways to
improve processes to bring change through strategies such as cost reduction, savings and
reducing timings. Industrial Engineering is a relatively less technical field than other engineering
majors and working on softwares and being involved in coding is what I like. Gaining these
skills will help me give back to my country by working in one of the best industrial companies
back at home. I love learning, collecting, researching and developing new skills. Some of these
skills have proven useful in my career, and some are just for me to enjoy.

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
 Collapse Subdiscussion Darrian Craig

Darrian Craig
Jan 20, 2019 Jan 20 at 8:16pm

Hello Nasser! I think your focus is awesome. you can really take away a lot form theses classes
with this being my 3rd year now I have learned so much that is so helpful in the work force!
Good Luck!

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