Electrical Troubleshooting MS

How this App Works:

This app has 17 different electrical problems that are randomly selected to provide a fun and challenging learning experience. It is certain to help you become more proficient in troubleshooting with a voltmeter. The motor starter is animated so that you can SEE the different contact configurations between forward and reverse. Another unique feature of this app is the ability to instantly switch back and forth between the control schematic and the real time PLC logic. There is also a "Troubleshooting Assistant" to help test the control circuit and find the problems.

The app is initially in normal mode. This allows you to experience:
- How a reversing starter works.
- How to use the virtual voltmeter probes to measure voltages at various test points (small black squares, which turn red when the voltmeter makes contact with them) in the control circuit.
- Analyze the PLC logic, when the starter is in various control modes Run (FWD & Rev), Off and Auto (FWD & REV).
The HMI only has control in Auto. The selector switches work as indicated by control circuit.

After the you understand how the motor starter works in the various control modes, you can check your troubleshooting skills by going to "Settings" (touch the 'More' button (at the top of the app) and then the gear icon) and selecting troubleshooting mode. Touch the "Arrow Back" icon to return to the control schematic. You will notice that the screen background has turned a light green, indicating that it is in troubleshooting mode and has a problem that needs to be found. Use the "Troubleshooting assistant" at the top, right side of the control schematic to help set the operator switches for testing. Use the voltmeter probes and PLC logic screen to identify the problem. Once you believe that you have identified the problem, touch "Problem Identified" button at the top of the app. A list of possible problems will appear. If you cannot determine the problem, at the bottom of the list, there is an item to provide the answer. If you desire to put the control system back in to normal (Non Troubleshooting Mode - No electrical problems) to learn more about how it is suppose to work, go to the settings section and unselect "Troubleshooting Mode".

It is truly a great learning tool for anybody that wants to be able to fully utilize a voltmeter to troubleshoot a control circuit.

Helpful Tips:

1. Use the Troubleshooting Assistant at the top of the control schematic. It has a "?" icon to touch for help in using it.
2. When you start to use your voltmeter, you always want to verify that you have control power FIRST. Put your voltmeter probe VM- on terminal X2 and VM+ on X1. After moving the operator switches to the next test condition, while keeping your VM- probe on X2, move your VM+ probe left to right on the test points, always starting with 1A
3. When looking at the PLC logic, focus on the function that is not working. For example, if motor runs in reverse, but not in forward, focus on the logic related to forward (logic rung with the Forward output O:01/00).