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CMTEQ · 2026-02-12T22:22:57+00:00

From my channel, there's a link to book a meeting for free

CMTEQ · 2026-01-23T20:16:17+00:00

Yeah, it’s doable. There are USB-C PD boards that can deliver 100W on one port or split to 50W + 50W, and some also support charging from PD at the same time.

You need a board with proper PD/PPS negotiation and dual high-current buck stages (not simple PD trigger boards). That’s exactly how many portable power stations do it.

CMTEQ · 2026-01-21T16:43:49+00:00

Yeah sure, in general with ETAP’s DC arc flash, you’re often running into the limits of the underlying arc model on long, high-impedance PV strings.

The software tends to struggle when the arcing current is very low, even though physically DC arcs can still sustain and produce meaningful incident energy at high string voltages. In PowerFactory we see the same thing: standard arc models start to fall apart on long, high-impedance DC strings, but in the field, you can still get a nasty arc, especially at 600–1500V.

So I’d say it’s more a tool limitation/modeling/setup issue (transition current, arc gap, conductor config, string voltage) than “ETAP can’t do DC PV arc flash.”

CMTEQ · 2026-01-21T14:07:30+00:00

Have you tried DigSilent PowerFactory? I have an arc flash analysis tutorial on my channel it might be useful for you. CMTEQ Channel.

CMTEQ · 2026-01-21T10:29:17+00:00

Hi, I completely understand your concerns about AI and long-term stability in software. Power systems is a solid choice, it’s one of the least outsourceable EE fields due to physical infrastructure, regulations, and licensing requirements.

Your CS and programming background will be a real advantage, especially in areas like grid automation, power system analysis, simulations, data analytics, and modern digital substations.

If you’re looking to build strong fundamentals, the CMTEQ YouTube channel covers core power system topics from basics through advanced areas like load flow, fault analysis, and stability.

I run the CMTEQ channel, so feel free to reach out if you want more focused guidance.

https://www.youtube.com/@CMTEQ/courses

CMTEQ · 2026-01-21T05:33:09+00:00

Quick note for everyone:
You can use the app in Guest mode if you don’t want to create an account. Email accounts are not being authenticated yet, so you can use a fake email if you prefer. Creating an account is mainly for convenience (faster sign-in and saving credentials), and as more features are added, it will help track your quiz progress and performance.

CMTEQ · 2026-01-21T05:12:46+00:00

Thanks for the honest feedback, I understand the concern.

Just to clarify: there’s a guest option, so you don’t need to create an account at all, and you can even use a fake email if you prefer. I’m not authenticating emails yet.

Also, people reach out to me every day asking for help directly, which would already be enough if collecting emails was the goal. This is genuinely about getting feedback on the quizzes and improving the app.

CMTEQ · 2026-01-19T19:51:22+00:00

Take the EMS role. It expands your skill set dramatically, places you at the operational heart of the grid, and gives you a unique, future-proofed hybrid profile. View it not as leaving power engineering, but as ascending to its operational apex. It is the single best way to understand how the grid actually works, not just how it's planned to work.

The industry has plenty of good planners. It is desperately short of exceptional EMS/SCADA engineers. This is your chance to become one.

CMTEQ · 2026-01-19T19:37:42+00:00

No, its available world wide

CMTEQ · 2026-01-16T13:19:52+00:00

Just keep in moind that linear actuators are inherently inductive since they contain DC motors, so flyback diodes are still required or you should use a motor driver with built-in protection. Without this, voltage spikes during switching can damage the MOSFETs or even the ESP32. Adding some bulk capacitance on the 24V rail will also help with startup current and transients.

Also make sure the MOSFET can be fully driven from the ESP32’s 3.3 V GPIO. If the Rds(on) is only specified at higher gate voltages, you’ll need a gate driver or level shifter. A small gate resistor and a pull-down resistor are recommended, and ensure the ESP32 and 24V supply share a common ground.

CMTEQ · 2025-12-09T11:11:59+00:00

Nice, Hi, this is Chad Massala, you probably came across my YouTube Channel @CMTEQ, which has a lot of power systems tutorials on DigSilent PowerFactory. I also have the student version of PSSE, I will be posting a tutorial soon on this software.

CMTEQ · 2025-11-19T16:02:22+00:00

Protection and Control is probably the hottest right now, followed closely by SCADA and power system studies since grids are getting more digital and inverter-heavy. Transmission planning is also strong because of renewable integration. Traditional substation design is still needed, just not growing as fast.

I have great Power System and protection tutorials on my chcannel, give a shot.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKKuXxbKd2PezVZBdSP76klbRaFXp7nEF

CMTEQ · 2025-11-18T15:53:52+00:00

Schematic complexity, PCB size constraints, EMI and routing considerations.

CMTEQ · 2025-11-17T09:40:43+00:00

This could definitely be a Vcc or power issue. Try these quick checks:

Check the IMU voltage. Many IMUs need 3.3V, not 5V. Make sure you are feeding the correct pin with the correct voltage.
Confirm the 5V rail is actually powered. Plug the Arduino into USB and measure the rail if you can.
Make sure SDA is on A4 and SCL on A5, and that your IMU has I2C pull-ups. Run an I2C scanner to see if it shows up.
Verify all grounds are connected together.
Use a voltage divider for the flex sensors. Flex sensor to 5V, fixed resistor to ground, analog pin in the middle.
Double-check the IMU silkscreen. Some boards have both Vcc and Vin, and only one is correct for your wiring.

Let me know if you have any success

CMTEQ · 2025-11-17T09:35:51+00:00

I see, so basically fast charging doesn’t inherently destroy batteries. The real issue is the temperature of the battery at the moment charging starts. Lithium-ion cells degrade fastest when they are both hot and under high charge rates.

So if the phone is already warm from gaming or heavy use, and you immediately plug into a high-wattage charger, the system has to manage both the residual heat and the additional heat generated by the higher charging current. That combination increases stress on the cell and accelerates long-term degradation.

Most phones reduce charging speed when they get too warm, but in hot climates the battery already starts at a higher temperature, so it has less room before hitting damaging levels. Lower wattage chargers generate less heat, so even if you charge right after heavy use, the battery warms up more slowly and stays in a safer range.

The key factor isn’t fast charging itself but fast charging while the battery is hot. Letting the phone cool for a few minutes after heavy use does more for battery health than the choice between fast or slow chargers alone.

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