SHRI SHIVAJI SCIENCE COLLEGE, AMRAVATI
DBT STAR COLLEGE PROJECT ACTIVITY
ACTIVITY REPORT
One-day workshop - Mastering Electronics: Troubleshooting Essentials for Physics Labs
Activity Dates: 31/08/2024
Type of Activity: Faculty Development Program
Organizing Department: Department of Physics
Program Coordinators: Dr. R.G.Korpe, Dr. P.A. Fartode and Ms. L.L. Thakare
Head of the Department: Dr. P. A. Nagpure
External Collaborator (if any): PG Department of Physics
Objectives:
- Learn to identify and address frequent problems encountered with electronic equipment in physics labs.
- Engage in practical sessions where participants can apply troubleshooting techniques on real equipment.
- Develop skills that will help reduce downtime and ensure smooth operation of lab activities.
- Foster teamwork among participants by working together on troubleshooting tasks.
- Acquire the technical know-how to support laboratory operations effectively.
No of Beneficieries: 37
Classes Involved: Non Teaching Staff, Teaching Staff and PG Students
Venue of the Activity: Physics Laboratories
Activity Report:
The Department of Physics, with the sponsorship of the DBT STAR Project, held a one-day workshop titled "Mastering Electronics: Troubleshooting Essentials for Physics Labs" on August 31, 2024. This workshop aimed to empower teaching staff, non-teaching staff, and students with essential troubleshooting skills, preparing them to address common issues with electronic equipment found in physics laboratories. Recognizing the pivotal role of electronics in contemporary science experiments and research, the department sought to equip participants with practical techniques to sustain efficiency and accuracy in laboratory operations.
Inauguration and Workshop Objectives
The workshop began with an opening address from Dr. P.A. Nagpure, Head of the Department of Physics, who formally welcomed all attendees. In his introduction, Dr. P.A. Nagpure introduced the guest speaker, Mr. Mukund Bhende, an instrumentation expert renowned for his expertise and extensive experience in electronics. Dr. P.A. Nagpure emphasized that the objectives of the workshop were to impart the skills required for troubleshooting equipment, an essential component in any physics lab setting. By highlighting the growing role of electronics in modern physics, he underlined that a sound knowledge of electronic devices is crucial for sustaining the functionality and reliability needed in scientific inquiry.
The participants, including faculty, lab technicians, and students, were eager to begin a learning experience designed to be both theoretical and hands-on. Dr. P.A. Nagpure highlighted that this program was an opportunity not only to learn diagnostic techniques but also to engage in practical exercises that would ensure participants left with the confidence and skills needed to troubleshoot issues independently. He concluded by reminding participants of the workshop's role in building a technically proficient academic environment where equipment-related problems could be managed promptly and effectively.
Workshop Sessions
Technical Session by Mr. Mukund Bhende
The technical sessions were led by Mr. Mukund Bhende, who possesses a strong background in instrumentation and a wealth of experience troubleshooting complex electronics. His presentation focused on electronic equipment commonly used in physics laboratories, such as cathode ray oscilloscopes (CROs), function generators, and various power supplies, all of which are essential tools in physics experiments.
Mr. Bhende began by identifying common issues faced in the use of these devices, highlighting the typical malfunctions associated with each piece of equipment. For example, he discussed how power supplies can sometimes fail due to voltage fluctuations or internal component wear and how function generators might develop inconsistencies in signal output. His analysis extended to potential causes for these malfunctions, such as circuit damage, power instability, and component aging. He also addressed the ways in which preventive maintenance can mitigate these issues and extend the equipment's lifespan.
In addition to identifying equipment issues, Mr. Bhende gave participants insights into early detection of faults and signs that indicate an impending malfunction. This knowledge, he explained, would enable them to adopt a proactive approach to equipment management and address minor issues before they escalated into significant problems. His session emphasized not only the importance of troubleshooting but also the need for regular maintenance checks and an understanding of equipment limitations.
Hands-On Experience
The workshop transitioned from theory to practice in the hands-on segment, where participants had the opportunity to apply the techniques discussed. Mr. Bhende provided non-functional equipment, allowing attendees to engage directly with diagnostic procedures in a controlled environment. Participants were guided step-by-step through troubleshooting tasks on actual devices, such as CROs and function generators, which had specific, real-world malfunctions pre-set by Mr. Bhende for educational purposes.
In this segment, Mr. Bhende demonstrated systematic troubleshooting methods, emphasizing the importance of an organized approach when handling electronic components. He advised participants to inspect equipment for loose connections, burnt components, and inconsistent power supply as initial steps in troubleshooting. By practicing these steps on equipment that exhibited real faults, attendees could gain valuable, hands-on experience that bridged theoretical learning with real-life application.
Mr. Bhende encouraged an interactive environment where participants could ask questions and explore various scenarios in troubleshooting. Each participant was allowed to practice under supervision, which provided a safe space to explore different methods and ask for clarifications on any aspects they found challenging. This approach helped to ensure that each individual left with a solid understanding of the techniques involved in systematic troubleshooting.
Practical Troubleshooting and Repair Techniques
Beyond diagnosing issues, Mr. Bhende focused on repair techniques and best practices for handling electronic components safely. He emphasized the importance of correct tool usage, discussing equipment like multimeters and soldering kits essential for fixing common problems. The practical application of these tools enabled participants to grasp their functions and importance in troubleshooting.
Participants were particularly interested in learning how to address issues with malfunctioning CROs. Mr. Bhende provided step-by-step instructions on testing different parts of the oscilloscope, such as the power supply, fuse, and vertical and horizontal deflection controls. By applying his guidance, participants were able to identify specific faults, thereby understanding the device’s internal structure and developing confidence in tackling similar issues in their own labs.
Function generators and power supplies were also covered in this hands-on session, as Mr. Bhende demonstrated techniques for testing signal quality and output stability. Participants learned how to check for frequency inaccuracies and voltage inconsistencies that commonly arise with these devices. As they practiced these techniques, they gained insight into managing lab equipment more effectively and maintaining high standards of lab functionality.
Emphasis on Preventative Maintenance
Throughout the day, Mr. Bhende underscored the value of preventive maintenance to prevent equipment breakdowns. He explained that routine checks could significantly extend the life of electronic devices, reducing the frequency and severity of malfunctions. Simple measures, such as cleaning contacts, tightening connections, and calibrating devices periodically, were recommended as part of a regular maintenance routine.
Preventative maintenance, he pointed out, helps laboratories maintain continuity in experimental work, minimizes the risk of data loss, and reduces repair costs over time. Mr. Bhende encouraged participants to adopt these habits as part of their routine lab management, advocating for a systematic approach to laboratory upkeep that would ensure both safety and efficiency.
Participant Engagement and Feedback
The workshop was highly interactive, with participants actively engaging in discussions and seeking clarification on specific troubleshooting challenges they had encountered in their own labs. This open forum allowed them to exchange ideas and experiences, broadening their understanding of different troubleshooting scenarios. Several participants shared their struggles with equipment malfunctions that had disrupted experiments in the past, expressing their appreciation for the practical guidance offered during the session.
Many attendees noted that the hands-on exercises provided valuable insights into real-world troubleshooting, which they had not been exposed to previously. They expressed confidence in their ability to handle similar challenges independently, attributing this newfound assurance to Mr. Bhende's clear explanations and supportive approach.
Closing Remarks
The workshop concluded with a formal vote of thanks presented by Dr. R.G. Korpe, one of the workshop coordinators. Dr. Korpe expressed sincere gratitude to Mr. Bhende for sharing his expertise and conducting such an informative and engaging session. He acknowledged the DBT STAR Project for sponsoring the workshop and thanked all participants for their enthusiastic involvement, which had contributed to the event’s success.
Dr. Korpe also thanked his fellow coordinators, Dr. P.A. Fartode and Ms. L.L. Thakare, for their efforts in organizing the workshop. In his closing remarks, he encouraged participants to apply their newly acquired skills in their own laboratory environments, thereby enhancing their departments' operational efficiency and fostering a culture of self-reliance and technical proficiency.
Conclusion
This one-day workshop, with its combination of theoretical insights and practical applications, proved to be a valuable learning experience for all attendees. By equipping participants with troubleshooting skills and reinforcing the importance of preventive maintenance, the workshop succeeded in creating a foundation for a more self-sufficient and technically skilled academic environment.
Outcomes:
- Participants will leave with practical knowledge and hands-on experience in diagnosing and resolving issues with electronic equipment commonly used in physics labs, increasing their confidence in handling lab equipment.
- Attendees will learn preventative maintenance techniques to help minimize equipment malfunctions, ensuring smooth and continuous operation in the lab.
- Non-teaching staff will be better equipped to provide technical support in the laboratory, ensuring that experiments and classes run smoothly without significant interruptions.
- Participants will improve their teamwork and collaboration skills by working together to troubleshoot real-world problems during the workshop, enhancing their ability to communicate and solve issues as a group.
- All participants will gain confidence in independently addressing and troubleshooting equipment issues, leading to a more self-reliant and technically capable academic environment.
Photos:
 Mr. Bhende provided step-by-step instructions on testing different parts of the oscilloscope |  Mr. Bhende demonstrated techniques for testing signal quality and output stability |
 Mr. Bhende demonstrated techniques for testing Power Supply |  Participant with Mr. Bhende |
 Participants having hands on experience on trouble shooting the equipments |  Participants having hands on experience on trouble shooting the equipments |
Attendance Sheet:
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