# Engineering Education with Dr Don Wilcher

- Show: [The Amp Hour](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour)
- Published: 2023-02-20
- Length: 1h 15m
- Episode: 620
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2023-02-20-engineering-education-with-dr-don-wilcher
- Listen: https://theamphour.com/620-engineering-education-with-dr-don-wilcher/

## Summary

Dr. Don Wilcher, an educator at Jefferson State Community College and author of Maydown Research, discusses his career transitioning from automotive electronics to engineering education. He details the design of GM body controller modules using the Motorola 68HC11 and CAN bus, explaining how system integration reduced vehicle weight to meet CAFE standards. Wilcher advocates for hands-on learning, contrasting traditional PLCs with open-source platforms like OpenPLC and Arduino-based controllers, while highlighting the importance of practical skills in modern industrial maintenance.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2023-02-20-engineering-education-with-dr-don-wilcher#t=0) Introduction: Dr. Don Wilcher and Maydown Research
- [1:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2023-02-20-engineering-education-with-dr-don-wilcher#t=97) Educational Philosophy: Hands-on Learning and Industrial Controls
- [11:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2023-02-20-engineering-education-with-dr-don-wilcher#t=673) PLC Architecture: Controllers vs. Computers and Ladder Logic
- [22:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2023-02-20-engineering-education-with-dr-don-wilcher#t=1350) Connector Drawings and Datum Translation Challenges
- [28:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2023-02-20-engineering-education-with-dr-don-wilcher#t=1705) Automotive Body Controller Modules and CAN Bus Integration
- [41:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2023-02-20-engineering-education-with-dr-don-wilcher#t=2464) Wire Harness Design, Drip Loops, and Door Mucks
- [53:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2023-02-20-engineering-education-with-dr-don-wilcher#t=3184) Megatronic Systems and Troubleshooting Methodologies
- [1:00:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2023-02-20-engineering-education-with-dr-don-wilcher#t=3606) OpenPLC, Arduino, and the Future of Industrial Control
- [1:11:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2023-02-20-engineering-education-with-dr-don-wilcher#t=4297) New Book, Conferences, and Continuing Education

## Topics

- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)

## Most relevant to

established companies

## Mentioned

- Maydown Research (company)
- Jefferson State Community College (company)
- Wayne State University (company)
- Henry Ford Community College (company)
- Motorola (company)
- 68HC11 (chip)
- CAN bus (other)
- OpenPLC (other)
- Arduino (other)
- ESP32 (chip)
- M5 Stack (product)
- ABB (company)
- FANUC (company)
- Siemens (company)
- Rockwell Automation (company)
- Allen Bradley (product)
- Omron (company)
- Mitsubishi (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [303: Kids, Turn in Your Chips](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-09-19-303-kids-turn-in-your-chips) (Embedded.fm)
- [Ep. 14: Zero to H.I.R.O.: The Path to Becoming a Full-Stack Mechatronics Engineer](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robo-success-podcast/2026-08-18-ep-14-zero-to-h-i-r-o-the-path-to-becoming-a-full-stack-mechatronics-engineer) (The Robo Success Podcast)
- [376: Left Half of My Brain Is Digital](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-06-10-376-left-half-of-my-brain-is-digital) (Embedded.fm)
- [S1E20 PLCs, HMIs, & Making Hardware Move | Karl Gerety](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2020-07-03-s1e20-plcs-hmis-making-hardware-move-karl-gerety) (Being an Engineer)
- [539: My Ai Powered Ergonomic Chair](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-09-25-539-my-ai-powered-ergonomic-chair) (Making It)

## Citing this page

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