Brooks Jacobsen

Work Experience

• Daktronics

  2014-2014 | Automation Controls Technician

  I have been working with Daktronics during my off time while at LATI. I am officially a process technician for 3 months out of every year, but I do help with many design projects, testing, implementation, and commissioning of equipment. I get to use my knowledge of electrical and electronic theory and ability to do troubleshooting to make emergency repairs to automated manufacturing equipment. This includes electrical, mechanical, PLC programs, database modification, communication recognition, and pneumatic systems. Give detailed verbal and written descriptions of cause and repair of down time on all equipment. Maintain spare parts inventory, will order and inventory needed parts. Maintain maintenance records including procedures, parts and labor. Make and implement suggestions for product and process improvement. Help evaluate and commission new equipment. Evaluate new materials. Perform other duties as assigned and needed to meet customer expectations and to have equipment operating with no unplanned downtime. Be able to accurately program equipment to meet tolerance or quality standards. During my time at Daktronics I was able to work without normal supervision while installing or repairing equipment, programs,PLC equipment, and technical wiring drawings. The majority of special tools used were a multi-meter and a computer for programs. I also built many control boxes for different process lines, this included building, wiring to standards, and programming. Some of the projects included fixing and troubleshooting programs, simplifying electrical drawings for instructional manuals, and using electrical and electronic theories and abilities to troubleshoot systems. This job has also helped me better my skills to maintain, modify, install, repair, program, and test a variety of simple to complex electronic equipment used in communication, control process computers, and supervisory control systems. I have also been able to develop software test routines for verifying communication settings and operational specifications. This last year I was able to better my communication skills by helping install and program an RTU Modbus unit on an electronics line. I was also introduced to new tools and specialized equipment to maintain and test equipment. I believe my time at Daktronics was well spent and a good, constant refresher on what is going on in industry. I hope to continue my knowledge in troubleshooting and repairing of electronic equipment throughout my career and lifetime.

• Lake Area Technical Institute

  2006-Present | Robotics/Electronic Systems Instructor/Department Supervisor

  My knowledge and ability to use tools and specialized equipment to maintain and test automation and electronics equipment in the field was both acquired in my military and civilian careers. I have used many devices for troubleshooting radio, voice, data, PLC, and automated equipment. The majority of my skills with tools are with bench-top equipment such as; oscilloscopes, digital and analog multi-meters, frequency generators, megger’s, logic probes, spectrum analyzers, and computer acquired data. I have also been in charge of verifying and correcting troubleshooting techniques on circuit boards, automation equipment, computer programs, communication devices, SCADA/PLC wiring and programs, and other electronic devices that I have come across. Also at LATI I have taught many classes on understanding electrical and electronics drawings for both electronic technicians and maintenance technicians. Along with understanding drawings I also go through technical writing techniques and comprehension for instruction manuals. Other classes I have taught include DC/AC troubleshooting, systems operation and controls, relays and controls, and PLC and data logging. Over my 9 years at LATI I have also held multiple classes for the community for free. This includes basic soldering, basic electronics, and a 3D printer class. The biggest by far has been the 3D printer class. I have been hosting the class now for 2 years and there have been 50+ students that have built, programming, and troubleshot their very own 3D printers.

Education

• Lake Area Technical Institute

  2004-2006 | Robotics

  EST103 Principles of DC Circuits Theory and EST106 Principles of DC Circuits Lab: Learned electrical components electrical quantities and units; voltage, current, and resistance; Ohm’s Law, energy and power; series and parallel circuits; series-parallel circuits; magnetism and electromagnetism; circuit analysis, and troubleshooting. EST109 Principles of AC Circuits Theory and EST112 Principles of AC Circuits Lab: Learned concepts and laws which describe the behavior of AC circuits, capacitive and inductive circuits, and the behavior of RL, RC, and RLC circuits; used oscilloscope, Ohm’s Law in AC circuits, capacitors, inductors, capacitive reactance, inductive reactance, and transformers in the labs and in troubleshooting. EST115 Electronic Devices I Theory and EST118 Electronic Devices I Lab: Learned analog electronics and the fundamentals of diode and transistor circuit analysis and design; included topics involving semiconductors, diodes, bipolar transistors, transistor biasing, AC models, and voltage amplifiers. EST121 Digital Theory and EST124 Digital Lab: Includes number systems and codes, logic gates, TTL circuits, Boolean algebra, Karnaugh maps, flip-flops, registers and counters. RBTC202 Robotic Engineering: Learned designing, building, and troubleshooting skills; also had to design a control system using radio frequencies. RBTC205 PLC’s: Learned programming, wiring, and troubleshooting PLC’s. RBTC219 PLC Applications: Learned how to program data acquisition, HMI’s, PID’s, and SCADA protocols.

• Lake Area Technical Institute

  2010-2010 | Electronic System Technologies

  EST103 Principles of DC Circuits Theory and EST106 Principles of DC Circuits Lab: Learned electrical components electrical quantities and units; voltage, current, and resistance; Ohm’s Law, energy and power; series and parallel circuits; series-parallel circuits; magnetism and electromagnetism; circuit analysis, and troubleshooting. EST109 Principles of AC Circuits Theory and EST112 Principles of AC Circuits Lab: Learned concepts and laws which describe the behavior of AC circuits, capacitive and inductive circuits, and the behavior of RL, RC, and RLC circuits; used oscilloscope, Ohm’s Law in AC circuits, capacitors, inductors, capacitive reactance, inductive reactance, and transformers in the labs and in troubleshooting. EST115 Electronic Devices I Theory and EST118 Electronic Devices I Lab: Learned analog electronics and the fundamentals of diode and transistor circuit analysis and design; included topics involving semiconductors, diodes, bipolar transistors, transistor biasing, AC models, and voltage amplifiers. EST121 Digital Theory and EST124 Digital Lab: Includes number systems and codes, logic gates, TTL circuits, Boolean algebra, Karnaugh maps, flip-flops, registers and counters. EST205 Electronic Devices II: Learned how to analyze and design analog circuits including power amplifiers, emitter followers, JFETs, MOSFETs, frequency response of transistors, differential amplifiers and operational amplifiers; this also included advanced circuits such as oscillators, phase-locked loops, and power supplies. EST214 Digital II Theory and EST216 Digital II Lab: Includes number systems and codes, logic gates, TTL circuits, Boolean algebra, Karnaugh maps, flip-flops, registers and counters. EST246 Circuit Board Design and Layout: Learned to use ExpressPCB and PCB123 softwares to design and layout a circuit for printing on a board; learned the process of printing a PCB. EST247 Microcontrollers BS2: Learned different programming stiles for computer programming.

• Grantham University

  2011-2013 | Engineering Management

  CE210 Digital Electronics and CE211 Digital Electronics Lab: Includes number systems and codes, logic gates, TTL circuits, Boolean algebra, Karnaugh maps, flip-flops, registers and counters. CS216 Computer Networks: Learned networking technologies including local area networks, wide area networks, protocols, topologies, transmission media, and security; also had a in depth look at networking including Internet protocol suite (TCP-IP). CS280 Windows 2000 Server: Learned networking principles under the Windows 2000 environment, basic network design and protocols, server hardware, server installation, server configuration and management, remote access, Internet and Intranet services, server and network monitoring, active directory and troubleshooting. EE102 Fundamentals of DC Circuits and EE104 DC Circuits Lab: Learned electrical components electrical quantities and units; voltage, current, and resistance; Ohm’s Law, energy and power; series and parallel circuits; series-parallel circuits; magnetism and electromagnetism; circuit analysis, and troubleshooting. EE112 Fundamentals of AC Circuits and EE114 AC Circuits Lab: Learned concepts and laws which describe the behavior of AC circuits, capacitive and inductive circuits, and the behavior of RL, RC, and RLC circuits; used oscilloscope, Ohm’s Law in AC circuits, capacitors, inductors, capacitive reactance, inductive reactance, and transformers in the labs and in troubleshooting. EE210 Electronics I and EE211 Electronics I Lab: Learned analog electronics and the fundamentals of diode and transistor circuit analysis and design; included topics involving semiconductors, diodes, bipolar transistors, transistor biasing, AC models, and voltage amplifiers. EE220 Electronics II and EE221 Electronics II Lab: Learned how to analyze and design analog circuits including power amplifiers, emitter followers, JFETs, MOSFETs, frequency response of transistors, differential amplifiers and operational amplifiers.

Military

• South Dakota Army National Guard

  1999-Present | MLRS Repairer Foreman (94P20)/Information Management Officer/Communications SGT

  My current and past knowledge of electrical and electronic theory and ability to do troubleshooting are extensive. I first started my electronic theory experiences in Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for 27M (Multiple Launch Rocket Systems Repairer) at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama in 2001. Going through this training and learning the basics of electrical troubleshooting and repairing started my education and experiences in the field. Shortly after AIT I was deployed to Ft.Sill, OK to support MLRS Battalions training to go overseas. This activation taught me many skills in troubleshooting techniques and started my career in the electronics and automation industries. MLRS Repairer Foreman (94P20) duties: I’m in charge of troubleshooting, repairing, and commissioning self-propelled launcher-loader and the launcher loader module electrical, electronic, mechanical assemblies, modules and interconnecting cables to isolate malfunctions. I must replace or repair electrical, hydraulic and mechanical assemblies, modules, and cables determined to be faulty. I have uses breakout boxes, built in test equipment, data acquisition for logs, multi-meter, and continuity testers for fault isolation and verification or adjustment of electrical assemblies and modules of launcher loader module. I repair or replace chassis mounted components on units under test. I assist automatic test equipment operator in fault isolating launcher loader module electronic modules and assemblies to component level. I am in charge of preparing and maintaining equipment logs, equipment modification and utilization records, exchange logs, and calibration data cards. Supervise lower rank soldiers and provide technical guidance to soldiers in the accomplishment of their duties. Provide technical assistance to supported units. Information Management Officer (IMO) duties: I act as the commander’s representative for all information management and information technology issues for the unit. I am the liaison between the unit and the installation director of information management. I am in charge of interfacing with the director of information management for security, software and equipment upgrades and requests for repair. I am in charge of conducting a review every 18 months to ensure all unit publications, policies and procedures are updated and correct. I have used cable testers to troubleshoot and isolate problems in the network, and fixed issues as they arose. I am in charge of creating, commissioning, and maintaining computers and voice and data communications on the network, both secret and confidential, keeps track of users and their credentials. Communications Sargent (COMMO SGT) duties: I was responsible for test, measurement, and diagnostic equipment to determine the cause and location of malfunctions, extent of faults, and category of maintenance required. I repaired communication systems (both microwave and mobile radio), multiplexing equipment, and sub-assemblies by adjusting, aligning, repairing, and replacing defective components, cryptographic items, or line replaceable units. I was in charge of performing bench equipment tests to verify operability of repaired equipment, and ensuring mission security standards are met. I performed complex and multi-failure tasks that provided technical and procedural assistance to subordinates. I had to perform difficult or complex repairs of defective components, sub-assemblies, and related cabling and ensure that National Security Agency approved components are used in communication security/controlled cryptographic items repairs. Other training: JTIDS/MIDS Link 16 Course for 140A WOCS; JTIDS/MIDS Link 16 is a military radio system for the distribution of information, position location and identification between different military elements, such as aircrafts, ships and radar systems. I learned about the equipment and how it is set up for field use. Some of the equipment included microwave radio, mobile radio, voice and data communications, and multiplex equipment. I learned about how the communication net is set up between these elements to distribute the information and what is needed to install, commission, maintain, and repair the equipment. As many as 128 different nets can be set up with 128 time slots/sec/net. The transmission rates of 28.8 up to 238 kbps are possible. The system operates in the 960 - 1215 MHz frequency band. JTIDS uses both frequency hopping and direct sequence spread spectrum to be robust against intentional and unintentional interference. I learned how messages were defined for network management, command and control, weapons control and management. These messages include surveillance on land, in the air and in water (surface and sub-surface), battle management, electronic warfare, weapons control (e.g. missiles and unmanned aircrafts), video, voice, free-text, and network management.