Electronics Education for Dummies

[bigbeark]

Since Th3Uniqu3's brain is not yet available for direct download, I need to increase my electronic knowledge the old-fashioned way.

Given that I have no math skills beyond algebra and the physics I was taught dates to 1960, I need something that will give me a good basic understanding of how circuits are constructed without levaing me flummoxed. If I attempt to add filtering and inductors to a PSU I'd like to avoid the magic smoke. Knowledge of oscilloscopes and how to use them would be nice. Knowledge of transistors, diodes, resistors, inductors and so on.

I see there are "Electronics for Dummies" type books out there.

Please feel free to suggest a course of action or book(s) that would help, given my lack of knowledge. Thanks in advance!

[Th3_uN1Qu3]

Re: Electronics Education for Dummies

Since Th3Uniqu3's brain is not yet available for direct download, I need to increase my electronic knowledge the old-fashioned way.

I'm flattered.

For a quick and straight to the point howto on oscilloscope use i would recommend Afroman's tutorials.

As for general electronics, i haven't read many books either, i picked up things from here and there. The beginner's section on Rod Elliot's site is a good place to start. Some opamp theory is also good to know - i recommend Op Amps for Everyone and Opamp Applications Handbook.

Now for the nasty stuff... math. To be honest, i suck at math. There are only a few basic laws you should know and you'll be fine. First of all, Ohm's Law and the voltage divider rule. Then, Kirchoff's voltage and current laws and Thevenin equivalent circuits. Also Faraday's Law and Ampere's Law will help you to understand (some) magnetic design. Enough to be able to design a SMPS transformer at least. I've done by with just those until now, and there's a lot more stuff that i should have known by now, at least from the school's point of view...

[mariushm]

Re: Electronics Education for Dummies

See this about oscilloscopes:

http://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginne...ss-%28long%29/

The books Forest Mims made are decent, explaining some concepts well and with practical examples:

http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=U...ch-alias%3Daps

ps. Even though they're made in a relaxed manner with jokes and so on, I did learn a lot about transistors and fets, inductors etc from the "According to Pete" series on Sparkfun's youtube channel : http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9EF3C374FD903ACE

Ben Krasnow also has some good quality videos in his channel explaining stuff but you have to search for them among a lot of other videos he has, he's generally doing somewhat weird/niche stuff : http://www.youtube.com/user/bkraz333

some good vids from him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DMZSxS-xVc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZBMfDvWF4U&feature=plcp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyMH8wKK-Ag&feature=plcp

You might also learn something from this guy but small disclaimer, i didn't have time to watch his videos yet and see if his methods of teaching are good or not for beginners (as I'm also a sort of beginner even though I graduated electronics related university)

http://www.youtube.com/user/drjcircuits

[microfarad_the_2nd]

Re: Electronics Education for Dummies

The posters' question is a good one and interesting one. I went to electronics school around 1980. Each course had one textbook of course. I found that having multiple texts that covered any given subject helped a lot. In other words, I bought a LOT of extra reference books and other books that covered the subject of the specific class.

Of course, this was all pre-internet. So, anytime I wanted to expand my knowledge, I had to spend money on books. I've spent many thousands over the years.

BUT, now that we have the 'Net, I think an AWFUL LOT can be learned just from sites on the Net. Some sites even have animated drawings that show circuit flow, etc.

I am not familiar with the sites mentioned above, but I'm sure the person posting them has found good ones.

I would not spend ANY money on buying hard books until you have to. (All depends on how much money you have). If you are interested in learning circuit theory, and how electronics in general works, then the way to go (if you can afford it) is to slowly start building a home "lab" with equipment and parts. To start out you can spend less than $200 -$300 and have enough stuff to spend months learning about circuits. Just a small $20 breadboard strip, small flexible alligator jumpers, some minor hand tools, an adjustable power supply (up to 25 volts, preferably dual channels), and a DMM are good enough for starters. And you'll need a supply of components, but for $50 you could lay in a supply of components that would last a LONG time. If you get a meter, be sure to get very good leads, like the lead kits that Pamona (spelling)? makes.
After that, get an oscilloscope when you can afford it. Many people might disagree with me, but I strongly believe just a basic ole' 2 channel analog scope is the best to start with.
Eventually you'll probably want a function generator (signal generator). After that, the sky's the limit.
Let us know how it goes.
Also, get, or download, all the electronics parts catalogs you can find. Start with digi-key (if they still mail paper catalogs), Mouser, Newark (if they're still around), MCM, Jameco, and a bunch of others.
It's not much fun learning circuit theory if all you do is read about it in books. You have to have a way to implement some of what you learn.
You'll know after 6 months of reading and building circuits if it is something you really like. Then start buying and spending as needed to keep things interesting, and as you can afford it. Another neat trick is to go to a thrift store and get couple basic electronic products, like an old receiver, or something (NOT tv's). Then you can "play" with that equipment as you go. The one thing you need to learn before ever touching any circuit is safety. Be sure to read about AC voltages as they apply to safety. 110 volts is enough to really wake you up, but usually won't kill you unless you are standing in water. 220 volts WILL kill you, so safety is Job One.

Best wishes.

[microfarad_the_2nd]

Re: Electronics Education for Dummies

Math: I forgot to mention this. You really don't need to know much math. If you have a good calculator (your computer probably has a good one, or you can download one), you might not even have to buy a physical calculator. Until you get into the REAL REAL ethereal stuff, like designing toroid inductors, for example, all you really need to know how to do is multiply and divide and square. No higher level of math will be needed for many many years, if ever. If you end up reading texts that have calculus, or other very advanced math, you are reading a text that is WAY above what you SHOULD be reading. Keep it simple.