need an idea how to learn basic electronics?

Scholar81 · Post by **Scholar81** » Thu Oct 19, 2006 11:43 am

Hiya, I have searched the whole internet and couldnt find a guide to learning electronics specifically for modelers.

(whoa, a roach just crawled up my screen)

I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction? also, I want to purchase a lot of cheap electronics such as resistors, LEDs, circuit boards, the whole nine yard. that way I could experiement all I want without worrying about damaging expensive stuff until I feel comfortable enough to actually implimenting them.

macfrank · Post by **macfrank** » Thu Oct 19, 2006 12:31 pm

While expensive, The Art of Electronics is probably the best single book to learn electronics. It starts from the basics and takes you all the way through advanced analog and digital electronics.
The best feature of the book is that it teaches you how to think about electronics, rather than just relying on formulas and calculators. The Student Manual has some excellent real world examples, and it's well worth getting both books - you'll get more out of those $114 than you will out of most University electronics courses.

Frank

Scholar81 · Post by **Scholar81** » Sat Oct 21, 2006 2:40 pm

I checked both out on their website and whoa, it does look like it is a perfect way for me to dive into the world of electronics but it's pretty pricey.

I figured I'll just go to a bookstore and order it then when it do arrives I'll say I changed my mind.

then they'll shelve it then I'll get it and read it all day in their coffee parlor.

for FREE

Sparky · Post by **Sparky** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 5:32 pm

Sorry I just noticed this thread. I haven't been keeping up with the Electronics forum.

The books I learned on were the Sams books, I don't think they still publish them. Some books worth having though are the COMOS and TTL cookbooks from Prompt (some of Sams old books). These books have some basic circuits and show pin outs for basic IC chips the basic lighting in models can be done with some of these.

The new tehcnology of the day are these mini micro controllers. They are basically mini computers that can run a small program you wirte compile and down load to them. If you go that route you won't use the Cook books mentioned above.

I'll check the Schaum's Outline series and see if they have a basic electronics manual. Helped in calculus and control systems for me.

Sparky · Post by **Sparky** » Thu Oct 26, 2006 9:28 pm

Yes the back of my calculus version lists all the outlines tehy have.
There's:
Basic Electrical Engineering,
Electric Circuits 3rd edition,
Electronic Devices and Circuits

Don't have any of these. But you can check at the library, but I found mine at Borders.

Schaum's Outlines are very popular.