3 ms·

Totally disagree but respect your position. Trying to learn the analog side of electronics can take a very long time and requires vast amounts of information.

by bprater 18y ago

Totally disagree but respect your position. Trying to learn the analog side of electronics can take a very long time and requires vast amounts of information. If you go the digital route, most (software) hackers can be creating fairly elaborate systems in an afternoon. They do the bulk of the work in the software, rather than futzing with resistors and capacitors. Imagine the difference between creating a LED array to mimic the KITT car's LED light scanner in analog and in digital. Analog would be a nightmare, digital would be a great afternoon of fun on very limited hardware. Yes, eventually the person will run into the limitations of not understanding the analog well enough, but since they weren't bogged down in details, they may be excited enough to keep with the hobby.

tomsaffell 18y ago
I think everything you have said is true, but it does not address the original question: "What's a good book to teach me the basics of electronics, e.g., why do circuits need resistors, when do I use a capacitor, etc?" I.e. he wants to learn how analog electronics work, amongst other things. I own The Art of Electronics, but find it a bit theoretical. If you just starting out you might even wants something aimed at high-school kids (no offense intended) If you like to learn by being taught (vs. self-taught) then sign up for class at a local school, or if you don't have the time/money then try sneaking into some lectures at your local university (I don't know how illegal / difficult that is in the US, so beware). If you do want to be self-taught then see if you can borrow the lecture notes from someone who has taken electronic engineering. Or try this http://www.varsitynotes.com/electrical_engineering/electronics.html http://www.varsitynotes.com/electrical_engineering/electroni... I would highly recommend buying a kit (lots have been mentioned) and if necessary supplementing it with components from your local electronic components store. And take things apart, I'd also recommend building something that has an interest to you outside of electronics, e.g. if you're into cars then build a radio controlled car.

by bprater 18y ago

tomsaffell 18y ago

I think everything you have said is true, but it does not address the original question: "What's a good book to teach me the basics of electronics, e.g., why do circuits need resistors, when do I use a capacitor, etc?" I.e. he wants to learn how analog electronics work, amongst other things. I own The Art of Electronics, but find it a bit theoretical. If you just starting out you might even wants something aimed at high-school kids (no offense intended) If you like to learn by being taught (vs. self-taught) then sign up for class at a local school, or if you don't have the time/money then try sneaking into some lectures at your local university (I don't know how illegal / difficult that is in the US, so beware). If you do want to be self-taught then see if you can borrow the lecture notes from someone who has taken electronic engineering. Or try this http://www.varsitynotes.com/electrical_engineering/electronics.html http://www.varsitynotes.com/electrical_engineering/electroni... I would highly recommend buying a kit (lots have been mentioned) and if necessary supplementing it with components from your local electronic components store. And take things apart, I'd also recommend building something that has an interest to you outside of electronics, e.g. if you're into cars then build a radio controlled car.