Best Book for a beginner

spookyspiff

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Jan 26, 2003
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58
Hello,

I've always been a gadget and gear geek, but recently i've become much more interested in electronics and electricity.

Does anyone have a recommendation for a book that teaches watts, ohms, volts, etc? Something at about the level of a "howstuffworks" article (but more in depth) or high school science book. Maybe with some projects thrown in too.

(I just can't justify buying lots of flashlights without learning something too!)
?

Thanks!
 

Blackbeagle

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May 14, 2002
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Oahu, HI
Try: Starting Electronics by Keith Brindley. Available on Amazon and Borders.

Pros: Starts with basics, but doesn't get too deep into things like valence electrons, current flow vs electron flow... Instead it starts at the circuit level. You work lessons in this book on a breadboard so you do hands-on which sometimes makes more sense than just theory.

Cons: He should have put a consolidated list of parts necessary - you find out what you need as the lesson progresses. You require a breadboard (available at Radio Shack, Jameco, Mouser...), a multimeter, and electronic parts (resistors, capacitors, LED's...)
 

Sigman

* The Arctic Moderator *
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Sep 25, 2002
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"The 49th State"
Do a "Google" search for "Compton's Learning Electronics". It's a 5 CD set, learn at your own pace that runs about $20 (a very good value!). It's for ages 16 to adult, so I think it would would be a versatile piece of software for you.

Here's a little "snapshot" of cover information:

"Electronic Devices, Integrated Circuits, Digital Systems, Networks...1000's of turorials on 80+ topics, 700+ practice problems, 3+ hours of video, and 100s of helpful illustrations".

It's alot of info for the price! Compton's has a line of this type of software from Astronomy to Lauguages...and who knows what else! I'm looking for that "Brain Surgery" set!
grin.gif
 

DieselDave

Super Moderator,
Joined
Sep 3, 2002
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Location
FL panhandle
Spookyspiff,
Thanks for asking the question.

Everyone else, thanks for the answers.

I just ordered the Comptons's CD's. Now I get to start spending hours on another pastime that doesn't make me money.

My wife will just love this. She thinks I spend way to little time on CPF. She loves all my buying and playing with lights and other gadgets. Yea Right!
 
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