I want to start tinkering with electronics

  • Thread starter Thread starter Nox-
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Electronics
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around starting a hobby in electrical engineering, specifically focusing on building an FM radio transmitter. Participants share recommendations for textbooks, resources, and foundational knowledge in mathematics and circuit theory necessary for beginners in electrical engineering.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to begin tinkering with electronics and seeks beginner to intermediate level textbooks in electrical engineering, mentioning specific titles they have downloaded.
  • Another participant suggests that algebra and trigonometry are sufficient for understanding the recommended textbooks, while basic calculus will also be beneficial.
  • Some participants caution that "The Art of Electronics" may be a significant leap for those without a background in basic circuit theory.
  • There are suggestions to explore digital electronics resources for practical projects.
  • One participant shares their experience with "Electrical Engineering 101," stating it effectively introduces basic concepts before tackling more advanced material.
  • Another participant discusses the challenges of accessing the e-book version of "The Art of Electronics" and expresses a preference for physical textbooks over digital formats.
  • One participant proposes starting with basic circuits involving tubes to understand the transition to solid-state circuits, emphasizing the complexity of integrated circuits.
  • Several participants provide links to online resources and practical electronics sites for further learning.
  • There is a reminder about the legality of downloading copyrighted materials, with a moderator intervening to address the mention of pirated content.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of foundational knowledge in mathematics and circuit theory, but there are varying opinions on the suitability of specific textbooks for beginners. The discussion includes multiple perspectives on resources and approaches to learning, indicating no consensus on a single path forward.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference specific resources and personal experiences, but there are unresolved questions about the appropriateness of certain textbooks for those without prior knowledge. The discussion also touches on the legality of accessing educational materials, which remains a sensitive topic among participants.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in starting a hobby in electrical engineering, particularly those looking for beginner resources and guidance on foundational concepts in electronics.

Nox-
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
I would like start doing some electrical tinkering/engineering as a hobby. In particular, I want to be able to build my own FM radio transmitter (some time in the far future, most likely, I realize it is an advanced goal from where I am now). I don't have the money or time to enter any kind of college course.

What kind of textbooks can I grab that will give me at least an beginner-intermediate level of electrical engineering starting from the most basic of basics? Also, how much math should I know before starting to learn about EE? I know some basic calculus (derivatives, integrals), is this enough?

So far I have downloaded some e-textbooks on the subject:

1) Electrical Engineering 101, Darren Ashby
2) The Art of Electronics, Horowitz & Hill
3) Hambley Electrical Engineering Principles, Allan Hambley

Any feedback at all is appreciated.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
You should be able to do a lot with algebra and trigonometry. Your basic calculus will help you a lot to get through some of those textbooks, since they pretty much do not go much farther than the basics.

I know a lot of people say good things about The Art of Electronics but that might be a big leap if you didn't learn basic circuit theory.

I guess google circuit theory, there's a lot of good tutorials and websites for it.

Also, you might want to find a good resource on digital electronics since there's a lot of fun and useful projects with digital chips.
 
Nox- said:
I would like start doing some electrical tinkering/engineering as a hobby. In particular, I want to be able to build my own FM radio transmitter (some time in the far future, most likely, I realize it is an advanced goal from where I am now). I don't have the money or time to enter any kind of college course.

What kind of textbooks can I grab that will give me at least an beginner-intermediate level of electrical engineering starting from the most basic of basics? Also, how much math should I know before starting to learn about EE? I know some basic calculus (derivatives, integrals), is this enough?

So far I have downloaded some e-textbooks on the subject:

1) Electrical Engineering 101, Darren Ashby
2) The Art of Electronics, Horowitz & Hill
3) Hambley Electrical Engineering Principles, Allan Hambley

Any feedback at all is appreciated.

Let us know how Horowitz & Hill works out for you. I like the way it goes from very basic concepts to more intermediate concepts (but I had an EE background before I read it the first time).

BTW, how did you download an e-book of H&H? Is it for a Kindle or something? How much does the e-book cost?
 
berkeman said:
Let us know how Horowitz & Hill works out for you. I like the way it goes from very basic concepts to more intermediate concepts (but I had an EE background before I read it the first time).

BTW, how did you download an e-book of H&H? Is it for a Kindle or something? How much does the e-book cost?

I'm starting with Electrical Engineering 101, before I read Horowitz and Hill. EE 101 seems to do a very good job of introducing very basics concepts first, so that when I start on H&H I won't be totally lost.

I download the H&H ebook from << Illegal website name deleted by Moderator >> if I remember right. It came in a PDF, but didn't seem to want to transfer onto my kobo ereader. I'll probably try and find it at my community college library though - it's a lot nicer to read from a physical textbook rather than a screen.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
How far back would you like to go, Nox? Some basic circuits with tubes can teach you a lot, and then you learn how to adapt them to solid-state. It can be instructive to learn how to transition from circuits controlled by varying voltage to circuits that are controlled by current-based inputs. Once you get to ICs, things get a bit more complex.
 
Nox- said:
I'm starting with Electrical Engineering 101, before I read Horowitz and Hill. EE 101 seems to do a very good job of introducing very basics concepts first, so that when I start on H&H I won't be totally lost.

I download the H&H ebook from << Illegal website name deleted by Moderator >> if I remember right. It came in a PDF, but didn't seem to want to transfer onto my kobo ereader. I'll probably try and find it at my community college library though - it's a lot nicer to read from a physical textbook rather than a screen.

We do not support copyright violations here on the PF. Downloading pirated PDF copies is illegal. Please do not bring up this type of behavior here on the PF again.

Check your PMs.
 

Similar threads

Intro Physics Textbook on Electronics and Circuit Analysis
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
Need a good link to learn V=IxR for my grandaughter
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Guitar Related Electronics - Where to Start
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K
Need a Refresher on Basic EE Theory Before Starting University?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
How Can I Improve My DIY Van de Graaff Generator to Prevent Charge Leakage?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
What field of engineering deals with audio electronics and speaker design?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
Basic Electronics: Transistor confusion
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Start Learning Wireless Communications and RF Electronics
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
Elevating my Understanding of Electrical Engineering
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Newbie looking for guidance - How start learning electronics?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K