Practical Electronics for Inventors, Fourth Edition - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Chai
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2016, 11:40:46 pm
content: I've been keeping an eye on Amazon for this new edition and it's now shipping.I'd be interested to hear opinions on it since it seems like the book gets heavy revisions between editions. Right now I only have Make: Electronics as a book resource and I'm looking to move beyond its simplified explanations and illustrations.

author: Back2Volts
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 22, 2016, 02:29:37 pm
content: I received this book yesterday. Wow. What a book. I just glanced through it. Looks good...If I have to read it all, there is no way I'll be an inventor

author: Syntax_Error
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2016, 04:30:17 pm
content: I have the third edition, and it is a great book overall. It is not perfect, and has several errors in the mathematics. I heard reports of this before I bought the book and it almost dissuaded me from purchasing. Having dealt with them first hand, I would say I'm extremely happy I went ahead and bought the book. I am no engineer, but have a good conceptual understanding of electronics. This book has dramatically improved both my conceptual and quantitative understanding. When I find errors, it is because I work through the math alongside the book, even if the example is already worked out, and my numbers come out different than the book's. The first few times, I rechecked and rechecked again to make sure. Overall, I find the errors in calculations do not overly detract from the book; just make sure you verify everything before you "use" anything and you'll be fine.As for the new edition, I would recommend it based on the 3rd edition, but if you already have the 3rd edition like I do, I would only get the new one if after previewing it, I needed the new chapter subjects. As for depth, many engineers and experienced electronics amateurs find the book too elementary for their needs. As for myself, I say it is a perfect step up from anything in the MAKE series. The way the book is organized with chapter 2/3 having your math and signals explanations theory, and the later chapters being component type and application-specific, works very well for different reader needs.

author: Chai
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 23, 2016, 01:13:58 am
content: I never actually made it through the MAKE: Electronics book because I thought it was too simplified and it kept leaving me with more questions and no answers. And then you go to google to try to find answers and that leads to more frustration.

author: casinada
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2016, 06:03:36 am
content: Syntax_Error, there is an official errata from the author:http://tabbooks.tumblr.com/post/48120167486/practical-electronics-3e-errataAnd also the unofficial errata from an eevblog member TomChttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/beginners/practical-electronics-for-inventors-3rd/It is long but it is a worth read if you're interested in the book.

author: Philbywhizz
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 06, 2016, 10:59:59 am
content: I pre-ordered the 4th edition last week and received it (kindle edition) yesterday via Amazon and I have been reading it on the bus train on the way to/from work (about an hour each way).I'm still on the first chapter and I'm finding it easy reading (examples are explained well) and I've already learnt a few new things so far (AC stuff - I'm more a digital person, but want to know more about analog).I can't comment on the maths yet as I'm just doing my first read.I consider myself a tinkerer. I don't consider myself a newbie, but I am finding the book helping me to level up from the next step after beginner.

author: Chai
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2016, 12:28:37 am
content: I ended up going for the AoE lab book + text book 3rd edition instead since I wanted a pre-planned course-type path. But oof... be warned. The lab expects access to an oscilloscope, function generator, psu, and of course, components. Upwards of $1,000 even on the (new)cheap but decent end. Plus the $150 bucks for the texts.

author: nomadd
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2016, 10:48:33 am
content: Quote from: Chai on April 09, 2016, 12:28:37 amAs does anydecentElectronics lab course.

author: Chai
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 09, 2016, 04:02:44 pm
content: Quote from: nomadd on April 09, 2016, 10:48:33 amWell, yea, I guess.But if you're transitioning from the maker-world blog posts and youtube videos it's not something you'll think ahead about. I'm not griping. This is what I wanted.