Is this a scam? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: tony3d
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2014, 05:43:06 am
content: I'm just wondering if anyone here is familiar with this site...http://www.build-electronic-circuits.com/learn-creating-circuit-boards/I'm still a beginner, and was wondering if this is worth $49.00. Seems a bit shady to me. Maybe I'm wrong. I know there is no quick way to learn this stuff, but maybe he has a good teaching method.

author: nihilism
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2014, 05:47:19 am
content: Who knows what the quality of the material to be provided will be like. You can probably find all the information for free using google.

author: theatrus
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2014, 05:52:01 am
content: Based on the author's picture I would pass.SparkFun has a good tutorial series on making PCBs with Eagle. I would start there.

author: Jarrod Roberson
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2014, 06:00:37 am
content: If you have to ask, then it probably is, that said:Why not save the $49 and Google/YouTube the topics that are listed and get a breadth of opinions on them:1. Introduction-Schematic symbols-Basic components and how they work-Ohm’s law-Where to find schematics-Where to get help with your electronics projects2. Soldering-Soldering tools-How to solder-Choosing a soldering iron-Soldering surface mount components3. How to create circuit boards-Software alternatives-Introduction to Eagle-Component libraries in Eagle-Surface mount vs through-hole components– what to choose?-Choosing components-Drawing schematics in Eagle-Drawing your board layout in Eagle-Creating Gerber files in Eagle-Order cheap prototype circuit boards-Buying components online-Using the Eagle autorouter<- Unless this is a warning NOT to use it, this would disqualify this guy right off the bat for me!-Creating a ground plane in Eagle-Creating custom components in Eagle

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2014, 06:03:41 am
content: It does not sound good. He starts of with a lot of bull, apparently targeting the permanently semi-drunk incompetent student.The first picture on the side is not his own build, but a ripoff from this free wikibookhttp://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Practical_Electronics/perfboard- edited slightly. And according to the wikibook, that picture was actuallyQuote

author: Tris20
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2014, 01:56:55 pm
content: If the above points aren't red flag enough, I'd be concerned by someone who claims to have"started several electronics companies and built some really complex products. For example a radar that could see through walls and equipment for detecting incoming bullets from firearms.", yet instead of working for the military or an arms manufacturer they're trying to sell you fairly basic knowledge for a mark up price. Unless I am mistaken he doesn't even reference which university he attended (perhaps so you can't check). Most of the information will no doubt be copied straight out of someone-else's book.Look for free Youtube videos on most of these things and invest in a good book from a reputable publisher such as Wiley, Prentice hall, McGraw Hill etc instead

author: madires
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2014, 02:24:36 pm
content: It sounds like:For just 49.99 you get my "lose 25 pounds a week" tutorial. But that's not all. You also get a free can of my "lose 5 pounds more" diet drink. Isn't that a bargain? No? Ok, then I add a "lose 2 pounds instantaneously" chocolate bar. Still not satisfied? You'll get also my special 5min gym video for free.

author: Dave
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2014, 02:44:55 pm
content: You know the guy is trustworthy, when his best picture is of him holding a glass of beer.

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2014, 02:49:34 pm
content: Here's your answer:How horrifying. Almost looks like a piss-take at PCB design.

author: T0mn0mn0m
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 12, 2014, 08:40:16 pm
content: I've seen the same exact site layout for everything from self help books, to miracle weight loss cures, to plans for free energy magnet motors. All one page, long website with lots of unrelated videos and links not from the author, a questionable image of the "author" and lots of stock images, and a big buy button at the very bottom. I wouldn't be suprised if it's one company behind all of these websites, i'd avoid it like the plague.

author: rdl
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2014, 09:52:11 pm
content: You should google the guy, find interesting stuff like this:http://www.warriorforum.com/main-internet-marketing-discussion-forum/770206-would-love-some-input-my-newbie-strategy.html

author: Simon123
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2014, 10:11:53 pm
content: Here is his "great" radio:http://www.engineersgarage.com/mygarage/iphone-dock-using-arduinoNow i know, from where he has his style of making pcbs.

author: Simon123
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2014, 10:16:02 pm
content: Quote from: c4757p on April 12, 2014, 02:49:34 pmFinished product-ofcourse forgot about proably reset switch, to220 isnt mounted, electrolytics hoovering above the board.

author: kony
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2014, 10:17:44 pm
content: Quote from: c4757p on April 12, 2014, 02:49:34 pmWow ! Just wow. I'm adding this to my collection of most insane and ugly PCB layouts right now!

author: M4trix
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2014, 10:30:12 pm
content: He's busted!

author: FunnyBunny
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 12, 2014, 11:18:50 pm
content: He says ``In 2013 I was awarded the “Top Resource For Electrical Engineers” award by electricalengineeringschools.org =) '' yet I can find no reference to him on their site.Scam, probably plagerising what others provide for free.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 12, 2014, 11:25:07 pm
content: It's not a scam, but it looks and smells like one of those traditional ebook template sites. That always should ring alarm bells.Those sorts of sites tell you that the author was more interested in making money from a (usually) hastily produced book, then actually producing a quality book.With so much free info out there, I'd pass.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 12, 2014, 11:32:24 pm
content: Quote from: FunnyBunny on April 12, 2014, 11:18:50 pmThey are one of those pointless aggregator sites, the sole purpose being to build up SEO for the site. To what end though, I'm still not sure, to sell it or something maybe?They approach engineering site owners and will offer an infographic and/or free advertising in exchange for a link-back.They have zero reputation.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 12, 2014, 11:38:48 pm
content: Quote from: rdl on April 12, 2014, 09:52:11 pmBingo. Didn't see this before I posted. This is why with website uses the classic ebook style selling template recommended in those "make a living online" ebooks (which coincidentally use the same layout, and are the ones who advertise on telegraph poles!). This fad started around the same time I wrote my book 15 years ago and it seems they are still sucking the same egg.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 12, 2014, 11:42:30 pm
content: Oh, and that veroboard circuit he shows, is actually a Wiki image:http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dolby_SR_breadboard.jpgHe didn't build it.

author: tony3d
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2014, 05:40:02 am
content: Thanks guys. That's what I thought. Didn't feel right to me. Thought I would get your input.

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2014, 07:11:30 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on April 12, 2014, 11:42:30 pmOh really?Quote from: Bored@Work on April 12, 2014, 06:03:41 am

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2014, 07:21:27 am
content: Quote from: Tris20 on April 12, 2014, 01:56:55 pmHere he tells us, while having the breakfast of championsBut the most worrying thing, he claims a university lets him teach ...

author: PA0PBZ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2014, 11:07:19 am
content: At least he´s honest: "I can help you get a quick and dirty prototype up and running..."https://www.elance.com/s/oyvdahl/resume/