(Yet another) I’m new to electronics, where do I start? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: rawrs
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2017, 04:18:59 pm
content: Hey guys. I’ve thought about joining this forum for a very long time. I have always had an interest in electronics, but have never known where to start. Due to back damage forcing me back into the IT market at least, I’m looking to get into electronics, at last.But... where do I begin? I’ve done basic things like recap motherboards, but I don’t actually know anything. I don’t even know why a resistor is a thing, I just know that they are. That sort of thing.I’ve seen all the oscilloscope videos, and I’m very jealous. However my current situation might limit me to some less jealousy-inducing devices (like a DSO nano) or something). But I digress.My question is simple. I want to learn, but I don’t know where to start. I want to finally indulge in my hobby, learn with you guys and maybe even contribute when I reach a point where I might think I know what I’m talking about.I really look forward to contributing to this forum, though. I’ve been watching Dave for years and years, and I’ve been jealous of his gear all along. Someday I’ll own a scope... right now it’s a dream...Cheers guys!RorySent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

author: rstofer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 22, 2017, 04:32:17 pm
content: Electronics is a VAST sandbox and few play in every corner. So, what do you want to do?Are you just interested in electronics as a study program? There are online programs including one from MIT. I think its nice to know about the physics behind electronics but it certainly isn't necessary.Circuit design? Well, again, everything is out there on the web. There is a really good Electronics 101 video series at Digilenthttps://learn.digilentinc.com/classroom/Microcontrollers? Everything that can be done with an Arduino has been done. There are literally thousands of projects out on the web. This might be a good place to start because it combines programming and interface electronics. Find something you want to build and get started. When you get stuck, ask!Art of Electronics and Learning The Art Of Electronics (lab manual) are a recommended place to start for both theory and practice. You will need a scope early on. It's too early to discuss all the reasons why but, were I just starting out, I would be all over the Digilent Analog Discovery 2 because it is a complete electronics lab in a little box.http://store.digilentinc.com/analog-discovery-2-pro-bundle/Yup, it's pricey! Not quite as much as a standalone scope but spendy nevertheless. OTOH, it has a dual channel scope, a dual channel arbitrary waveform generator (just call it a signal generator for now), plenty of digital IO that can also be used as a logic analyzer and a pair of adjustable power supplies (very current limited). You can go a very long way in electronics with this tool.Shorter answer: Figure out what you want to do and ask for specific suggestions. Electronics is too vast to describe in a forum post.

author: Teledog
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2017, 04:15:33 pm
content: If you don't know anything, I might suggest taking a basic electronics course, part time - either through your local schools, online, self-study, etc.I built a Heathkit multi-meter -back in it's time - but didn't know my *ss from a hole in the ground then.Then decided to take a self-study Heathkit DC electronics course, via to local college back in the 80's..liked it so much I went to college full time (twice).Have fun!!! :-)

author: boffin
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 23, 2017, 04:31:35 pm
content: Quote from: rawrs on July 22, 2017, 04:18:59 pmI wouldn't get too excited about getting a scope until you really understand why you need one (which applies to all test equipment). My 1st recommendation is get two multimeters (mostly because very quickly you'll find you'll want to measure two things at once), along with a decentish bench power supply.Then, decide you want to build something small, and work your way through "how does this work". (and I mean start really simple, like blinking LEDs, or a simple switch for something)

author: Vtile
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2017, 07:46:23 pm
content: First thing you need to learn is so called ohms law voltage=current * resistance and how to solve each if you know two. This classic only applies in DC and need some more knowledge when AC is analysed.2nd thing you need to know is power and energy... Dave just put a short clip out. After watching that you need to get familiar with P=U*I (and the other forms ie. P=R*I^2, IIRC this is Joules law I could be wrong in this name though)3TH You need to get idea voltage and current dividers (fancy name is Kirchof voltage and current law)4th you need to get familiar how the coil and capacitors react with frequency (cap allows more current through when frequency go up. Coil acts another way around it allow less and less current)Build a really simple LM317 based power supply unit. For getting you started, you can use ie. batteries etc. to power it. If the smoke escapes from it you can always build a new.Get old analog or combiscope for starters (transistor not a tube amplified) with CRT (needs to be cheap to be justified). If you are only for digital stuff the 2nd hand DSO is far better option. I suggested analog since you don't have good understanding for basics and this would allow you to see what is happening.You can use 555-timer at the beginning as function gen. There is a million scematics around.