Reddit Reddit reviews Make: Electronics (Learning by Discovery)

We found 57 Reddit comments about Make: Electronics (Learning by Discovery). Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.

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57 Reddit comments about Make: Electronics (Learning by Discovery):

u/TroyDowling · 41 pointsr/physicsgifs

If you mean near the anode of the battery between the two humps of wire, I don't think so. Looks like the reflection on the hump whizzing by the camera real fast. However, in an inductive load like a motor, if not handled, you can expect to see sparks when the circuit is broken.

See:

u/soundcult · 26 pointsr/synthesizers

Hey! I can relate exactly to where your'e coming from. I, some years ago, decided I wanted to get into building synths. I ended up getting a job at a pedal company and have spent more time learning to build and repair pedals than synths. I don't work there anymore, but it gave me a lot of perspective into the field as we also made euro-rack modules.

First up: I don't want to scare you off from this, but just want to give you a realistic perspective so that you go into this knowing what you are getting into. Making synths is hard and it's expensive. As far as electronic projects go, making a synthesizer is up there on the list. I've repaired powerplant turbine controller circuitboards that were simpler than some of the synths I've owned. This isn't to say, "don't do it!" but, expect to learn a lot of fundamental and intermediate stuff before you ever have something like a fully-featured synth that you built in your hands.

It's also expensive. A cheap synth prototype is going to cost a couple hundred bucks, easy, while a more fully-featured prototype could cost into the thousands to produce, and that's just to build one working prototype. If you want to make a run of products you're going to need money up front, and not a small amount. So, just be prepared for that inevitability.

One final note is that my perspective is broad (digital and analog) but is rooted in analog electronics because that's where I started. This isn't the only path you can take to get to where you want to go but honestly in my opinion, even if you're going to go mostly digital later, you need to understand analog.

If you have never messed with electronics much before I highly recommend the Make: Electronics book. I'm a hands-on person and this was the most effective book I found that let me study electronics fundamentals the way I wanted to; by making stuff! No matter which direction you go on (digital, analog, hybrid, DSP, SID, etc) you're going to want to know how to pick the right resistor, or how to pop an LED into a circuit, and this book will teach you that.

Solid follow-up books from there are Make: More Electronics, Practical Electronics for Inventors, How To Diagnose and Fix Everything Electronic, and The Art of Electronics. All of these books are good books that touch on different concepts you will find useful, so I encourage you to look through them and decide for yourself which of these interests you.

Around this same time, I'd encourage you to start getting into kits. Honestly, before you build anything synth, I'm going to recommend you build some pedals. Effects pedals are fun and rewarding to build without being too hard. Start with a distortion circuit and work your way up from there. Once you can build a delay pedal without freaking out, move on to euro-rack kits, or other synth kits. While you're building these kits, don't just build them, play with the circuits! Try swapping components where you think you can, or adding features. One of my first kits was a distortion pedal with a single knob, but by the time I was done tweaking on it it had five knobs and two toggle switches!

Once you're feeling somewhat comfortable with electronics, then you can dive into the holy grail of analog synth design: Make: Analog Synthesizers this amazing book was written by the brilliant Ray Wilson who recently passed away. His life's goal was to bring the art of building analog synths into the hands of anyone who wanted to learn, and there is no better place to receive his great wisdom than this book. You should also check out his website Music From Outer Space along the way, but the book covers so much more than his website.

If you make through most or all of those resources you are going to be well-equipped to take on a career in synth-building! I'm personally still on that last step (trying to find the time to tackle Make: Analog Synthesizers) but hope within the next year or two to get that under my belt and start diving in deep myself. It's been a fun journey of learning and discovery and I wouldn't trade the skills I've gained in electronics for much.

Hope this helps, good luck!

u/ryzic · 12 pointsr/electronics

Sparkfun has some great tutorials, but they might be a little advanced for your level. I suggest trying to find a kit that does something interesting (adafruit and sparkfun have some of these). When you run into something you don't know, google it.

Also, BUY THIS BOOK!

u/amenkhet · 10 pointsr/IWantToLearn
u/Scripto23 · 9 pointsr/arduino

If you only get one book get Make: Electronics. I was in your position not that long ago, and after getting this book I am now able to build any circuit I need. This book is great and I'll leave it at that.

u/leashertine · 7 pointsr/BdsmDIY

I don't know any video series, but this is the book series I recommend to new makers:

Fundamentals:

Make Electronics

Useful Companion Reference:

Encyclopedia of Electronic Components Volume 1

Encyclopedia of Electronic Components Volume 2

Bonus Points Reference:

Encyclopedia of Electronic Components Volume 3

Between those books and YouTube you'll be squared away for 99% of anything you would typically build at home. I say that as an engineer with work experience designing electronics.

u/mr_wowtrousers · 7 pointsr/IWantToLearn

I am going through this book:

Make: Electronics (Learning by Discovery)

Beginner like you and it is pretty easy to follow along with. Great explanations.

u/tnecniv · 7 pointsr/arduino

Make: Electronics is a fantastic book for the hardware side of things. It does not use the Arduino (it only briefly touches on microcontrollers at the end), but it will give you a solid foundation to whicht you can easily apply the Arduino.

u/TheDarkIn1978 · 6 pointsr/electronic_cigarette

If anyone is interested, this book is pretty great for amateur hobbyists like a lot of us here.

u/AccidentalBirth · 5 pointsr/breadboard

You can try /r/electronics, /r/askelectronics, /r/EngineeringStudents, /r/engineering and /r/arduino too, in case this doesn't receive much attention. This is a pretty small subreddit, with very few subscribers. You'll have much more luck in those subreddits (the first two are very good for these types of questions).

This book would be perfect for you. Heck, I'm in my fourth year of electrical engineering, and I love that book. I'm sure you can find a free version somewhere, but I won't link you to that. It truly is an exceptional book that really teaches you about these things. Highly recommended and well worth the money. You'll have to make some purchases before each chapter, nothing too expensive. Just stop wasting money on alcohol or drugs and spend it on something that will benefit you in the future, something more relevant to education haha.

Seriously, that book will explain to you like you're five. It is great. And if you have any questions about the contents of it, you can google it, ask someone on the subreddits, or PM me for information.

Mind if I ask where you live? And what inspires you to be an engineer? What are some of your favorite classes in school? Tell me more about you.

I must say, your approach is a very good one. I can already tell you're a highly motivated person. You have a good attitude.

Edit: Some people are suggesting you start with arduino. But I really recommend you start with reading, and the basic tools (breadboard, components, etc). Although arduino can be basic, it involves coding as well, something you're likely not familiar with. Just get the book, and I promise you'll be satisfied.

u/deaddodo · 4 pointsr/IWantToLearn

The Make books for electronics will get you a decent groundwork for the practical application side of things. Practical Electronics for Inventors will you get you covered on the theory side of things.

u/maredsous10 · 3 pointsr/electronics

Getting Started in Electronics by Forest Mims
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0945053282/

Make: Electronics
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0596153740/

Lab Manuals for Electronics
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0471386952/
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0135046858/


Videos
Make videos by Collin Cunningham on youtube.com

Edit: Changed Chris to Collin (I got mixed up)... one guy does Aphex Twin videos and the other does Make videos

u/svaha1728 · 3 pointsr/ECE

You mentioned Arduino, so I'd recommend this book and Make:Electronics

For the more academic side of things I'd recommend, The Art of Electronics Student Manual

u/dasshue · 3 pointsr/AskElectronics

I had a good time with the Make: electronics book. You won’t become an electrical engineer with it, but it covers some good fundamentals, and won’t bore you to death. There are kits available to work your way through all of the projects, which can be easier than sourcing all of the parts a book/or project talks about. And best yet, the kits (two available) will give you a decent assortment to play with when you are done.

Hope this helps!

make: electronics

u/AnalogKid2112 · 3 pointsr/EngineeringStudents

For electronics, Make: Electronics is a great book that introduces components and basic concepts. Each chapter has a parts list so you can buy individual components as you go along or order a kit with everything included. You don't need expensive tools to get started, the cheap stuff is fine.

For programming, check out /r/learnprogramming, codecademy.com, or any of the high rated books on Amazon. Python is recommended for beginners, although if you know what university you are transferring to try and find out what language they use for their intro classes.

And if you want to shell out the cash, you can buy the student version of MATLAB and get started with it. There's a billion Youtube tutorials and books available that walk you through it.

u/momslatin_dadsasian · 3 pointsr/java

I'm super new myself, but I've got this one: http://www.amazon.com/Make-Electronics-Discovery-Charles-Platt/dp/0596153740 and its pretty good so far. Starts you from the very basics.

u/wolface · 3 pointsr/arduino

I think what you are looking for is a book called Make: Electronics

u/CaffeinatedGuy · 3 pointsr/IWantToLearn

I'd pick up the following kit and book. I've had this kit for years, and it's a pretty good intro. The breadboard and external components make it expandable so you can use your own components for experimentation. It also had a lot of IC circuits.

The book will get you playing on your own, and supplement where the kit leaves off.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=28733516#

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0596153740/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_OnZaub1V8MYBY

u/Murloh · 3 pointsr/electronics

I picked up Make: Electronics and so far it has been very insightful. It walks you through doing real world examples while introducing some basic theory. It is all hands on which I like a lot. One caveat is that you need to also purchase all the components and tools. They sell 2 ready made component kits from Makershed.com but you can get the components cheaper utilizing different sources like mouser, jameco, even radio shack.

I also picked up a nerdkit (www.nerdkits.com) and it has been a great intro into microcontrollers. The documentation and support those folks provide are truly second to none. AWESOME community. Once I complete the Make Electronics book, I will be going full steam ahead with seeing how far I can get with MCUs.

And then, it will be on to exploring some robotics for me. If you are like me, be careful that you don't get bogged down with theory only. Back in my teens, I really wanted to explore electronics and read all I could on theory. Which was great and all, but also very very dry. Yes, Ohm's law is critical to know. However, making the leap from theory to practice will be equally as critical and will ensure you see how to really apply the theory you are learning.

u/drivers9001 · 3 pointsr/arduino

Hey don't feel bad if you did. Breaking things is a fine way to learn. (I mean, I'm kind of curious about what the insides of a servo look like in person. Haha.) I was going to link to a book I saw that teaches you electronics by breaking stuff (like the first lesson was to completely burn up an LED haha). But I can't find it.

Oh wait, it was this book after all: http://www.amazon.com/Make-Electronics-Discovery-Charles-Platt/dp/0596153740

u/[deleted] · 2 pointsr/ECE
u/dagamer34 · 2 pointsr/electronics

For electronics I started with this book: http://www.amazon.com/Make-Electronics-Discovery-Charles-Platt/dp/0596153740/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1369542421&sr=8-1&keywords=Make%3A+electronics
It has lots of cool experiments to get you started with concepts.

Then there's this: http://www.amazon.com/Practical-Electronics-Inventors-Third-Edition/dp/0071771336/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1369542421&sr=8-10&keywords=Make%3A+electronics
This will go much deeper into theory and give you a strong foundation.

Though if you want to delve right into the programming part: http://www.makershed.com/Getting_Started_with_Arduino_Kit_V3_0_p/msgsa.htm
and
http://www.makershed.com/Raspberry_Pi_Starter_Kit_Includes_Raspberry_Pi_p/msrpik.htm

MicroCenter will have the kits, and RadioShack should have the tinier parts, as well as the Raspberry Pi.

u/DarkDeliverance · 2 pointsr/Random_Acts_Of_Amazon

As a fellow engineering student, I can attest to the fact that NOTHING helps out studying, time-management, and efficiency as my new Tablet!
Also, here is a very interesting textbook that I actually thoroughly enjoyed :)

u/LordGAD · 2 pointsr/amateurradio

I really like Make: Electronics http://www.amazon.com/Make-Electronics-Discovery-Charles-Platt/dp/0596153740

It will take you step by step through electronic components by building circuits that show you how they work. It's written with a very conversational style and is really just very well done IMO.

u/dangets · 2 pointsr/raspberry_pi

The defacto bible is "The Art of Electronics" by Horowitz and Hill which still sells for $100 even though the latest edition is from 1989. It is a thick book, but is better than most textbooks IMHO. They refer to many part numbers that are long past gone, but it should give you the vocab and keywords for you to search out the current parts.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-Electronics-Paul-Horowitz/dp/0521370957/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342471024&sr=8-1&keywords=art+of+electronics

Other than that, if you want more beginner books - look at Make: Electronics
http://www.amazon.com/Make-Electronics-Discovery-Charles-Platt/dp/0596153740/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1342471247&sr=1-1&keywords=make+learning+electronics or the Forrest Mims books

As far as power supplies specifically, I believe I found a couple of howto webpages that described the basics - I'll edit this post if I find them again.

u/LithiumEnergy · 2 pointsr/AskPhysics

There's plenty of great books that he can refer to when learning electronics, but its fun because you can actually start applying physics knowledge to create circuits and fix things. Make: Electronics is a great book for anyone who wants to learn how to put together some analog circuits - they actually have some kits that go with it. The Art of Electronics goes deeper into the theory behind circuitry and components which might be useful too.

Most physics majors don't usually look at electronics with any depth - that's usually for engineers. But electronics is all about using physics knowledge creatively!

u/hugh_person · 2 pointsr/DIY

Try r/electronics and maybe r/arduino. The communities there are great, but you need to give a clear description of what you are trying to do.

That said, Forest Mims III's Getting Started in Electronics has probably launched a million hackers, and you can find it at a better Radio Shack.

I also like the book put out by MAKE. It's the book I would have liked to have when I was learning electronics. It goes from licking a 9V battery to using common and useful ICs.

While both of these books will get you started with how electricity works, neither one covers microcontrollers. Buy an Arduino, or a BASIC Stamp, or whatever and just get started. There's tons of info online. And if you have questions or problems, the above subs have lots of smart and helpful people.

u/Make_Me_A · 2 pointsr/electronics

I read this book and found it quite interesting and easy to read. It includes many pictures and is quite hands on DIY.

http://www.amazon.com/Make-Electronics-Discovery-Charles-Platt/dp/0596153740

u/zenlizard1977 · 2 pointsr/arduino

With a programming background you will take to working with the code and libraries fairly easily but working with the electronic principles a little more challenging (at least that was my case). This book wasn't specific to Arduino but made working with the Arduino much easier for me as I got the basics down as far as working with capacitors, resistors, LED's, pull downs, switches, etc.
http://www.amazon.com/Make-Electronics-Discovery-Charles-Platt/dp/0596153740

u/Senqo · 2 pointsr/electronics

You absolutely must get the book "Make: Electronics".

u/flaz · 2 pointsr/electronics

I have programmed computers for a living for nearly twenty years. I have also done hobby electronics for longer than that. However, I don't know electronics remotely as much as I do programming. So I have a few things to say about this in terms of programming.

My recommendation would be to begin learning C right away. You'll have to know it to learn C++ later anyway, plus there are many C-like languages out there. Once you understand C, it will be much easier to learn different assembly languages for different devices. From my own experience with electronics and programming, C will be an incredibly useful tool to have at your disposal. Once you have C basics down, there are tons of books and online resources out there for learning to program AI. It will take a few years to get good at programming, so stick with it and be patient.

The great thing about learning programming is that you don't need an instructor or class. You can learn it all on your own, all the way to being a professional. When you get to college, if you wanted to stay with programming only, then computer science would be a wise choice. However, my own experience has shown that getting a degree in computer science isn't necessary if you teach yourself programming, and you work hard at it. Therefore you can focus on electrical engineering when you get there and continue to work on your programming skills yourself.

For electronics, I would start with the book, Make: Electronics. Once you learn C, I would get an Arduino starter kit and a book about it. That will definitely get your feet wet with robotics-like electronics and C programming. You'll be able to do some pretty powerful stuff at that point, and have a really good idea of where to go next with college.

Finally, I would strongly suggest studying as much mathematics as you can. I hated math so much when I was younger, but now I use it all the time and wish I had better skills. You won't need it in the early years, but I guarantee that you'll need it later when you get good at your craft. I know this from my own experience and wish I had studied more math in high school and college. In fact, if I had it to do over, knowing what I know now, twenty years later, I would have just gotten a degree in math. You will eventually be shocked by how many uses there are for even some of the seemingly most useless math stuff. Every little tidbit you learn now is another trick in your pocket to make good money with later on.

u/spwx · 2 pointsr/electronics

All these comments are great, but the absolute beginning is here!

Next read the book suggested by ryzic. If you have the money, id buy the companion kits that Make sells for the book.

After reading those two books and doing all the projects, look into some "project kits." Check out sparkfun, The Evil Genius series of books, or my favorite the Nuts and Volts store.

After three or four "project kits" just find schematics and figure out how to buy all the parts yourself. Really the world is your oyester and with enough struggling you can build anything. Some ideas that always get people excited: a Tesla coil, cell phone jammers, tasers, ultrasonic range finders, a robotic arm, mechanized nerf gun, anything you think is cool and can find a schematic for.

From there you a going to find yourself really interested in microcontrollers. And well.. Thats a different comment lol!

u/teeceli · 2 pointsr/arduino

Thank you! I think I might buy Make: Electronics or Practical Electronics for Inventors just to have on hand as a quick reference manual.

u/jhchex · 2 pointsr/electronic_circuits

Buying a few kits is a good way to learn some basic techniques but I'd also recommend checking out this book: http://www.amazon.com/Make-Electronics-Discovery-Charles-Platt/dp/0596153740/ref=pd_sim_b_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=04BB6E49FT8V4ZAPNATV

u/Chris_Gammell · 1 pointr/electronics

A lot of the Mims books are a good start, such as this one: Getting Started In Electronics

Also in the same vein, the "MAKE:Electronics" book by Charles Platt

My suggestion is to get started building as quickly as possible. That's the key. Also, if you want to hear more about electronics, I can selfishly recommend my podcast, The Amp Hour

u/sn76477 · 1 pointr/IWantToLearn

This looks like a good book

http://www.amazon.com/MAKE-Electronics-Learning-Through-Discovery/dp/0596153740/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279769926&sr=8-3

This IS a good book but deals with advanced theories.


http://www.amazon.com/Art-Electronics-Paul-Horowitz/dp/0521370957/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279769926&sr=8-16


And this looks pretty good.

http://www.amazon.com/Circuitbuilding-Yourself-Dummies-Ward-Silver/dp/0470173424/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279769941&sr=8-21


Go to the book store, pick up some books. Go the the library and see what they have. Pick up old radios and junk off of the street take them home and pull them apart but be careful of the capacitors, if you dont know what a capacitor is then read one of the above books.

Look on craigslist for free electronics and start taking them apart. Be careful of anything that uses Alternating current, anything that plugs into a wall deals with large voltages so be sure to start small.

u/DoomParrot · 1 pointr/electronics

How about Make Electronics? It's a glossy color book with a magazine style layout. Very approachable and it starts out basic then ramps up slowly toward the end. There are also component kits that can be purchased to provide all the bits and pieces needed to do it's projects.

u/TheConsciousness · 1 pointr/arduino
u/Beta_UserName · 1 pointr/arduino

Start with this book. That'll help you spend your money smartly as well as get fundamentals down.

u/i_make_song · 1 pointr/audioengineering

Do you have any background knowledge in electronics? Because I would seriously start there.

I realize you are an adult, but Make: Electronics (Learning by Discovery) was a really great book for me (an adult). It gives you a good foundations in electronics and has fun projects as well.

Make: Analog Synthesizers was particularly fun for me.

Any interest in either of those books? They're both great starting points.

u/angstybagels · 1 pointr/raspberry_pi

https://www.amazon.com/Make-Electronics-Discovery-Charles-Platt/dp/0596153740

Someone gifted me this book a few years ago and I highly recommend it for getting into basic electronic fun. Doesn't really get into programming (using an arduino) until the end but it is all still applicable to things you might design around a raspberry pi or whatever microcontroller you want to use.

u/nothingWolf · 1 pointr/diyelectronics

Kits are fun but another suggestion would be to grab the Charles Platt book " make: electronics, learning by discovery" and follow the activities there. I think the book has suggestions on where to buy components too.


Amazon link https://www.amazon.com/Make-Electronics-Discovery-Charles-Platt/dp/0596153740

u/JosephFaolan · 1 pointr/schizophrenia

I read a lot too, but finding new subjects can be fun.

Last year, I got into locksport (recreational lock picking) because I realized I knew almost nothing about locks.

I am starting studying electronics because I can build computers, program and use them, and hack, but I knew very little about the underlying electronics. And considering that electronics are used in so many different things, I think it is worth having a practical understanding of it all.

I am using this book: http://www.amazon.com/Make-Electronics-Discovery-Charles-Platt/dp/0596153740

It seems to be a well regarded source for beginners. RadioShack had the kit which had all the stuff for the first chapters (the book actually goes into several areas to expose the reader to what comes next...the kit does not come with the parts for that). It was on sale and I had a coupon which expired this week.

u/F2a · 1 pointr/electronics
u/Bugos19 · 1 pointr/electronics
  • I can't recommend a better book than this one.
  • Get this resistor kit. Seriously, I bought one of these a year ago and I've never once had to buy more resistors.
  • You're going to need a capacitor set like this one.
  • You're also going to need a breadboard.
  • Make a trip to Maplin and get an assortment pack of LEDs and a few switches. Trust me, this will make your life a tons easier when it comes to making proof of concept or test circuits. And they make circuitry more interactive and fun!
  • Lastly, get a cheap multimeter. You can get one at Maplin or somewhere similar for like <15 pounds.

    Sorry about the links, I'm in the US so the prices will be in USD but that shouldn't be a problem. I really hope you find this hobby as intriguing as I do, I started a year ago making little flashlights and what-not and now I'm making motion detectors and all kinds of cool gadgets. If you'd like some guidance or help, don't think twice about PMing me! Best of luck.
u/LisaNeedsBraces666 · 1 pointr/AskMen

There's https://www.adafruit.com/ for DIY kits and what have you. A good book is https://www.amazon.com/Make-Electronics-Discovery-Charles-Platt/dp/0596153740 - You can also buy a kit specific to the book that has all the components needed for the projects.

u/apt2b · 1 pointr/IWantToLearn

I'm in my junior year of highschool, myself, and I know that some extremely basic circuitry is going to pop up later this year in physics, but I don't think it will sate my appetite at all. And you're right, it's the practical part of it that interests me, which is why I haven't bought any kits already - it seems that the entry kits are all things that I have no use for, like pocket VU meters and infrared tripwires, but I guess I'll have to get over that. I'm not a fan of For Dummies books, so I think I'll look into this one, which I found in one of the threads in videoj's link.

Thanks.

u/DkorpiBSME · 1 pointr/engineering

Yeah, it was a little unsettling. No one really said anything about it. His family came and took his toolbox. They found a gun in one of the drawers, but it wasn't a bad thing. The shop was in a rough part of town and he worked late at night machining precious metals if you know what I mean. The guy was a human CNC machine. It was cool to have such an experienced guy showing me what to do. Invaluable machining experience. That itself led to me landing various jobs.

If you end up making something for this guy, you should make a post about it. A cool book that I really like that might help you with other ideas is this:

http://www.amazon.com/Make-Electronics-Discovery-Charles-Platt/dp/0596153740/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395172215&sr=8-1&keywords=make+electronics

It's written for engineering level students. I have the book myself and I like to build stuff at home when I'm not working.

u/brak42 · 0 pointsr/AskEngineers

I don't know if this is what you are looking for, but it seems pretty cool:
Make: Electronics

u/pslamba · -4 pointsr/electronics

Alligator clips are recommended by Charles Platt in his book Make: Electronics. And he's no amateur. Just because you've discovered micro clips doesn't mean that alligator clips are all of a sudden the worst idea ever.

http://www.amazon.com/Make-Electronics-Discovery-Charles-Platt/dp/0596153740/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1419029216&sr=8-3&keywords=charles+platt