Comments on: Make: Electronics, a great new book to learn hands-on electronics http://boingboing.net/2009/12/11/make-electonics-a-gr.html Brain candy for Happy Mutants Fri, 24 May 2013 00:25:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: Halloween Jack http://boingboing.net/2009/12/11/make-electonics-a-gr.html#comment-663042 Halloween Jack Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-663042 Hmmm, I'm kind of torn. I was less than impressed by Platt's turn as a guest blogger here, for reasons that veteran readers will no doubt remember. On the other hand, this book looks really, really good. Well, I'll decide after I'm done buying Christmas presents for others. Hmmm, I’m kind of torn. I was less than impressed by Platt’s turn as a guest blogger here, for reasons that veteran readers will no doubt remember. On the other hand, this book looks really, really good.

Well, I’ll decide after I’m done buying Christmas presents for others.

]]> By: Roy Trumbull http://boingboing.net/2009/12/11/make-electonics-a-gr.html#comment-663597 Roy Trumbull Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-663597 Having worked in electronics all my life I came across something new that is quite valuable. It is essentially an AC ohmmeter for testing capacitors in-circuit. The probe puts out about 5Khz and measures the residual impedance. The tiny surface-mount caps in consumer gear usually fail by opening up or going to a high impedance value. This way of testing is far quicker than unsoldering a cap and then testing it. Several companies make these and there are probably some plans for making one yourself. Search "In circuit testing" and "capacitor testing". Having worked in electronics all my life I came across something new that is quite valuable. It is essentially an AC ohmmeter for testing capacitors in-circuit. The probe puts out about 5Khz and measures the residual impedance. The tiny surface-mount caps in consumer gear usually fail by opening up or going to a high impedance value. This way of testing is far quicker than unsoldering a cap and then testing it. Several companies make these and there are probably some plans for making one yourself. Search “In circuit testing” and “capacitor testing”.

]]> By: Kyle Armbruster http://boingboing.net/2009/12/11/make-electonics-a-gr.html#comment-663598 Kyle Armbruster Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-663598 Here's the thing about electronics: They are remarkably easy. I got an electronics set when I was in junior high, built some things, and then kinda stopped. I'm sure my parents felt like it was a waste after that, but then in college I was friends with some EE students and I picked it back up again, no problem. I knew the basics of what everything did, and we built some fun little toys. Now I don't do any of it anymore, but it really impresses people when I whip out my gear and fix something for them--people don't expect English professors to be able to do that. But that's just the thing: It's just plain not that hard! Practice your soldering a bit and you'll get a feel for it, memorize what the basic components do, and you're off. It's fun and easy! Just knowing how to solder will make your life much easier. Highly recommended! Here’s the thing about electronics: They are remarkably easy. I got an electronics set when I was in junior high, built some things, and then kinda stopped. I’m sure my parents felt like it was a waste after that, but then in college I was friends with some EE students and I picked it back up again, no problem. I knew the basics of what everything did, and we built some fun little toys.

Now I don’t do any of it anymore, but it really impresses people when I whip out my gear and fix something for them–people don’t expect English professors to be able to do that.

But that’s just the thing: It’s just plain not that hard! Practice your soldering a bit and you’ll get a feel for it, memorize what the basic components do, and you’re off. It’s fun and easy! Just knowing how to solder will make your life much easier. Highly recommended!

]]> By: Gareth Branwyn http://boingboing.net/2009/12/11/make-electonics-a-gr.html#comment-663090 Gareth Branwyn Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-663090 @Anonymous Yes, the Maker Shed does ship to the UK. @Halloween Jack I can assure you that the subject of global warming does NOT come up in this book on beginner electronics. Charles did a phenomenal job on this title. Besides the writing, which is clean, concise, insightful, and informative, he did hundreds of photos, illustrations, schematics, and cartoons. And they're all impressive. Okay, the cartoons are a little funky, but in a charming way. Like Forrest Mims' Getting Started in Electronics was charming because it was all done by one hand, this is sort of a 21st century version of that. @Anonymous
Yes, the Maker Shed does ship to the UK.

@Halloween Jack
I can assure you that the subject of global warming does NOT come up in this book on beginner electronics.

Charles did a phenomenal job on this title. Besides the writing, which is clean, concise, insightful, and informative, he did hundreds of photos, illustrations, schematics, and cartoons. And they’re all impressive. Okay, the cartoons are a little funky, but in a charming way. Like Forrest Mims’ Getting Started in Electronics was charming because it was all done by one hand, this is sort of a 21st century version of that.

]]> By: ROSSINDETROIT http://boingboing.net/2009/12/11/make-electonics-a-gr.html#comment-663352 ROSSINDETROIT Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-663352 This is so badly needed. DIY electronics thrived after WW II because many trained workers and returning vets had technical skills. Ham radio, Hi Fi and Television all got a boost from hands on builders. Somehow we lost the way and electronic devices became mysterious sealed boxes from the store with "Do Not Open. No User Serviceable Parts Inside" stickers on them. How do you own what you can't understand? This is so badly needed. DIY electronics thrived after WW II because many trained workers and returning vets had technical skills. Ham radio, Hi Fi and Television all got a boost from hands on builders. Somehow we lost the way and electronic devices became mysterious sealed boxes from the store with “Do Not Open. No User Serviceable Parts Inside” stickers on them. How do you own what you can’t understand?

]]> By: ROSSINDETROIT http://boingboing.net/2009/12/11/make-electonics-a-gr.html#comment-665146 ROSSINDETROIT Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-665146 There's a downside to knowing about electronics. Like being a car mechanic. Everyone's car has a funny noise or odd behavior that you're supposed to be able to diagnose during party conversation. Everyone has a dead Home Theater receiver or subwoofer, too. "maybe you could just take a look at it." Yeah, I'm looking at it and it looks like something I wouldn't touch with a 10 foot pole. I spent my spare time over the last 2 days building a tiny 25 watt <a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2710/4186397097_658e062fb0_o.jpg"> stereo</a> <a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2534/4186396707_c4be0091da_o.jpg"> amplifier</a> smaller than a business card. I LOVE doing this! There’s a downside to knowing about electronics. Like being a car mechanic. Everyone’s car has a funny noise or odd behavior that you’re supposed to be able to diagnose during party conversation.
Everyone has a dead Home Theater receiver or subwoofer, too. “maybe you could just take a look at it.” Yeah, I’m looking at it and it looks like something I wouldn’t touch with a 10 foot pole.
I spent my spare time over the last 2 days building a tiny 25 watt stereo amplifier smaller than a business card. I LOVE doing this!

]]> By: ROSSINDETROIT http://boingboing.net/2009/12/11/make-electonics-a-gr.html#comment-663363 ROSSINDETROIT Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-663363 That looks like a good set of tools. Other things that get frequent use on my bench: sturdy 4-in-1 screwdriver, sharp knife, set of Allen wrenches, lighted magnifier, IPA and cotton swabs, small wire brush, 3" adjustable wrench, band aids. That looks like a good set of tools. Other things that get frequent use on my bench: sturdy 4-in-1 screwdriver, sharp knife, set of Allen wrenches, lighted magnifier, IPA and cotton swabs, small wire brush, 3″ adjustable wrench, band aids.

]]> By: Stefan Jones http://boingboing.net/2009/12/11/make-electonics-a-gr.html#comment-663116 Stefan Jones Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-663116 I wish the set had come out in time for the last Maker Faire. That's when I picked up the Learn to Solder set, which was OK but with slightly clunky instructions, and wished I had a good introductory book on electronics so I understood how the kits I was building worked. I wish the set had come out in time for the last Maker Faire.

That’s when I picked up the Learn to Solder set, which was OK but with slightly clunky instructions, and wished I had a good introductory book on electronics so I understood how the kits I was building worked.

]]> By: jfrancis http://boingboing.net/2009/12/11/make-electonics-a-gr.html#comment-662901 jfrancis Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-662901 The Ghost of Radio Shacks Past showed me this in a dream. The Ghost of Radio Shacks Past showed me this in a dream.

]]> By: randyman http://boingboing.net/2009/12/11/make-electonics-a-gr.html#comment-662902 randyman Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-662902 Gosh, the site is great... but spelling! spelling! (clue - check the headline.) Love ya - Gosh, the site is great…

but spelling! spelling! (clue – check the headline.)

Love ya –

]]> By: Antinous / Moderator http://boingboing.net/2009/12/11/make-electonics-a-gr.html#comment-662914 Antinous / Moderator Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-662914 Fixed. Fixed.

]]> By: Manooshi http://boingboing.net/2009/12/11/make-electonics-a-gr.html#comment-662916 Manooshi Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-662916 Santa, are you listening? Santa, are you listening?

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/12/11/make-electonics-a-gr.html#comment-662919 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-662919 Would this kit be available in the UK as I would love to buy one! Would this kit be available in the UK as I would love to buy one!

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/12/11/make-electonics-a-gr.html#comment-664199 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-664199 Would love the book, but shipping to eastern canada doubles the price (buying through the maker shed), and Amazon.ca has not released the book yet. suggestions?... Would love the book, but shipping to eastern canada doubles the price (buying through the maker shed), and Amazon.ca has not released the book yet.

suggestions?…

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/12/11/make-electonics-a-gr.html#comment-663182 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-663182 Looking forward to read this, but with a little trepidation: the treatment of LEDs in the free free PDF is, at best, questionable. (Actually it seems to be flat out wrong, but will have to check the rest of the text to be sure.) Looking forward to read this, but with a little trepidation: the treatment of LEDs in the free free PDF is, at best, questionable. (Actually it seems to be flat out wrong, but will have to check the rest of the text to be sure.)

]]> By: Alethea http://boingboing.net/2009/12/11/make-electonics-a-gr.html#comment-663194 Alethea Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-663194 I've just found you can buy this title at Amazon in the UK and have ordered one for me and another for my god-daughter. Now I have about £150 left could anyone provide me with a shopping list of required components and equipment for use with this book? (I would love to ship stuff from the maker site in the states but it doubles the cost of the item... and then there are charges at the other end *cries*) I’ve just found you can buy this title at Amazon in the UK and have ordered one for me and another for my god-daughter.

Now I have about £150 left could anyone provide me with a shopping list of required components and equipment for use with this book?

(I would love to ship stuff from the maker site in the states but it doubles the cost of the item… and then there are charges at the other end *cries*)

]]> By: nixiebunny http://boingboing.net/2009/12/11/make-electonics-a-gr.html#comment-662966 nixiebunny Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-662966 This looks like a great book! I was just reading my ebayed copy of "A Boy's Third Book of Radio and Electronics", wondering where to find an updated version for my 11 year old son. Now I have an answer. The best part is that the reader gets to destroy things with encouragement from the author. Yippee! This looks like a great book! I was just reading my ebayed copy of “A Boy’s Third Book of Radio and Electronics”, wondering where to find an updated version for my 11 year old son. Now I have an answer.

The best part is that the reader gets to destroy things with encouragement from the author. Yippee!

]]> By: chip http://boingboing.net/2009/12/11/make-electonics-a-gr.html#comment-662980 chip Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-662980 From the PDF: "The first thing I want you to do is find out how a potentiometer works. This means you’ll have to open it, which is why your shopping list required you to buy two of them, in case you can’t put the first one back together again." THIS is why this book is better than any electronics manual I was trained on. This sort of take-it-apart-to-figure-it-out learning is vital to proper education (as opposed to just memorization). When I disassembled my solderless breadboard to see how it worked at electronics camp, I got yelled at. From the PDF: “The first thing I want you to do is find out how a potentiometer works. This means you’ll have to open it, which is why your shopping list required you to buy two of them, in case you can’t put the first one back together again.”

THIS is why this book is better than any electronics manual I was trained on. This sort of take-it-apart-to-figure-it-out learning is vital to proper education (as opposed to just memorization). When I disassembled my solderless breadboard to see how it worked at electronics camp, I got yelled at.

]]> By: Eric Ragle http://boingboing.net/2009/12/11/make-electonics-a-gr.html#comment-662981 Eric Ragle Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-662981 Yup, I'm ordering this as soon as I get my excess student loan in from school. I've got Bug Bots and it's okay, but it does seem to move a bit more rapidly than I would like. Yup, I’m ordering this as soon as I get my excess student loan in from school. I’ve got Bug Bots and it’s okay, but it does seem to move a bit more rapidly than I would like.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/12/11/make-electonics-a-gr.html#comment-664518 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-664518 Gee - out of stock already? Gee – out of stock already?

]]> By: wgmleslie http://boingboing.net/2009/12/11/make-electonics-a-gr.html#comment-662991 wgmleslie Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-662991 When is Make: Atomics coming out? When is Make: Atomics coming out?

]]> By: Eric Ragle http://boingboing.net/2009/12/11/make-electonics-a-gr.html#comment-662999 Eric Ragle Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-662999 Oooooooo also considering the mp3 player kit. That would be absolutely awesome to have a truly open-source player. I've got to calm down. This is why I rarely visit the MAKE site. Oooooooo also considering the mp3 player kit. That would be absolutely awesome to have a truly open-source player. I’ve got to calm down. This is why I rarely visit the MAKE site.

]]> By: Alethea http://boingboing.net/2009/12/11/make-electonics-a-gr.html#comment-663516 Alethea Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-663516 You can buy the book on Amazon but sadly the maker kit itself is only available from their site. When the book arrives I will have to go on a shopping spree at Maplin. (Unless someone can tell me somewhere better) You can buy the book on Amazon but sadly the maker kit itself is only available from their site. When the book arrives I will have to go on a shopping spree at Maplin.

(Unless someone can tell me somewhere better)

]]> By: PaulR http://boingboing.net/2009/12/11/make-electonics-a-gr.html#comment-663011 PaulR Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-663011 The price for the kit looks OK, it works out to $90 for the set of tools. The Panavise alone must account for nearly half the price. It's missing a sponge for the soldering stand, though. The only quibbles I have with the kit is/are: I hope the solder is multicore. When you'all have used it up, take the time to find 63/37 solder, AKA eutectic solder. Once you've used it, you don't go back. The solder pump is the usual inexpensive pump with a lower pump-:piston-mass ratio. When you activate the pump and the plunger/piston jerks backwards, the pump jerks forward, making precise placement of the intake tube difficult. Better pumps have a higher pump-:piston-mass ratio: when you activate the pump, it stays where you've positioned it. Mind you, MAKE readers should able to figure out what to do, besides buying a better and more expensive pump, to increase the mass ratio... The price for the kit looks OK, it works out to $90 for the set of tools. The Panavise alone must account for nearly half the price. It’s missing a sponge for the soldering stand, though.

The only quibbles I have with the kit is/are:
I hope the solder is multicore. When you’all have used it up, take the time to find 63/37 solder, AKA eutectic solder. Once you’ve used it, you don’t go back.

The solder pump is the usual inexpensive pump with a lower pump-:piston-mass ratio. When you activate the pump and the plunger/piston jerks backwards, the pump jerks forward, making precise placement of the intake tube difficult.
Better pumps have a higher pump-:piston-mass ratio: when you activate the pump, it stays where you’ve positioned it.

Mind you, MAKE readers should able to figure out what to do, besides buying a better and more expensive pump, to increase the mass ratio…

]]> By: Gareth Branwyn http://boingboing.net/2009/12/11/make-electonics-a-gr.html#comment-663529 Gareth Branwyn Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-663529 @Alethea The book has "Shopping Lists" at the beginning of each chapter and recommendations for where to get components. The Maker Shed is also going to be selling Make: Electronics Component Kits with all of the parts required for each chapter. @Alethea

The book has “Shopping Lists” at the beginning of each chapter and recommendations for where to get components.

The Maker Shed is also going to be selling Make: Electronics Component Kits with all of the parts required for each chapter.

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/12/11/make-electonics-a-gr.html#comment-663282 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-663282 Makershed.com charges $45 for international shipping, can I buy this anywhere else? (I'm in Europe) Makershed.com charges $45 for international shipping, can I buy this anywhere else? (I’m in Europe)

]]> By: Anonymous http://boingboing.net/2009/12/11/make-electonics-a-gr.html#comment-663549 Anonymous Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 #comment-663549 F' them for yelling at you. Seeing inside a solderless breadboard is one of those HUGE 'AH HA!' moments. Any instructor worth his salt passes around a ripped open one (so you don't have to destroy yours). F’ them for yelling at you. Seeing inside a solderless breadboard is one of those HUGE ‘AH HA!’ moments. Any instructor worth his salt passes around a ripped open one (so you don’t have to destroy yours).

]]>