Where To Start In DIY Electronics? 301
pyrosine writes "I've been thinking about this for a while and have no idea where to start. I have little or no previous experience in electronics — just what is covered in GCSE physics (wiring a plug and resistors — not much, I know). The majority of my interest lies in the wireless communication side of the field — i.e. ham radios and CB — but I am also interested in how many things work, one example being speakers, simply to better understand it. I would preferably like to start with some form of practical guide rather than learning the theory first, but where I would find such a walkthrough eludes me."
Re:Very important first step (Score:5, Funny)
Lesson 2: Don't let out the magic smoke.
While the general population may be unaware, electronics gurus know that all components rely on a small amount of magic smoke. Manufacturers want you to think that some sort of fancy semiconductor physics is responsible for the operation of their device. This is a lie.
If the smoke escapes, the device will no longer work. It is vital to the operation of the chip; do not let it out.
Re:Do what I did (Score:5, Funny)
Wikipedia is your friend
You mean the flaky one with the congenital deformities, who sometimes has answers you don't have yourself, who comes up with random shit out of the blue that you can only trust about 70% of, who always seems to be in legal trouble over stuff you learned not to do in kindergarten, and who hits you up for money every time you see him?
How to make your own IPhone (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Do what I did (Score:3, Funny)
Most redundant use of a microprocessor, EVER.
Not necessarily. The efficiency of this dimmer is nearly 100% (assuming PWM use) and you can have good linearity of the light output. You won't get that with a ballast resistor.
Re:Do what I did (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Very important first step (Score:3, Funny)
If the smoke escapes, the device will no longer work. It is vital to the operation of the chip; do not let it out.
Don't breathe this!