Electronics: Difference between revisions

In the 1950s and '60s experimenting with electronics was simpler but limited in what could be produced. These days it very much more sophisticated. However with the components and [[tools]] now available, a lot more can be achieved that back then would have taxed a huge research lab.<ref>''Build Your Own [[Printed Circuit Board]]'' by Al Williams, Tab, 2003, {{ISBN |978-0-07-142783-8}}</ref> One of the traditional paths to learning electronics is amateur radio.<ref>Embedded, [http://www.embedded.com/electronics-blogs/break-points/4370279/Ham-radio-today Ham radio today] by Jack Ganssle, 2 Apr 2012</ref>

First gain experience with some simpler [[audio electronics]] project(s), and build up the knowledge, skills and equipment.<ref>StackExchange EE, [http://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/6077/building-a-synthesizer-with-no-prior-experience/6085#6085 Building a synthesizer with no prior experience]</ref> Developing the circuit is finally not that difficult, but then creating the module or synth as a real physical/mechanical thing is. Making pcbs, making front [[PanelsPanel (homebrew)|panels]], choosing the right parts which fit the mechanical requirements, etc. So start with some kind of kit based or at least fully instructed project, like something from [https://web.archive.org/web/20171001113317/http://www.cgs.synth.net/ Catgirl Synth] or [https://web.archive.org/web/20060111050127/http://www.musicfromouterspace.com/ Music From Outer Space] especially the [https://web.archive.org/web/20130629184724/http://www.musicfromouterspace.com/analogsynth_new/SOUNDLABMINISYNTH/page1.html Sound Lab Mini-Synth] Once you've managed to build one of these, you can start modifying it and adding your own developments. This way you are rehearsing the mechanical side (which definitely needs to be learned mostly by experience), and you will already learn a lot about electronics.<ref name="[[SDIY|sdiy]]-may-13">The Synth-diy Archive, [https://web.archive.org/web/20141010194214/http://dropmix.xs4all.nl/pipermail/synth-diy/2013-May/thread.html Hello, and some questions], May 2013</ref>

Many different methods of connecting components have been used over the years. Early electronics often used point to point wiring, or [[terminal strips]]. Most modern day electronics now use [[printed circuit board]]s (PCBs) made of materials such as [[FR-4|FR4]], or the cheaper (and less hard-wearing) Synthetic Resin Bonded Paper (SRBP, also known as phenolic, Paxoline/Paxolin (trade marks) and [[FR-2|FR2]]). Health and environmental concerns associated with electronics assembly have gained increased attention in recent years, especially for products destined to the European Union, with its Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE).<ref name="we" />

* [[BasicSimple electronics]] for an elementary introduction.

* ''Electronics: A First Course'' by Owen Bishop, Routledge, 2010, {{ISBN |1-85617-695-9}}

* ''[[Practical Electronics]] for Inventors'' by Paul Scherz, Simon Monk, McGraw-Hill Education TAB; 2016, {{ISBN |1259587541}} - basic knowledge, practical [[troubleshooting]] and design

* ''[https://web.archive.org/web/20130218225030/http://frank.harvard.edu/aoe/ The Art of Electronics]'' by Paul Horowitz and Winfield Hill, {{ISBN |0-521-37095-7}} - more at EE level

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