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Book Recomnedation? — Parallax Forums

Book Recomnedation?

ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
edited 2001-05-13 03:35 in General Discussion
Hi folks,
Sorry if this is off topic a bit but I'm running these Forrest M. Mimms
lll books (Electronic Formulas, Symbols, & Circuits & Getting Started
in Electronics) and they ain't cutting it. Can someone suggest a decent
comprehensive refence book and explanitory instructional book, plenty
beefy but geared to the rank novice?
I've read The Art of Electronics is highly recomended, but is this
suitable for a novice?
Thanks.

Cheers,
-Neal

Comments

  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-04-28 02:41
    Hi,

    There is a book with a hamburger with a board in place of the beef. Perhaps a
    book like that would be good. I found the title in www.amazon.com by searching
    for books with the word "Electronics" in the title.

    Teach Yourself Electricity and Electronics by Stan Gibilisco
    List Price: $34.95
    Our Price: $27.96
    You Save: $6.99 (20%)
    Availability: Usually ships within 24 hours.


    This is supposed to be a good book. You might be able to see the book at the
    library or book store to see if it meets your needs.

    Hope that helps.

    Fractal.

    --- lovegasoline@y... wrote:
    > Hi folks,
    > Sorry if this is off topic a bit but I'm running these Forrest M. Mimms
    > lll books (Electronic Formulas, Symbols, & Circuits & Getting Started
    > in Electronics) and they ain't cutting it. Can someone suggest a decent
    > comprehensive refence book and explanitory instructional book, plenty
    > beefy but geared to the rank novice?
    > I've read The Art of Electronics is highly recomended, but is this
    > suitable for a novice?
    > Thanks.
    >
    > Cheers,
    > -Neal
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >


    __________________________________________________
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    Yahoo! Auctions - buy the things you want at great prices
    http://auctions.yahoo.com/
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-04-28 16:38
    >Hi folks,
    >Sorry if this is off topic a bit but I'm running these Forrest M. Mimms
    >lll books (Electronic Formulas, Symbols, & Circuits & Getting Started
    >in Electronics) and they ain't cutting it. Can someone suggest a decent
    >comprehensive refence book and explanitory instructional book, plenty
    >beefy but geared to the rank novice?
    >I've read The Art of Electronics is highly recomended, but is this
    >suitable for a novice?
    >Thanks.

    Hi Neal,

    The Art of Electronics is a very thick book, over 1000 pages in a
    hardback. It does have material for the novice, for example, it's
    description of "transistor man" is superb. It goes on from there in
    each chapter, always practical, never too theoretical, but the novice
    could easily be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of it. If you are
    really serious about continuing in electronics, it is _the_
    "comprehensive reference book".

    Books by Don Lancaster are good, the CMOS cookbook comes to mind.

    -- Tracy
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-04-28 18:13
    The authors allege "The Art Of Electronics" was written
    for those with scientific/engineering backgrounds in
    other disciplines. Worth the cost, IMHO.
    Take a look at "Basic Electronics", Radio Shack, $10 -
    DC & AC circuits, Inductors, Capacitors, Reactance, and
    a plausible explanation of why semiconductors do what
    they do. It'll get you started.

    regards, Jack

    lovegasoline@y... wrote:
    >
    > Hi folks,
    > Sorry if this is off topic a bit but I'm running these Forrest M. Mimms
    > lll books (Electronic Formulas, Symbols, & Circuits & Getting Started
    > in Electronics) and they ain't cutting it. Can someone suggest a decent
    > comprehensive refence book and explanitory instructional book, plenty
    > beefy but geared to the rank novice?
    > I've read The Art of Electronics is highly recomended, but is this
    > suitable for a novice?
    > Thanks.
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-04-29 16:21
    Hey there

    If you what some thing to sink in, read any and all material you get
    your hands on about what ever you what to learn. Like micrcontroller
    programing or just simple electronics, what ever you need... Rear and
    read and it will come to you. I worked for me [noparse]:D[/noparse]
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-04-29 16:41
    Checkout:

    "Practical Electronics for Inventors" by Paul Scherz.

    This is a GREAT book for detailed or non detailed electronis explanations.


    Original Message
    From: Dennis <dizoita@y...>
    To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Date: Sunday, April 29, 2001 11:20 AM
    Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Book Recomnedation?


    >
    >Hey there
    >
    >If you what some thing to sink in, read any and all material you get
    >your hands on about what ever you what to learn. Like micrcontroller
    >programing or just simple electronics, what ever you need... Rear and
    >read and it will come to you. I worked for me [noparse]:D[/noparse]
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-04-30 19:10
    Hi,

    I am not understanding you exactly.
    The Mimms books are not informative enough?
    For me I thought they were great.
    I was one who needed to have all of those little
    pictures to understand. I still keep all of those
    books and use them when I have to go back to basics
    sometimes. I have recommended them often. I know of
    other books but they immediately cause you to induce
    mathematics and to me that kills the joy and fun of
    learning electronics. When you say 'aint cutting it'
    are you saying that it is not enough information or
    that it is too much or not clear?

    Bandit



    At 11:04 PM 4/27/01 -0000, you wrote:
    >Hi folks,
    >Sorry if this is off topic a bit but I'm running these Forrest M. Mimms
    >lll books (Electronic Formulas, Symbols, & Circuits & Getting Started
    >in Electronics) and they ain't cutting it. Can someone suggest a decent
    >comprehensive refence book and explanitory instructional book, plenty
    >beefy but geared to the rank novice?
    >I've read The Art of Electronics is highly recomended, but is this
    >suitable for a novice?
    >Thanks.
    >
    >Cheers,
    >-Neal
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-05-01 22:23
    --- In basicstamps@y..., Sample Bandit <tesla@i...> wrote:

    Hi ya Bandit,

    > I am not understanding you exactly.
    > The Mimms books are not informative enough?
    > For me I thought they were great.
    > I was one who needed to have all of those little
    > pictures to understand.

    Me too!

    > I still keep all of those
    > books and use them when I have to go back to basics
    > sometimes. I have recommended them often. I know of
    > other books but they immediately cause you to induce
    > mathematics and to me that kills the joy and fun of
    > learning electronics. When you say 'aint cutting it'
    > are you saying that it is not enough information or
    > that it is too much or not clear?

    Not enough reference information.
    Don't get me wrong, I'm not criticising the books per se and I still
    have a bit to read and absorb from them to boot (also, I see he has a
    whole series of books, I have only two). They are very informative for
    what they offer: I was refering to my need for a more comphrehensive
    reference book, but one that I can USE (as you say, not impenetrably
    dense and complex). The problem with the Mimms books (my only books on
    the subject, btw) are that I often refer to them for an explanation,
    definition, and/or reference and they fall short in this regard. I
    need a comphrehensive READABLE reference book by my side to consult and
    to augment the Mimms & my real-world experience Perhaps some sort of
    'Electronics Dictionary' well written but not impenetrably difficult.
    Also, a book geared towards the construction/design/buidling area
    would help. Ex., I may need to wire wrap a few things: what type of
    tool? technique? etc. Or IC sockets: various types and why? Connector/
    header styles and applications; PCB rundown for the homebound aspirant;
    do my tweezers need to be ESD proof and how? why different types of
    potentiometers their respective benefits; + a myriad of other practical
    technique questions as well as the basic cap, transistor values and
    ratings, etc., etc., etc. Maybe this is too remedial for the group at
    large, but it does tie into the beginner arena and enabling intial
    forays into Stamp usage.
    Thanks.

    Cheers,
    -Neal

    P.S: To all who have posted their recs. on suitable books thanks! I'm
    looking into it and will add to my library shortly.
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-05-02 12:41
    Hi Neal

    <prior snippage>


    >Not enough reference information.
    >Don't get me wrong, I'm not criticising the books per se and I still
    >have a bit to read and absorb from them to boot (also, I see he has a
    >whole series of books, I have only two). They are very informative for
    >what they offer: I was refering to my need for a more comphrehensive
    >reference book, but one that I can USE (as you say, not impenetrably
    >dense and complex). The problem with the Mimms books (my only books on
    >the subject, btw) are that I often refer to them for an explanation,
    >definition, and/or reference and they fall short in this regard. I
    >need a comphrehensive READABLE reference book by my side to consult and
    >to augment the Mimms & my real-world experience Perhaps some sort of
    >'Electronics Dictionary' well written but not impenetrably difficult.
    >Also, a book geared towards the construction/design/buidling area
    >would help. Ex., I may need to wire wrap a few things: what type of
    >tool? technique? etc. Or IC sockets: various types and why? Connector/
    >header styles and applications; PCB rundown for the homebound aspirant;
    >do my tweezers need to be ESD proof and how? why different types of
    >potentiometers their respective benefits; + a myriad of other practical
    >technique questions as well as the basic cap, transistor values and
    >ratings, etc., etc., etc. Maybe this is too remedial for the group at
    >large, but it does tie into the beginner arena and enabling intial
    >forays into Stamp usage.
    >Thanks.


    Let me know when you find that book! The answers to a lot of those questions
    you present I found either on lists like this or friends or just buying
    junk at a hamfest.

    I do have a complete set of 'Encyclopedia of Electronic
    Circuits'. They help me with specific circuits I need.

    Here is a link to that as well as a lot of other TAB electronic books:

    http://www.books.mcgraw-hill.com/tab-electronics/

    A lot of stuff I learn just buy playing around.
    I am getting some Atmel AVR chips to mess with. They may pull me
    away from the stamp as they have interrupts and some neat features.
    I need samples! [noparse]:)[/noparse]

    Bandit
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-05-02 13:43
    I'm in the same boat.

    I am a hobbyist and can see dozens of applications, and can follow a
    schematic, but I don' really understand the WHY of the every part for
    everything.

    I got my electronics dictionary but it doesn't even have Vdd in it.

    I think what complicates understanding of this science is all the
    false data given to us. I think Al posted a link to a site that lays
    out how wrong most of the books are on their most basic, most
    fundamental level. And since you can't learn a lie, electronics is
    hard to learn. (Al, am I using the word electronics correctly there?)

    But you are on the right track, define every word and you will learn
    the subject. If you knew and understood all the definitions, you
    would master the subject. If you tried to learn the subject and
    didn't understand the words, you'll fail miserably. It's the secret
    of learning not often taught in schools.

    Dave

    ps: I got my electronics dictionary on e-bay








    ]
    --- In basicstamps@au.egroups.com, lovegasoline@y... wrote:
    > --- In basicstamps@y..., Sample Bandit <tesla@i...> wrote:
    >
    > Hi ya Bandit,
    >
    > > I am not understanding you exactly.
    > > The Mimms books are not informative enough?
    > > For me I thought they were great.
    > > I was one who needed to have all of those little
    > > pictures to understand.
    >
    > Me too!
    >
    > > I still keep all of those
    > > books and use them when I have to go back to basics
    > > sometimes. I have recommended them often. I know of
    > > other books but they immediately cause you to induce
    > > mathematics and to me that kills the joy and fun of
    > > learning electronics. When you say 'aint cutting it'
    > > are you saying that it is not enough information or
    > > that it is too much or not clear?
    >
    > Not enough reference information.
    > Don't get me wrong, I'm not criticising the books per se and I
    still
    > have a bit to read and absorb from them to boot (also, I see he has
    a
    > whole series of books, I have only two). They are very informative
    for
    > what they offer: I was refering to my need for a more
    comphrehensive
    > reference book, but one that I can USE (as you say, not
    impenetrably
    > dense and complex). The problem with the Mimms books (my only books
    on
    > the subject, btw) are that I often refer to them for an
    explanation,
    > definition, and/or reference and they fall short in this regard. I
    > need a comphrehensive READABLE reference book by my side to consult
    and
    > to augment the Mimms & my real-world experience Perhaps some sort
    of
    > 'Electronics Dictionary' well written but not impenetrably
    difficult.
    > Also, a book geared towards the construction/design/buidling area
    > would help. Ex., I may need to wire wrap a few things: what type of
    > tool? technique? etc. Or IC sockets: various types and why?
    Connector/
    > header styles and applications; PCB rundown for the homebound
    aspirant;
    > do my tweezers need to be ESD proof and how? why different types of
    > potentiometers their respective benefits; + a myriad of other
    practical
    > technique questions as well as the basic cap, transistor values and
    > ratings, etc., etc., etc. Maybe this is too remedial for the group
    at
    > large, but it does tie into the beginner arena and enabling intial
    > forays into Stamp usage.
    > Thanks.
    >
    > Cheers,
    > -Neal
    >
    > P.S: To all who have posted their recs. on suitable books thanks!
    I'm
    > looking into it and will add to my library shortly.
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-05-02 15:29
    Well, there is always Britney's Guide to Semiconductor Physics

    http://britneyspears.ac/lasers.htm

    Apparently Britney Spears is an expert in semiconductor physics. Who would
    have guessed :-)

    Regards,

    Al Williams
    AWC
    * NEW: Floating point A/D (5 channels, 10 bit resolution):
    http://www.al-williams.com/awce/pak9.htm

    >
    Original Message
    > From: davemucha@j... [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=YVfAvVytz3TAkYpBxNj-6H845c6Tab6F6CrI93GmTkFITtb_JqW01jlBPyu2-riTi-HNUdIwVrDKK27HXw]davemucha@j...[/url
    > Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2001 7:43 AM
    > To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    > Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Book Recomnedation?
    >
    >
    > I'm in the same boat.
    >
    > I am a hobbyist and can see dozens of applications, and can follow a
    > schematic, but I don' really understand the WHY of the every part for
    > everything.
    >
    > I got my electronics dictionary but it doesn't even have Vdd in it.
    >
    > I think what complicates understanding of this science is all the
    > false data given to us. I think Al posted a link to a site that lays
    > out how wrong most of the books are on their most basic, most
    > fundamental level. And since you can't learn a lie, electronics is
    > hard to learn. (Al, am I using the word electronics correctly there?)
    >
    > But you are on the right track, define every word and you will learn
    > the subject. If you knew and understood all the definitions, you
    > would master the subject. If you tried to learn the subject and
    > didn't understand the words, you'll fail miserably. It's the secret
    > of learning not often taught in schools.
    >
    > Dave
    >
    > ps: I got my electronics dictionary on e-bay
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > ]
    > --- In basicstamps@au.egroups.com, lovegasoline@y... wrote:
    > > --- In basicstamps@y..., Sample Bandit <tesla@i...> wrote:
    > >
    > > Hi ya Bandit,
    > >
    > > > I am not understanding you exactly.
    > > > The Mimms books are not informative enough?
    > > > For me I thought they were great.
    > > > I was one who needed to have all of those little
    > > > pictures to understand.
    > >
    > > Me too!
    > >
    > > > I still keep all of those
    > > > books and use them when I have to go back to basics
    > > > sometimes. I have recommended them often. I know of
    > > > other books but they immediately cause you to induce
    > > > mathematics and to me that kills the joy and fun of
    > > > learning electronics. When you say 'aint cutting it'
    > > > are you saying that it is not enough information or
    > > > that it is too much or not clear?
    > >
    > > Not enough reference information.
    > > Don't get me wrong, I'm not criticising the books per se and I
    > still
    > > have a bit to read and absorb from them to boot (also, I see he has
    > a
    > > whole series of books, I have only two). They are very informative
    > for
    > > what they offer: I was refering to my need for a more
    > comphrehensive
    > > reference book, but one that I can USE (as you say, not
    > impenetrably
    > > dense and complex). The problem with the Mimms books (my only books
    > on
    > > the subject, btw) are that I often refer to them for an
    > explanation,
    > > definition, and/or reference and they fall short in this regard. I
    > > need a comphrehensive READABLE reference book by my side to consult
    > and
    > > to augment the Mimms & my real-world experience Perhaps some sort
    > of
    > > 'Electronics Dictionary' well written but not impenetrably
    > difficult.
    > > Also, a book geared towards the construction/design/buidling area
    > > would help. Ex., I may need to wire wrap a few things: what type of
    > > tool? technique? etc. Or IC sockets: various types and why?
    > Connector/
    > > header styles and applications; PCB rundown for the homebound
    > aspirant;
    > > do my tweezers need to be ESD proof and how? why different types of
    > > potentiometers their respective benefits; + a myriad of other
    > practical
    > > technique questions as well as the basic cap, transistor values and
    > > ratings, etc., etc., etc. Maybe this is too remedial for the group
    > at
    > > large, but it does tie into the beginner arena and enabling intial
    > > forays into Stamp usage.
    > > Thanks.
    > >
    > > Cheers,
    > > -Neal
    > >
    > > P.S: To all who have posted their recs. on suitable books thanks!
    > I'm
    > > looking into it and will add to my library shortly.
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-05-02 16:17
    I have taught Eleltron
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-05-02 16:57
    No offense Forrest but I think I'd like Britney
    to explain it to me! [noparse];)[/noparse]

    Bandit



    At 09:29 AM 5/2/01 -0500, you wrote:
    >Well, there is always Britney's Guide to Semiconductor Physics
    >
    >http://britneyspears.ac/lasers.htm
    >
    >Apparently Britney Spears is an expert in semiconductor physics. Who would
    >have guessed :-)
    >
    >Regards,
    >
    >Al Williams
    >AWC
    >* NEW: Floating point A/D (5 channels, 10 bit resolution):
    >http://www.al-williams.com/awce/pak9.htm
    >
    >>
    Original Message
    >> From: davemucha@j... [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=WpPdaZDqz7_BO9e15vA9VXMhnP-mUvuJkU7BFC5neGpP7L9UUTe1rnUmDBAGU66s55_twg6m8-ww]davemucha@j...[/url
    >> Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2001 7:43 AM
    >> To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    >> Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Book Recomnedation?
    >>
    >>
    >> I'm in the same boat.
    >>
    >> I am a hobbyist and can see dozens of applications, and can follow a
    >> schematic, but I don' really understand the WHY of the every part for
    >> everything.
    >>
    >> I got my electronics dictionary but it doesn't even have Vdd in it.
    >>
    >> I think what complicates understanding of this science is all the
    >> false data given to us. I think Al posted a link to a site that lays
    >> out how wrong most of the books are on their most basic, most
    >> fundamental level. And since you can't learn a lie, electronics is
    >> hard to learn. (Al, am I using the word electronics correctly there?)
    >>
    >> But you are on the right track, define every word and you will learn
    >> the subject. If you knew and understood all the definitions, you
    >> would master the subject. If you tried to learn the subject and
    >> didn't understand the words, you'll fail miserably. It's the secret
    >> of learning not often taught in schools.
    >>
    >> Dave
    >>
    >> ps: I got my electronics dictionary on e-bay
    >>
    >>
    >>
    >>
    >>
    >>
    >>
    >>
    >> ]
    >> --- In basicstamps@au.egroups.com, lovegasoline@y... wrote:
    >> > --- In basicstamps@y..., Sample Bandit <tesla@i...> wrote:
    >> >
    >> > Hi ya Bandit,
    >> >
    >> > > I am not understanding you exactly.
    >> > > The Mimms books are not informative enough?
    >> > > For me I thought they were great.
    >> > > I was one who needed to have all of those little
    >> > > pictures to understand.
    >> >
    >> > Me too!
    >> >
    >> > > I still keep all of those
    >> > > books and use them when I have to go back to basics
    >> > > sometimes. I have recommended them often. I know of
    >> > > other books but they immediately cause you to induce
    >> > > mathematics and to me that kills the joy and fun of
    >> > > learning electronics. When you say 'aint cutting it'
    >> > > are you saying that it is not enough information or
    >> > > that it is too much or not clear?
    >> >
    >> > Not enough reference information.
    >> > Don't get me wrong, I'm not criticising the books per se and I
    >> still
    >> > have a bit to read and absorb from them to boot (also, I see he has
    >> a
    >> > whole series of books, I have only two). They are very informative
    >> for
    >> > what they offer: I was refering to my need for a more
    >> comphrehensive
    >> > reference book, but one that I can USE (as you say, not
    >> impenetrably
    >> > dense and complex). The problem with the Mimms books (my only books
    >> on
    >> > the subject, btw) are that I often refer to them for an
    >> explanation,
    >> > definition, and/or reference and they fall short in this regard. I
    >> > need a comphrehensive READABLE reference book by my side to consult
    >> and
    >> > to augment the Mimms & my real-world experience Perhaps some sort
    >> of
    >> > 'Electronics Dictionary' well written but not impenetrably
    >> difficult.
    >> > Also, a book geared towards the construction/design/buidling area
    >> > would help. Ex., I may need to wire wrap a few things: what type of
    >> > tool? technique? etc. Or IC sockets: various types and why?
    >> Connector/
    >> > header styles and applications; PCB rundown for the homebound
    >> aspirant;
    >> > do my tweezers need to be ESD proof and how? why different types of
    >> > potentiometers their respective benefits; + a myriad of other
    >> practical
    >> > technique questions as well as the basic cap, transistor values and
    >> > ratings, etc., etc., etc. Maybe this is too remedial for the group
    >> at
    >> > large, but it does tie into the beginner arena and enabling intial
    >> > forays into Stamp usage.
    >> > Thanks.
    >> >
    >> > Cheers,
    >> > -Neal
    >> >
    >> > P.S: To all who have posted their recs. on suitable books thanks!
    >> I'm
    >> > looking into it and will add to my library shortly.
    >>
    >>
    >>
    >>
    >> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >>
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >
    >
    If you understand, things are just as they are.
    If you do not understand, things are just as they are.
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-05-02 17:58
    --- In basicstamps@y..., davemucha@j... wrote:
    > I'm in the same boat.
    >
    > I am a hobbyist and can see dozens of applications, and can follow a
    > schematic, but I don' really understand the WHY of the every part for
    > everything.
    >
    > I got my electronics dictionary but it doesn't even have Vdd in it.
    >
    > I think what complicates understanding of this science is all the
    > false data given to us. I think Al posted a link to a site that lays
    > out how wrong most of the books are on their most basic, most
    > fundamental level.


    You ain't kiddin'!
    I'm still stumped on the DIRECTION electricity flows in. One book
    claims it flows from positive to negative, another books claims the
    opposite: electricity flows from negative to positive! Then they stress
    the importance of polarity and obeying directional flow.
    No clarity whtsoever on even the fundamental basics. I'll just need to
    shock myself a few times on my 120VAC main and fry some expensive chips
    and then I can offer my own theory of directional electron flow.

    Bandit wrote:
    >No offense Forrest but I think I'd like Britney to explain it to me!

    That's another issue. One criticism I have of the Mimms book is I never
    particularly liked his picture on the back cover..too staid. I don't
    understand why he didn't present himself as an attractive young woman
    and use sexual metaphors in his explanations. It would have made things
    more riveting. On the other hand, I saw on the net that he has burned a
    CD that features him singing Britney's hits..anyone know where I can
    obtain a copy?
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-05-03 07:03
    As far as we are concerned, electricity flows from positive to negative. A
    physicist will tell you just the opposite, because he is talking about
    electron flow.

    Original Message



    > You ain't kiddin'!
    > I'm still stumped on the DIRECTION electricity flows in. One book
    > claims it flows from positive to negative, another books claims the
    > opposite: electricity flows from negative to positive! Then they stress
    > the importance of polarity and obeying directional flow.
    > No clarity whtsoever on even the fundamental basics. I'll just need to
    > shock myself a few times on my 120VAC main and fry some expensive chips
    > and then I can offer my own theory of directional electron flow.
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-05-03 12:57
    Hi Dave,

    I missed the beginning of this thread, however I can shed some light
    on Vdd.

    Depending upon the books you are reading, you might see the positive (+)
    supply referred to as V+, Vcc, or Vss. These are all names for the source
    of the electricity, as in, the source of the flow. Electrical flow has been
    described as "water flowing through a pipe", and it really does behave quite
    like that. The (-) minus, side is called the "Drain", thus the Vdd label.
    For example, if you were working with an FET (Field effect transistor), its
    connections
    are called the Source, the Drain, and the Gate. To turn on a simple LED, you
    could
    connect the Led (Anode) to the positive supply (Vss) and then through a series
    current
    limiting resistor connect the other Led terminal (Cathode) to the Source
    terminal of the
    FET. The Drain terminal of the FET would be connected to ground (Vdd). If you
    then
    apply a positive voltage to the Gate of the FET, it would conduct and light the
    LED.

    Russ


    Original Message
    From: <lovegasoline@y...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2001 12:58 PM
    Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Book Recomnedation?


    | --- In basicstamps@y..., davemucha@j... wrote:
    | > I'm in the same boat.
    | >
    | > I am a hobbyist and can see dozens of applications, and can follow a
    | > schematic, but I don' really understand the WHY of the every part for
    | > everything.
    | >
    | > I got my electronics dictionary but it doesn't even have Vdd in it.
    | >
    | > I think what complicates understanding of this science is all the
    | > false data given to us. I think Al posted a link to a site that lays
    | > out how wrong most of the books are on their most basic, most
    | > fundamental level.
    |
    |
    | You ain't kiddin'!
    | I'm still stumped on the DIRECTION electricity flows in. One book
    | claims it flows from positive to negative, another books claims the
    | opposite: electricity flows from negative to positive! Then they stress
    | the importance of polarity and obeying directional flow.
    | No clarity whtsoever on even the fundamental basics. I'll just need to
    | shock myself a few times on my 120VAC main and fry some expensive chips
    | and then I can offer my own theory of directional electron flow.
    |
    | Bandit wrote:
    | >No offense Forrest but I think I'd like Britney to explain it to me!
    |
    | That's another issue. One criticism I have of the Mimms book is I never
    | particularly liked his picture on the back cover..too staid. I don't
    | understand why he didn't present himself as an attractive young woman
    | and use sexual metaphors in his explanations. It would have made things
    | more riveting. On the other hand, I saw on the net that he has burned a
    | CD that features him singing Britney's hits..anyone know where I can
    | obtain a copy?
    |
    |
    |
    |
    |
    | Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    |
    |
    |
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-05-03 14:00
    For FETs Vss is the ground and Vdd is positive. That's because the FET guys
    are physics guys.

    The water analogy is so good I designed a leak detection system for a water
    pipeline using ohm's law. Of course, current is always laminar and flow
    isn't, and the pipe's resistance is "dynamic" but it can be modeled
    piecewise.

    Anyway, engineers use "positive convention" which means we pretend
    electricity flows from + to -. Physics guys know that really electrons (and
    hence charge) move from - to +. In real life, we don't care as long as there
    is a connection between the two.

    If you really want to get into the details, what we are usually interested
    in is the amount of work we can get out of anything. If you have a big tank
    of water that is full, the bottom of the tank has some pressure. That's
    potential energy because the pressure is not doing anything. Pressure ==
    voltage.

    The only way to get work out of the system is to punch a hole in the tank
    and let water flow. That's current. We might put a water wheel in the stream
    or tap the energy some other way.

    Consider this: if I punch a tiny hole in the tank, a high pressure stream
    will shoot out. If I punch a hole the size of my fist in the tank, more
    water will flow per second, but it won't be under so much pressure. This is
    conservation of energy at work. There is only so much potential energy in
    the water pressure. If I take it out slowly I get more pressure (voltage)
    and less current (flow). If I take it out quickly I get less pressure
    (voltage) and more current (flow). Work is voltage x current (watts).

    The hole, by the way, represents a load, with a small hole corresponding to
    a high resistance and a large hole is a low resistance.

    That's the water analogy. If you want it straight, consider this. 1 amp is
    when 1 coulomb of electrons goes past a point in 1 second. Note that current
    is a flow rate. A coulomb is a measure of charge equal to 6.24E18 electrons
    (funny, I thought it was avagadro's number -- 6.02E23-- but I guess my
    memory is failing me).

    The charge (either excess electrons, or a deficit of electrons) is what
    creates a voltage. The more the charge is unbalanced, the faster electrons
    will rush to the relative positive charge subject to the resistance to
    electron flow.

    So using all this you can think of ohm's law pretty easy. If I have a
    battery with a 10V output (pressure), and a 10 ohm resistor (pipe diameter),
    and that causes a flow of 1A. If I double the voltage to 20V, I'm increasing
    the pressure and you can guess that the current will go up by x2.

    The good news is, you don't really need to know much about stuff at this
    level unless you are dealing with device physics like I used to when I was
    at Motorola. If you really want to know about practical electronics, focus
    on Ohm's law and Kirchoff's laws. You should be able to do these in your
    sleep. http://www.al-williams.com/wd5gnr/basiccir.htm

    Regards,

    Al Williams
    AWC
    * Add a PS/2 keyboard to your microcontroller project
    http://www.al-williams.com/awce/pak6.htm



    >
    Original Message
    > From: Russ Bassani [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=yXPza1N2B46OJaGW02aYwe05U0aiTi3WiKBtOTaW6DokEY7jeSg3g7UNSBSueGf9Rj2UALBHrgGT2QyzFVI]RussBassani@a...[/url
    > Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2001 6:58 AM
    > To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    > Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Book Recomnedation?
    >
    >
    > Hi Dave,
    >
    > I missed the beginning of this thread, however I can shed some light
    > on Vdd.
    >
    > Depending upon the books you are reading, you might see the positive (+)
    > supply referred to as V+, Vcc, or Vss. These are all names for the source
    > of the electricity, as in, the source of the flow. Electrical
    > flow has been
    > described as "water flowing through a pipe", and it really does
    > behave quite
    > like that. The (-) minus, side is called the "Drain", thus the Vdd label.
    > For example, if you were working with an FET (Field effect
    > transistor), its connections
    > are called the Source, the Drain, and the Gate. To turn on a
    > simple LED, you could
    > connect the Led (Anode) to the positive supply (Vss) and then
    > through a series current
    > limiting resistor connect the other Led terminal (Cathode) to the
    > Source terminal of the
    > FET. The Drain terminal of the FET would be connected to ground
    > (Vdd). If you then
    > apply a positive voltage to the Gate of the FET, it would conduct
    > and light the LED.
    >
    > Russ
    >
    >
    >
    Original Message
    > From: <lovegasoline@y...>
    > To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    > Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2001 12:58 PM
    > Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Book Recomnedation?
    >
    >
    > | --- In basicstamps@y..., davemucha@j... wrote:
    > | > I'm in the same boat.
    > | >
    > | > I am a hobbyist and can see dozens of applications, and can follow a
    > | > schematic, but I don' really understand the WHY of the every part for
    > | > everything.
    > | >
    > | > I got my electronics dictionary but it doesn't even have Vdd in it.
    > | >
    > | > I think what complicates understanding of this science is all the
    > | > false data given to us. I think Al posted a link to a site that lays
    > | > out how wrong most of the books are on their most basic, most
    > | > fundamental level.
    > |
    > |
    > | You ain't kiddin'!
    > | I'm still stumped on the DIRECTION electricity flows in. One book
    > | claims it flows from positive to negative, another books claims the
    > | opposite: electricity flows from negative to positive! Then they stress
    > | the importance of polarity and obeying directional flow.
    > | No clarity whtsoever on even the fundamental basics. I'll just need to
    > | shock myself a few times on my 120VAC main and fry some expensive chips
    > | and then I can offer my own theory of directional electron flow.
    > |
    > | Bandit wrote:
    > | >No offense Forrest but I think I'd like Britney to explain it to me!
    > |
    > | That's another issue. One criticism I have of the Mimms book is I never
    > | particularly liked his picture on the back cover..too staid. I don't
    > | understand why he didn't present himself as an attractive young woman
    > | and use sexual metaphors in his explanations. It would have
    > made things
    > | more riveting. On the other hand, I saw on the net that he has burned a
    > | CD that features him singing Britney's hits..anyone know where I can
    > | obtain a copy?
    > |
    > |
    > |
    > |
    > |
    > | Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > |
    > |
    > |
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-05-03 16:37
    i hate to add to the length of this thread but [noparse]:)[/noparse]

    the analogy isn't perfect but the point is clear.

    i think a better way to make the analogy is the stay away from the punching a
    hole in the tank and instead use the resistance to flow in a pipe as an analogy
    to electrical resistance. if two pipes are the same diameter and have the same
    mass flow-rate the longer one will have more resistance. or with the same flow
    rate and length the one with the smaller diameter will have more resistance.

    the only problem with the hole in the tank is that they are both operating from
    the same pressure (voltage) so the big one actually put's out a lot more power
    since it's mass flow (current) is high.

    if you used pipes instead of holes you could say that you could get the same
    energy out of the slower flowrate (smaller pipe) at a higher pressure as a large
    flow-rate, low-pressure flow.

    just like electricity P=IV large voltage * small current = small voltage *
    large current

    anyway i think intent of the analogy is clear enough. some time ago fluids
    researchers used this analogy extensively as a way to prototype fluid systems.

    as Al said you have to be a bit careful since you're pipe resistance changes
    with coefficient*(fluid speed)^2/(length of pipe)
    (if i remember correctly)


    -pete
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-05-03 16:54
    My belief that analogies were to get a point across not to be symantically
    and 100% perfectly correct.. Guess it was my turn to be an ***... =)
    Original Message
    From: "Peter William Green" <peter-w-green@u...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Thursday, May 03, 2001 11:37 AM
    Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Book Recomnedation?


    > i hate to add to the length of this thread but [noparse]:)[/noparse]
    >
    > the analogy isn't perfect but the point is clear.
    >
    > i think a better way to make the analogy is the stay away from the
    punching a hole in the tank and instead use the resistance to flow in a pipe
    as an analogy to electrical resistance. if two pipes are the same diameter
    and have the same mass flow-rate the longer one will have more resistance.
    or with the same flow rate and length the one with the smaller diameter will
    have more resistance.
    >
    > the only problem with the hole in the tank is that they are both operating
    from the same pressure (voltage) so the big one actually put's out a lot
    more power since it's mass flow (current) is high.
    >
    > if you used pipes instead of holes you could say that you could get the
    same energy out of the slower flowrate (smaller pipe) at a higher pressure
    as a large flow-rate, low-pressure flow.
    >
    > just like electricity P=IV large voltage * small current = small voltage
    * large current
    >
    > anyway i think intent of the analogy is clear enough. some time ago
    fluids researchers used this analogy extensively as a way to prototype fluid
    systems.
    >
    > as Al said you have to be a bit careful since you're pipe resistance
    changes with coefficient*(fluid speed)^2/(length of pipe)
    > (if i remember correctly)
    >
    >
    > -pete
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-05-03 17:30
    Hi Neal, Suggest you look at "The Radio Amateurs Handbook", published yearly
    by the ARRL. Also look at QST, a monthly also published by ARRL. Also has
    recent article on Basic Stamps. Both have many excellant ideas and articles
    on construction and fabrication. FYI, Burt
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-05-03 17:50
    A pretty good book is called Practical Electronics for Inventors. I found a
    couple of errors, but I suppose that happens in every book. I hope to order
    a few for my students.

    Paul
    "Gee, Mr. Verhage, was that capacitor suppose to discharge in your hand like
    that?"
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-05-11 23:54
    On Thu, 03 May 2001 01:03:44 -0500 Rodent <daweasel@s...> writes:
    > As far as we are concerned, electricity flows from positive to
    > negative. A physicist will tell you just the opposite, because he is
    talking
    > about electron flow.

    >>
    Original Message
    > > You ain't kiddin'! I'm still stumped on the DIRECTION electricity
    flows in. One book
    > > claims it flows from positive to negative, another books claims
    >> the opposite: electricity flows from negative to positive! Then they
    > >stress the importance of polarity and obeying directional flow.
    > > No clarity whtsoever on even the fundamental basics. I'll just
    > >need toshock myself a few times on my 120VAC main and fry some
    expensive
    > chips and then I can offer my own theory of directional electron flow.

    I had an electronics teacher that explained it this way. Every electron
    needs a hole (the absence of an electron) to flow into. If electrons are
    flowing negative to positive, then the holes are flowing in the opposite
    direction! I'll try to explain with ASCII art.

    Positive Negative
    OOOOO

    OOOOO

    OOOOO

    OOOOO

    OOOOO

    OOOOO

    OOOOO

    OOOOO

    OOOOO

    OOOOO

    OOOOO

    Notice how the holes (O) are flowing positive to negative and the
    electrons (-) negative to positive.

    So, now we just need to decide if our flows are referring to holes or
    electrons! Actually, the real question is, who really cares??

    Aaron
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2001-05-13 03:35
    I had a lot of trouble with this until I realized that electronics is mainly
    concerned with the science of liberating smoke.
    In a message dated 05/12/2001 6:19:54 PM, agarb@j... writes:

    >
    >So, now we just need to decide if our flows are referring to holes or
    >electrons! Actually, the real question is, who really cares??
    >
    >Aaron
    >



    Larry Geib
    ljgeib@a...
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