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Best books and Kit

GreenYamo

Ok, it is coming up to Xmas so although not strictly Pi based, I'd like some feedback on the following !

 

What books would people recommend for the Pi itself and for learning electronics in general ? I know there are not too many Pi related books around, but there must be some tried and tested electronics ones.

 

What tools would people recommend for those just starting out in electronics, Pi and arduino related ? I'd further like to split that out to two sections:

1) those with the basics already (multimeter and soldering iron say)

2) complete beginners with nothing (yet)

 

Hope to get some interesting recommendations !

 

Thank you

Steve

Parents

  • Hi Steve,

    Regarding books, I like books that don't 'dumb-down' yet are easy to read. I'd suggest an old book called 'The Art of Electronics'. It is old, but the information is still relevant, and there is no other book I'm aware of that is as practical yet still explains theory briefly (so that you can research the theory in detail elsewhere).

    It is an expensive book but worth it (it is rather thick and full of useful information) and has high resale value if you don't like it (I've not met anyone who did not like this book).

    As for tools, I think an oscilloscope is virtually essential (even an old, slow one from ebay is better than nothing) even for near-beginners. I'd recommend a straight analog one, rather than the small 'pocket' scopes, which may confuse people who are not familiar with bandwidth, sample rate and filtering. An old scope is still a cost of £100+ though, so it may put off complete beginners unless they feel they are committed.

    As for mechanical tools (for building things), the cost can grow rapidly too : ( If you don't want to spend too much and already have the basics like wirecutters, etc.,

    then how about tweezers (for surface mount), a scalpel knife (cut tracks and all sorts of general work), thin desolder braid (extremely useful) and a small magnfier with light (could be a cheap pocket one).

Reply

  • Hi Steve,

    Regarding books, I like books that don't 'dumb-down' yet are easy to read. I'd suggest an old book called 'The Art of Electronics'. It is old, but the information is still relevant, and there is no other book I'm aware of that is as practical yet still explains theory briefly (so that you can research the theory in detail elsewhere).

    It is an expensive book but worth it (it is rather thick and full of useful information) and has high resale value if you don't like it (I've not met anyone who did not like this book).

    As for tools, I think an oscilloscope is virtually essential (even an old, slow one from ebay is better than nothing) even for near-beginners. I'd recommend a straight analog one, rather than the small 'pocket' scopes, which may confuse people who are not familiar with bandwidth, sample rate and filtering. An old scope is still a cost of £100+ though, so it may put off complete beginners unless they feel they are committed.

    As for mechanical tools (for building things), the cost can grow rapidly too : ( If you don't want to spend too much and already have the basics like wirecutters, etc.,

    then how about tweezers (for surface mount), a scalpel knife (cut tracks and all sorts of general work), thin desolder braid (extremely useful) and a small magnfier with light (could be a cheap pocket one).

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