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General Vintage Technology Discussions For general discussions about vintage radio and other vintage electronics etc. |
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31st Oct 2020, 3:04 pm | #41 | |
Triode
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Tranent, East Lothian, Scotland, UK.
Posts: 17
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Re: Analogue electronics books recommendations
Thanks Al...
My maths isn't too bad, having done a couple of OU maths courses a few years ago (and I still have all my notes). These cover up to basic calculus, functions and trig/geometry, all of which come in useful. I have an American book - 'Hands-on Electronics' which is designed by physicists and has a very practical approach (if you have the right breadboard, signal generator and oscilloscope - things I've yet to get), but includes some useful maths for RC circuits etc - e.g. explains why voltage lags current in an RC circuit, and the different configurations of simple low- and high-pass filters. The thing for me is to understand these and other circuit units in practical circuits, and how to break a schematic down into functional blocks, etc., etc. The schematic for the Bush I have is pretty good in this respect, despite its outward complexity for a beginner like me. Quote:
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31st Oct 2020, 11:19 pm | #42 |
Rest in Peace
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Chard, South Somerset, UK.
Posts: 7,457
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Re: Analogue electronics books recommendations
Hi Chris. When I wrote my last post referring to mnemonics, acronym and maths, etc., I assumed that your maths ability was a lot less than I now understand it to be: I apologise for that misunderstanding. However - and much more to the point - by what you have stated about your maths understandings, those should be quite adequate for the learning route you now wish to take.
However, you referred to block diagrams. An accurate block diagram is especially useful when faced with a piece of equipment you know little (or even nothing) about. That scenario applies to us all: newcomers and 'old hands'. Also applicable to D-I-Y: when I design and build an electronic item for my own use, I always produce and file documentation for it - cct. diag., operation notes and a block diagram - since I know that one day I'm going to need to remind myself what I did, why, etc. Al. Last edited by Skywave; 31st Oct 2020 at 11:26 pm. Reason: Typos. |
18th Jan 2021, 8:01 pm | #43 |
Nonode
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Walsall Wood, Aldridge, Walsall, UK.
Posts: 2,870
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Re: Analogue electronics books recommendations
Hi!
There were two series of the Basic Electronics Valkenburgh books – one produced in America with US–style diagrams and terminology, and one produced with British style diagrams and terminology, with diagrams lettered in the same lettering that Radio Constructor used – if I get the Technical Press ones, will these be the British versions? – naturally it's the British Style versions I want! Chris Williams
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18th Jan 2021, 8:15 pm | #44 |
Nonode
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Cornwall, UK.
Posts: 2,335
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Re: Analogue electronics books recommendations
That's interesting, Chris. I didn't know there were two versions. Mine have a distinct US vibe to them, and I thought with names like that it could only be an American book!
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18th Jan 2021, 8:43 pm | #45 |
Tetrode
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: Brighton, East Sussex, UK
Posts: 50
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Re: Analogue electronics books recommendations
I recommend 'Electronic Principles: Physics, Models and Circuits' by Gray and Searle; both of whom were MIT Professors.
Rather than just page after page of equations like many technical books on electronics; they actually explain the principles, and follow-up with worked examples. They also seamlessly switch between BJTs, FETs, and MOSFETs, unlike many electronics books, which follow one path or another. An oldy, but a goody. Another recommendation, for similar reasoning, is 'Analysis and Design of Analog Integrated Circuits' by Gray & Meyer. (a different Gray to above) Personally, I'm not keen on Self; I'm not disputing his ability or knowledge as an engineer, or amp designer; but I have always found him lacking as a technical writer. And he does seem to bang a particular drum. |
18th Jan 2021, 11:27 pm | #46 |
Moderator
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Fife, Scotland, UK.
Posts: 22,876
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Re: Analogue electronics books recommendations
There are some misconceptions floating around in Self's books. The most recent I've come across relates to paralleling devices for low noise work. He's missing a few concepts that really come from the RF world but which make things an awful lot easier. For someone beginning, this won't be a problem though he does keep banging the same drum a bit.
However, you have to remember he's completely oriented towards audio stuff, and the audio world is in over its head in silly beliefs. Compared to the majority of stuff written on audio, he's towards the better end. David
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19th Jan 2021, 12:28 am | #47 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Kington, Herefordshire, UK.
Posts: 3,670
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Re: Analogue electronics books recommendations
I find there's a lot of lucid horse sense in Self's books, no doubt because unlike some pontificating about audio matters he has spent many years designing commercial products which actually work. Perhaps he bangs some of these drums because they keep causing trouble?
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