Hi,

What is the best/most complete (English) book to learn electronics by doing?

I am looking for a book with a lot (a lot!!) of projects, which also include the theory behind it. So from: Law of Ohm up to microcontrollers with lots of exercises on breadboards to show things.

It would also be nice if the publisher (or someone else) sells component kits for convenience.

Until so far I found the book Make Electronics which match my criteria.
Also I like the approach of SparkFun Electronics Primer however this one is a bit limited.

Also nowadays you can buy electronics experiment boxes, however they are focused on children (e.g. with fancy colors) and I am also interested in a bit theory, and complex things like microcontrollers.

What are the options on the market?

My background: I started with Philips electronics experiment box (is some company still producing high quality electronics construction boxes which are not exclusively focused on children) when aged < 10, and later moved into soldering (illegal FM transmitters ). However later I moved into software engineering and now I want to refresh my electronics.

 

As far my knowledge ,the books focus on theories do not focus on practical projects and which contains practical projects do not focus much on theories.If you ask me for which you should go ,definitely with theories.As for beginners I will suggest that use books that focus on theories but less math like in this site you will find this ebook

Vol 1 DC : http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_1/index.html
Vol 2 AC : http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_2/index.html
Vol 3 Semiconductors : http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_3/index.html
Vol 4 Digital :http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_4/index.html

For experiments
http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_6/index.html

Other books :
Art of Electronic by Paul Horowitz ,covers active device like Transistor,Operational amplifier,MOSFET and etc.
http://www.amazon.com/Art-Electronics-Paul-Horowitz/dp/0521370957

Introductory Circuit Analysis by Boylestad , covers theories for DC,AC,networks,passive device like resistors,capacitors,inductors and etc.
http://www.amazon.com/Introductory-Circuit-Analysis-Robert-Boylestad/dp/013097417X

Microelectronic Circuits by Sedra / Smith needs too much math so I will not suggest it for beginners at all, but anyway if you do not have any problem with math and have knowledge of passive/linear circuit theories,network theorems,2 port network parameters .. etc ,you can check it out .Note this book is used in many E.E collage/university as text book and its not for beginners.

Good Luck

 

I am working on making experiments for the AAC book. I won't say it is as fast as I can, because I alway have several things on my plate.

I like designing. I also like teaching. The best way to learn is to teach.

 

I have a biased view, but I like to recommend the ARRL Handbook for Radio Amateurs. There are chapters which will be of no interest to you, but the majority of the book will be on topics which will be of interest. If the price of the latest issue is a problem, look for an older edition, available at swap meets and on the 'net.

 

The best way to learn is to teach.

That's what I've found as well.

 

That's what I've found as well.

I think teaching/helping forces your brain to be more precise about the explanation, which, in turn, helps you understand it better as well.

Except for those days when your brain just turns off, then you babble on in circles.

 

To bridge the gap between theory and projects, you could look at some of the circuits at

http://www.ecircuitcenter.com/Circuits.htm

and try to simulate them with SPICE. The circuits include some good explanations.

 

Electronic Circuits for the Evil Genius fits all of your criteria I think. Amazon description includes

...introduces electronic circuits and circuit design, both analog and digital, through a series of projects you'll complete one simple lesson at a time. The separate lessons build on each other and add up to projects you can put to practical use. You don't need to know anything about electronics to get started. A pre-assembled kit, which includes all the components and PC boards to complete the book projects, is available separately from ABRA electronics...

There are a number of evil genius series books. Some others that might interest you:
Electronic Gadgets for the Evil Genius
More Electronic Gadgets for the Evil Genius
123 PIC Microcontroller Experiments for the Evil Genius

The list really just goes on and on. Do an amazon search in books for "Evil Genius" and you will see. They are quite affordable as well, and I have seen them in local Barnes&Noble stores also (at an inflated price of course).
As a disclaimer, I should point out that I've never used one of these books, but they really do seem highly interesting and exactly what you're looking for. If you get one, I'd love to hear what you thought about it.

Best of Luck!