Which electronics book should I buy?

Thread Starter

Mooney117

Joined May 27, 2020
10
Hey everyone,

So I'm 15 and have been doing electronics for about 2 years now as a hobby and I want to go further and try learn more about this amazing subject.

I'm torn between 2 books however:
"The Art of Electronics: 3rd Edition"
"Practical Electronics for Inventors"

Which would you say is the better choice?

Thanks
 

MaxHeadRoom

Joined Jul 18, 2013
28,619
Out of the two, I would go with the second one.
It is also available in PDF out there.
There is also book deals to be had at Abebooks clearing house.
I wasn't that impressed by some of the presentations or lack of pertinent information for the new comer in the "the art".
Max.
 

dl324

Joined Mar 30, 2015
16,846
What types of circuits have you been building? Have you had any formal electrical education from a teacher or professional?
 

SamR

Joined Mar 19, 2019
5,031
Neither one of those books are for a newcomer to electronics. They are more of an Encyclopedia than a learning tool. Here is a excellent used bookfinder link that searches 1000s of dealers for price, condition, and availability.
https://www.gettextbooks.com/

One of the best-reviewed and recommended books for non-calculus electronics is:

Electronics Fundamentals(8th Edition)
Circuits, Devices & Applications
by Thomas L. Floyd, David M. Buchla
Hardcover, 1,088 Pages, Published 2009 by Pearson
ISBN-13: 978-0-13-507295-0, ISBN: 0-13-507295-6

Available used at very reasonable prices. Look for Very Good condition used books as they will be in near new condition. Older editions have basically the exact same text as newer ones. The latest is the 13th edition. Text is used in Technical Schools and Colleges.

Also the ARRLs
Understanding Basic Electronics
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0...&pf_rd_p=edaba0ee-c2fe-4124-9f5d-b31d6b1bfbee
 

Thread Starter

Mooney117

Joined May 27, 2020
10
Neither one of those books are for a newcomer to electronics. They are more of an Encyclopedia than a learning tool. Here is a excellent used bookfinder link that searches 1000s of dealers for price, condition, and availability.
https://www.gettextbooks.com/

One of the best-reviewed and recommended books for non-calculus electronics is:

Electronics Fundamentals(8th Edition)
Circuits, Devices & Applications
by Thomas L. Floyd, David M. Buchla
Hardcover, 1,088 Pages, Published 2009 by Pearson
ISBN-13: 978-0-13-507295-0, ISBN: 0-13-507295-6

Available used at very reasonable prices. Look for Very Good condition used books as they will be in near new condition. Older editions have basically the exact same text as newer ones. The latest is the 13th edition. Text is used in Technical Schools and Colleges.


Also the ARRLs
Understanding Basic Electronics
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0...&pf_rd_p=edaba0ee-c2fe-4124-9f5d-b31d6b1bfbee
Hello sir,

So is Electronic Fundamentls more of a learning guide for beginners as opposed to a revision booklet?

Thanks,


James
 

SamR

Joined Mar 19, 2019
5,031
Hello sir,

So is Electronic Fundamentls more of a learning guide for beginners as opposed to a revision booklet?

Thanks,


James
Floyd's Electronic Fundamentals is an entry-level textbook used in Technical Schools and Colleges. It requires some understanding of trigonometry and logarithms in addition to algebra. The ARRL book may be more to your liking. You can look at some of its content here to see if it is what you want.
https://www.amazon.com/Understandin...dchild=1&keywords=arrl&qid=1601502910&sr=8-22

Also here on AAC is a very good E-Book on Electronics. It doesn't cost anything!
 

kubeek

Joined Sep 20, 2005
5,794
I joined this forum when I was 18 (15 years ago) , and a lot of my understanding of electronics and hidden caveats came from the local gurus and various threads.
My advice for you is read both books if you can get them, any threads here, or anything elsewhere even remotely related to what you want to know.
 

Thread Starter

Mooney117

Joined May 27, 2020
10
Floyd's Electronic Fundamentals is an entry-level textbook used in Technical Schools and Colleges. It requires some understanding of trigonometry and logarithms in addition to algebra. The ARRL book may be more to your liking. You can look at some of its content here to see if it is what you want.
https://www.amazon.com/Understandin...dchild=1&keywords=arrl&qid=1601502910&sr=8-22

Also here on AAC is a very good E-Book on Electronics. It doesn't cost anything!
Hello Sir,

Thanks for your reply sir, I will be sure to look at the ARRL book.

So Floyd's book isn't for hobbyists, it's more like a revision guide for those who had proper lessons?

Thanks again,

James
 

MrChips

Joined Oct 2, 2009
30,714
ARRL Handbook has got to be on the top of the list.
You do not have to buy the latest edition. A used older edition would be good purchase. You may be able to find one at a HAM Radio flea market (once we are over the pandemic).
 

bertus

Joined Apr 5, 2008
22,270

SamR

Joined Mar 19, 2019
5,031
The ARRL book I mentioned is actually a very basic introductory learn electronics book with a bit of a radio tilt to it. Their yearly handbooks are more of a compendium of articles and encyclopedia. I have a few of them (going back to the '50s) but don't buy the new one every year. The material is not really presented for learning but more for reference. Floyd's is an excellent beginner's book if you are ready for it. Much more in-depth explanations but at a very basic level without calculus. Pretty thorough coverage of DC and AC theory and then a few introductory chapters of diodes, transistors, and opamps. Lots of worked examples, questions, quizzes, problems, etc. with answers and does have a lab manual available for it. It all depends on where you are in your learning cycle and if you are ready for it. YMMV
 
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