Teach Yourself Electricity and Electronics, Fourth Edition Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Just to make this clear, I'm writing this as somebody who does NOT have a degree in Electrical Engineering. I've been trying to get into electronics for years and have tried many different books.
I'll break this review into three sections as I think this book needs three different ratings.
1. 5 stars for teaching basic electronics theory and concepts. The majority of the theory is in the first two sections of the book. After wrestling with "The Art of Electronics" and the 1st edition of "Practical Electronics for Inventors" for years this was the book that finally made sense. The chapters are well paced and the tests are a good way to help think about what you've learned.
2. 3 stars for Section 3. This is an issue because section 3 is where the book starts with diodes, transistors, and electronics circuits. As far as helping us understand electronics, this section is not even near the level of the first two sections of the book. More importantly, the author does not adequately explain the circuits presented.
3. 1 or 2 stars for teaching "Practical" skills. After moving through almost 3 sections of this book, I understand a lot of theory but can't understand what is going in a basic circuit when I look at one. This book is completely lacking in the practical aspect. I assumed all this would be explained in the third section but it isn't.
I think this would be a great first book. You will, however, need other books to learn some practical skills, which is why you wanted to get into electronics in the first place.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Teach Yourself Electricity and Electronics, Fourth Edition

Learn the hows and whys behind basic electricity, electronics, and communications without formal training
The best combination self-teaching guide, home reference, and classroom text on electricity and electronics has been updated to deliver the latest advances.Great for preparing for amateur and commercial licensing exams, this guide has been prized by thousands of students and professionals for its uniquely thorough coverage ranging from DC and AC concepts to semiconductors and integrated circuits.
Written by Stan Gibilisco, an electronics legend and McGraw-Hill's most popular TAB author
Perfect for hobbyists, students, and those of you who want to get ahead in tech-related careers
Packed with everything needed to enhance learning: 600+ illustrations, practical examples, and hundreds of test questions

NEW TO THIS EDITION:Updated to reflect the latest technological advances in: * Computers * Robotics * Artificial Intelligence * Amplifiers * Transmitters * The Internet * High-fidelity
EXPERT HOW-TO GUIDANCE ON SOLVING PROBLEMS SUCH AS:
Simple current-voltage-resistance determinators
Power calculations
Designing acoustical and audio systems
Designing circuits and systems

Click here for more information about Teach Yourself Electricity and Electronics, Fourth Edition

Read More...

30 Arduino Projects for the Evil Genius Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Simon Monk provides Arduino newbies a guide that goes way beyond "Getting Started With Arduino", yet deals with the subject in an easy to read, accessible format. His projects are also far more practical eg he deals with flashing a simple led (like every other Arduino text) but then scales this up to high power Luxeon leds in various different applications but based on similar circuitry. This lead me to adapting one of his circuits to a real-world interest of mine, involving led lamps.
I look forward to a sequel where he might take us into the (so far) murky world of timers and interrupts, an area not covered very well (yet) in the Arduino world.

Click Here to see more reviews about: 30 Arduino Projects for the Evil Genius


30 Ways to Have Some Computer-Controlled Evil Fun!
This wickedly inventive guide shows you how to program and build a variety of projects with the Arduino microcontroller development system. Covering Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms, 30 Arduino Projects for the Evil Genius gets you up to speed with the simplified C programming you need to know--no prior programming experience necessary.
Using easy-to-find components and equipment, this do-it-yourself book explains how to attach an Arduino board to your computer, program it, and connect electronics to it to create fiendishly fun projects. The only limit is your imagination!
30 Arduino Projects for the Evil Genius:
Features step-by-step instructions and helpful illustrations
Provides full schematic and construction details for every project
Covers the scientific principles behind the projects
Removes the frustration factor--all required parts are listed along with sources

Build these and other devious devices:
Morse code translator
High-powered strobe light
Seasonal affective disorder light
LED dice
Keypad security code
Pulse rate monitor
USB temperature logger
Oscilloscope
Light harp
LCD thermostat
Computer-controlled fan
Hypnotizer
Servo-controlled laser
Lie detector
Magnetic door lock
Infrared remote

Each fun, inexpensive Evil Genius project includes a detailed list of materials, sources for parts, schematics, and lots of clear, well-illustrated instructions for easy assembly. The larger workbook-style layout and convenient two-column format make following the step-by-step instructions a breeze.
Make Great Stuff!TAB, an imprint of McGraw-Hill Professional, is a leading publisher of DIY technology books for makers, hackers, and electronics hobbyists.

Get 42% OFF

Click here for more information about 30 Arduino Projects for the Evil Genius

Read More...

RFID Sourcebook (paperback) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)RFID Sourcebook by Sandip Lahiri is a very well done title that you should investigate if you're starting to look into how RFID technology might be used in your organization...
Contents: Technology Overview; Advantages of the Technology; Limitations of the Technology; Application Areas; Privacy Concerns; RFID Versus Bar Code; The RFID Strategy; Creating Business Justification for RFID; Designing and Implementing an RFID Solution; Standards; Closing Thoughts; RFID Vendors, News Sources, and Conferences; Passive Tag Manufacturing Overview; Glossary; Index
I found this book to be the type that you could legitimately use in order to plan your company's approach to RFID. It's not a "rah rah" book that pretends that RFID is a panacea to all the manufacturing problems that exist. It's an even-handed coverage of the subject, and he doesn't have any qualms about covering the pros and cons that you'll have to consider if you use RFID. There's a degree of technical information in the book, but not so much that a higher-level decision maker would get bogged down in details. I guess I'd consider it more of a strategic book to make good fundamental initial decisions, and to get your project moving in the right direction early.
If RFID is something that your organization or industry is pursuing, grab this book to get grounded in the fundamentals.

Click Here to see more reviews about: RFID Sourcebook (paperback)

The realistic, no-hype guide to RFID evaluation, planning, and deployment Approaching crucial decisions about Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology? This book will help you make choices that maximize the business value of RFID technology and minimize its risks. IBM's Sandip Lahiri, an experienced RFID solution architect, presents up-to-the-minute insight for evaluating RFID; defining optimal strategies, blueprints, and timetables; and deploying systems that deliver what they promise. Drawing on his experience, Lahiri offers candid assessments of RFID's potential advantages, its technical capabilities and limitations, and its business process implications. He identifies pitfalls that have tripped up early adopters, and shows how to overcome or work around them. This must-have resource can also act as a reference guide to any nontechnical person who wants to know about the technology. From building business cases to testing tags, this book shares powerful insights into virtually every issue you're likely to face.Coverage includes*RFID "reality check": getting beyond the hype and the counterreaction *Aligning RFID strategy with business strategy *Assessing applications, both prevalent and emerging *Identifying opportunities to use RFID beyond supply chain applications *Choosing between RFID and barcodes *Realistically assessing potential ROI, one step at a time *Designing solutions that leverage RFID's advantages while overcoming its performance limitations *Understanding business flows impacted by a potential RFID deployment *Defining realistic roadmaps and timelines *Addressing oft-neglected real-world issues, from tag validation through managing expectations *Dealing with standardsRFID Sourcebook will help you ask the tough questions...build the right applications...avoid costly mistakes...work more effectively with suppliers and partners...time your initiative...even find alternatives to RFID when that makes sense. Whatever your role in RFID strategy, planning, or execution, have Sandip Lahiri's experience and knowledge on your side: You'll dramatically improve your odds of success. A A(c) Copyright Pearson Education. All rights reserved.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Get 40% OFF

Click here for more information about RFID Sourcebook (paperback)

Read More...

Wi-Fi Toys: 15 Cool Wireless Projects for Home, Office, and Entertainment (ExtremeTech) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was hoping that this book would help me boost my Wi-Fi signal around the house, since the reception downstairs is a little weak. Well, it did show me how to boost my signal - for up to 20 miles! Ok, seriously, long distance wi-fi is one of the 15 projects in this book, but my solution was actually in building the high-gain antenna project in chapter 4, which did indeed solve my reception problems.
The book is very well written, and has plenty of photos to guide you along the way. The projects are definately cool, and there are plenty to keep us geek types busy.
If you are using wireless networking, I would encourage you to take a look at this book.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Wi-Fi Toys: 15 Cool Wireless Projects for Home, Office, and Entertainment (ExtremeTech)


This ultra-cool volume invites readers to tap into your inner geek and build seventeen ultra-cool wireless devices including a solar powered access point, a wireless picture frame that dynamically changes its own photos, and even a wireless car-to-car audio and video system
With a few simple tools, some off-the-shelf parts, and this book, readers will be creating wireless devices they never thought were possible-toys that certainly can't be found at the local computer store
Written by the cofounder and members of the Southern California Wireless Users Group, this book provides readers with hands-on instruction and insider tips and tricks from those who are on the bleeding edge of wireless technology
New addition to the ExtremeTech line of books-books for serious technophiles

Click here for more information about Wi-Fi Toys: 15 Cool Wireless Projects for Home, Office, and Entertainment (ExtremeTech)

Read More...