Practical Electronics Crash Course Book and Kit: A Solid Introduction to Electronics

Entering the world of electronics can be easier than many people believe. All you really need is the right book. If you also have practical equipment, nothing stands in the way of a successful start. The bundle consisting of the book Practical Electronics Crash Course and the accompanying components kit offers both. Let's have a closer look.

Learning by Doing

The book Practical Electronics Crash Course allows you to explore key electrical and electronics engineering principles through enjoyable experiments and circuit simulations. You’ll gain practical electronics knowledge without the need for complex technical jargon or lengthy calculations, allowing you to create your own projects quickly. No prior electronics experience is necessary.

The book provides numerous tested and working projects and simulations to help you get used to constructing electronic circuits. Circuit simulation is introduced early on to facilitate easy and risk-free experimentation.

What’s in the Practical Electronics Crash Course Kit?

The kit includes all the components needed to construct most of the detailed examples from the book on a breadboard and test them out in real life. Additionally, it can be used independently of the book to create other circuits and test your own ideas. It contains the following items:
 

• 21× resistors from 39 Ω to 680 kΩ in practical values
• 3× potentiometers (10 kΩ trimmer, 10 kΩ & 100 kΩ linear potentiometer)
• Light sensor (LDR)
• 4× ceramic capacitors (1 nF, 2× 10 nF, 100 nF)
• 6× electrolytic capacitors (1 µF, 2× 10 µF, 100 µF, 470 µF, 1000 µF, all 25 V)
• RGB LED
• 2× diodes (1× 1N4148, 1× 1N4733A 5.1 V, 1 W Zener diode)
• 3× red LEDs
• 2× NPN transistors (BC337)
• 1× N-channel MOSFET (IRFZ44N)
• 4× ICs: 2× NE555 timer, 1× LM393 comparator, 1× 74HCT08 quad AND gate
• 3× tactile switches
• 2× SPDT switches
• Relay, SPDT, 9 VDC
• 2× buzzers (active and passive)
• 50 cm solid wire, 16 AWG
• 2× PP3 9 V battery clips
• Breadboard
• 20× jumper wires

The components allow the setup of many tested and working projects. After completing the course, the components can also be used for new applications.
 

A Colorful Array of Electronics

You will learn the concepts of voltage, current, and power, become familiar with alternating current and direct current, and understand basic lamp circuits with switches. Passive components such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors are explained in detail. You will study RC and RCL circuits and delve into electromagnetism. The concepts of loudspeakers, relays, buzzers, and transformers are also introduced.

Furthermore, you will read about active components like diodes, LEDs, bipolar transistors, and MOSFETs, and how to build transistor-based circuits. You will explore optocoupler circuits and the principles of astable and monostable multivibrators. The use of the popular 555 timer IC is covered, as well as the fundamentals of operational amplifiers. Digital logic is also discussed in some detail. Advanced examples such as amplifiers, oscillators, filters, and sensors complete the introduction.

Another focus is on test and measurement tools. After covering the corresponding chapters, voltmeters and oscilloscopes will no longer be mysterious devices.

Microcontrollers boards like the Arduino UNO, the ESP32, the Raspberry Pi Pico, and the Raspberry Pi are not forgotten, and you will learn how to read data sheets and apply best practices for selecting components. In the final chapters, you will familiarize yourself with advanced topics like compliance (EMC) and interference (EMI), as well as some relevant norms and regulations.

Practical Electronics Crash Course - Ideally Suited for Electronics Beginners

The bundle is a good resource for newcomers. The accurate schematics and diagrams and straightforward explanations in the book simplify complex concepts and make learning enjoyable. The book not only introduces the essential principles of electronics but also focuses on practical applications. As an example, a light/darkness detector is shown in the figure below.
 

All components required for this circuit are available in the kit. Extensive use of the components of the bundle bridges the gap between theory and practical application.

The text stands out with its clear, concise explanations and step-by-step instructions, making challenging topics easy to grasp for newcomers. Each chapter builds on the last, ensuring a strong foundation before moving on to more complex projects. The use of photographs and troubleshooting advice significantly enriches the learning experience. The projects are engaging and practical, yielding immediate results that enhance confidence and curiosity.
In each chapter, common typical questions and obstacles of beginners are discussed. This, along with the combination of theory, practical tips, and real-world applications, makes the kit and book an essential resource for anyone starting out in electronics. It can be highly recommended for hobbyists, students, and others looking to understand the world of electronics.

In addition to detailed explanations for each circuit, there are also formulas and equations that allow for the calculation of circuit variations. Nevertheless, the mathematical level remains simple and easy to understand.

Topics Covered in the Practical Electronics Crash Course

The book contains a comprehensive introduction to electronics. The following sections provide a brief overview of the respective chapters.

Electricity

Electricity is explained as a form of energy resulting from the movement of charged particles, primarily electrons. The two main types, direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC), are introduced. Fundamental electrical circuits and components, such as switches and lamps, are explained.

Passive Components and Magnetics

Learning to decode resistor color codes not only teaches you the basics but also sharpens your skills. Once you are familiar with resistors, you will move on to other components like capacitors and inductors. Inductors and transformers lead to the large field of electricity and magnetism. These phenomena are closely linked; magnets create electricity, and electricity generates magnetism. The chapter on magnetism explores its applications in electronics in detail.

Active Components, Simple Circuits, and Advanced Subjects

Here you will learn about diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits. These components perform operations like switching, amplifying signals, regulating power, and storing data. You’ll also gain insight into how semiconductors are manufactured. The next chapter connects your previous learnings with practical projects involving mechanical switches, relays, oscillator circuits, and optocouplers. This is where theoretical knowledge becomes practical.

Operational Amplifiers and Logic Gates

These sections focus on integrated circuits (ICs). The first part highlights operational amplifiers, essential for circuits requiring precise voltage control and amplification. You’ll learn to use op-amps for voltage amplification, filtering, and waveform shaping. The chapter on logic gates delves into the building blocks of digital systems. Understanding AND, OR, NOT, and other gates is crucial for designing digital circuits, as these gates perform the basics of Boolean algebra. This chapter covers the principles of various logic gates and their applications in simple projects. The next chapter addresses more complex topics, including AC circuits, filters, oscillators, amplifiers, and commonly used sensors.

Measurement Equipment and Microcontrollers

The chapter on test and measurement introduces relevant tools for circuit analysis. You’ll learn about power supplies, voltmeters, ammeters, oscilloscopes, and function generators, all essential for designing and troubleshooting electronic circuits. The microcontroller chapter briefly explores devices like Arduino, ESP32, and Raspberry Pi. You’ll learn how to program and utilize these boards in your projects, ensuring seamless integration of hardware and software. Finally, the last chapter covers crucial topics such as component selection, reading data sheets, and PCB design. These skills are essential for anyone looking to design and build robust electronic systems.

Conclusion

The Practical Electronics Crash Course bundle from Elektor is designed to meet the learning needs of students, hobbyists, and aspiring engineers, offering a comprehensive introduction as well as an in-depth exploration of the world of electronics. You can find all the necessary resources, links, and purchasing information, along with other educational materials.

The book is a valuable resource that makes the world of electronics accessible and enjoyable for newcomers. It excels in providing clear, step-by-step instructions and well-organized content, making it easy to follow and build a strong foundation. The hands-on projects allow readers to immediately apply what they’ve learned and see the results of their efforts.

This course is ideal for anyone looking to dive into electronics, whether you’re a hobbyist, student, or simply curious about how things work. It’s a comprehensive, user-friendly guide that is highly recommended for all electronics beginners, striking a perfect balance between essential theory and small projects that inspire further exploration.