Do you need to be an engineer to learn electronics?

Question

I want to learn how to make my own electronics. What is the best way to learn. Should most technical (2 year) colleges offer courses in this that I could audit?

p.s. I changed my major from engineering to aviation because I knew I could not do engineering due to math and engineering classes.

Answer 1

Well, you do need math to do electronics, but nothing complicated.

You may be able to do a lot of this stuff on your own. Set a goal of a simple circuit, like a unregulated DC supply. Find a schematic online somewhere, there are lots. Then identify what each component does, and what happens if you change it's value. Look up the data sheets for each component and make sure you understand the parameters on the data sheets.

Then build it and see if it works the way it should. If not, why not.

Then go on to something more complicated, such as a regulated adjustable supply. When you can design and build a good regulated supply, you are a long way towards your goal.

PS, I have a BS in physics, but spent quite a few years as an instrumentation designer. It's not the degree so much that counts but your experience and what you can convince management of.

Answer 2

Get a book or two from your local bookstore. You will want books geared towards technicians rather than books geared towards engineers. Technicians normally use mathematical approximations that are much simpler than the precise formulas used by engineers. This is a must if you are not a math wiz or are unwilling to study more deeply into mathematics than intermediate algebra.

Electronics books with "projects" in the title can help to teach you the basics through the use of small and often fun projects.

There are now electronics kits for kids much like the science kits that have been around for many decades. They can be a good way for even adults to learn the basic components and concepts as a first step. You should be able to find one at any large toy store or toy stores which specialize in educational toys.

Heathkit electronics kits can be a usefull learning tool for hobbyists as well but have lost much of their former popularity due to their pricing considerations. Partially the price of these kits has risen due to the fact that many of their project kits are geared towards students and very serious hobbyists whereas they used to make many kits that were somewhat less complicated and therefore cheaper