Designing Electronics That Work

Access, “Free” Download, and Gumroad Friction

• Several commenters struggled to get the promised “free” PDF: Gumroad showed “sold out” or required entering a price, then an email, then sometimes still no file.
• There’s debate over whether something is truly “free” if it requires an email; some argue email/privacy and spam risk are a real cost, others treat it like normal access control (e.g., showing a membership card for free samples).
• Some view the broken “free” link plus push to a new paid edition as disingenuous or a marketing stunt; others note the PDF was from 2021 and likely just not properly taken down during the transition to a No Starch edition.
• Multiple people wanted physical copies but found both print and “free” digital versions unavailable.

Hardware Is Hard and Often a Money Pit

• Multiple software engineers describe being humbled by real-world hardware design: moving from prototype to manufacturable product requires huge effort in DFM, layout, assembly quirks, adhesives, stress fractures, etc.
• Hardware careers are portrayed as lower paid and more demanding than software; some see dwindling new EE talent in the US and aging experts, making passion the main motivator.

Positioning vs. Other Electronics Books

• Commenters compare this book to “The Art of Electronics”: AoE is seen as an outstanding but heavy, theory-centric textbook, while this book targets practical product design and process.
• Some say it fills a niche for “getting a product out the door” rather than deep theory, and could complement AoE.
• Others argue it’s rule-based and prescriptive, with not enough underlying theory to know when its advice fails; they recommend “Analog SEEKrets” and similar resources for leveling up.

Technical and Safety Critiques

• Concern about recommendations like n‑propyl bromide (described as neurotoxic) and casual solvent choice; long subthread on IPA vs ethanol, denaturants, residue, and flux removers.
• One commenter notes inaccuracies/overstatements around ferrite beads and SMPS datasheet guidance.
• Discussion on certification labs, FCC/CE, UL’s role, and the cost/“hazing” of getting real products certified; also, widespread lack of metrology awareness among EEs.

Components, Packages, and DFM Concerns

• Strong plea for avoiding leadless/super-small parts where not needed, emphasizing repairability and manufacturability.
• Counterpoint: modern shops should handle QFNs/DFNs; at scale, board space often outweighs rework pain.
• Clarification that “leadless” discussion is about package leads, not Pb metal and RoHS; RoHS pressures still favor lead‑free solder.

Learning Path and Resources for Beginners

• Several people ask for truly beginner‑friendly electronics books; AoE is seen as too steep for absolute novices.
• Alternatives suggested include Forrest Mims’ books and “Practical Electronics for Inventors,” plus ham radio licensing, LTSpice, and classic circuit encyclopedias as practical training paths.