Learn electricity and electronics fundamentals without taking a formal course

Books and Resources for Self-Study

• Many recommendations beyond the linked book:
  • “The Art of Electronics” (AoE) repeatedly cited as a gold-standard reference, especially its associated student manual and lab workbook.
  • “Practical Electronics for Inventors” mentioned as more accessible but still challenging for some.
  • Other suggested texts: “Foundations of Analog and Digital Electronic Circuits”, various embedded-systems books, Navy NEETS modules, ARRL Handbook, AT&T training manuals, PCB and product reverse‑engineering books.
  • Online/video resources: EEVblog, analog-synth and music-synthesis playlists, MIT OCW, interactive simulators like Falstad, KiCad for PCB design.

Debate on Difficulty and What “Fundamentals” Means

• Strong disagreement on AoE:
  • Some learned a lot from it with only high-school physics and tinkering experience.
  • Others found it “impenetrable” or “awful” as a first book and say it’s not suitable for blank‑slate beginners.
• Similar split on “Practical Electronics for Inventors”: praised by some, called useless by others.
• Concern that the linked book’s “fundamentals” may really be “basics,” missing key theoretical tools like Thevenin equivalents.

Math Prerequisites and Gatekeeping Concerns

• A subthread centers on a reader stuck at early calculus notation (dQ/dt).
• Some advise explicitly: you need at least basic calculus; electronics = physics + math + logical thinking.
• One commenter argues that overreliance on formal math-first presentations acts as a gatekeeping mechanism and suggests more intuitive, stepwise teaching.

Desire for Ultra-Beginner and Repair-Focused Paths

• Multiple people want a book for someone who:
  • Doesn’t know Ohm’s law, resistors, or capacitors.
  • Ultimately wants to build a microcontroller board or repair modern devices.
• Specific wish for:
  • A “board anatomy” style book explaining common PCBs (e.g., appliances, vacuums, radios) and how to reason about fault-finding.
  • An electronics text built entirely around simulators and hobbyist tools.

Transistors as a Major Pain Point

• Several ask whether this or other books will “finally” make transistors click.
• Discussion covers:
  • Conceptual analogies (valves, “traffic cop” analogy) vs deeper device physics.
  • BJTs seen as especially unintuitive; some recommend starting with MOSFETs or first mastering diodes.
  • Emphasis that serious transistor understanding sits on a “large pile” of algebra and theory.

Hands-On vs Formal Learning

• Many stress that the best way to learn is by building:
  • Old RadioShack/Philips kits, modern kits from hobbyist vendors, repair attempts on broken gear.
  • Reverse engineering PCBs as a learning path, though it still requires some theory.
• Some defend formal courses as valuable; others say formal texts kill their curiosity and prefer practical, interest‑driven approaches.

Meta: Is This Just an Ad? Why on HN?

• Several readers are puzzled that a paywalled book page is the top HN link, calling it “just an ad.”
• Others note that self‑promotion is allowed within limits and that often the topic (learning electronics) is what drives upvotes.
• A side comment warns against the idea that “AI will make learning obsolete,” stressing that many people enjoy understanding and building things regardless of automation.