Hey everyone! I've recently developed an interest in electronics, but I'm really starting from scratch here. I'm familiar with some terms like breadboard, soldering, Arduino, and Raspberry Pi, but I don't really know what they all mean or how to use them. I don't have any tools other than a tiny screwdriver. I'm not sure what I need to buy, what steps to take, or even which YouTube channels or playlists to follow. I came across some fascinating projects from channels like Atera Byte, and it sparked my curiosity. I want to dive into this hobby for my own enjoyment, not academically. So where should I start? What tools are essential, and how can I find helpful resources?
3 Answers
Welcome to the hobby! A soldering iron, some flux-core solder, and side cutting snips are going to be your best friends as you build circuits. You don’t need to spend a fortune; there are solid budget options out there. For learning, start with YouTube to grasp the basics. I love this (https://youtu.be/6Maq5IyHSuc?si=HcHZcHAaE6Yc62y6&utm_source=MTQxZ) from BigClive; it's a great introduction!
Oh man, BigClive is one of my favorites as well!
Check out "Hardware Hacking" by Nicolas Collins; it's a free book that starts with simple exercises, which can be super helpful! Here's the link to the [PDF](https://www.nicolascollins.com/texts/originalhackingmanual.pdf). It really got me into synth building! You might also want to try the Teensy with its online synth building app for some fun projects.
Thank you man! Will definitely give this a read.
You could kick things off with a beginner kit for popular boards like Arduino, ESP32, or Raspberry Pi. They usually come with all the basic components you need to start experimenting. Here's a good [link](https://a.co/d/eVUG9Jv) to an ESP32 beginner kit if you're interested!

Appreciate it brother, thank you for welcoming me into your fascinating world.