I've always had a passion for taking apart old electronics to see how they work. Besides an outdated kid's DIY kit from the early 2000s, I don't have formal training in electronics. Recently, I've been building props for Halloween. As an electrician, I've picked up some knowledge about relays and contactors. Last year, I created a TNT box that used a microswitch to activate a contactor for a strobe light explosion effect. Now, I'm eager to learn how to make props that incorporate sounds and more complex circuits, but I'm feeling a bit lost about various components and where to start learning. Any advice?
3 Answers
Electronics is a vast area, so it helps to start with specific interests. I recommend downloading datasheets for the components you're curious about, and looking for project books that align with those interests. Since you're salvaging parts, like from a UPS, think about how to repurpose them. Understanding MOSFETs and how inverters work is a great step, but there's definitely a lot to learn—just keep digging!
One great way to get started is to check out Forrest Mims' books; they really helped me when I was starting out. Also, you should definitely watch some teardown videos—Ben Eater's stuff is pretty instructional. And of course, don't shy away from just experimenting! Learning to read datasheets and using an oscilloscope can take you a long way too.
I'd suggest you first outline what you want your projects to do. That way, you can come back here later and ask for guidance on specific platforms or components that fit your project. If your focus is on Halloween props, you'll likely want to explore ESP32 microcontrollers or even Raspberry Pis for more advanced projects.