So lost... where do I start?

[Desp]

I'd really like to start building simple electronics, perhaps later on being able to tie into a PC and using software, and perhaps after that simple robotics. I'm just confused where to start. Although I have a good foundation in audio, video and electricity, I'm really clueless when it comes down to the actual transistors, resistors, diods etc. Although I know what they do on basic terms, I dont know how to make them all work together. So does anyone have a starting point? (i'd really like to build a brushless motor controller, not really to control speed, just to make a brushless CD-rom motor run)

[rick.benjamin]

Give this a read:
http://www.seattlerobotics.org/encoder/oct99/spctl3.pdf
And, if you would like to start with a brushed esc, lookup Stephan Voerketter. He has designed a couple and shares them.

[Malc C]

In the simplest terms, a resistor limits the current flowing through it so could be thought of as a funnel, the higher the value the narrower the exit spout :) A transistor is in effect an electronic switch, by applying a voltage to its base it will conduct current between the other two terminals, but a transistor can also amplify signals which is why they are aften found in audio circuits. Diodes are like one way valves, allowing current to flow in one direction only.

To be honest, a brushless motor controller is somthing that is not suitable for a novice. You would be best to start with simple LED projects, maybe using a NE555 IC or simple logic chips and use a solderless breadboard to experiment with. Then once you got the basics you should be able to follow more complicated schematics including ones for brushless controllers.

[rick.benjamin]

Stefan's website is http://www.capable.ca/stefanv/rcstuff/

[rick.benjamin]

Looking for excitement, eh?
Professor Tony VanRoon shares megatons of knowledge:
http://www.uoguelph.ca/~antoon/gadgets/gadgets.htm
Prepare for overload!

[rick.benjamin]

Microscream is basic and useful. http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=221018&highlight=microscreamer+

[Andrew0820]

Besides Tony van Roon's and Stefan's site which have several tutorials and a lot of circuits, also try All About Circuits (http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/) -- an excellent site providing a lot of basic theory about both digital and analog components.

[Gary Warner]

I would suggest getting a "101 Electronics Kit" (or what ever it's called) from Radio Shack. It will give you a good fundamental way of applying book knowledge. You can experiment with deviations to the 'caned' circuits to further understand the effects of different components and values. The bread board wiring format makes experimentation easy to do. I got mine when I was 7 years old and fixed my first TV when I was 8 (bad connections at a tube socket base - got banned from Rev. Armstrong's house - that's another story :rolleyes: ).

Radio Shack also has some good small books that explain circuits and components in an easy to understand format.

[Desp]

Besides Tony van Roon's and Stefan's site which have several tutorials and a lot of circuits, also try All About Circuits (http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/) -- an excellent site providing a lot of basic theory about both digital and analog components.

Hey thanks for the site, it helps explain things in simple terms. very
interesting.


Gary, I actually think I will go to radio shack tomorrow, I'll see what I can find! Maybe I'll even go over to frys, I bet they have some good kits.