Introductions seem to be in order...

[uiyga]

Well, I'm a bit young compared to everyone else it seems....only a mere 15 (16 in May..), but it's better to start learning young, right? I got a bit of an interest into DIY stuff a few years ago when I became a bit interested with computers. After playing with all that stuff, I just found interests in other topics that caught my interest... Most of my classmates consider me a geek, but hey, everyone is a bit, I have two computers up and running that I ended up putting together myself, then I helped a relative with restoration of his house, so I learned a bit about wiring, and my interest in electronics became rather high. So to make a long story short, I felt it was time i found a wholesome hobby.

I don't know too much about everything yet, just touching the surface, so I was hoping someone may have a nice idea for something to start on to get my feet wet, any help is appreciated. Other than that...I'm relatively normal, living in a rural suburb is rather boring after all. So thanks for any help and glad to meet you all.

/Nate (Very American name isn't that?)

[Sch3mat1c]

Well hi!

I'm only 16, so I know I'm not alone!

Tim

[colin.hepburn2]

Hi Viyqa

I Am 16+ 2 and a bit why not get some Book’s Like Starting Electronics by Keith Brindley ISBN 0-7506-2053-6 Butterworth Heinemann Ltd this is British book but you may find it on some book sites
I am still learning this electronic stuff so you are not alone

What are you interested in Building If it’s audio Amps Have a look at Geoff’s The class a amp site at the JLH 10watt Single ended class a amp you will learn something hear
But if you tri this you will need some big Heatsinks not cheap or you can search for the gainclone threads



Hope I have been of some help

Regards
Colin
http://www.gmweb.btinternet.co.uk/jlh1969.htm

[psychokids]

hey, I'm 16 also, although for just over a month. if you play guitar, id recommend building a few simple effects boxes to get started. ive been building them since I was 12 and its always fun to see how much i can cram into such a small box. even if you dont play guitar, you probably know people who do and you might even find some thatll pay you for parts too. good way to get experience for free. otherwise, id find simple preamp or small power amp schematics and get to work putting stuff together. good luck.

-chris

[planet10]

Welcome,

There are lots of kids here -- and a good thing. You can pick up some tried & true tricks from us older geeks, but you guys bring a fresh perspective & are the future of the hobby.

dave

[Circlotron]

Gidday Nate! Age is unimportant except that you have the advantage that brain-fade has not caught up with you yet. For a small but really good project have a look at that gainclone amplifier thingo around here somewhere. Throw yourself into this stuff all the way and keep going at it for a long time and you will find yourself eventually doing projects (and designing your own) that you probably wouldn't dream of at present. You will be able to pick up a circuit diagram like a competent musician picks up a piece of sheet music and know whether it is good or junk just by looking at it. See the pic of this partly built stone-age oscilloscope? I built it when I was *exactly* the same age as you. I was almost overwhelmed at the time but now it would be a doddle. You will find exaclty the same thing as you progress. It takes time to get to know who's who around here but you will find that if you are sensible and respectful then people will be falling over themselves to help you. Welcome and good luck.

[SkinnyBoy]

I AM 17!! lol... and... welcome.. hope you enjoy your stay, and that it is a long one..

[uiyga]

Wow, thanks for all the replies guys. I'll start looking for a copy of the books you mentioned Colin, and the suggestions for starting are good, once I finish this bloody homework I'll be good to actually do something tonight! Glad to see that 'm not the only young one with little experiance too, always a relief.

Nate

[colin.hepburn2]

Uiyga

Think I remember that homework stuff you may find the book on amazon.com or on one of the links here for more books and projects free schematics etc check these links

Colin


http://electronic-circuits-diagrams.com/

http://www.electronickits.com/

[psychokids]

homework? i havent had any in weeks. at least where i go to school, its very possible to finish everything in-class if you stay on task and occasionally sacrifice your lunch to the library. and they give me straight a's for it. what a nice feeling it is to get home from school and know i have nothing to do for 8 hours but electronics and occasional movies and what not. everybody in school should try it sometime.

-chris