Stop!! Stop!! Stop!!

[Co_Driver]

I need some (lots) help?????

I want to build all kinds of projects that I read about here and in 2 books that I bought by G. R. Slone.

My problem is that I thought that these 2 books would contain enough information to educate myself to get started.

Big "NO". The more I read posts here on this forum and look at kits and other projects on the net, the more stupid i seem to feel or get.

So I need the help from all the wise people on this forum to please guide me in the best way to educate myself in the basics, and then on to the next level so I can understand more (alot more) about what I want to be my new hobby "DIY Audio".

BOOKS ??
COMPUTER PROGRAMS??
COLLAGE COURSE??
ANYTHING ELSE??

or if anyone wants to let me stand over their shoulder while they work on their own projects (if they live in Southern California), I would be willing to do or try just about anyhting!!!

Thanks in advance for all your suggestions,

Jay M.

[JOE DIRT®]

patiance

[Nelson Pass]

If you feel like you're in too deep, back up and try something
nice and simple. You probably aren't 75 years old yet, so you
have plenty of time.

If you are 75, then step on it.

[Co_Driver]

Mr, Pass

No I'm not 75 yet, only 29 all though somtimes I feel 75. But there has to be 1 if not a few books or something else that you could recommend to get me started with the basics other than trial and error. I would rather spend money on books, computer programs, or a night course @ collage, that wil give me something to referance or fall back on a few years from now instead of a box (really big box) blown up failed attempts that I didn't even understand why they bleww up in the fist place. So please guys give me some real (educational) suggestions?!?!?

(*** kissing or not)

Honored to have Mr. Pass reply to a peion as myself

C-Ya, Jay M.

[Muz]

CO_Driver,

One thing I've found to be very helpful is to muck around with a circuit simulator - try different topologies & component values to get an intuitive feel for how the circuit works. LTSpice is a good way to go (google it).

There's not many good textbooks around that give a solid grounding in electronics of an audio flavour. D. Self's book is ok but has no theory. Rod Elliot's ESP web site has some good articles. (http://sound.westhost.com/index.html)

Cheers,
Murray

[Aud_Mot]

Aud_Mot's Excellent books list:

"The Art of Electronics.
Paul Horowitz and Winfeild Hill
ISBN 0-521-37095-7
It is big and expensive.

I still refer to a book called
"How to Design and Build Audio Amplfiers"
by Mannie Horowitz
ISBN 0-8306-1206-8
Amazon says, out of print. Might find it on half.com, or amazon.com. Worth picking up used. A great place to start. Goes through the very basics of transistors and on from there.

And Douglas Self's book audio amp book
I forget the name but it is excellent. Some one help me out here.

Recently, Nuts and Volts Magazine had a transistor cookbook series, I do not know if it will get consoidated and publsihed.

None of these get into the esoteric, audiophile stuff. Good basic EE engineering. You need that perspective too. This forum gives you all the audio perfection stuff you can use.

Aud_Mot

[Co_Driver]

Com on guys some help please?

Everybody is viewing this thread but, no posts!

All I have is the 2 books I mentioned and this computer to gather information and learn.

I have bought some stuff that I thought would be good to start with -

#1 - 5 channel amp from a Klipsch computer audio system 80 watts per channel.

#2 - New old stock Hafler factory-assembled dual 60W MOSFET audio amplifier circuit on a single circuit board. This same basic board (with very minor changes) was used in famous "Hafler" model: DH120, Pro1200 and G150 amplifiers.

#3 - Computer Grade FILTER CAPACITORS -- 15,000 UF (MFD) 75V.

(I wanted to combine #1 & #2 into a 5.1 HT amplifier)

But because I really don't have a grasp on the basics and dont want to wast the money that I spent on these, I can't start!?!?

New question. What types of begining tools should I staet collecting (soldering iron, multi meter, hand tools)????

[medum]

You can't just read a lot, and then build your perfect amps.

Buy a subscription of som good american magazine - you americans are much better off than we are in my little country.

Not many people are making diy audio these days, but maybe there is an increasing interest??

Find something interesting and build it!

Learning by doing - by night. That's the way.
Keep the spirit

Jørn

[Damon Hill]

Alas for the days of Heathkit, Dynakit, Knightkit, Eico, etc.

I put together a lot of test gear and a receiver, without knowing
the first thing about electronics. It gave me a good hands-on
experience with hardware, electronic components, and soldering.

For electronic basics, you might consider taking courses at a vocational school. Check out what they're using for text books;
you might find them at used book stores.

It's frustrating at first, but you'll gain a sense of perspective.
Just keep at it!

[subwo1]

One important thing is to keep studying semiconductors until you understand how they work. Just start at the basics and work with that. Your first experimental project can be a one transistor voltage follower, for example. The practice makes the difference.