Do-It-Yourself Circuitbuilding For Dummies (Do-It-Yourself for Dummies)

Do-It-Yourself Circuitbuilding For Dummies
	About the Author
	Dedication
	Author’s Acknowledgments
	Introduction
		What You’re Not to Read
		Assumptions About You
		How This Book Is Organized
		Conventions and Icons
		Where to Go from Here
	Part I: Working Basics for Electronic-ers
		Chapter 1: The Toolbox
			Basic Tools for Building Circuits
			The Solderless Breadboard
			Your Notebook
			Software Tools
		Chapter 2: Basic Techniques
			Basic Metalworking
			The Joy of Soldering
			Making Sense of Schematic Diagrams
	Part II: Building Circuits
		Chapter 3: Using a Solderless Breadboard
			Breadboarding an Audio Amplifier
			Breadboarding a Digital Timer
			Constructing the Audio Amplifier
			Testing the Audio Amplifier Circuit
			Constructing the Digital Timer
		Chapter 4: Building a Printed Circuit Board
			Getting Your Workspace Ready
			Putting a Through-Hole PC Board Together
			Building a Surface-Mount PC Board
			Constructing the Through-Hole Board
			Constructing the Surface-Mount Board
		Chapter 5: Building a Prototype
			Building an Audio Level Controller
			Building a 12V-to-5V Regulator
			Building an Audible Alarm
			Constructing the Level Controller
			Constructing the Regulator
			Constructing the Alarm
		Chapter 6: Building from a Published Schematic
			Preparing to Build
			Building a Circuit Dead-Bug Style
			Building Circuits Manhattan-Style
			Building Circuits Using Twist ‘n’ Twirl Wire-Wrap
			Constructing the Timer Circuit
			Constructing the Shortwave Buffer Circuit
			Constructing the DC-to-DC Converter Circuit
	Part III: Cables and Connectors
		Chapter 7: Terminals and Connectors
			Crimp Terminals and Tools
			Making RS-232 Connectors
			Installing a Crimp Terminal
			Adding a DC Power Fuse
			Installing a Telephone Plug
			Replacing a Telephone Jack
			Making a Computer Network Cable
			Making an RS-232 Data Cable
		Chapter 8: Wiring for Wireless Radio
			The Case for Coaxial Cable
			Using a Coaxial Connector Crimping Tool
			Coax Connectors — All in the Family
			Installing a TV-Style Connector
			Installing a CB-Style Connector
			Installing a Scanner-Style Connector
			Weatherproofing an Exterior Connection
		Chapter 9: Mastering Power
			Adding an AC In-Line Switch
			Wiring an AC Fuseholder
			Installing an AC Plug
			Splicing a Power Cord
		Chapter 10: Audio and Sensitive Connections
			The XLR: A Real Pro Connector
			Plugging In to Phono Plugs
			Taking a Temperature Electronically
			Installing a Microphone Connector
			Installing a Phono Plug
			Creating a Stereo Patch Cable
			Constructing a Temperature Sensor
	Part IV: Measuring and Testing
		Chapter 11: Meet the Test Equipment
			What to Measure
			Your Basic Test Equipment
			Advanced Testing Equipment
			The Oscilloscope
		Chapter 12: Measurements That Test Your Circuits and Projects
			Making Measurements Safely
			Using Ohm’s Law to Measure Resistance
			Testing a Transistor
			Measuring in Decibels
			Measuring Voltage
			Measuring Current
			Measuring Resistance with Ohm’s Law
			Checking a Transistor
			Measuring Period and Frequency
			Making Measurements in Decibels
			Measuring Frequency Response
	Part V: Maintaining Electronic Equipment
		Chapter 13: Who Let the Smoke Out?
			Troubleshooting and Debugging Basics
			Pondering Power Problems
			Diagnosing Audio Problems
			Analyzing Analog Circuits
			Diagnosing Digital Circuits
		Chapter 14: Maintaining Your Cool (Stuff)
			Taking Care of Tools and Test Instruments
			Maintaining a Winning Workspace
			Maintaining Electronic Equipment
			Keeping on Schedule
		Chapter 15: Getting a Charge Out of Batteries
			A Bunch of Battery Basics
			Ah . . . Introducing Amp-hours and Characteristic Voltage
			Disposable Batteries versus Rechargeable Batteries
			Exploring the World of Battery Packs
			Following Basic Battery Tips
			Adhering to the Rules of Battery Safety
		Chapter 16: Electronics in Motion
			Learning About Mobile Installation
		Chapter 17: Getting Rid of Interference and Noise
			Dealing with Interference
			Installing a High-Pass Filter
			Installing a Split-Core Ferrite Choke
	Part VI: The Part of Tens
		Chapter 18: Ten Circuitbuilding Secrets
			Be Patient and Alert
			Spring for Quality Tools and Toolbox
			Use Plenty of Light
			Get Good References
			Hold On to Your Junk
			Buddy Up
			Test in Steps
			Keep a Notebook
			Pass It On
			Take Pride in Your Craft
		Chapter 19: Ten Circuit First-Aid Techniques and Supplies
			Common Replacement Transistors and ICs
			Clip Leads
			Electrical Tape
			Wire Nuts and Crimp Splices
			Molded Connectors
			12V Soldering Iron
			Clothespin and Rubberband Vises
			Loose Connectors
			Broken Antennas
			Dead Rechargeable Batteries
	Glossary
	Appendix A: Circuitbuilding Resources
		Parts and Pieces: Electronic Components
		Go Nuts: Mechanical Hardware
		References
	Index
	Bonus Chapter 1: Resistor Types
		Meet the Resistors
		Power Dissipation and Voltage Ratings
		Choosing Resistors
		Further Reading
	Bonus Chapter 2: Capacitor Types
		Meet the Capacitors
		Capacitor Construction
		The Capacitor Menu