Need Some Help

[Tommithy]

I've been looking around a while, and I really can't find any books or threads to learn Electrical Stuff(so that I can work on it next year),

Mainly i want like books or tutorials that anyone can suggest.

[Navid Shafa]

I'm sure that someone will provide a great resource, or you'll find something. However, I really have to stress the fact that this kind of mentor is essential. IF your team doesn't currently have an EE mentor, may I suggest an off-season homework assignment?

Seriously, our EE mentor is an immensely helpful teacher. Without him and his students mentees, our robots from the last three years could not be possible.

I feel bad for not suggesting any tutorials, but I think that this is just as important as text-books!

[Al Skierkiewicz]

One of the best references around is the ARRL (American Radio Relay League) Handbook. Most libraries carry several editions. You will find sections on wire sizing, series resistance, correct use of crimp terminals, soldering, batteries and circuit breakers. The sections on antennas will give you a little insight to mounting of the robot radio, the mobile radio operations section will have discussions on RF interference and there are several charts and diagrams as well as pictures to help you in mechanical problems as well. Although it can be a little pricey new, you do get a searchable copy on CD along with the book. You might be able to find one used with CD on Amazon or other sources. It makes a great bookshelf addition to your reference library.

[ebarker]

I just checked around on abebooks and then went to www.arrl.org (http://www.arrl.org/arrl-store) to see the new price for the handbook.

It is $ 49.95 for this huge book. Quite a good value.

[dmitch]

$34 for a new one on amazon. Just look around until you find the best price. Generally speaking, it will be cheaper to buy something from amazon, ebay etc., than to buy from the manufacturer.

[EthanMiller]

Big fan of Make: Electronics myself - http://www.makershed.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=9780596153748

It's got a ton of good stuff in it, and it's quite approachable. Make also sells a lot of other good intro electronics stuff, and the magazine is worth the cost, although it covers a lot more than just electronics.

[sanddrag]

Not directly FIRST related, but one of the best electronics books ever has to be Getting Started in Electronics by Forrest Mims III. He was the author of the manual for the original Altair 8800 (first personal minicomputer) back in 1975 and is probably the most famous electronics author and illustrator of all time. I'd recommend getting an 80's or 90's print version with the green cover if you can.

His books are listed here: http://www.forrestmims.com/