Introduction 1 Book I: Getting Started with Electronics 7 Chapter 1: Entering the Exciting World of Electronics 9 Chapter 2: Understanding Electricity 21 Chapter 3: Creating Your Own Mad-Scientist Lab 37 Chapter 4: Staying Safe 59 Chapter 5: Reading Schematic Diagrams 69 Chapter 6: Building Your Own Electronic Projects 83 Chapter 7: Uncovering the Secrets of Successful Soldering 115 Chapter 8: Measuring Circuits with a Multimeter 127 Chapter 9: Catching Waves with an Oscilloscope 141 Book II: Working with Basic Electronic Components 153 Chapter 1: Working with Basic Circuits 155 Chapter 2: Working with Resistors 197 Chapter 3: Working with Capacitors 227 Chapter 4: Working with Inductors 249 Chapter 5: Working with Diodes and LEDs 261 Chapter 6: Working with Transistors 287 Book III: Working with Integrated Circuits 313 Chapter 1: Introducing Integrated Circuits 315 Chapter 2: The Fabulous 555 Timer Chip 327 Chapter 3: Working with Op Amps 363 Book IV: Getting into Alternating Current 383 Chapter 1: Understanding Alternating Current 385 Chapter 2: Working with Mains Voltage 397 Chapter 3: Supplying Power for Your Electronics Projects 409 Book V: Working with Radio and Infrared 421 Chapter 1: Tuning in to Radio 423 Chapter 2: Building a Crystal Radio 437 Chapter 3: Working with Infrared 449 Book VI: Doing Digital Electronics 467 Chapter 1: Understanding Digital Electronics 469 Chapter 2: Getting Logical 483 Chapter 3: Putting Logic Circuits to Work 505 Chapter 4: Interfacing to Your Computer’s Parallel Port 535 Chapter 5: Getting the Hang of Flip-Flops 567 Book VII: Working with BASIC Stamp Processors 591 Chapter 1: Introducing Microcontrollers and the BASIC Stamp 593 Chapter 2: Programming in PBASIC 615 Chapter 3: Discovering More PBASIC Programming Tricks 641 Chapter 4: Adding Sound and Motion to Your BASIC Stamp Projects 661 Book VIII: Having Fun with Special Effects 679 Chapter 1: Synchronising Sight and Sound with a Colour-Organ Circuit 681 Chapter 2: Unearthing Hidden Treasure with a Handy Metal Detector 693 Chapter 3: Making Light Dance to the Music 713 Chapter 4: Hacking a Toy to Make a Talking Puppet 741 Index 767

8 books in 1 Getting Started with ElectronicsWorking with Basic Electronic ComponentsWorking with Integrated CircuitsGetting into Alternating CurrentWorking with Radio and InfraredDoing Digital ElectronicsWorking with BASIC Stamp ProcessorsHaving Fun with Special Effects The one-stop electronics shop for tinkerers, hobbyists, DIYers and evil geniuses in-the-making If you're fascinated by electronics, this book is for you. From basic concepts and components to integrated circuits and microcontrollers, and from radio to infrared, Electronics All-in-One For Dummies delivers clear, concise information, illustrated step-by-step guidance, troubleshooting tips and dozens of fun, learn-by-building electronics projects. Bringing together eight For Dummies electronics mini-books, this book is your complete how-to guide to this fascinating topic. Whether you're looking for a complete introduction or you've got the basics down and feel like you'd like to try your hand at more advanced electronics projects, you've come to the right place. Brush up on the building blocks – learn how conductors, resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes and transistors work and how to use themKeep it safe – discover how to work safely as you tackle your projectsComplete the circuit – explore integrated circuits, digital circuits, logic circuits and programmable circuitsGet technical – from basic circuits to XOR gates and radio to microcontrollers, get the practical reviews and instruction you need to start building – right away!Have fun while you learn – build dozens of quick, easy projectsBe a troubleshooter – learn to overcome common electronics challenges and make common repairs Open the book and find: Important safety standardsAn introduction to electronics basicsDozens of fun, easy projectsStep-by-step instructions, clearly illustratedTips for working safely with household currentThe ins and outs of working with integrated circuitsAn introduction to microprocessorsTechniques for working with radio control and infrared