I’d like to start playing around with projects, circuit boards, etc. But would like recommendations for a good springboard.
I work in a library, so book recommendations are appriciated.
On the same note, any suggestions on where to purchase materials? Is radio shack decent enough?
I’ll probably just end up shocking the crap out of myself, but hopefully I’ll learn something in the process.
Radio Shack is fine, but the little parts are pretty expensive compared to what you can get elsewhere.
You want to start with a good Proto-Board like one of these. Then you’ll want a decent power supply (you can use batteries for now, but a nice 0-12v supply is a wonderful thing), a multimeter, and then go get a project book that has circuit diagrams in both shematic and prototype form. Have fun!
Oddly enough, it was a prototype She-Matic that turned me on to electronics in the first place…
Check out MCM Electronics. They have kits, proto boards, and lots of things for the experimenter and hobbyist.
Radio Shack is good if you need something right now, but most of their stuff is hideously overpriced and they never seem to have every component you’ll need for a project - even simple ones. If you can’t find a good place to buy stuff locally (which is likely), try Mouser or Digi-Key.
You may also want to check out this site for a pretty basic electronics primer, along with some simple projects and a list of common components you’ll want to purchase.
I’ve never tried it, but I heard Snap Circuits work pretty well. (Google “Snap Circuits” to find vendors.)
As far as books go, I really like the small books written by Forest M. Mims III. They’re published by Radio Shack.
Does Radio Shack still sell those “250 in 1’s”?
They’re basically a children’s toy, but with 250 documented circuits you can make. Everything from radios to high voltage generators (that can kill a lightning bug 
), to audio devices that go WOooOOOO WoooooOOOOOOhhhhhh WoOoooooOOOOOh!! (And more!)
No soldering just a big circuit board with spring connectors and enough wires to connect anything to anything.
Those taught me a lot when I was a kid…
Plus I built shortwave radio and “lie detector” kits from there among various and sundry other things, which did serve as crash courses in soldering.
This might help a bit with regard to chips and logic.
Only other thing I can add as for sources is my favorite, www.newark.com
Have fun, it’s a rewarding hobby.
Jameco and Digi-Key are the darlings of those in the model railroad world who are heavily into electronics.
Do a google search for surplus electronics, and you’ll get places like Herbach & Rademan, who are aimed more towards hobbyists than the two I already mentioned.
If you live in or near a major metropolitan area, look in the yellow pages for electronic wholesalers (or suppliers). It’s always good to have one locally so you can go in and look. Indianapolis, where I used to live, had 3; Norfolk VA area, where I am now, has none.
I suggest you get some breadboards and a power supply to start. Some are available already integrated. Also, a decent set of tools, including wirewrap. Oh, and 2 or more volumes of the 1k+1 available circuits for any occasion type books.
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Yes, Radio Shack has something called Electronic Sensor Lab. I bought one for my kids for Christmas. It’s pretty nice, though I wonder if I should have gotten a Snap Circuit instead.
Of course, for the more serious/advanced student, breadboarding is the way to go. You may also want to check out a book called 101 Solderless Breadboarding Projects by Delton T. Horn.
If you want a good book, I reccomend “Starting Electronics.” by Keith Brindley.. And yes, Radio Shack is definitely pricey and has a very limited selection.