EEVblog #280-4 - Talking Electronics - The Internet And Learning - Part 4 of 5

Part 4 of an interview with Colin Mitchell, the pioneering founder of Talking Electronics magazine.
In this part he talks about the internet, learning electronics, and forums.

[KyleCarrington]

Great stuff! I love Colin's site and it truly was the "spur" that kicked off my first bench. Recently I decided, darn it, I have to support this guy, so I bought a transistor test kit, great little circuit! Kudo's to both of you, as the premier "exciters" in online electronics learning.

[adesantoasman]

starting from nothing and to start building kits, TRUE! i started from the simple FM bug, the Wasp Project. Brilliant, super done. Thank you

[sal]

Thank you very much for the upload. Not only this is great entertainment, but also so many insights in different topics. It really made my day!

[CampKohler]

I could listen to him for hours. And just did!

[typedeaf]

Ha I thought I was alone in this dilemma. I have about 5 real books for learning electronics, and many websites and video blogs. Between the lot of them, I STILL have problems understanding some concepts.

[zaferibrahim]

Mr colin
You are the best
Thank you
Zafer

[mootant]

Different thing altogether but similar concept: on channel9.msdn.com Microsoft asked some people to introduce more complicated concepts to "simple programmers" in form of video lectures. They have one about F#, one about Haskell and I think there were more but I can't remember.

[Menimitz]

I would be willing to pay for a quality guide to transistors that does a general overview like discussed here followed by an in depth review if desired. That would be worth a lot to me, especially in print.

[christianmaher]

5:16 "Why pay for it"? Well I know why pay YOU for it. Quality, and because you've earned it.

[superdau]

That's exactly how I see it. At uni every topic had THE ONE reference book (mind you, I started computer science at a time the internet was grey pages with blue links). After a few books (around a hefty 100€ a piece) I came to the conclusion that's just stupid.
I now teach programming, physics (basic level) and electronics (self-taught) at uni. Whenever I get a question about a "good" book, I say there's not one. Just compare different sources on the web and find one fitting your learning style.

[onjofilms]

Interesting guy, nice interview. As a critique (I know maybe you haven't done a lot of interviews) but the "yep, exactly, yep, " coming out of the left speaker was very distracting. I wanted to focus on what he was saying. Giving him more time to breath would have been a tad better. But nice guy to interview and keep up the good work. Don't take this the wrong way.

[MariaEngstrom]

It's a bit ironic that while they are talking about their love for electronics, a piece of electronic (smoke alarm) is beeping for for attention as it's being starved of energy. :D

[BillRen-nlmx]

Most times people only want and need a quick synopsis to get the task done they dont want to be Einstein clones. Some of us have multifaceted interests and hobbies and cant/dont want to spend a life of study for each and every facet of sciences but we may need bits and sections. Forums can be a real trap though as often you will get 10 conflicting answers per question often by people who dont know but still play the expert

[quesocat]

I didn't notice it until I read your comment. damnit. I can't un-hear it!

[atamasuzu]

hmm, everything is free is not really truth. It could be, but who is to pay the book writers?