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The Simple Guide To Learning Electronics For Beginners

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Oyvind Nydal Dahl testing an LCD displayElectronics for beginners is a topic I love. There are too many people out there trying to preach that electronics is hard. Of course it takes time to become an expert. But you can start having fun, and build useful things pretty much right away. And it’s easy!

Wouldn’t it be cool to make something like a remote control or an amplifier? Or maybe something more advanced like a quadcopter or a mobile phone?

Do these steps, and you will be well on your way to building whatever gadget you are dreaming about.

Step 1: Get An Overview Of The Basics

The first step to take, is to get a simple understanding of the basic concepts in electronics for beginners.

Voltage, Current and Resistance

  • Current is measured in Amp or A
  • Voltage is measured in Volt or V
  • Resistance is measured in Ohm or \Omega

Here is a nice illustration:

Ohms law cartoon

Learn more about the basics of current, voltage and resistance.

Schematics

Schematic diagrams are like recipes for electronics. They tell you exactly how to connect the components to make a certain circuit.

There are a gazillion schematic diagrams on the internet. So without knowing any theory, you can actually build some pretty advanced circuits. As long as you know the practical steps on how to build a circuit.

Basic Components

I wouldn’t spend too much time in this phase when you are starting out. Just read a bit to get your curiosity started. Then move on to the next step.

Start by skimming through my popular article on the basic electronic components. Or choose a specific component you want to learn more about from one of these articles:

Then, as you progress and get curious about something, you can come back to this “Electronics For Beginners”-guide and learn more about the components.

Step 2: Start Building Circuits

If you would like to learn public speaking – what do you think is the best way to do it? Study it or actually do it? I think you would agree that you’ll learn more from actually speaking in public.

My book on electronics for beginners

So as soon as possible, start building circuits. This is the number one thing to do if you want to learn electronics.

The easiest way to start is by building kits. You’ll get the board and all the components in one package. All you need to do is follow the instructions.

But, eventually you should free yourself from these instructions and start building circuits on your own. Start by building some circuits using breadboards and stripboards.

I have written a super practical eBook you might find helpful: Getting Started With Electronics.

The book gives you step-by-step instructions on building your first circuits – from a blinking light to a music-playing gadget. It also covers the basics of electronics: what components you need to know, and how to choose components for your circuit. I recommend you to read it and do the steps to get comfortable with building circuits.

Step 3: Get an understanding of microcontrollers

A microcontroller chip on a fingerNow that you have built some circuits and gotten your ears wet, it’s time to learn about microcontrollers. They are one of the most useful tools in electronics.

You can choose how deep you want to go at this step. Maybe you just want to read about the basics of microcontrollers, or maybe you want to go deeper play around with some more advanced microcontroller topics for a while.

One of the simplest ways to get started with microcontrollers is with Arduino. Whatever you choose, it’s useful to know about the possibilities you have with microcontrollers.

Step 4: Start a project you are passionate about

Now the REAL fun begins!

Take on a project that you feel inspired by. Something you think would be really cool to make. By doing this, you will meet many challenges. And these challenges are good, because they will show you what you need to learn.

In this phase you’ll probably learn some electronics theory, like Ohm’s law. And some useful circuit concepts, like the current limiting resistor.

A good resource for you, when starting your own project, is how to design your own schematics from scratch.

Step 5: Take it to the next level

stereo-vision-tilted-slightlyNow that you have built your first project, it’s time to take your skill level to the next level. It’s time to learn to design your own circuit boards. When you learn this skill, you will be able to design really advanced gadgets like quadcopters, robots, mobile phones +++

Designing your own circuit boards is one of the many skills you’ll learn in my electronics learner’s club Ohmify.

Are you a beginner and want to learn electronics? How can I improve this “Electronics for Beginners”-guide? Let me know what you are struggling with by leaving a comment below. I’ll do my best to guide you on the right path.

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Comments

    • Hey tela!
      That really depends on how deep you want to dive into each step. You can spend everything from a few hours to a few days on each step. I’ll write a blog post soon where I will dive a little deeper into the steps so that it will be easier to see.

      Cheers!
      Oyvind

      Reply

  2. Hi Again.
    I eventually found your clear explanation of the current flow direction issue already posted within your site. I apologise.

    Is it just me?
    I would love to build the stereo amplifier but I just can’t be bothered used an integrated circuit. It is simply the fact that I would rather build it from individual components after studying the schematic for the whole design. Using an IC does not educate ME at all. It is a complete cheat.

    Where can I find a schematic for a similar performing stereo amplifier explaining each components’ contribution. I would really like to build it using individual components. Maybe I am just too old for this.

    Many thanks again for the hours of pleasure I have had today. I have built a signal strength meter that works with some refinements and an astable multivibrator using transistors similar to your project.

    Reply

  3. Ohk first of would lyk to thank fr ur articles sir.I wanna learn how to repair electronis things like powered amps,mixers,mics,keyboards etc.I haVe tried already to repair some self trained,but I wana take it to next level be a proffessional 0789225008

    Reply

  4. Hello. I am an electrical engineer who graduated from California State University Northridge in June of 1995. Later on I took classes in Cerritos College and Los Angeles Trade Technical College in Computer Science and Microtechnology. But unfortunately I am not able to design circuits. I tried very hard but I failed so far. Can you help and guide me?

    Reply

  6. Am inspired indeed and I love every single bit of the information given. How can I start building an an amplifier please

    Reply

  8. Hai…
    It’s really helpful…
    I want to know that.,is tgere any other way simple than programming to program micro controller…

    Reply

    • You mean like a visual drag&drop interface? I’ve heard this exists, but I never looked into it…

      Cheers!
      Oyvind

      Reply

  10. I have a set top box connected to the Dish in my home. I can see programmes in TV when I connect the set top box to the TV with cable via HDMI ports.
    Now I buy a TV which can show digital programmes but does not have a HDMI port. I connect the two ends of the wires which are Red, White and Yellow to the set top box and the TV. Can I see programmes. Actually how can I set up this device with the new model tv.

    Reply

    • It’s pretty much the same thing. Just two different words. There is no official definition of these, and I think people might use them in various ways.

      Cheers!
      Oyvind

      Reply

  13. hey
    thanks alot for this wonderful idea i really like and now my hopes are high of doing the best project in my final year at university. Am going to start building all circuits have ever desired to build

    Reply

      • Sir, I wanna know how to made electric generator and its component to power up the voltage coz I have made a (homemade free energy) and wanted to transform it into electric generator..

        I know you are a good helper so please help me here.

        Thank you

        Reply

  15. Hi, i need some help making a circuit that has multiple sensors(for ex to make an ecg,pulse monitor blood pressure monitor) which are attached to the wrist and than to a display. any suggestions on how to start and what method should i use?and what components?

    Reply

  16. Hi! I’m doing a design and technology course and for my project I am designing a small grandfather clock with a low voltage light – I am going to have 8 LEDs in a circle around my clock face.
    I have some veroboard and have put all of the components in – the LEDs are in parallel. I was wondering whether I have to connect all of the anodes and cathodes using jumpers (wires) to each column??
    Thanks,

    Reply

    • Hey Rowena,

      It’s a bit hard to understand what you mean. Are you asking if you have to use jumpers? Or are you asking if you need to connect them to columns (which columns)?

      Please specify.
      Oyvind

      Reply

      • Hi I have put the LEDs in different columns so they are in parallel. What I would like to know is if I need to connect the different columns together (each lead of the anodes and cathodes together)? To connect them I would use jumpers – this is why I did on a bread board, hope this is clearer, thanks

        Reply

        • I’m guessing you want to control them individually, so in this case, you would connect either all the anodes or the cathodes together yes.

          Oyvind

          Reply

  17. Hi Oyvind.

    Greetings from the Southern tip of Africa….(South Africa and buying components is a challenge…hehe).

    I downloaded your first Ebook on 15 May. WOW I am impressed with it and am loosing sleep at the moment because I can not leave it alone. Great work! I’ll recommend it to anybody who wants to start off with electronics. (By the way I’m 65 years old)

    Before the publication of your second book, your emails indicated that the second issue will be for free. Where/how do I download that? (I still need to download the Super Simple Light – but that’s not an issue)

    Lastly. I need a little information regarding “voltage drop”. So one day you may feel like including this topic in one of your emails. (With power shedding in our country I want to wire my house and put LEDs in strategic places, so when the national power is interrupted, one can move around in the house with some light and not bump into furniture finding candles and torches….)

    Have a fantastic day.

    Wessels

    Reply

    • Hey there Wessels,

      Wow! That’s so nice to hear =)

      The second edition of the book is available from the same download link as the first one. I’ve resent your order email, use that link.

      And I will put your suggestion of power-drop LEDs in my list of ideas. Thanks!

      Have a great day =)
      Oyvind

      Reply

      • Hi Oyvind,
        Thanks for the super-fast reaction. I received the email containing the order.and link.

        Can’t wait to start downloading.

        Kind regards

        Wessels

        Reply

  20. Pls sir i enjoyed ur explanations,i gat a work shop nd also repair electronics but jst dat i want to make my own electronics so can i start with a used circuit or not?nd also how to apply formula for the exert components like resistors dat iz ohms law so sir guid me out .

    Reply

  22. Hello Sir,
    i have to face the competition of electronic. but, i don’t know any thing about that . i want to make anything to that project. would you mind, can you tell me or guide me how to make a simple thing in electronic. i hope you will help me. please sir.

    Reply

  26. how can i design my own circuits? designing in the sense that finding the appropriate value of the components that i want to use.

    Reply

  27. Hi Oyvind,

    I’m 15 years old and really love electronics. Though, I know nothing about the functioningTransistors and Diods etc. Looking at this website answered a lot of questions in my mind. I don’t know how to thank you! Your idea of electronics is just great! Thank you so much! There’s a really simple circuit diagram of a projest I made 3 years ago that I would like to show you. How can I do that?

    You’re the best!

    Reply

  30. HI. Thanks a lot for your post. I bought your e-book and I’m very exciting to start learning about electronics. Maybe you do not have ideia of it, but you have inspired me.

    Thanks a lot.

    Reply

  31. If you were to choose between computer science and electronics What will you choose?( I know it seems pretty obvious i need pros and cons) I’m thinking of going into electronics.

    Reply

    • I would choose electronics because I think it’s more fun. But you have to choose according yo your own personal preferences.-

      Good luck!
      Oyvind

      Reply

  32. Hi Oyvind,

    I have idea on basic functioning of electronic components like, Transistor, Diodes, Capacitors, Inductors, Resistors etc. I never made any electronic circuits practically. I want some hands on experience to build some interesting Electronic circuits. Please let me know how to design & implement these type of circuits and how to choose electronic components for this type of circuit.

    Also help me to make electronic circuits using Micro-controllers & Microprocessors.

    Reply

  34. I am 70 years old and I have discovered that one never stops leaning. I am a mechanical engineer majored in Tribology. I suddenly felt something missing, in this world driven by electronics and decided to do something about it. I started surfing and discovered your site. Great stuff and a regular booster for those starting out. Thank you. I am from India where I find over the last decade a great many stores and sites selling electronics kits. When in doubt I might contact you.

    Chris

    Reply

  35. Hi, if was wondering if you could explain to me how a PNP transistor works. I understand how an NPN transistor works but I have looked in a lot of places and cannot find a clear explanation of how a PNP transistor works. Thanks!

    Reply

  36. I love your teachings. but i want to ask if you can put this things on cd so that they can be glued to at any time we want to go through them.
    Besides, I am working on a mental detector but encountering some problems. can you please give me a working circuit?
    Thanks

    Reply

    • Hi Ogele,

      Thanks for your support! I’ll make a note of the cd idea. But at the moment there are so many other things I need to prioritize.

      Unfortunately I don’t have any mental detector circuits… or did you mean metal detector? Anyway, I don’t have any metal detector circuit either.

      Best,
      Oyvind

      Reply

  38. thanks for taking me thus far in electronics work. please can you guide me in moving red LED light construction?

    Reply

  39. I just want to be able to put a circuit together online so i can take it back to school to show my teacher what i made online at home can someone help me?

    Reply

  42. dear sir am a student of electronics and communication engg .

    i just getting so curious n excited after reading ur articles.

    I just wanna make a amplifier.

    Can u plz help me .

    Reply

  43. hi, I love electronics, but sometimes things PCBs and other parts of it like programming them, troubleshooting them , etcetera often make me feel frustrated, will you be my personal teacher?pls…….if yes I would like to contact you regularly…..

    Reply

  44. The problem with trial and error as a learning technique in electronics is that mistakes can kill, injure, or cause property damage. While most skills carry some level of safety hazard, the means of failure in electronics are not always obvious without good knowledge of how components interact in a circuit.

    Reply

  45. Hi,
    I want to learn Electronics and want to compete with German students, as i am planning to go there.
    I have a diploma in elcetronics and communication. Still i think i have not got enough knowledge.
    Would you help me to know how can i be like them in electronics?
    How to grasp the new technology irrespective of the traditional electronics?

    Reply

    • Hi,

      Hi, you can probably find the curriculums of the german universities online. Then study the same topics as they are studying. And build a lot of circuits, that will always get you ahead.

      Best,
      Oyvind

      Reply

  47. Oyvind,
    What a great blog! I would like to learn the basics of inverting power from 12V batteries to 120V AC power. I have a sailboat that i would like to implement inverter power from 12V batteries to 120V AC and maybe later in a bigger sense on a motor coach build out. Would you recomend a book for basic understanding of these things?

    Reply

  48. Hi Oyvind!

    I love the site and your energy and generosity of spirit, thank you! In return I wanted to share a nice bit of information: In English, the saying that someone is “(still) wet behind the ears” means they are so new, such beginners, that they’re like new-born babies who are still wet behind the ears. So when on this page you say “Now that your ears are wet” – I’m guessing you meant now that we’ve begun, or dived-in to our subject – the meaning is a bit confused… although, it’s also kind of appropriate too in a way. I don’t know what context ‘wet ears’ applies in Norwegian but would be interested in learning!

    I’m just getting back into electronics, so I’m not ‘wet behind the ears’ but a little rusty ;P So when trying to begin again, ‘begin a the beginning’!

    All the best,

    Tom

    Reply

    • Hey Tom,

      Thanks for the clarification! I’ve always thought it meant that you’d gotten started on something.

      Best,
      Oyvind

      Reply

  49. Hi Oyvind,

    I’m trying to kick start a project as a hobby to create something nice for my 4yr old son but not sure where or how to begin. Basically, my son has this fancy toothbrush which makes sounds/animated voices when you press the button. I’m trying to understand how this works and i’m hoping to be able to recreate this and make him a device which can lets say playback my own voice or his favourite Spongebobs voice or so.. Can you advise/suggest how I can go about either building such a thing (circuit??) from scratch.

    Regards,
    Sarfaraz

    Reply

  50. hlo sir
    I m beigner in electronics
    ..
    I want to learn HW to design a circuit
    means if I think about an idea then HW I convert
    into practical
    nd PCB designing
    plz give me sm usefull tutorials to study

    Reply

  51. Hi,

    I want to buy “The Curious Beginner” package but it’s a complex payment option to buy your e-book products due to foreign money transactions. I tried with many Indian debit cards.
    So, suggest me a alternate way to buy your e-books.

    Reply

  52. In “The Curious Beginner” e-book package, I cannot download “Getting Started With Arduino.pdf” file.

    plzzzzz…… help me.

    “Getting Started With Electronics” is the outstanding e-book which makes me to feel electronics is a very interesting subject. I have learnt lot of electronics in shorter period of time because of this e-book.

    .

    Reply

  57. I enjoy your teachings please may you help me with a microcontroller circuit and C program to blink 12leds sequentially

    Reply

  59. Hello,
    First, I,m very impressed with your ideology concerning electronics. I have taken courses from state universities to Harvard and many professers could learn teaching methods from you.
    Second, I’m turning 50 soon and was curious if you thought that may be too late to learn electronics. Hope to hear your thoughts.
    Sincerely,
    Brian Kelly

    Reply

  60. Good afternoon am oluwatobi , i studied electrical electronics , am really interested in knowing more about microprocessor and micro-controller pls i need ur help.

    Reply

  61. This is one, actually the most impressive, practical and useful websites as a learning resource I think I have ever come across. For years I’ve wished I understood better how to go about building / designing or repairing programmable modern gadgets (or at least understanding why they broke). I’d been considering buying an arduino kit for ages. I feel positively enthused by this site – I’ve bookmarked it (from me is an exceptional award!), I will spend a couple of weeks studying all the links then wow I figure I’ll be able to actually do something real. Oyvind, if education is the key to saving the planet in this technological age, I figure you probably have the ideas and ability that would go a long to making it possible! I commend you.

    Reply

    • Hey Mike,
      Wow, thanks! It really means a lot to me that my site gives you hope of learning. You can absolutely learn this.

      Best,
      Oyvind

      Reply

  62. Hi, the e books when I pay is it forever in my phone or every months I need to pay n could you suggest any books other than e books of yours?(first question). (Second question) How to learn 5 to 10 steps of electronic I saw only until step no 5 n where is 6 to 10?

    Reply

  65. Hi sir.i want to assemble a two channel audio amp.can i ask u for a schematic diagram and components?im a beginner and love electronics so much.hope u can help me.thank u.

    Reply

  66. So I’m still new to marking circuits like this. I am skill with electrical work with home and cars, but never tryed making the circuit boards. I tryed some basic stuff now like making an led flash light that does uv, red, and standard light in one… but that’s about all I know.

    After reading your papers it got me thinking about high voltage items like welding machines, and stuff like that.

    So any thing you can make on a circuit board you can also make in large scale as well for high voltage? Or is there problems that come up with size and volts? Excluding the insulation needed for height amps.

    Like could you make a high voltage micro circuit or circuit board?

    Reply

    • Hi,

      Yes you can make high-voltage circuit boards. But then you need to make sure your traces are wide enough for the current and far enough away from each other.

      Best,
      Oyvind

      Reply

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