[sdiy] OT: Further Learning

[Kevin Lightner]

>I'll be graduating from the University of Pittsburgh in about a week.
>:) In the next 3 days i have 3 tests and a design project due then i'm
>DONE. They just can't let me slip out easily. ;)
>
>Basically I'm looking to continue from where I'm leaving off here at Pitt
>as well as learning some of the techniques used in designing synth
>related circuits. Also if you know of a good general reference book
>that would be helpful too.
>
>-Dave

If you're going to remain online and hopefully via broadband, there's 
a ton of reference material available if you go looking. I tend to 
keep PDF files and datasheets once I find them and print them out as 
needed. I have a decent library now.
Better for the trees and your own personal environment, because 
unless you're doing a lot of component selection, you probably won't 
need many of the hundreds of pages included in some of these huge 
books.

Fwiw, I would also recommend buying or declaring a synth already 
owned as a study piece.
Or buy broken synths and repair them, build kits or DIY projects, etc.
The basic thought being that hands-on experience has considerable 
value in honing techniques and skills to apply your textbook 
knowledge. Lab projects for college have their usefulness I imagine, 
but experimenting on your own time will teach you more in the long 
run. Broken units can teach troubleshooting techniques, blackbox 
analysis, various constructional techniques, failure modes, etc.
It's a challenge to have an unknown in front of you sometimes. :)

While some efforts of circuit benders likely appear pathetic to EE's, 
there also exists an opposite situation where a tech can have theory 
down pat, but be without the mechanical engineering experience to 
implement a reliable design in the real world. I can't tell you how 
many hardcore designs I've seen where the engineer was brilliant, but 
didn't understand how to strain relieve his wiring, what lockwashers 
or heatshrink was, providing no access for tools, airflow, vibration, 
etc.

I remember looking at my first Chroma with a thought "Hmm.. the chips 
are in sockets, the boards are upsidedown and this large solenoid 
whacks the panel everytime I hit a button? I can't imagine why the 
chips are loose." ;-)

Best wishes in your continued studies :)


-- 
Regards,
Kevin Lightner

Myself: http://www.synthfool.com
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