[sdiy] Starting Point?

[David G Dixon]

My advice is to get very familiar with the website "Music from Outer Space"
-- there are lots of good synth circuits there, and they are very well
explained.  You can really learn a lot.  Also, get yourself a few books -- a
good book about opamps -- my favorite is the one by Coughlin and Driscoll,
and the IC Op Amp Cookbook by Walter Jung is also very good.  I have really
benefited from The Art of Electronics by Horowitz and Hill as well, but it
is not really a beginner text -- it can be a little difficult, but once you
achieve a certain level of understanding, it is probably indispensible.  To
understand transistor circuits, you can hardly do better than Malvino's
Electronic Principles -- I have the 3rd edition, and it is one of the best
textbooks I have ever seen, on any topic.
 
Also, I would get my hands on a decent circuit simulator (I use NI Multisim,
which is very good, but not entirely idiot-proof).  I simulate virtually
everything, and I find that its a great design tool (although some might say
it's a crutch).  Also, once your simulation schematic is complete, you have
a nice schematic for printing out.
 
Finally, don't be shy about asking questions.  The SDIY list is really good
-- it used to be a lot more active in terms of long back-and-forth
discussions about circuits and stuff, but all the old farts are still
around, I think, and they just love to answer questions.  You should also
join Muff Wiggler and get involved in the DIY threads there -- that's a
great place to share your progress.
 
Finally finally, I would get serious about learning how to make your own
PCBs.  That is something I figured out very early in my electronics "career"
and it has been incredibly helpful and fruitful.

  _____  

From: Synth-diy [mailto:synth-diy-bounces at synth-diy.org] On Behalf Of J P
Sent: Thursday, October 08, 2020 4:52 PM
To: synth-diy at synth-diy.org
Subject: [sdiy] Starting Point?


[CAUTION: Non-UBC Email] 
Hello,  

I've been wanting to get into building synths and electronic instruments for
years, but never knew where to start. I have some EE experience through
college courses, but I'm a bit rusty. I would like to know what's a good
place to start to learn. I would also like to be able to analyze my circuits
and be able to understand why they behave the way they do. Any suggestions
would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
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