In message <3.0.1.16.19960603200450.28c7cf52@mail.ctconnect.com>, M Walter writes >> >>Where do I get a quick practical self taught electronics education? >> > >> What is a reasonable process for making your own boards these days, or is >> wirewrap still it for prototypeing? Wire-wrap is still a good way to prototype, I use a cheap hand tool. The sockets are expensive, but you can re-use them. >> >> Are FPGA something I can think about using? I have no idea of the reality of >> this sort of thing, but the idea of specifying what you need and plugging it >> into a socket instead of building it out of a pile of chips is compelling. I wouldn't recommend starting with FPGAs, CPLDs are much easier to learn (they are like basically large PALs). Lattice give away the development software (for their smaller devices) and data for their CPLDs on a free CD-ROM. They are in-system programmable using the PC printer port, and you therefore don't need an expensive programmer. The software allows schematic and HDL (like a programming language) entry. Put one of the devices (they come in a 44-pin PLCC package) on a small prototyping board with a 1 MHz or 5 MHz oscillator module, with a couple of Rs and Cs for the programming I/F, and you can learn all about digital logic without getting your hands dirty. A logic probe and pulser would be useful. FPGAs need lots of $$$ for the development software, although I am using some free software developed at the ETH, Zurich for Xilinx XC6216 development. Details are on my Web page - see my sig for the URL. Leon -- Leon Heller Amateur radio callsign: G1HSM Email: leon@lfheller.demon.co.uk http://www.lfheller.demon.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 118 947 1424 (home) +44 (0) 1344 385556 (work)