On 1/28/07, Lindy Mayfield wrote: > This is a serious question. How do you "understand" how a circuit works and how do you create with your imagination a new one? > > I'm still learning myself, though I'm further along. I found my understanding took a big leap after getting my ham radio license, it covers a great deal of basic electronics. I find I've become familiar with certain structures, and look for them in schematics. A voltage divider using resistors is classic, and shows up all over the place. Know ohm's law, E=IR. Remember that transistors are *current* devices, and need a resistor on either the collector or emitter side to work. I've also had good luck with application notes. Maxim(http://www.maxim-ic.com ) has a HUGE collection of application notes covering all manner of electronics design subjects. Pick up a copy of the ARRL Handbook, and build some stuff. Doesn't matter if it doesn't work, you'll be able to build it. Build an audio oscillator with a transistor, some resistors and capacitors. Then scare all your friends who needed a 555 to do the same thing:P -- Paul Anderson VE3HOP wackyvorlon@gmail.com http://www.oldschoolhacker.com "May the electromotive force be with you." -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist