Some years ago I had the best time programming microchips in assembler
and making motors turn and serial connections to my PC, and things like
that.  The electronics required were very simple.  A resistor here and
there (with a guess at the value) to connect LED's.  I couldn't continue
because where I live now doesn't have the space for me to have a place
to work.  I still have the passion though.

 

This is quite obvious to you, but it's taken me a LONG time to realize.
Electronics is difficult and requires a lot of training, knowledge of
many things including the math, and experience.  You don't just learn
the basics and expect to understand and design circuits.

 

I have an excuse, though it may be lame.  Since I was young and up to
now I've read books about electronics.  They all explain the different
components - resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, etc. - and how
they work with nice diagrams showing the flow of electrons and so on.
Like the Mimms book.  Some of the books have some sample circuits to put
together.  

 

And all along I assumed all I had to do was understand what these books
told me and I would understand everything I needed to know about
electronics.  I've recently realized how ignorant an assumption that
was.

 

I've been working with computers for over 25 years and when I started I
only knew a fraction of what I know now, and even now I only know a
fraction of what there is to know.  Why I thought electronics was
different I don't know.  I think it was because I missed that chapter in
all the beginner books I read.

 

Olin was very kind to try to help me understand, but unfortunately I
wasn't ready.  I really appreciate his kindness, though. Hopefully some
day I'll get back into it.  In the meantime I'm happy just to lurk and
marvel at the things I don't understand.

 

-Lindy

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