The Art of Electronics


 * AoE = The Art of Electronics
 * LC = Learning the Art of Electronics: A Hands-On Lab Course
 * X = The Art of Electronics: The X Chapters

RC Circuits

 * 20200811: more cap recap AoE (1.7.6 in progress, E1.27)
 * 20200810: FAIL 😞
 * 20200809: FAIL 😞
 * 20200808: more cap recap AoE (1.7.5, E1.25, E1.26)
 * 20200807: more cap recap AoE (1.7, 1.7.1A-D, 1.7.2, 1.7.3, 1.7.4)
 * 20200806: LC (2N.6) + cap recap started AoE (1.4-1.4.5, E1.16, E1.17)
 * 20200805: AoE (E1.32, E1.34, 1.7.14, 6.2.2) + X (1x.5) + LC (2N.4, 2N.4.1, 2N.4.2, 2N.5)
 * 20200804: AoE (1.7.12, E1.33)
 * 20200803: LC (2N.3.7)
 * 20200802: LC (2N.3.6) + AoE (1.7.9, E1.31)
 * 20200801: AoE (E1.23, E1.24)
 * 20200731: AoE (1.7.1D)
 * 20200730: LC (2N.3.5)
 * 20200729: FAIL 😞
 * 20200728: FAIL 😞
 * 20200727: FAIL 😞
 * 20200726: AoE (1.7.8) + LC (2N.3.3, 2N.3.4)
 * 20200725: AoE (1.7.8/9 in progress)
 * 20200724: AoE (1.7.8/9 in progress, E1.30)
 * 20200723: AoE (1.7.4)
 * 20200722: AoE (1.7.3)
 * 20200721: FAIL 😞
 * 20200720: FAIL 😞
 * 20200719: more memory lane trip (cartesian, polar, trigonometric, etc, rep of complex numbers)
 * 20200718: AoE (1.7.7) + complex number and euler memory lane refresh
 * 20200717: FAIL 😞
 * 20200716: XR2206 function gen test (werks) + AoE (1.7.1B)
 * 20200715: CC/MLCC Cap sorting
 * 20200714: Resistor sorting done
 * 20200713: building a cheap XR2206 function gen
 * 20200712: Resistor sorting
 * 20200711: Cap recap *rimshot*
 * 20200710: FAIL 😞
 * 20200709: FAIL 😞
 * 20200708: FAIL 😞
 * 20200707: FAIL 😞
 * 20200706: FAIL 😞
 * 20200705: Resistor sorting started
 * 20200704: AoE (1.7.1A)
 * 20200703: LC (2N.3.1, 2N.3.2)
 * 20200702: AoE (1.7.1)
 * 20200701: AoE (1.7.1 in progress)
 * 20200630: FAIL 😞
 * 20200629: FAIL 😞
 * 20200628: LC (2N.3, 2N.3.1 in progress) + AoE (1.7) + errata sprint until diodes
 * 20200627: LC (2L.1.1 fail, need to go through 2N first and get function gen)
 * 20200626: LC (2L.1.1 in progress)
 * 20200625: AoE (1.4.4, 1.4.5)
 * 20200624: LC (2N.2.1) + AoE (1.4.3, 1.4.3A)
 * 20200623: FAIL 😞
 * 20200622: LC (2N.2) + AoE (1.4.2, 1.4.2A)
 * 20200621: X (1x.3.6, 1x.3.7, 1x.3.8, 1x.3.9, 1x.3.10, 1x.3.11.*, 1x.3.12) + LC (2N.2 in progress) + AoE (1.4.1A, E1.15, 1.4.4A, E1.18)
 * 20200620: AoE (1.4.1, E1.14) + X (1x.3, 1x.3.1, 1x.3.2, 1x.3.3, 1x.3.4, 1x.3.5)
 * 20200619: LC (2N.1, 2N.1.1, 2N.1.2) + AoE (1.4)

DC Circuits

 * 20200618: LC (1W.4, 1W.5, 1W.6)
 * 20200617: LC (1W.3)
 * 20200616: LC (1W.1, 1W.2)
 * 20200615: LC (1S.1, 1S.1.1, 1S.1.2, 1S.1.3, 1S.1.4, 1S.2, 1S.2.1, 1S.2.2, 1S.2.3)
 * 20200614: LC (1L.6)
 * 20200613: LC (1L.5, 1L.5.1, 1L5.2)
 * 20200612: LC (1L.4 not puzzled any more)
 * 20200611: LC (1L.4 but puzzled)
 * 20200610: LC (1L.3.3)
 * 20200609: LC (1L.3, 1L.3.1, 1L.3.2)
 * 20200608: FAIL 😞
 * 20200607: Part ordered 🎉
 * 20200606: Part order preps + LC (1L.1, 1L.2)
 * 20200605: Part order preps
 * 20200604: Part order preps
 * 20200603: FAIL 😞
 * 20200602: Part order preps
 * 20200601: PSU research over 🎉
 * 20200531: resistor sorting + PSU research
 * 20200530: AoE (E1.37, E1.38)
 * 20200529: AoE (1.3.2, 1.3.3, 1.3.4, 1.3.5)
 * 20200528: FAIL 😞
 * 20200527: recap AoE (1.2.6, 1.2.7) + AoE (1.3.1)
 * 20200526: recap AoE (1.2.4, 1.2.5A, 1.2.5B)
 * 20200525: AoE (C.3, C.4, C.5) + recap AoE (1.2.2B, 1.2.2C, 1.2.2D, 1.2.3)
 * 20200524: LC (1N5) + recap AoE (1.1, 1.2.1, 1.2.2, 1.2.2A) + AoE (C.1, C.2)
 * 20200523: LC (1N4.6) + AoE (H1)
 * 20200522: AoE (E1.9)
 * 20200521: AoE (E1.7, E1.8)
 * 20200520: LC (1N.4.2, 1N.4.3, 1N4.4, 1N4.5) + AoE (1.2.6 again)
 * 20200519: AoE (E1.11)
 * 20200518: Calculus memory lane refresh (derivative, critical points)
 * 20200517: AoE (1.2.5A)
 * 20200516: LC (1N.4, 1N.4.1) + AoE (1.2.5, E1.10)
 * 20200515: LC (1N.3.1)
 * 20200514: LC (1N.3) + AoE (1.2.2B, E1.2, E1.3, E1.4)
 * 20200513: LC (1N.2.2) + AoE (E1.6a, E1.6b, E1.1)
 * 20200512: recap + AoE (1.2.2C, E1.5)
 * 20200511: LC (1N.2.1) + AoE (1.2.1, C.4, 1.2.6)
 * 20200510: LC (1N.2.1 until power)
 * 20200509: LC (intro, 1N.1-3) + AoE (intro, 1.1)

CRUNK

 * 20200731: AoE (1.2.5 B, 1.2.6 zener diodes, 1.2.7) + (1.3.1 - 1.3.5)
 * 20200730: Fail
 * 20200729: Fail
 * 20200728: My eye hurts, send help
 * 20200710: AoE (E.1.10 and recap 1.2.6) + LC (1N.3 and 1N.4.1, 1N.4.2)
 * 20200627: AoE (Intro to 1.2.6, E.1.1 to 1.6a) + LC (intro + 1N.1 to 1N.3)

Parts for LC
There are two parts in the book/course: analogue and digital. The LC AoE book and site lists all the parts needed spread across several suppliers. They "conveniently" offer however 2 xls files for the 2 parts of the course, but they are a complete mess. In practice it's possible to order everything from one supplier. So here are 2 new xls files that can directly be used as a Mouser shopping cart directly. Feel free to remove the stuff you don't need or already have.

Analogue
The File:Basket_Mouser.xls.xz contains all the analogue components with following changes from official AoE xls/lists:
 * ELC-12D101E replaced with 6100-101K-RC
 * 40-50U5-104M-RC replaced with 594-A104K15X7RF5UAA
 * CK05BX680K replaced with 581-SR152A680KAR
 * MJE2955TTU replaced with 863-MJE2955TG
 * 2N5485 replaced with 2N5486
 * LM78L05ACZ replaced with LM78L05ACZ/NOPB

Some missing parts did not have obvious replacements and were purchased on Ebay/AliExpress/elsewhere:
 * CA3096
 * 1mA DC analogue panel meter

https://learningtheartofelectronics.com/parts-lists/parts-lists/

Digital
Will do that when I reach this part...

Scope

 * Cheap: second analogue scope, basic ones are avail for free, or cheap (50-150). The two biggest drawbacks are precisions, no helpers for data analysis, very large, bandwidth quite low for this price range. Current hobbyist consensus is that except for aesthetics purpose (CRT tech makes the signal looks awesome) there is not reason to pick one up these days. Also good luck finding more than 2 channels in the cheap price range.
 * Not so cheap: the current entry level digital scope offers much more functionality and take very little space. Today's digital scope will also come with software side or coprocessor accelerated maths for plotting, analysis, processing signals, but also serial decoding, storing, replay or data, and even web server. It's also common to have 4 channel in relatively price friendly scopes. As for the bandwidth, entry levels can be found in the 50-200Mhz range. At time of writing (05/2020) recommended/popular options are the Rigol DS1054Z (getting a bit old) and the Siglent SDS1104X-E (more recent, more pricey). Both can be "hacked" to access to more features in the firmware that are locked in the firmware. It is more expensive of course, new the Rigol is €339,- and the Siglent is €429,-.

PSU
Ideally you want 3 simultaneous outputs to cover most situations: symmetrical voltage supply (at least +/-15V, better have 30V) + fixed 3.3/5V supply, with 5A (might be a bit overkill...1 or 2A OK?).

Here are the options:
 * 1. Cheap no-brand/multi-brand bench PSU. Quality will vary, sometimes for the worse. The same model can also be copied/changed/iterated from one manufacturer to another. However there seems to be one brand/manufacturer that seems to keep improving their very basic models: Korad. In particular the entry models KD3005D and KA3005P. They are popular choices/recommendations for beginners and seem to be relatively well put (except the very old versions) and can be modded. These cheap options are all single output. They do have multi output models, but then the price difference with entry models of more reliable brands is not so big anymore.
 * 2. Barebone DIY PSU using a PC/Arcade PSU. Will give 2/4 different voltages depending on model 3.3/5/12/15. With that you're one MOLEX cable away from having a really good PSU for cheap, maybe using some old PC parts. However, there is no way to control Voltage (with the exception of the 5V line on arcade PSU), but most importantly no way to control current. The last part is an issue as one of the great advantage of a lab PSU is to limit current to make sure you're not going to fry your DUT within seconds. It's possible to add a current limiter in front but this is stepping into the next option.
 * 3. DIY PSU with a DC to DC converter. It allows to put a controlling circuit in front of existing PSU and give modulation for voltage and current, these things have a bit switching noise though, but can be handy to combine with an existing PSU from 2) or make use of an existing universal PSU already at hand, or to purchase. Popular DC to DC converter with all the bells and whistles are the Rui Deng (RD Tech) ones, that come in all forms and shape and features for all sorts of situation. The main pitfall is that if you start to source all parts for a quality PSU, it starts to cost quite a bit. The learning potential is also questionable as you're not really learning how to build a PSU but more assemble the different elements that make a PSU.
 * 4. Proper lab/bench PSU. For an entry line PSU of known hobbyist brands (Siglent, Rigol, etc), you need to put €250,- at least. It can be attractive as some of these entry level models have multiple output out of the box. However it's difficult to say what you're paying for in these entry model. Are you paying for a quality PSU, or for color LCD screens, USB/LAN connectity and all sorts of programmables features and gimmick. It seems that if a proper lab PSU is needed then better tap in their expensive best sellers.
 * 5. Second hand PSU. it's quite easy to find obscure lab PSU for relatively cheap, but this is really hit or miss. Sometimes there will be real bargain to be found (80s/90s multiple output Tektronix stuff for less than €200,-), but more than often it's 60s-70s stuff that's probably not well calibrated anymore, is huge, or do not have dual V/A reading, or miss current limiting, or does not have enough current supply. Sellers will also be hesitant to ship these heavy pieces of equipment. So €30,- of travel expense and a day in public transport to pick up a €50,- may not be the best bargain... For the patient there are real bargains to be made though!

Final choice: 1.

More specifically 2 of the most basic Korad model: the KD3005D. In total, 2 of these will cost €120,- max with shipping included. They are simple, sturdy and good enough for hobbyist/amateur stuff. These models do not have programming interface or memory. Just rotary encoders. The oldskool display is super responsive as opposed to the laggy LCD slow FPS screens of entry level branded/pro PSU. Two units will allow to connect them in serial to achieve symmetrical +/- output. As for the need for the third output. Virtually every single household is stuffed with unused 3.3/5V DC PSU that can easily be repurposed for breadboard use, granted you're a bit careful with the current.