Making everyday electronics work: a do-it-yourself guide

Introduction

1. Lets Start with the Basics

Direct Current

Alternating Current

Electrochemical Cells and Batteries

Power Supplies

Grounding and Glitches

Magnetic Force

Electromagnets

Magnetic Devices

Semiconductors

Vacuum Tubes

Digital Logic

2. Tools and Tests

Your Workbench

Wire Splicing

Cords and Cables

Plugs and Connectors

Meet the Multimeter

Continuity Testing

Measuring DC Resistance

Measuring DC Voltage

Measuring AC Voltage

Measuring Direct Current

Testing Fuses

Incandescent Bulb Saver

3. What Goes Where?

Whence the Juice?

Phasing Schemes

Your Electric Meter

The Perfect Breaker or Fuse Box

Circuit Management

Which Circuit, Which Phase?

Grounded, or Not?

For World Travelers

4. Alternative Electricity

Small Combustion Generators

Residential Solar Power

Residential Wind Power

Residential Hydro Power

Deep-Cycle Batteries

Fuel Cells

5. Electronics in Your Vehicle

The Battery

Jump Starting

Charging a Battery

The Alternator

Lights

Fuses

Two-Way Radios

Hi-Fi Sound Systems

6. Home Entertainment

Making the Good Noise

Making Sound Loud

Getting Sound Out

Television Then and Now

The Lightning Factor

Getting Wise to the Web

7. The Wireless Jungle

Dirty Electricity

Cordless Phones

Cell Phones

Wireless Tablets

The Global Positioning System

Access Control

Intrusion and Fire Detection

Noise, Noise, Noise!

8. What Else Can You Do?

Try CFLs

Install Timers and Actuators

Install a Heat Pump

Build a Wet Cell

See How "Electric" You Are

See How "Resistive" You Are

Try Shortwave Radio

Try Amateur Radio

Get a Personal Robot

Appendix Table of Electricity at Utility Outlets in Various Countries

Glossary

Suggested Additional Reading

Index