electronics qualification

suicidalsid · 22nd June 2009, 08:47 AM

i'm not sure if this is the right place to post but i wanted to know if anyone new i good course that could teach me about circuit boards and such so that i can learn more about how things like pedals and amps are put together.

also, if it gave me a more useful qualification for a day-time job like electrician or such all the better.

any help would be appreciated.

ZippsInc · 25th June 2009, 12:40 AM

Hey Sid

I searched for something along these lines around a year ago and came up with squat locally (Dundee & Perth). Your best bet is to scour t'internet for courses in Glasgow and Edinburgh. I never checked that afar.

If inexperienced in electrics in general then I suggest this book. Not only for being a good all round starter, it also has a section on preamps too. It'll certainly give you an idea of whether or not an electronics course would be up you alley and it won't hurt too much. Check the Welgate Library before you buy anything, you never know.

I had my eye on this OU course a while back. I don't think it's a beginner level course though. Probably a bit more advanced than effects pedals.

There are several good books on Amazon for building your own effects gear. Maybe worth checking them out (in the library too).

Hope this helps a little.

Zipps

SuperMike! · 25th June 2009, 10:11 AM

I did a degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering and came out of it with no better idea of how to do the kind of electronics that you're looking to do than I did at the start, and that was one of my reasons for doing it! Lots of circuit simulation and theoretical stuff, not so much practical work. However, like all things in life, it's what you make it for yourself. I hated the whole five years.

ZippsInc · 25th June 2009, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperMike!

I did a degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering and came out of it with no better idea of how to do the kind of electronics that you're looking to do than I did at the start, and that was one of my reasons for doing it! Lots of circuit simulation and theoretical stuff, not so much practical work. However, like all things in life, it's what you make it for yourself. I hated the whole five years.

Mike

Have you had a bash at making any music equipment?

Some guy I speak to on another forum made a mixer out of a biscuit tin...lol

DIY 4 channel mixer in a biscuit tin on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

SuperMike! · 25th June 2009, 03:39 PM

I've still got all the components kicking about for a distortion pedal, but never found the time to make it. To be honest, studying the subject destroyed any interest i had in it in the first place.

SuperMike! · 25th June 2009, 03:40 PM

To be honest, enthusiasm, a bit of imagination and the ability to (a) read the odd book and (b) be willing to learn from your mistakes are far more use than a degree for hobby electronics.

ZippsInc · 25th June 2009, 04:07 PM

I totally agree with both your posts.

I was put off by the serious theory aspects and found them to be both necessary and mind numbingly boring.

Sadly, it's now become one of those - when I get the time - ventures.

Zipps

Scooter · 25th June 2009, 08:32 PM

Supermike's experience seems to match my own, I got my degree and then a job in R&D not long after. I got stuck designing a simple power supply one time and it occurred to me that most of the stuff I was taught was completely useless in the real world. ( I was pretty mean at CAD, digital stuff and programming though)

There used to be City & Guilds courses at Dundee College in Electronics Servicing but since nobody bothers to get their t.v. repaired anymore there is no need to train service engineers, so the courses disappeared.

In recent years I have known people start computer courses thinking that they are going to learn how to service their computer...

Anyway Sid, are you too old to get an electronic or engineering apprenticeship, that would be a good way of getting practical training.

suicidalsid · 25th June 2009, 11:12 PM

hey thanks for replies guys. super mike i was looking into those courses too but it sounds totally the wrong thing for me now

i know i could learn a lot of basic stuff myself and there are some diy pedal sites about but i figured getting a decent qualification wouldn't hurt too.

i don't know much about apprenticeships (i'm 25 by the way, don't know if that is too old) but i do have family to support so maybe wages are a bit crap.

ubermensch · 5th July 2009, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZippsInc

Mike

Have you had a bash at making any music equipment?

Some guy I speak to on another forum made a mixer out of a biscuit tin...lol

DIY 4 channel mixer in a biscuit tin on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

That's really cool!

I built this a while back, but it required absolutely no knowledge of electronics. The packs come with a step-by-step guide on soldering the components to the board. It's a great pedal.

Ultimately, I'd like to become more savvy in this sort of thing. I might check out Zipps's recommendation and buy that book.

kj · 5th July 2009, 09:21 AM

One of the things people assume is that a course will teach you everything you need to know, but in reality you'll get more from the course if you apply it to practical things in your own time...

Take a look at the Arduino board. I've used this a couple of times at work and it's a great way to get into circuitry.

mrlizard · 7th July 2009, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZippsInc

Mike

Have you had a bash at making any music equipment?

Some guy I speak to on another forum made a mixer out of a biscuit tin...lol

DIY 4 channel mixer in a biscuit tin on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

i'm currently attempting to build a fender deluxe 5e3, i've built the circuit board so far apart from a couple of resistors which haven't arrived from RS yet. Need to get transformers and make a chassis. I want to get mercury magnetics transformers for it, but i can't find anyone that sells em in the uk. I'll post some pics up here when it's done.

ZippsInc · 19th July 2009, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrlizard

i'm currently attempting to build a fender deluxe 5e3, i've built the circuit board so far apart from a couple of resistors which haven't arrived from RS yet. Need to get transformers and make a chassis. I want to get mercury magnetics transformers for it, but i can't find anyone that sells em in the uk. I'll post some pics up here when it's done.

That would be cool to see. Hope it all goes well and inspires me to do something.

Just bought an ART Digital MPA (eBay £200) for use via adat. Reason being is my 8 analogs on the MultifaceII are taken up with 2 Porticos and my soon to be Sytek purchase.

I'm gonna retube the ART with Telefunkens or perhaps a Telefunken and a Mullard and maybe change the op amps to burr browns. This'll be a big adventure for me.

22nd June 2009, 08:47 AM	#1 (permalink)
suicidalsid Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: dundee Posts: 220	electronics qualification i'm not sure if this is the right place to post but i wanted to know if anyone new i good course that could teach me about circuit boards and such so that i can learn more about how things like pedals and amps are put together. also, if it gave me a more useful qualification for a day-time job like electrician or such all the better. any help would be appreciated.

5th July 2009, 09:21 AM	#11 (permalink)
kj gimp Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Scotland Posts: 15,971 Band: A band of merry men	One of the things people assume is that a course will teach you everything you need to know, but in reality you'll get more from the course if you apply it to practical things in your own time... Take a look at the Arduino board. I've used this a couple of times at work and it's a great way to get into circuitry. __________________ This community cannot survive without your continued support. galleries \|\| links directory \|\| profiles \|\| wiki

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25th June 2009, 12:40 AM	#2 (permalink)
ZippsInc Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Dundee Posts: 114	Hey Sid I searched for something along these lines around a year ago and came up with squat locally (Dundee & Perth). Your best bet is to scour t'internet for courses in Glasgow and Edinburgh. I never checked that afar. If inexperienced in electrics in general then I suggest this book. Not only for being a good all round starter, it also has a section on preamps too. It'll certainly give you an idea of whether or not an electronics course would be up you alley and it won't hurt too much. Check the Welgate Library before you buy anything, you never know. I had my eye on this OU course a while back. I don't think it's a beginner level course though. Probably a bit more advanced than effects pedals. There are several good books on Amazon for building your own effects gear. Maybe worth checking them out (in the library too). Hope this helps a little. Zipps

25th June 2009, 10:11 AM	#3 (permalink)
SuperMike! Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Dundee Posts: 3,511 Band: Kaput. The A Forest. The Kays Lavelle.	I did a degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering and came out of it with no better idea of how to do the kind of electronics that you're looking to do than I did at the start, and that was one of my reasons for doing it! Lots of circuit simulation and theoretical stuff, not so much practical work. However, like all things in life, it's what you make it for yourself. I hated the whole five years.

25th June 2009, 03:39 PM	#5 (permalink)
SuperMike! Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Dundee Posts: 3,511 Band: Kaput. The A Forest. The Kays Lavelle.	I've still got all the components kicking about for a distortion pedal, but never found the time to make it. To be honest, studying the subject destroyed any interest i had in it in the first place.

25th June 2009, 03:40 PM	#6 (permalink)
SuperMike! Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Dundee Posts: 3,511 Band: Kaput. The A Forest. The Kays Lavelle.	To be honest, enthusiasm, a bit of imagination and the ability to (a) read the odd book and (b) be willing to learn from your mistakes are far more use than a degree for hobby electronics.

25th June 2009, 04:07 PM	#7 (permalink)
ZippsInc Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Dundee Posts: 114	I totally agree with both your posts. I was put off by the serious theory aspects and found them to be both necessary and mind numbingly boring. Sadly, it's now become one of those - when I get the time - ventures. Zipps

25th June 2009, 08:32 PM	#8 (permalink)
Scooter Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: The Great White North Posts: 391	Supermike's experience seems to match my own, I got my degree and then a job in R&D not long after. I got stuck designing a simple power supply one time and it occurred to me that most of the stuff I was taught was completely useless in the real world. ( I was pretty mean at CAD, digital stuff and programming though) There used to be City & Guilds courses at Dundee College in Electronics Servicing but since nobody bothers to get their t.v. repaired anymore there is no need to train service engineers, so the courses disappeared. In recent years I have known people start computer courses thinking that they are going to learn how to service their computer... Anyway Sid, are you too old to get an electronic or engineering apprenticeship, that would be a good way of getting practical training.

25th June 2009, 11:12 PM	#9 (permalink)
suicidalsid Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: dundee Posts: 220	hey thanks for replies guys. super mike i was looking into those courses too but it sounds totally the wrong thing for me now i know i could learn a lot of basic stuff myself and there are some diy pedal sites about but i figured getting a decent qualification wouldn't hurt too. i don't know much about apprenticeships (i'm 25 by the way, don't know if that is too old) but i do have family to support so maybe wages are a bit crap.