Where to learn about 12v DC electrical type stuff?
November 2, 2013 9:10 AM Subscribe
I'd like to learn about the basics of 12v electrics. I'm looking for recommendations for books, videos, websites, etc.
My ultimate goal is to have a solar setup with a panel, charging a 12v battery which will run multiple sets of LED lights in the garden. I'd like to learn how to build this setup myself and also get to understand the "mechanics" of circuitry. Things like how to work out the resistance of a circuit, mAh capacities, that sort of thing. I have seen kits for sale, but I want to be able to build this myself.
I'm looking for useful resources, either online or in dead tree form, that I can use to teach myself this elec-trickery. Right now, I'm at the level of being able to wire a plug and change a fuse. I have a soldering iron that I've used a couple of times, but things like PCB's leave me scratching my head. I'm not looking to take any kind of certification, I'm just doing this in my own backyard.
My ultimate goal is to have a solar setup with a panel, charging a 12v battery which will run multiple sets of LED lights in the garden. I'd like to learn how to build this setup myself and also get to understand the "mechanics" of circuitry. Things like how to work out the resistance of a circuit, mAh capacities, that sort of thing. I have seen kits for sale, but I want to be able to build this myself.
I'm looking for useful resources, either online or in dead tree form, that I can use to teach myself this elec-trickery. Right now, I'm at the level of being able to wire a plug and change a fuse. I have a soldering iron that I've used a couple of times, but things like PCB's leave me scratching my head. I'm not looking to take any kind of certification, I'm just doing this in my own backyard.
nthing getting started in electronics ...great book!
posted by sexyrobot at 10:35 AM on November 2, 2013
posted by sexyrobot at 10:35 AM on November 2, 2013
No need to spend any money on such a book:
http://www.ibiblio.org/kuphaldt/electricCircuits/
This is as good as it gets. You can start with the DC volume.
posted by hz37 at 12:41 PM on November 2, 2013
http://www.ibiblio.org/kuphaldt/electricCircuits/
This is as good as it gets. You can start with the DC volume.
posted by hz37 at 12:41 PM on November 2, 2013
On a vehicle site, but excellent background, three parts in total, start here: Part 1 - 12V DC Basics
posted by 445supermag at 1:31 PM on November 2, 2013
posted by 445supermag at 1:31 PM on November 2, 2013
People who live on boats or in RVs use 12v setups, incl. solar. sites and clogs like http://www.cheaprvliving.com/index.html may be helpful.
posted by theora55 at 5:43 PM on November 2, 2013
posted by theora55 at 5:43 PM on November 2, 2013
A corollary would be to learn about plumbing. The concepts match very closely, and using a plumbing paradigm helps me understand the guts of what is happening inside the wires.
posted by gjc at 4:57 AM on November 3, 2013
posted by gjc at 4:57 AM on November 3, 2013
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After you are done with that and want more, a standard college textbook that is totally accessible after you've gotten thru the above is The Art of Electronics.
These may be overkill for 12v home stuff, but knowing the basics will make you want to explore more. If you are mathematically inclined, you might just need an introduction to Ohm's Law.
posted by bensherman at 9:55 AM on November 2, 2013 [1 favorite]