Electronic Books

One of the quickest way to give your robot a 'brain' is the BASIC Stamp from Parallax. Minimal electronics experience is required to get the Stamp up and running - Just follow the steps in the excellent introductory book Programming and Customizing the BASIC Stamp Computer (see below).

If you're just getting started with Robotics, take a close look at "Getting Started in Electronics" at the end of the list. For more advanced tricks and techniques, we recommend The Art of Electronics, widely recognized as the best book of it's kind ever written!

Order Making P.C. Boards	A guide to designing and making printed-circuit boards. Learn the latest PC-board fabrication techniques with this learn-by-example guide. The book includes 25 projects and experiments that teach you how to: Draw circuit designs; Transfer artwork to PC blanks; Etch copper patterns and drill lead holes; Solder components repair and modify boards. Master all the latest techniques for low-cost, speedy construction and discover applications for surface-mount components, computer-aided design, safety, and environmental protection. Also includes sources for software, supplies, and materials. 236 illustrations, 352 pages. isbn: 0830639519
	The BASIC Stamp is a tiny computer that can be programmed in BASIC. Using it is just about the easiest and fastest way to way to give your robot a brain. The BASIC Stamp computer is available from Parallax for just $34. Programming and Customizing the Basic Stamp Computer goes beyond the Stamp instruction manual to give you the tricks and tips you need to get the most from your Stamp. Written by Scott Edwards, the author of the widely read Stamp Applications column from Nuts & Volts magazine. The book gives details and instructions for 12 complete projects that demonstrate various BASIC Stamp applications. It comes with a CD that provides all the software tools you need to begin developing Stamp applications on your own. Trying to figure out where to start? This is it! 350 pages. isbn: 0079136842
	Easy PIC'n is intended to ease the beginner toward understanding and application of 'PIC' microcontrollers. The PIC chip is the key component in the BASIC Stamp. If you don't need the simplicity of the BASIC programming language, then use the less expensive PIC chip instead. Examples of assembly language programs range from a simple one to turn on LED's to more complex ones for timing and for event-counting. Writing programs is covered in-depth and the use of flow charts is emphasized. The approach is hands-on with many examples, all of which may be demonstrated using the very simple demo board project in the beginning of the book. If you liked Easy PIC'n, and are ready to go to the next level, try PIC'n up the Pace by the same author. PIC'n Up The Pace is an intermediate level applications guide that provides the tools to design and build microcontroller-based instruments and systems. 275 pages. isbn: 0965416208
	The Microcontroller Idea Book is a how-to for the 8052-BASIC single-chip computer. Practical designs for use in data loggers, controllers, and other small-computer applications. How to use sensors, relays, displays, clocks/calendars, keypads, wireless links, and more. Complete with schematics, example programs and design theory. Use the described development system for easy, inexpensive testing and EPROM programming. 273 pages. isbn: 0965081907
	Bebop to the Boolean Boogie : An Unconventional Guide to Electronics Fundamentals, Components, and Processes is a book that takes a lighthearted approach to electronics. It makes learning the art of electronics fun! But it is also a serious 471 page tool for the person who is trying to learn. The first part of the book is on fundamental electronics concepts and the second on components and processes. It is filled with clearly drawn illustrations which are described in detail, in a language that a beginner to electronics can appreciate. This is a book that anyone interested in the subject can read for pleasure, and yet you find that you have received a comprehensive grounding in the subject, almost without realizing it. isbn: 1878707221
	The Art of Electronics is considered by many to be the 'Bible' of electronic design. The book is a very practical, well written guide to electronics. The authors emphasize the methods actually used by circuit designers--a combination of basic laws, rules of thumb, and a large bag of tricks. It is written in a very readable style, and with just a touch of humor. Why work with second best when you can have the best on the market! 1125 pages. isbn: 0521370957
	Over 750,000 Forrest Mims Fans Can't Be Wrong! That's right, previous editions of The Forrest Mims Engineer's Notebook have sold over 750,000 copies worldwide. Continuing in that winning tradition, this updated edition is a goldmine of integrated circuit applications and ideas! Forrest has carefully hand-drawn and hand-lettered the pages to recreate the feel of one of his actual laboratory notebooks. The result is a practical, no-nonsense guide based on his years of intense hands-on experience with IC circuits. You'll find a wide array of proven circuit designs in this book, ranging from simple digital logic networks and amplifiers to rhythm pattern generators, tone decoders, temperature sensors, digital to analog converters, counters, bus transceivers, and many other useful circuit ideas. Each comes complete with IC pin numbers, values for other components, and supply voltages clearly indicated. Over the years, The Forrest Mims Engineer's Notebook has been an essential reference for professional design engineers, educators, technicians, students, circuit hobbyists, or anyone else who needs concise, accurate information on different chip applications. This is one book that won't sit on the bookshelf - it will find a permanent place next to the logic probe, multimeter, and breadboard in your electronics lab! 155 pages. isbn: 1878707035 Another great book by Mr. Mims is "Getting Started in Electronics", which is a book he wrote for Radio Shack. Therefore, you'll only find this book at your local Radio Shack! It's the book many robot-heads got started with, myself included. Very useful, and I still occasionally reference it!