Hacking Electronics by Simon Monk

You don't need an electrical engineering degree to start hacking electronics! This intuitive guide shows how to wire, disassemble, tweak, and re-purpose everyday devices quickly and easily. Packed with full-color illustrations, photos, and diagrams, Hacking Electronics teaches by doing--each topic features fun, easy-to-follow projects. Discover how to hack sensors, accelerometers, remote controllers, ultrasonic rangefinders, motors, stereo equipment, microphones, and FM transmitters. The final chapter contains useful information on getting the most out of cheap or free bench and software tools.

• Safely solder, join wires, and connect switches
• Identify components and read schematic diagrams
• Understand the how and why of electronics theory
• Work with transistors, LEDs, and laser diode modules
• Power your devices with a/c supplies, batteries, or solar panels
• Get up and running on Arduino boards and pre-made modules
• Use sensors to detect everything from noxious gas to acceleration
• Build and modify audio amps, microphones, and transmitters
• Fix gadgets and scavenge useful parts from dead equipment

This 300 page book is a nice review of the most common skills and techniques a maker needs to hack electronics, and the color photos are awesome.