Understanding electronics and circuitry is tough, so tough, in fact, that specialist qualifications and degrees can be obtained that enable students to have a career as an electrician. To master it, there is a lot to learn, as it’s a skill that’s filled with jargon and specialized terms and language.
Despite that, even if you don’t know the difference between ampere and voltage, or can’t decode a transistor from a resistor, there’s still some electrical skills and know-how that you should learn which can help you through life. Obtaining the following basic skills in electronics can help you be more independent and less reliant on a repairperson, enabling you to sort out your own electronics and save a few bucks while doing so. Here are some basic electronic skills you should know.
Learn How to Use a Multimeter
A Multimeter is a great device for electronics as it’s a tool that’s useful at diagnosing problems or faults within a circuit. It’s a tool that can be used to measure current, resistance, and even voltage. This can be especially useful to see if the resistors or other components such as rotary switches are working currently and creating the correct resistance. It’s also a useful tool to help you test the battery of your portable equipment, such as laptops and game consoles.
Multimeters aren’t too expensive to get a hold of either and can be picked up from around $6 – but highly regarded ones are closer to $20 and are recommended for those who want to get serious with electronics.
It’s vital that you learn how to use this device properly and effectively via tutorials because it can damage, and equally be damaged by, the electronics that you’re working with.
Familiarize Yourself With Circuit Boards
Circuit boards are what hold all the different components within an electrical circuit together, so it’s a good idea to become competent in how they work and how to put one together.
For novices, it’s a good idea to work with breadboards, as these don’t require any dangerous and difficult soldering, as they instead work by simply clipping in the components. These are more favorable for beginners because if anything goes wrong, you can easily take the pieces out and put them elsewhere. The only issue is that these boards aren’t the most robust and run a higher risk of coming apart after movement or impact. To make your circuit boards more durable, soldering your components on is the best option, as it melts the metal wires to the board, connecting the circuit.
Learn How to Use Hot Glue Guns and Electrical Tape
Hot glue guns are perhaps the most useful tool for conducting electrical repairs. This is because the hot plastic is good at binding materials together. It’s also a great insulator meaning that this stuff can be applied all over electronics without running the risk of causing a short circuit.
Electrical tape is a good thing to have handy, as it can be applied to cover up exposed wires and solder-points, which could cause electrical short circuits. Besides traditional tape, you can also get liquid tape that can be better applied in tight areas and can also be used to make the devices watertight.
Photo by Lenharth Systems from StockSnap
