Make: Electronics Book Guide: Which Edition and Kit Is Right for You?

Charles Platt's Make: Electronics series is widely regarded as the best hands-on introduction to electronics. With multiple editions and companion books available, this guide helps you choose the right book and kit combination for your learning journey.

About Make: Electronics

Make: Electronics revolutionized electronics education by emphasizing learning through discovery and hands-on experimentation. Instead of just reading theory, you build circuits, burn out components intentionally, and develop an intuitive understanding of how electronics actually work.

What Makes This Series Special

• Learning by Doing: Every concept is demonstrated with hands-on experiments
• Learning by Destroying: Intentionally overload components to understand their limits
• Clear Explanations: Complex topics broken down into understandable concepts
• No Prerequisites: Starts from absolute zero knowledge
• Progressive Difficulty: Builds logically from simple to complex
• Practical Projects: Build useful, interesting devices
• Comprehensive Coverage: From basic resistors to microcontrollers

Author: Charles Platt

Charles Platt is a science fiction writer turned electronics educator. His unique teaching style combines clarity, humor, and practical wisdom gained from decades of hands-on experience. Read more about Charles Platt and his approach to teaching electronics.

The Make: Electronics Series

Make: Electronics (1st Edition)

Published: 2009

What's Covered:

• Fundamentals: voltage, current, resistance, Ohm's Law
• Basic components: resistors, capacitors, transistors, diodes
• Switching circuits and logic gates
• Integrated circuits (555 timer, op-amps)
• Digital electronics
• Chips, timers, and transistors
• Audio projects

Page Count: 352 pages

Companion Kits:

• Component Pack 1 (1st Edition) - Experiments 1-16
• Component Pack 2 (1st Edition) - Experiments 17-36

Status: Still excellent, but superseded by 2nd Edition

Make: Electronics (2nd Edition) - RECOMMENDED

Make: Electronics 2nd Edition Book

Published: 2015

What's New in 2nd Edition:

• Completely rewritten and reorganized
• Updated component recommendations (all parts still available)
• Improved experiments with better explanations
• More detailed troubleshooting sections
• Enhanced illustrations and diagrams
• Additional projects and experiments
• Better integration with modern components

Page Count: 424 pages

What's Covered:

Part 1: Fundamentals

• Safety and tools
• Voltage, current, and resistance
• Ohm's Law and power
• Capacitors and capacitance
• Transistors as switches
• Chips, timers, and transistor drivers

Part 2: Projects

• Audio and alarm circuits
• Modular project: intrusion alarm
• Light-sensitive circuits
• Digital logic
• Shift registers and multiplexers
• Counting and timing

Companion Kits:

• Mini Component Pack (Kit 1) - Starter experiments
• Complete Component Packs (Kit 2 & 3) - All experiments
• Ultimate Kit Bundle - Everything including tools

Why Choose 2nd Edition:

• Most current and refined version
• Better organized learning path
• Improved troubleshooting guidance
• All components still readily available
• Active community support

Make: Easy Electronics - BEST FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS

Make: Easy Electronics Book

Published: 2024

Who Should Choose This:

• Never touched electronics before and want a gentler introduction
• Intimidated by the depth of Make: Electronics
• Want to get started quickly with simpler projects
• Younger learners (teenagers, mature middle schoolers)
• Those who want to test the waters before committing to the full course

What's Covered:

• Basic safety and essential tools
• First circuits with LEDs and resistors
• Understanding voltage and current intuitively
• Simple switching circuits
• Audio projects (buzzers, speakers)
• Introduction to capacitors and transistors
• Fun, immediate projects that build confidence

Key Differences from Make: Electronics:

• Shorter and more focused (easier to complete)
• Fewer experiments but more detailed guidance
• Less emphasis on "learning by destroying"
• Simpler projects with quicker success
• Serves as stepping stone to full Make: Electronics

Companion Kit:

• Make: Easy Electronics Component Pack - All parts for the book
• Make: Easy Electronics Bundle - Book + Components

After Easy Electronics: Most learners naturally progress to Make: Electronics 2nd Edition for deeper knowledge.

Choosing the Right Book

Decision Tree

Are you a complete beginner with zero electronics experience?

• Want gentle introduction: Start with Make: Easy Electronics
• Ready for comprehensive learning: Go straight to Make: Electronics 2nd Edition

Do you have some basic knowledge but want systematic education?

• Make: Electronics 2nd Edition - Best choice

Are you teaching young learners (12-16 years old)?

• Make: Easy Electronics - Age-appropriate pace

Do you learn best by doing and experimenting?

• Make: Electronics 2nd Edition - Hands-on methodology

Understanding the Component Kits

Each book has companion component kits containing all the parts needed for the experiments. Buying kits saves time hunting down individual components and ensures you have exactly what you need.

Make: Electronics 2nd Edition Kits

Option 1: Mini Component Pack (Kit 1)

• Make: Electronics Mini Kit
• Covers the first several experiments
• Lower cost entry point
• Good for testing if this learning style suits you
• Can purchase additional kits later

Option 2: Complete Component Packs (Kits 2 & 3)

• Make: Electronics Complete Kits
• All components for ALL experiments in the book
• Best value (cheaper than buying separately)
• No interruptions to order more parts
• Recommended for committed learners

Option 3: Ultimate Electronics Kit

• Make: Electronics Ultimate Kit
• Complete components + essential tools
• Includes breadboard, wire, multimeter, soldering iron
• Everything you need to start immediately
• Best value for absolute beginners

What's Included in the Kits:

• All resistors, capacitors, transistors, diodes
• Integrated circuits (555 timer, logic gates, etc.)
• LEDs, switches, potentiometers
• Wire, connectors, and hardware
• Specialized components for specific experiments
• Detailed parts list cross-referenced to experiments

What's NOT Included (You Need Separately):

• Multimeter (ESSENTIAL - cannot do experiments without one)
• Breadboard (for solderless prototyping)
• Soldering iron and solder (needed for later experiments)
• Hand tools (wire strippers, cutters, pliers)
• 9V batteries (power source)

Or Get Everything: The Ultimate Kit includes tools, making it the most convenient option.

Make: Easy Electronics Kit

• Make: Easy Electronics Component Pack
• All parts for Easy Electronics book
• Smaller component selection (simpler experiments)
• More affordable for trying out electronics
• Bundle with Book available

Required Tools

In addition to the component kits, you'll need some basic tools:

Essential Tools (Required)

1. Digital Multimeter - ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY
   • Measures voltage, current, resistance, continuity
   • Your window into the electrical world
   • Cannot complete experiments without one
2. Solderless Breadboard
   • 830 points recommended
   • Build temporary circuits without soldering
   • Reusable for all experiments
3. Wire Strippers
   • Remove insulation from wire
   • Adjustable type recommended
4. Diagonal Cutters (Wire Snips)
   • Cut component leads and wire
   • Flush-cut type preferred
5. 9V Batteries and Battery Clips
   • Power source for most experiments
   • Buy rechargeable to save money long-term

Soldering Tools (Needed for Later Chapters)

6. 30W Soldering Iron
   • Temperature-controlled preferred
   • Needed for permanent circuits
7. Rosin Core Solder (60/40)
   • 0.031" diameter good for electronics
   • DO NOT use acid-core solder
8. Soldering Iron Stand
   • Safety essential
   • Often included with soldering iron

Complete Tool Solution: Get the Beginner's Tool Kit or Ultimate Kit which include most essential tools.

Cost Breakdown

Make: Electronics 2nd Edition - Full Course

Budget Option: Start with Mini Component Kit, book, and multimeter. Add tools as needed.

All-In-One Option: Ultimate Electronics Kit includes book, all components, and tools.

Make: Easy Electronics - Beginner Course

Most Affordable Entry: Easy Electronics is the lowest-cost way to start learning electronics properly.

Learning Path Recommendations

Path 1: Absolute Beginner (Never Touched Electronics)

1. Start: Make: Easy Electronics Bundle
2. Read Online: Our Beginner's Guide to Electronics
3. Complete: All Easy Electronics experiments (2-3 months)
4. Progress To: Make: Electronics 2nd Edition with Component Kits
5. Timeline: 6-12 months to complete both books

Path 2: Confident Beginner (Some Science/Technical Background)

1. Start: Make: Electronics Ultimate Kit (book + components + tools)
2. Read Online: Beginner's Guide and Component Reference
3. Complete: All Make: Electronics 2nd Ed experiments (4-6 months)
4. Progress To: Arduino/Raspberry Pi projects or more advanced electronics
5. Timeline: 6-9 months to complete

Path 3: Young Learner (Ages 12-16)

1. Start: Make: Easy Electronics Bundle
2. Supervision: Adult guidance for safety (especially soldering)
3. Pace: One experiment per week (15-20 weeks)
4. Progress To: Make: Electronics 2nd Ed or Arduino projects

Path 4: Educator/Group Learning

1. Choose: Make: Electronics 2nd Edition (one book per student or shared)
2. Components: Component Kits (one per student or lab stations)
3. Tools: Shared multimeters, soldering stations, breadboards
4. Format: Weekly lab sessions working through experiments
5. See Also: STEM Kits for Schools & Educators

Study Tips for Success

How to Use the Books Effectively

1. Read AND Do: Don't just read - actually build every circuit
2. Take Notes: Keep an electronics notebook with observations and measurements
3. Understand Before Moving On: Don't skip ahead if you're confused
4. Do the "Destruction" Experiments: Intentionally breaking components teaches their limits
5. Troubleshoot: When things don't work, figure out why - this builds real skills
6. Measure Everything: Use your multimeter constantly to verify what's happening
7. Review Component Guides: Reference our Component Reference Guide when needed

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge: Circuit Doesn't Work

• Check component polarity (LEDs, capacitors, diodes, transistors)
• Verify breadboard connections (understand internal connections)
• Measure voltages at key points with multimeter
• Check for loose wires or damaged components
• Review the schematic carefully - is it built exactly as shown?

Challenge: Don't Understand a Concept

• Re-read the section slowly
• Build the circuit and experiment with changes
• Search online for additional explanations (YouTube, forums)
• Skip temporarily and return after gaining more context
• Ask questions in electronics communities (Reddit r/AskElectronics, forums)

Challenge: Running Out of Components

• Some experiments destroy components - this is intentional
• Order extras of commonly destroyed parts (LEDs, resistors, transistors)
• Our component kits include appropriate quantities for destructive testing

Challenge: Slow Progress

• This is normal! Quality learning takes time
• Better to understand deeply than rush through
• Set realistic goals (one experiment per week is good pace)
• Celebrate small victories

After Completing Make: Electronics

Once you've finished Make: Electronics, you'll have a solid foundation for many exciting directions:

Next Steps

• Microcontrollers: Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32
• Advanced Circuit Design: Op-amp circuits, filter design, oscillators
• Power Electronics: Power supplies, motor control, battery management
• Digital Electronics: Deeper study of logic design, counters, memory
• Audio Electronics: Amplifiers, effects pedals, synthesizers
• RF/Radio: Transmitters, receivers, antennas
• PCB Design: Learn to design custom circuit boards
• IoT Projects: Internet-connected devices

Additional Charles Platt Books

• Make: More Electronics - Advanced topics building on Make: Electronics
• Encyclopedia of Electronic Components (3 volumes) - Comprehensive component reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Should I buy 1st or 2nd Edition?

A: Get the 2nd Edition. It's improved in every way and all components are still available.

Q: Can I use the 1st Edition kits with the 2nd Edition book?

A: Not recommended. Experiments were reorganized and component requirements changed. Use matching edition kits.

Q: Do I need Easy Electronics or can I start with Make: Electronics?

A: Either works! Easy Electronics is gentler; Make: Electronics is more comprehensive but still starts from zero.

Q: How long does it take to complete Make: Electronics?

A: At one experiment per week: 6-9 months. Intensive study: 3-4 months. Quality matters more than speed.

Q: Do I need prior knowledge?

A: No! Both books assume zero electronics background. Basic algebra helps but isn't required.

Q: Can children use these books?

A: Mature middle-schoolers (12+) can use Easy Electronics. Make: Electronics suits high school age and up. Adult supervision recommended for soldering.

Q: Is the multimeter really necessary?

A: ABSOLUTELY YES. It's like trying to learn cooking without being able to taste. The multimeter lets you "see" what's happening electrically.

Q: Are the components in the kits reusable?

A: Mostly yes, except components intentionally destroyed in "learning by destruction" experiments. Kits include extras for this.

Q: What if I get stuck?

A: Online forums are very helpful. Also see our Beginner's Guide and Soldering Tutorial.

Quick Recommendation Summary

For Absolute Beginners:

• Book: Make: Easy Electronics Bundle
• Tools: Multimeter + basic hand tools

For Committed Learners:

• All-in-One: Make: Electronics Ultimate Kit (book + components + tools)
• Or Separately: Book + Complete Component Kits + Tool Kit

For Budget-Conscious:

• Book: Make: Electronics 2nd Ed
• Components: Mini Component Kit to start
• Borrow or buy used tools initially

For Educators:

• See our STEM Kits for Schools & Educators page
• Contact us for bulk pricing on kits

Ready to Start Your Electronics Journey?

The Make: Electronics series has helped hundreds of thousands of people learn electronics through hands-on discovery. With the right book and component kit, you'll build a solid foundation in electronics that opens doors to countless projects and possibilities.

Additional Resources:

• Beginner's Guide to Electronics - Free online introduction
• How to Solder Tutorial - Master an essential skill
• Component Reference Guide - Identify and understand components
• About Charles Platt - Learn about the author

The best time to start learning electronics was yesterday. The second-best time is today. Choose your book and kit, and begin your journey!