Professor Petabyte Index

Pure Electronics

Top 20 electronic components
Professor Petabyte’s Top 20 Electronic Components every builder should understand — a fast track to hardware mastery.
Resistors
Explore how resistors control current, divide voltages, and shape signals in every electronic circuit.
Shift Registers
Learn how shift registers expand outputs, drive LEDs, and simplify microcontroller wiring.
Integrated Circuits
An introduction to the tiny silicon blocks that power modern computation, switching, and control.
SSD1306 Displays
A guide to the popular monochrome OLED modules used in embedded and IoT projects.
Float Switches
Detect liquid levels easily using inexpensive, reliable mechanical float switches.
Infrared Control
Control electronics wirelessly using simple and robust infrared signalling techniques.
Keypads
Add user input to projects with matrix keypads and efficient scanning methods.
MOSFETs
Discover why MOSFETs are the transistor of choice for switching and power control.
Relays
Use small control signals to switch large loads with electromechanical relays.
Moisture Sensors
Measure soil hydration using basic conductivity probes and improve garden automation.
Capacitors
Understand how capacitors store energy, filter noise, smooth power, and more.
GPS - Global Positioning System
Learn how GPS receivers compute position, time, and velocity from satellite signals.
Thermostats
Explore mechanisms that regulate temperature in appliances and control systems.
Transformers
How coils and magnetic fields transfer energy, step voltages, and isolate circuits.

Productivity

Artificial Intelligence
An approachable explanation of modern AI, machine learning, and practical applications.
FTP - File Transfer Protocol
A classic network protocol for transferring files between computers and servers.
Soldering
Techniques for creating strong, reliable joints in electronic assemblies.

Microcontrollers

Raspberry Pi Pico Power Pins
A guide to powering the Pico safely from USB, VSYS, and regulated supplies.
Raspberry Pi Pico GPIO Pins
Complete overview of the Pico's versatile digital, analog, and special-function pins.
BatteryPoweredPicos
Power your Pico from batteries safely and efficiently using regulators and boost circuits.

Software

Assembly Language
A gentle introduction to low-level programming and ARM instruction basics.
SQL Multiple Combination Aggregates
Learn advanced SQL aggregation patterns for complex reporting and analysis.
MQTT - Message Queuing Telemetry Transport
A lightweight messaging protocol ideal for IoT devices and distributed systems.
C++ Basics
A clear beginner-friendly introduction to variables, functions, objects, and memory.
Using SQLite with C++
Learn how to embed a fast, portable SQL database in C++ applications.
Pico Interrupts Using C
Handle hardware events efficiently on the Pico using C-based interrupt handlers.

Odds & Ends

(all the stuff that doesn't quite fit into the other sections)

General Q&A
A collection of common tech questions and concise, clear answers.
Robots
Explore robotics fundamentals, motion control, and autonomous behaviour.
Parallel Printers
Discover how classic parallel printers worked and how to interface with them.
Common Communications Acronyms
Decode the alphabet soup of networking and telecom abbreviations.

Your Guide into Electronics, Robotics and Computing.

Electronics is a fascinating hobby, and a healthy one too. I dream of a World where Great Britain produces thousands of young Microelectronics engineers, girls as well as boys. It's a cheap hobby to get into. A very good starting point is getting a kit of parts for Raspberry Pi or Raspberry Pico. (Picos are my favorite because they are inexpensive and pack a grear deal of punch when it comes to automation.)

If you are a beginner, start your journey at https://freenove.com/, buy a kit, and then come back here to get the most out of it.

Do you have a daughter or son, nephew, niece or grandchild aged 11-16? If so, why not buy them an Electronics starter kit for Christmas.

The kits I most recommend are:-

Freenove Ultimate Starter Kit for Raspberry Pi Pico
This a top quality starter kit with an excellent on-line tutorial package AND INCLUDES A PICO!
Kit includes, motors, servo, infrared controls, key pad, LED and LCD displays, plus much much moper. Everything you need in the box - perfect for Christmas. (5 stars)
Miuzei Basic Starter Kit for Arduino Projects
Aimed at Arduino although quite usable with Pico. Available from Amazon. Not bad. (3 stars)
ELEGOO UNO R3 Project Super Starter Kit
Arduino included (but most if not all parts look compatible with Pico) Some very useful parts like a motor and a servo included. ( 4 stars)

Please Note : These are NOT sponsored endorsements, but rather the Professor's genuine opinion. The Professor accepts no responsibility for the quality or suitability of or any loss or injury howsoever caused by the use of these products. Please use your own judgement and ensure that any minor using any electronic device(s) are properly supervised by a resposible qualified adult.

This website is added to almost every week, so check often for updates, or drop me an email at tech@profpetabyte.co.uk and I'll let you know when significant updates happen.


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