Puzzled by your Cell Phone? Confused by your CD player? Terrorized by your TV? Victimized by your VCR? Outraged by exorbitant repair shop bills? When your equipment acts up...don't get mad. Get working! You never again have to be flummoxed, flustered, or taken for a ride by a piece of electronics equipment. With this fully illustrated, simple-to-use guide, you will get a grasp on the workings of the electronic world that surrounds you--and even learn to make your own repairs. Whether you want to pocket the savings on repair bills, give your beloved equipment the best possible care, or merely understand how those contraptions work, this book will show you in easy-to-understand language and clear illustrations. You don't need any technical experience. This book gives you: clear explanations of how things work, written in everyday language; easy-to-follow, illustrated instructions on using test equipment to diagnose problems; guidelines to help you decide for or against professional repair; tips on protecting your expensive equipment from lightning and other electrical damage; lubrication and maintenance suggestions.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction to Very Basic Electronics "101" Chapter 2: Radio/Audio/Stereo/Speakers/Music Systems and Cassette Player Operations Chapter 3: Audio/Video and CD Player Operation Chapter 4: How Color TVs, Digital HDTV Receivers, and PC Monitors Work Chapter 5: Flat Panel Monitor/Large Screen Projection Set and HDTV Digital TV System Operation Chapter 6: Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) System Operation Chapter 7: How Video Cameras and Camcorders Work Chapter 8: Wired Telephones, Cordless Phones, Answering Machines, and Cellular Phone Systems Chapter 9: How Remote-Control Systems Work Chapter 10: Printers, Copiers, and Fax Machine Operations Chapter 11: Digital Video Disc (DVD) System Operation Chapter 12: General Electronics Service and Maintenance Information

About the Author

Robert L. Goodman is one of our nation's most popular and esteemed electronics writers. The author of over 60 books on practical electronics, he wrote his first color TV service manual for TAB Electronics in 1968. A working electronics technician with more than 40 years of experience troubleshooting and repairing virtually every piece of electronics equipment on the market, Bob resides in Hot Springs, Arkansas. A number of his books have been translated into foreign languages, including Chinese, are are international bestsellers.

Reviews

This second-edition begins with an overview of basic electronic components, common component failures, testing equipment and testing methods. The following ten chapters each focus on a particular device class, with an explanation of the basic functioning of the device followed by some cleaning, troubleshooting and repair information. The final chapter covers general-purpose troubleshooting. While not comprehensive, this resource is valuable for beginners. Library Journal 20040201 by James K. Deane, Library Assistant at the Emporia Public Library, Kansas An introductory overview of basic electronic components, common component failures, and testing equipment and methods is followed by ten chapters that focus on ten particular device classes, with an explanation of the basic functioning of the device along with some cleaning, maintenance, and repair information. The final chapter covers general-purpose troubleshooting. While not comprehensive, this is valuable for novices. Library Journal 20040201 This update of the 1998 edition explains the practical side of electronics--troubleshooting problems, testing, repair, and servicing. Although the reader may not learn all the basics of electronics here, there is certainly a lot to be learned about resolving typical problems with common household items. Library Journal 20021101