How to Diagnose and Fix Everything Electronic, Second Edition 2nd Edition

This is an excellent book, and I am glad I bought a physical copy. I am a long-time electronics hobbyist, and many of the things in this book were not new to me, but the explanations and folksy (in a good way) descriptions made them so much clearer, even for things I mostly understood. The advice in this book is simplistic without being simplified so much that it doesn't teach, which is just right. Yes, there is an assumption you know some basic electronics terms, so it is not a book for the person starting from zero. Frankly, if you don't have the electronics experience to have gained the vocabulary necessary to get value from this book, those warning labels about "no user serviceable parts inside" are for you. For the right audience, this book and the advice was a bargain for the price, and it is a keeper.

I downloaded this book to get some additional information of basic testing. It provides a great deal of information within its pages and I found myself taking notes to keep track of the information inside. I eventually gave up on the note taking, realizing it was much easier to just search for the information as I needed it. The book is well structured so one can easily locate specific details on a specific item without jumping around to dozens of reference points. Much of the information included in this book is worthwhile for anyone who has an interest in learning about general electronics diagnostics and testing but also goes into specifics on other areas or troubleshooting and common places you can generally look while still explaining the overall diagnostic process. While discussed frequently, micro-electronics and micro-soldering are not covered in as much detail as I would have wanted. But, for most electronics, it is a valuable read and reference document and also provides detailed information on test equipment the tools recommended to set up a bench at home including notes about kids and pets and keeping your workspace safe. It is an overall good document if you spend the time to read it and have an interest in the subject matter. I find myself re-reading various sections over and over and have learned and retained more about electronics in doing so.

Overall, I learned a lot from this book and I can still learn something new every time I pick it up. Geier has a great writing style and a deep knowledge of his subject. He's an Electron Whisperer. This is not a book for beginners. It requires at least a working knowledge of components and soldering; he covers them but not in any detail. There is also very little formal explanation of theory so don't buy it for that. But the book is laced with practical advice from a guy who has been in the trenches and that part is invaluable. His oscilloscope training and suggestions are very good as far as operating the device. But if you want hands-on description of how it's used for diagnosing and troubleshooting, look elsewehere. He devotes one long chapter to advice on workshop and tools: immediate essentials vs. what to put off and in what order to buy them.And there are stories. He also tells many stories of tough jobs and how he diagnosed and fixed them. These stories are entertaining and informative, and each one is there to illustrate his methodology of troubleshooting. However, including so many of them took up space that could have been put to better use. We don't all think alike and what the reader expects (based on the title) is practical advice that will help him/her develop their own knowledge base and troubleshooting style within their own field of interest. I would have been happier if the book had more directions, more rules of thumb, more flowcharts and tables. there is much good information here, just fragmented and scattered throughout the book by his folksy and (admittedly) entertaining style. But the style is too conversational. We could have used more of "Do this, then do that, etc." without having to hear so much of what went through his head as he was learning it.But I can't give it five stars because of that title. Sadly, it will NOT teach you "How To Diagnose And Fix Everything Electronic." It covers too much territory, and too many types of electronic devices. Most devices are not covered in any depth, just a few quick hints and any necessary warnings about the critter in hand. What's missing is a systematic overview of how the technician approaches a non-working device. Like Golfer's review I would have like to see a lot more tables with step by step instructions, or flowcharts showing what to test and then branches to take depending on the outcome of each previous round of tests. My main interest is in guitar amps, and how to troubleshoot amplifiers is given only superficial coverage, and scattered around the book. Whatever your main interest is, you'll probably feel the same way: a few interesting stories, a few bits of good advice, and then sent on your way without much in the way of solid skills in diagnosis or troubleshooting.I hate to be negative because in its own way, it's readable and informative and encouraging to someone trying to learn more. But in a way, it's more of an autobiography of his career fixing a large variety of products. "My Life Fixing Electrical Things" might have been a better title.

I read this book cover to cover and enjoyed the broad coverage into electronics even if outside of my interest level or need. The author's anecdotal insights and emprical reflections were entertaining from my perspective, though I suppose how some might not understand the point. I believe this book title has a place on the shelf of a technician or hobbyist into trying to repair darned near anything that might stop working. If you're like me, I'll do my level best to keep things working and out of the landfill if I can do so and for a reasonable cost even if not techically profitable. This book, to me, is a reference book. A source among others for information useful for some useful insights and tips about a broad array of electronics based on past and present technologies (writing this in 2023). I don't see 8-track players or tube televisions much anymore outside of museums, but who knows, maybe I'll want to restore one someday. Though this title is what I would categorize as Broad and Shallow as opposed to deep and narrow on the topics covered, it is very useful. Ample warnings about potential gotchas every step of the way are also very useful and I for one appreciate a good heads-up reminder about safety around electronics. I feel like I would get along famously with the author were we ever to meet.