Computer Engineering

[TheMinistered]

I've been doing software programming for a long time now.  I am just now starting to get interested in how to build my own circuits, write software to interact with them, etc

What type of stuff should I be googling, what would you consider 'important'?  What kind of tools should one need? etc?

[j0k3r]

Learn how to do basic puts and gets using a parallel port cable on your PC (crap, I don't even know what it plugs into). A basic circuit board, some wires, LEDs, switches/buttons should get you started, also try to find a nice tutorial to go with the language you're using.

[quasi-modo]

just building your own pc is easy. I mean you order the parts and assemble it. But you can't really make it from scratch. But I have played around with basic circuits, made my own small radio transmitter and some other gismost. I just got the parts from radio shack. Like a bread board, come small resistors and capacitors. When I made the little transmitter I ordered the parts in a kit and it came with a step by step manual to set it up... that was kind of like cheating. Oh well.

[Tuberload]

But you can't really make it from scratch.

If it can't be made from scratch, then how are the parts you order made?

[Mephisto]

I think what he's saying is you can't make them in your household easily.  In other words, you would need advanced technology (perhaps?) to create them, and special machines.  :-O

[quasi-modo]

exactly, you can't run a chip foundry out of your garage. Atleast not without a garage that is extremely large and you have a butt load of cash.

[muert0]

I'd say ask someone who's been working a little on a it a little himself. This guy looks like he may be reading a little about it:
http://forum.valhallalegends.com/phpbbs/index.php?topic=7298.0

[Tuberload]

I think what he's saying is you can't make them in your household easily. In other words, you would need advanced technology (perhaps?) to create them, and special machines. :-O

You're a real genius, I don't think I will be able to easily reach your level... You know computers were invented in someone’s garage, I wonder how advanced the technology was they used. I hope the sarcasm is easier to detect in this post.

[quasi-modo]

I think what he's saying is you can't make them in your household easily. In other words, you would need advanced technology (perhaps?) to create them, and special machines. :-O

You're a real genius, I don't think I will be able to easily reach your level... You know computers were invented in someone's garage, I wonder how advanced the technology was they used. I hope the sarcasm is easier to detect in this post.

Eniac was invented in a garrage? 
I mean you are not going to be able to create something real advanced in a garage. You might be able to whip up some circuit boards, but I doubt you would be making the parts that plug into that board.

What is the point of Adron's uv box? I mean where does the box come in to play? I can see the board, the soldering pen, the little nic nacs (capacitors, chips, etc), but whats the box for?

My interest is now piqued.

[muert0]

It just depends on how advanced your brain is. If you can't program a VCR you probably will have problems making something worthwhile.
He used the box to make the board.

[Zorm]

I think what he's saying is you can't make them in your household easily. In other words, you would need advanced technology (perhaps?) to create them, and special machines. :-O

You're a real genius, I don't think I will be able to easily reach your level... You know computers were invented in someone's garage, I wonder how advanced the technology was they used. I hope the sarcasm is easier to detect in this post.

Eniac was invented in a garrage? 
I mean you are not going to be able to create something real advanced in a garage. You might be able to whip up some circuit boards, but I doubt you would be making the parts that plug into that board.

What is the point of Adron's uv box? I mean where does the box come in to play? I can see the board, the soldering pen, the little nic nacs (capacitors, chips, etc), but whats the box for?

My interest is now piqued.

The UV box is used in the etching process of making the printed circuit board. You may want to read up on how PCBs are made by home users.

[muert0]

http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/vk3yng/pcb/making_pcbs.htm

[Adron]

http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/vk3yng/pcb/making_pcbs.htm

I wouldn't use eprom erasing tubes - those are the wrong wavelength. And my laser printer works very well for producing the films. I've had much more trouble with inkjets because over time the heads tend to get a few holes blocked. This causes thin gaps in the connections on the PCB which is *not* good.

[quasi-modo]

That's awesome. I have always just used bread boards, not etched boards.

[dxoigmn]

Is it cheaper to make your own or use a service such as http://www.pad2pad.com/?