Becoming an Electronics Technician:Securing Your High-Tech Future [Paperback]

The book begins by covering what it means to be an electronics technician. This section describes the wide variety of work electronics technicians do, from medical electronics to industrial electronics and communications electronics to computer electronics and much more. Each of these different fields offer their own challenges and opportunities for excellent careers. The book continues with an overview of today's electronics workplace and look into the future, as well a review of what electronics technicians need to know to succeed. The introductory section closes with profiles of five actual electronics technicians, describing the kinds of challenges each faces.

The second section of the book discusses how to become an electronics technician. The various ways of gaining the required education are reviewed, followed by strategies for making the most of your classroom experience and things you can do beyond the classroom to prepare you to succeed as an electronics technician. There is an excellent discussion of the value of technician certifications and an entire chapter on information technology certifications, with emphasis on the A+ Certification. The section wraps up with advice on finding, getting, and keeping that important first electronics technician position.

The final section of "Becoming an Electronics Technician" introduces the reader to the electronics field. Starting with a discussion of the various methods of 'breadboarding' electronics circuits; a crucial step in learning how the circuits used in electronics devices work. The book continues with tips on troubleshooting circuits, information on how various electronic transducers work, and a short course on solid-state electronic components. There's an excellent chapter on electronics safety, from electrical shock to hazards from electronics tools and chemicals commonly used in electronics. In addition to a short discussion on surface mount technology and a wide range of electronics projects, the book contains an excellent review of circuit simulation software.

The author, Ronald A. Reis, teaches electronics at Los Angeles Valley College. He wrote the first edition of "Becoming an Electronics Technology" in 1993 and has updated it every few years as the electronics industry and economy has changed. The book is written in an engaging and clear style that makes it easy to understand.

Each chapter includes review questions, individual or group activities, and issue for class discussion. This gives the student a quick way to reinforce the material in the book and to delve further into the matters covered. Also, for those considering using this book for an introductory course on electronics, there is an instructor's manual.

All in all, this is an excellent book that does an outstanding job of helping one understand what the electronics technician profession is (and isn't). I strongly recommend this book for anyone interested in learning about the electronics and trying to determine if being an electronics technician might be for them.

Review by Mike Powers, Radideo.com Guide, June 2003