What kind of classes should I take?

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Java_Az

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What kind of classes would you recommend (college) that would help me become a modder? (I know DIDDLY SHI*) I am a computer science major but am obsessed with mods now..

Thx!

Electronics would be a primary one. Although it does take more then just that. Electronics cover the inter workings of a mod but then you still have what are you going to slap the electronics in. So you have the case / enclosure to design or make also. Since there are a lot of options in what you could make that out of , wood metal plastic and so one. Maybe a engineering course or two would come in handy. Unless you do what a lot of modders do and just use something already made to slap the electronics in. But even then it does take a certain amount of engineering , although some might call it ghetto engineering it still a useful skill in mod making.
 

Sinlak

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RatInDaHat

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as far as classes, it all depends on what you want to do. I would say Circuits Design I and Mechnical Engineering design I would be good classes to take. that would cover the basics or the electrical and mechanical side. Granted, both side go much farther than those basics, but it would be a jumping board.

for an easy battery mod you have a switch, a battery, and a atomizer. That is about as basic as you can get and is really quite easy to get the grasp of.
 

Sinlak

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I want to make a simple battery tube style mod, seems the easiest and cleanest. Looking at the innards of a mod like the prodigy 3.1. It seems like a tube with an atomizer connection on the top with a spring/swtich on the bottom cap and a battery in between..seems to simple lol

Oh and my fking college isnt offering anything worth taking this semester as for as electronics go (besides robotics programming). so Im thinking of trying to master this on my own.
 

GMoney

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While an electrical Engineering degree would help - it is not necessary. The problem with trying to take classes is stuff like circuit theory/design is also going to have prerequisites that you may not have. I don't know about that book you linked to.

I think you would be better off Googling "basic electronic circuits" - I am sure you will find something for free so that you can at least look at a circuit and know what is the power source, switch, resistors, etc. Then maybe check out the Madvapes "how to section" and check out some designs.

Actually, the mod you mentioned is, IIRC, just a 3.7v mod(it starts at 4.2v and drops until the battery is drained to where it won't operate effectively). All that is required is a Li Ion battery, a switch(rated to handle ~3A) and an atomizer connector( you can even get these with pre-soldered wires if you want. Then you just need a container - easiest is a flashlight body or a battery box - something that already has connections for a battery.

Modding is a blast and is addictive. I say build yourself a super cheapo 3.7v single battery mod, learn a little bit and work on your soldering skills and then dive right in to a variable voltage mod - they rock. If you have any trouble or questions there are always people around to help.

Good luck!
 

voidyourwarranty

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I understand where you're coming from as a computer science major(been providing tech support every P.O.S. computer product that's come out for the last 10 years). And don't get me wrong, learning from a certified institution is cool and all but frying components in your kitchen is far more fun. I would just try google for the bits you dont understand and the ecf and youtube for the how-to's. If you're decent with simple math its not that hard to figure it all out. Just take it one step at a time.
 

Sinlak

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yeah I actually downloaded electronics for dummies or w/e it is its free..if you steal it bwuhauha. anyways yeah going threw this book to get he basics down so I can understand peoples schematics and what not. Thanks for the replies guys, one day I hope to put together some badass mods =p. If i had the money I would be messing with it right now but im broke so all I can do is study lol
 

CraigHB

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Looking back at college, I would say my analog circuits lab would be the most all-around helpful class I've taken with respect to my hobbyist persuits. As a CSE, you should have access to that lab and I think you only need 2nd semester physics and one analog circuits class as a prerequisite. In that lab, you practice the basics of design and analysis mainly using discrete transistor circuits. You become familiar with analysis using multi-meters, oscilloscopes, and function generators. Not that you would typically build things only with discrete transistors, but it's a great foundation and familiarizes you with a lot of what you need to understand as a hobbyist.
 
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