While the title includes “Arduino,” this book is more loyal to the “electronics” part of the title. There is no shallow end in this swimming pool. The first chapter, ostensibly an introduction, is all deep end. Worse, it has confusing, abrupt changes in subject matter. For example, it switches from an introduction to a discussion of pulse width modulation to a description of the operation of transistors, all on the same page. The parts list at the beginning of the chapter lists an oscilloscope as optional, but ignores Multisim, the electronics modeling software.

This frustration continues in the other chapters. Multisim is used extensively. The author regularly refers to the output from Multisim models, but doesn’t show us how to use Multisim itself. Ironically, Arduino culture encourages practical experimentation, but the author avoids it by relying on Multisim models to demonstrate theory and test designs. Photos are poorly done, with harsh lighting and poor contrast. They are rarely annotated, making it difficult to decipher exactly what the author is trying to show.

Arduino itself is only used incidentally in most projects; however, this is an advantage, since it means that any microcontroller will do. Sketches, such as one showing Arduino terminology for “programs,” are simple and short, typically less than a page, but they are heavily commented.

The chapters in the book do not follow a linear progression in difficulty or sophistication. Instead, the author cites a wide assortment of analog devices to connect to Arduino, with short but sufficiently detailed descriptions of the theory and practice of basic electronics components, such as transistors, resistors, potentiometers, capacitors, diodes, photocells, and transformers. These are combined with larger components including LCD and LED segment displays, speakers, relays, BCD decoders, counters, motors, steppers, servos, and temperature sensors.

While the internal organization of chapters jumps around unexpectedly, individual sections and paragraphs are remarkably clear. Electronic theory is well explained and understandable to anyone with knowledge of electricity learned in high school physics class. The practical aspects of interfacing analog circuits to a digital device are just as clear and understandable. It’s obvious that the author has considerable experience.

While sometimes difficult to navigate, the raw material of this book is well suited to a hobbyist or designer who is looking for practical skills and knowledge to connect to Arduino devices in more specialized ways than off-the-shelf Arduino shields.