I thought I would pass on this article from MA (Aug 2000). It feels like it is quite good. My idea is that if I post it, then maybe Dave can explain what it is all about.
Sometimes it feels like Dave is the only one on the MB who doesn´t think that electrons is something you can eat.
I am not much of an electrician myself. To read a circuit diagram feels quite straightforward, but to use it in practice, isn´t always very easy.
....but I try not to give up! Everyone can improve, even you and me.