I know a compiler takes source code and turns it into binary object (ones and zeros).  That object gets loaded into a computers RAM. So what I am trying to understand is what part of computer interprets this object code and turns on the binary "1" bits. In this case turns on the right most bit - 0000 0001.

To understand what happens in a PC when it executes a program, what happens when data is read from the memory or what happens when an instruction is read or executed, etc. it is necessary to study Computer Architecture (there are wonderful books like the classic Tanenbaum), to study the assembly of a CPU.

Obviously, you also need to know digital electronics and programming. It takes a long time both to study and to "digest" the knowledge acquired.

I would advise you to use a different, less theoretical, and more experimental approach. Consider the boards, the sensors, the actuators as simple blocks to assemble to accomplish a certain task. Look at simple projects already made, read the component datasheets, try to understand what the circuit does and what the code does, try to make your own modifications to the circuit and code, and see what happens ...

Gradually even the theory will seem simpler. Take one step after another.

The trick is always to have fun and always be curious.

It would be great to feature a whole series on MAKING techniques.

Engineers get very little training in using tools to make their designs, and lots of hobbyists get no formal training.

some potential topics are:

• how to make good solder joints and other soldering techniques
• how to measure, cut and trim materials
• how to bend and form materials
• how to join and fasten materials
• how to choose materials
• how to select passive components
• how to select active components
• how to select electro-mechanical components and connectors
• dressing cables
• PCB routing for test
• etc.

How about a course on how to design for test?

This can make your prototype designs much easier to get working.

• test points and ground lugs
• LEDs and displays
• communication connectors
• JTAG
• temperature sensors
• current shunts
• loop back jumpers
• bypass jumpers
• configuration jumpers and switches
• test pushbuttons and switches
• I/O breakout
• etc.

It would be very helpful

Thanks for the advice - I just ordered Tanenbaum book but not confident that its going to answer my question about turning on the "1" binary bit in example.  Fifty years ago I was a assembler language programmer on IBM mainframes. I recently took an interest in hardware stuff. I can't remember how many times I got called in at 2AM to debug a systems dump that prevented a stream of sequential programs to run. So I used to know how to read hex like the back of my hand. In those days of virtual storage constraint we used each of the 8 bits in a byte for logical on/off switches.

- Lots of assembler application programming

- A little channel programming - DASD - seek

- Systems programmer and some protect key zero code to analyze usage of pageable link pack area to remove stuff to free up virtual storage

- Tried some Arduino sensor stuff - flex sensors, photo sensors, turn on led (pinmode - digital write)

- Can create gates and test (truth tables) on breadboard using voltage, switches, resistors, transistors  and leds - know you can also use cmos chips like cd4011 (quad nand gate)

- Know about buses, registers and ALU

In the case of Arduino, the digital write instruction initiates something that causes voltage to flow to turn on the led.

Is the Tanenbaum book going to fill in the blank?

dougw , I could do a few videos on proper soldering techniques. I have seen some cruddy soldering from folks here that supposedly know what they are doing. LOL Non of them can solder correctly ! The worst is put a dab of solder on a wire and then stick it on a board. (no mechanical joint to hold it in place), cold solder joints, too much solder. ie all sorts of crap. how about soldering two wires together???

twist it solder it and toss some heat shrink on it to hide the train wreck. I could go on Douglas but I need to eat..

~~

Cris

Some tips and hints on soldering would be a service to humanity. I was fortunate to have a summer job back in the dark ages where they took the time to show me some of the basics of good soldering practices, but I can still claim to have made some pretty iffy joints. I often ask potential recruits if they have been exposed to soldering standards like IPC - and I get the standard response ....... a blank stare. So a few pointers is going to be useful for an awful lot of people who own or use soldering irons.

But I'd rather eat too.

How to read multimeter

kerwine  First RTFM! Second: Google.

Question what are you trying to measure? Resistance, Voltage, Current.

Is your meter a Digital Volt Meter (DVM)? if yes just look at the display but you have to know what you are measuring? Resistance (circuit powred off)  Voltage

FPGA and Stereo Vision

Figured it out some of it - (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewE8b7zzej0 )  now just need to understand how bits get magnetized on disk.

ML model deployment

Good introduction to deep learning, but the question 12 is quite missleading

Fantastic session