Comment "an extra 15k Iraqis died than we were officially (Score 5, Insightful) 528
Just read that line back to yourself a few times........ THAT is why this is important.
Thank you wikileaks.
In the UK there are now three stages of Ham licence.
FOUNDATION: Covers basic electronics and radio usage, gets you on the air.
INTERMEDIATE: This has a practical electronics course attached where you solder up electronics kit under supervision, with lots of friendly help on the way. (I remember building signal generators & amplifiers from scratch) I can't think of a better or cheaper introduction to DIY electronics in the UK.... even if you don't like radio.
ADVANCED: No practical course, just an electronics/radio exam to study for.
An amateur radio club is an excellent place to meet people with similar interests, and in the intermediate classes, you will meet people at your skill level. Look here for a club&course near you.
Always leave room to add an explanation if it doesn't work out.