First things first: you will be required to purchase for
yourself a specific type of small computer (see below).
This *WILL NOT* be stocked by the bookstore, and you will
need to have it *BY YOUR FIRST LAB SESSION* in order to
follow along in class and do your homework.

It is strongly recommended that you buy your own solderless
breadboard, also described below.

There are two textbooks, one required and one optional.
The required textbook is free, and will be available on
the course web page.

As a student, you are eligible for a free trial
subscription to Amazon Prime, which will give you free
two-day shipping.  In many cases, you can get free one-day
shipping if you are willing to pick up your package at
the Amazon storefront in IV.  See here for more details:

Amazon student prime.

Here is the computer you will need to have before the
first lab:

Vilros Raspberry Pi 4 Complete Starter Kit with Dual Cover Clear Case (2GB)

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VB55W7C/

You can spend $10 less and get only 1 GB of RAM,
or $10 more and get 4 GB.  More memory will enable
the computer to run faster, handle larger data sets,
and deal with more running applications.  You should be
able to get by fine with 1 GB if cost is an issue.
Memory cannot be upgraded later on this computer.

I recommend you avoid buying a different kit.  Students
have had various hardware and software difficulties when
using other kits.  If you do insist on choosing a different
kit, Canakit is a good company.  Definitely avoid vendors
that ship from overseas and/or have names consisting of
random English syllables.

You will need all of the components in the kit, so don't
buy a cheaper kit that, for example, is missing the
SD card.

*** MAKE ABSOLUTELY SURE YOU DO NOT BUY A RASPBERRY PI 3! ***

The Raspberry Pi 4 is significantly faster and more capable
than any version of the Raspberry Pi 3.  The price is the
same for both versions (with 1 GB of RAM), so don't
be fooled.

I strongly suggest ordering your kit right away.

If you want to use the computer before classes start, buy
a separate micro SD card and save the preloaded one that
came with the kit.  We will be running through installation
on the first day of lab.

To use the Raspberry Pi, you will need to have a USB
keyboard and mouse, and a monitor or TV with an HDMI input
(or a DVI input and an inexpensive adapter).  These are
available in the Phys 13 lab (when it is open), and campus
computer labs.  If you want to have them at home, here
are some options:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B7GV802/

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007NLEF3W/
(split this with a friend or find a cheaper version)

Inexpensive monitors can be found on eBay, Craigslist, and at
UCSB Surplus Sales.

It is possible to connect the Raspberry Pi to a laptop,
but this can be challenging, and you will need to figure
it out on your own if you decide to do this.

If you misplace your power supply during the quarter,
this is a good replacement:

CanaKit 5 V 3.5 A Raspberry Pi 4 Power Supply (USB-C)

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TYQRXTK/


Make sure not to get a 2.5 A supply, or one
with a micro USB connector.

If you need to replace your micro SD card, here is a
good option:

SanDisk Ultra 32GB microSDHC UHS-I card with Adapter

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073JWXGNT/


We will be doing a lot of circuit building on solderless
breadboards.  While we have them in the lab, you will find
it much more convenient to have your own.  That way you
can work at home and will not be forced to disassemble your
circuits each time you leave lab.  Here is the breadboard
I strongly recommend:


https://www.circuitspecialists.com/wb-104-1+j.html


You may be able to save on shipping costs by ordering
with friends.  You will not need to have this before the
second week of classes.  This is the exact breadboard you
will eventually need to purchase for Physics 127AL, which
is a required class, so there is no good reason to wait.

*** DON'T BUY A CHEAP BREADBOARD ON AMAZON ***

In the past we used small, inexpensive breadboards from
random suppliers on Amazon, and students had a lot of
trouble with bad connections, etc.  This can be incredibly
aggravating and time-consuming.  The few dollars you would
save is definitely not worth the agony you might suffer.

The textbooks for Physics 13B are as follows:

Required:

1. The Linux Command Line, Fifth Internet Edition
   By William E. Shotts, Jr.
   Free electronic version
   

Recommended:
   
1. Building Scientific Apparatus, Fourth edition
   ISBN 978-0521878586
   by John H. Moore, Christopher C. Davis, Michael A. Coplan, 
      and Sandra C. Greer
   Cambridge University Press
   http://www.amazon.com/dp/0521878586

   This is an excellent reference book with basic treatment
   of many different techniques used in experimental
   physics.  It will likely be useful to you this quarter
   and next, but I will not require it because of the cost
   of the Raspberry Pi.  In the past I have required this
   book for Phys 13CH / Phys CS 15C, and Prof. Jayich may
   choose to do so this year.


You might find these useful:

2. The Art of Electronics, Third edition
   ISBN 978-0521809269
   by Paul Horowitz and Winfield Hill
   Cambridge University Press
   http://www.amazon.com/dp/0521809266

   The bible of electronics.  We will be using a lot
   of electronic devices and techniques in this class.
   If you want in-depth explanations, this is where you
   can find them.  The book will cost you about $88 new,
   but it will be indispensable (if not required) for
   Physics 127A, which you must take to graduate.

3. Make: Electronics, Second edition
   ISBN 978-1680450262
   by Charles Platt
   Maker Media
   http://www.amazon.com/dp/1680450263

   An inexpensive introduction to basic electronics
   techniques. Very practical, with lots of pictures.