<p>I know a young man who will be a first year undergrad in electrical engineering in the fall of 2009. I’d like to get him a birthday present that he would actually find useful at Cal Poly. He loves building circuits, loves robotics, loves building things in general. I’ve given him the best multi-function VOM I could find, and I can’t afford a good oscilloscope. I’m leaning toward software, but I’m open to any great ideas. I’d especially like to hear from current EE students at CPSLO. Thanks!</p>
<p>a crazy calculator, or like the latest software on engineering programs.</p>
<p>You could get him an oscilloscope. Those things are awesome. I had to take a physics class based on electricity and magnetism and if Electrical Engineering wasn't so hard, and I actually understood it to the fullest I may get involved with it. You can also buy him some circuit boards and what not. And I just read the whole thing again, guess I missed the part where you can't afford a good oscilloscope, but any oscilloscope would do in my opinion if you can find an affordable one. Just having him get the extra practice outside of the class is 10 times better than not practicing ya know? But other than that software would be nice, don't know any exact software pertaining to EE but i'm sure if you do some research you may find some stuff. Congratulations to the person you know that got into EE, I know thats a very tough and difficult major. Wish him the best of luck.</p>