MOTM

inform3r@... writes:

>>I've been looking at old datasheets and the one thing that holds me back 
from prototyping some simple circuits is my lack of understanding for 
"ground." I know it sounds incredibly clueless, but the concept has always 
eluded me.<<

I don't know whether my explaination is the best, but you need ground to 
create a potential between two points to get current to flow.  For instance, 
when you put a battery into an appliance, you don't connect just one end of 
the battery because nothing would happen.  Current needs to flow from the 
voltage source to someplace, and that is ground.  Disconnecting ground is 
like turning the circuit off.

-Elhardt