[peterwoerner]

Mechatronics text books tend to be useful. They are written for mechanical engineers who intend to build circuits and software for mechanic-electronic systems. So they tend to have practical information for those who want to start building electronic circuits now, but have no electrical background.

[tommaho]

Have any specific recommendations for a hobbyist and outsider to formal mechanical and electrical engineering disciplines? Thanks!

[peterwoerner]

The one I use is Introduction to Mechatronics by Carryer Ohline and Kenny

It covers a lot. On the mechanical side it only covers actuators and control systems.