Glad I had something to do in the office today...

[peccary]

My job called us back in the office a couple of weeks ago, even though we are still doing everything virtually. So that's a thing.

Anyways, at least I had something to do today. These are MP35's and I got them because I'd read that they tended to be lower hFE, which works out pretty well because my MP38A's are relatively high compared to these numbers. Gives me a nice spread of gain between the 30's's through the 100's for NPNs.

Some of these are in the low 20's, there's a 19 in there somewhere. Anyone know if there is a particular effect where gain that low will shine?

 

[Betty Wont]

I use germaniums with low hfe as diodes. Perfect for the ge diode in things like the Buzzaround.

 

[peccary]

I use germaniums with low hfe as diodes. Perfect for the ge diode in things like the Buzzaround.

That's a great idea - thanks. I'd read of using them as diodes but hadn't really put any thought in to it, that'll give me something fun to experiment with.

 

[Betty Wont]

That's a great idea - thanks. I'd read of using them as diodes but hadn't really put any thought in to it, that'll give me something fun to experiment with.

If you read pairs of leads with your multimeter in diode mode it is easy to find and identify a cathode/anode pair and their forward voltage. I then snip off the unused lead and install the part as a diode. In general I've found culled ge transistors to be cheaper than diodes.

 

[Feral Feline]

Some of these are in the low 20's, there's a 19 in there somewhere. Anyone know if there is a particular effect where gain that low will shine?

Delyk's Ensi Genxyde.

Two transistor trashy fuzz:
Q1 MPSA14
Q2 Germanium PNP — use a transistor with an hFE less or equal to 40. Can sub silicon, but why would you?

You can find a vero of it online if you don't want to order the PCB.

 

[Feral Feline]

Forgot to mention, there's no mention of leakage requirements for the Ensi above.
IIRC, I've got a 33-hFE for it.

Was waiting on the MPSA14, but bless Fig's heart he's sending me one.


Peccary, if you build it with your 19 hFE, I'd love to hear a sample and/or read a tone report.

 

[peccary]

Forgot to mention, there's no mention of leakage requirements for the Ensi above.
IIRC, I've got a 33-hFE for it.

Was waiting on the MPSA14, but bless Fig's heart he's sending me one.


Peccary, if you build it with your 19 hFE, I'd love to hear a sample and/or read a tone report.

The PCB is like $6, which is worth the limited time I have to work on pedals for sure. I will probably give this a shot down the line at some point and have the site bookmarked. Thanks!