I need a transistor tester
- Thread starter jhaneyzz
- Start date
jhaneyzz
Well-known member
iamjackslackof
Well-known member
I have a TC-1 style tester like that and it's good for lots of stuff, not just transistors. I tend to keep it handy on my bench and use it more than my multimeter for testing component values, figuring out which end of a diode is the cathode, etc.
I also have a DCA-55 and a DCA-75 for doing actual transistor stuff. They cover more parameters, and are technically more accurate than the TC-1 for hFE and leakage, but from what I've read, not significantly so for the average pedal builder's needs. People who sell transistors seem to use them as they benefit from the added accuracy, but I've read of people using both on large batches of transistors to gauge the TC-1's accuracy, and it was definitely close enough for government work. I just like splurging on tools, so I have both DCAs lol
That said, if you do go the DCA route, and are likely to be messing with any quantity of Ge transistors, just spring for the 75. It can show more component parameters, and show you voltage:current curves on the includes software that are really cool.
I also have a DCA-55 and a DCA-75 for doing actual transistor stuff. They cover more parameters, and are technically more accurate than the TC-1 for hFE and leakage, but from what I've read, not significantly so for the average pedal builder's needs. People who sell transistors seem to use them as they benefit from the added accuracy, but I've read of people using both on large batches of transistors to gauge the TC-1's accuracy, and it was definitely close enough for government work. I just like splurging on tools, so I have both DCAs lol
That said, if you do go the DCA route, and are likely to be messing with any quantity of Ge transistors, just spring for the 75. It can show more component parameters, and show you voltage:current curves on the includes software that are really cool.