NOS 2N3904 NPN From Radio Shack (NOT)

[Cybercow]

Not a question . . . more of "Notification".

Decided to crack open this pack of NOS Radio Shack 2N3904 transistors for a VFE-BumbleBee build and discovered why it is so important to dbl-check one's part BEFORE installing.
The pics say it all . . . .
Mis-labeling has always been a thing . . . .

 

[benny_profane]

Oh boy. You should contact their customer service.

 

[giovanni]

Aren’t the two mostly interchangeable? The 06 has different gain correct?

 

[Harry Klippton]

Aren’t the two mostly interchangeable? The 06 has different gain correct?

One is npn and one is PNP if I recall

 

[Harry Klippton]

I was looking through a bag of archer parts like that the other day too. Mostly useless stuff besides a CD4049

 

[Cybercow]

Aren’t the two mostly interchangeable? The 06 has different gain correct?

The 2N3904 is an NPN while the 2N3906 is a PNP. Different gains, yes. But the polarity is reversed. The 2N3904 & 2N3906 form a complimentary pair.

 

[giovanni]

The 2N3904 is an NPN while the 2N3906 is a PNP. Different gains, yes. But the polarity is reversed. The 2N3904 & 2N3906 form a complimentary pair.

Of course. I got them mixed up with something else.

 

[Cybercow]

Of course. I got them mixed up with something else.

Precisely why I gather and refer to the tons of datasheets I have on file.

 

[darwin999]

Mis-labeling has always been a thing . . . .

Just one more reason why Radio Shack went out of business...

 

[derevaun]

Goes to show, you can't trust the Texans. Kidding!

 

[darwin999]

Actually, being that it is (was) Radio Shack, the next question might be which label is correct - the box or the chips???
Maybe you should test one to see if it's PNP or NPN ...

 

[Cybercow]

Actually, being that it is (was) Radio Shack, the next question might be which label is correct - the box or the chips???
Maybe you should test one to see if it's PNP or NPN ...

Already tested the BJTs with a Peak Atlas DCA75 and they are indeed 2N3906 PNP transistors. They all measured right in line with the 2N3906 datasheet.

 

[Feral Feline]

Just one more reason why Radio Shack went out of business...

The brick&morter yes, but isn't "RS-ONLINE" the phoenix that rose from the Realistic ashes?

Legit question, I really don't know.