Vintage transistor testers

dgta · 30th July 2011, 08:30 PM

Many of the old transistor testers (Heathkit, Sencore, etc. etc.) have both bipolar and FET capabilities.

Are they capable of testing MOSFETs or just JFETs?

cliffyk · 8th August 2011, 09:22 PM

Most all that can test a JFET can test a MOSFET, however you may have to develop your own Good/Bad interpretation of the meter reading based on tests of known good devices.

Better yet would be to pick up one of the older curve tracers that use an oscilloscope's X-Y display, like the Leader LTC-905 and Heath IT-121/3121.

Another very affordable way to test almost any semi-conductor device is the Peak Electronics Atlas DCA55. It's not a full-blown hard-core test like a curve tracer, however it's a lot more than just a go/no-go tester--first thing I grab when presented with a suspect semi-conductor...

dgta · 9th August 2011, 12:32 AM

That's a very interesting little tester, Cliffy. I'll give it serious consideration. Not as full blown as even a regular vintage transistor tester like the Heath 3120, but hey, it's very small and does a lot.

It doesn't do transconductance for FETs, correct?

cliffyk · 9th August 2011, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dgta

That's a very interesting little tester, Cliffy. I'll give it serious consideration. Not as full blown as even a regular vintage transistor tester like the Heath 3120, but hey, it's very small and does a lot.

It doesn't do transconductance for FETs, correct?

That is correct, nonetheless and as you indicated it is small and "does a lot" for $70 shipped it's hard to beat.

dgta · 9th August 2011, 07:08 AM

Thanks Cliffy for bring it to my attention. I wasn't aware that such a device exists. I will order one shortly.

30th July 2011, 08:30 PM	#1
dgta diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2011	Vintage transistor testers Many of the old transistor testers (Heathkit, Sencore, etc. etc.) have both bipolar and FET capabilities. Are they capable of testing MOSFETs or just JFETs?

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8th August 2011, 09:22 PM	#2
cliffyk diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2009	Most all that can test a JFET can test a MOSFET, however you may have to develop your own Good/Bad interpretation of the meter reading based on tests of known good devices. Better yet would be to pick up one of the older curve tracers that use an oscilloscope's X-Y display, like the Leader LTC-905 and Heath IT-121/3121. Another very affordable way to test almost any semi-conductor device is the Peak Electronics Atlas DCA55. It's not a full-blown hard-core test like a curve tracer, however it's a lot more than just a go/no-go tester--first thing I grab when presented with a suspect semi-conductor...

9th August 2011, 12:32 AM	#3
dgta diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2011	That's a very interesting little tester, Cliffy. I'll give it serious consideration. Not as full blown as even a regular vintage transistor tester like the Heath 3120, but hey, it's very small and does a lot. It doesn't do transconductance for FETs, correct?

9th August 2011, 07:08 AM	#5
dgta diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2011	Thanks Cliffy for bring it to my attention. I wasn't aware that such a device exists. I will order one shortly.

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