Removable TO-220 - Sockets

Super_BQ · 25th November 2003, 10:36 PM

Can someone comment on the use of TO-220 sockets? I think this may be a 1st in this forum to experiment.

I recently upgraded my BSOZ preamp to allow for "transistor swapping" just like how tube users can "tube roll" their valves for different sounds.

What sonic drawbacks are there to using these sockets? These were bought from Digikey and made by Molex/Waldom. The connection seems quite good.

http://dkc3.digikey.com/PDF/T033/0509.pdf

BQ

jewilson · 25th November 2003, 11:42 PM

I have found these test sockets for T0220 and T0247. However the only non test sockets I have found or the the Molex and their a marginal at best.

These Guys have test socket for all TO220 and TO247
http://www.loranger.com/loranger_edc...ates/index.php

If anyone else has a source let us know.

tomchaoda · 28th November 2003, 03:58 PM

The heat sink type is what I am looking for a long time! I was not able to find similar in Mouser or Digikey, or local shop.

I also search the Aavid Thermalloy catalog, but can not find it!

Where did you buy it from?

Thomas

Mark A. Gulbrandsen · 28th November 2003, 05:11 PM

They have sinks like those at Ra-Elco in Salt Lake City for 50 cents each. Call and ask for Robert or Brian. 801-487-7749

Mark

Super_BQ · 29th November 2003, 09:05 PM

Thomas,

I salvaged all these small heatsinks from the local scrap metal recycler. Specifically, this heatsink came out of an old Mita photo copying machine. Believe me, it was not easy in dismantling these photocopiers just to get at those heatsinks.

I've managed to use all of them up on other projects and would love to find more. You're right, Digikey, Allied, Mouser don't carry them. Apparently they all carry the same generic ones that are MUCH smaller (count the # of fins) OR they are too bulky in size (too fat and square) in that they do not fit with the other components around on the PCB. Ideally, I would like to find more with the same size foot print and extend longer.

BQ

gnomus · 30th November 2003, 03:35 AM

The problem with solid state sockets and other types of terminal connectors/blocks is that theyare not made of tin plated copper. Most are brass tin plate or nickel plate. Many items in catalogs do not even tell you what the base metal is. Your better of soldering.
It would be nice to have qualtiy sockets like tube guys can get.

Super_BQ · 30th November 2003, 09:50 AM

gnomus,

The .pdf link shows that these socket are made of tin-plated brass.

I don't clearly understand if there's an audible difference between tin-plated copper vs tin-plated brass? I mean it's only the tin plating that the transistor pins have contact to?

Eitherway, I can't seem to hear the difference when I had the transistors directly soldered vs. using these sockets. I would think a different brand of transistor would have a bigger influence in sound quality over what metal is used in the sockets?

BQ

gnomus · 30th November 2003, 09:13 PM

Just prefer copper. Better conductor. Not even looking for oxygen free copper. Very little difference between that and regular copper.

Nelson Pass · 30th November 2003, 09:46 PM

Oxidation is a problem long term. Gold against Gold is the
preferred long term solution. For short term testing, anything
will usually work.

25th November 2003, 11:42 PM	#2
jewilson diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Plano , TX	Sockets for T0220 I have found these test sockets for T0220 and T0247. However the only non test sockets I have found or the the Molex and their a marginal at best. These Guys have test socket for all TO220 and TO247 http://www.loranger.com/loranger_edc...ates/index.php If anyone else has a source let us know. __________________ Jim W.

28th November 2003, 03:58 PM	#3
tomchaoda diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: New Jersey	Heat sink type? The heat sink type is what I am looking for a long time! I was not able to find similar in Mouser or Digikey, or local shop. I also search the Aavid Thermalloy catalog, but can not find it! Where did you buy it from? Thomas

29th November 2003, 09:05 PM	#5
Super_BQ diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: New Zealand / Canada	Heatsink Thomas, I salvaged all these small heatsinks from the local scrap metal recycler. Specifically, this heatsink came out of an old Mita photo copying machine. Believe me, it was not easy in dismantling these photocopiers just to get at those heatsinks. I've managed to use all of them up on other projects and would love to find more. You're right, Digikey, Allied, Mouser don't carry them. Apparently they all carry the same generic ones that are MUCH smaller (count the # of fins) OR they are too bulky in size (too fat and square) in that they do not fit with the other components around on the PCB. Ideally, I would like to find more with the same size foot print and extend longer. BQ __________________ Yellow People for a Yellow World Vote for Super_BQ, the Asian Alternative

30th November 2003, 03:35 AM	#6
gnomus diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: New York City	The problem with solid state sockets and other types of terminal connectors/blocks is that theyare not made of tin plated copper. Most are brass tin plate or nickel plate. Many items in catalogs do not even tell you what the base metal is. Your better of soldering. It would be nice to have qualtiy sockets like tube guys can get. __________________ Paul

30th November 2003, 09:50 AM	#7
Super_BQ diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: New Zealand / Canada	Base Metal - Quality in Sound gnomus, The .pdf link shows that these socket are made of tin-plated brass. I don't clearly understand if there's an audible difference between tin-plated copper vs tin-plated brass? I mean it's only the tin plating that the transistor pins have contact to? Eitherway, I can't seem to hear the difference when I had the transistors directly soldered vs. using these sockets. I would think a different brand of transistor would have a bigger influence in sound quality over what metal is used in the sockets? BQ __________________ Yellow People for a Yellow World Vote for Super_BQ, the Asian Alternative


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28th November 2003, 05:11 PM	#4
Mark A. Gulbrandsen diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Salt Lake City	They have sinks like those at Ra-Elco in Salt Lake City for 50 cents each. Call and ask for Robert or Brian. 801-487-7749 Mark

30th November 2003, 09:13 PM	#8
gnomus diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: New York City	Just prefer copper. Better conductor. Not even looking for oxygen free copper. Very little difference between that and regular copper. __________________ Paul

30th November 2003, 09:46 PM	#9
Nelson Pass The one and only Join Date: Mar 2001	Oxidation is a problem long term. Gold against Gold is the preferred long term solution. For short term testing, anything will usually work.

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