thought this was kinda cool

[pinkjimiphoton]

a bit off topic, but for the germanium worshippers, maybe interesting, especially as we mine for nos ge gems... and why sometimes they act so funky maybe?

http://www.vintage-radio.info/whiskers

apparently, ge transistors can/could(in certain eras) grow "whiskers" inside the casings that would short them out. some cool pdfs.

[Kipper4]

Is that how come you have whiskers Jimi? 

[pinkjimiphoton]

 

[tonyharker]

It appears that only the AF11* series of transistors suffer from this tin whisker problem. This seems to be because the internal connections inside the case are tinned with pure tin Not as happens with other transistors - tin lead solder.  This is a well known phenomenon.  So avoid these transistors which are mostly RF types.   Many people believe that the same thing will happen with modern lead free devices growing internal whiskers of pure tin shorting out the connections.

[pinkjimiphoton]

thanks for the info tony