Ge "Mesa Transistors" in Stompboxes?

Paul Marossy · February 28, 2006, 07:19:20 PM

I have a bunch of these so called germanium mesa transistors that were given to me. They were apparently pulled from various devices and most of them seem to be functional. So, my question is, can you use these types of transistors in your typical Fuzz Face type circuit?

Ge_Whiz · February 28, 2006, 07:22:21 PM

Almost certainly.

Paul Marossy · February 28, 2006, 07:25:50 PM

Would I have to do anything special in order to use them? I guess that I'm really wondering if the biasing is way different or something...

Mark F · February 28, 2006, 08:27:33 PM

Quote from: Paul Marossy on February 28, 2006, 07:25:50 PM
Would I have to do anything special in order to use them? I guess that I'm really wondering if the biasing is way different or something...

I would just be concerned with leakage, Hfe, and the like as you would with any other Germanium. The Mesa designation has to do with the manufacturing process. And , Paul , at the rate you knock stuff out I'm surprised your post wasn't something like " I got some Mesa Germs & I built (insert some insane number of boxes here) & I'll be posting pics & sound clips soon!

If it wasn't obvious enough that was a compliment!

Paul Marossy · March 01, 2006, 10:34:14 AM

QuoteAnd , Paul , at the rate you knock stuff out I'm surprised your post wasn't something like " I got some Mesa Germs & I built (insert some insane number of boxes here) & I'll be posting pics & sound clips soon!

LOL. I'm getting kind of burnt out lately, actually. I know what I need to focus on as far as building things is concerned, I just need to do it.

jmusser · March 02, 2006, 03:11:43 AM

I'm glad you asked that Paul, because I asked the same question several months ago, and never got a response. I had come across several during my scavenging of a VCR or 8 Track deck, and didn't know if they were something for a special application or what.

Paul Perry (Frostwave) · March 02, 2006, 06:33:27 AM

That's interesting, I mistakenly thought all mesas were Si. Not so! www.lucent.com/minds/transistor/pdf/first50.pdf

Some ge mesa to look out for (lurking in video amp and RF sections of early transistor TVs)
2SA161
2N705
2N1144
2N1122
NTE160

Paul Marossy · March 02, 2006, 10:13:17 AM

QuoteI'm glad you asked that Paul, because I asked the same question several months ago, and never got a response. I had come across several during my scavenging of a VCR or 8 Track deck, and didn't know if they were something for a special application or what.

I have about 25-30 different types of them, one or two of each type. I'm wanting to use them in stuff if I can.

QuoteSome ge mesa to look out for (lurking in video amp and RF sections of early transistor TVs)
2SA161
2N705
2N1144
2N1122
NTE160

Thanks for the tip Mr. Perry!

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Ge "Mesa Transistors" in Stompboxes?