Faulty Germanium Transistors?

[johnnybegoode]

I recently found 4 germanium transistors to make FF
PNP: 1 pair of 2SB303 and 1 pair of 2SB324

I tried to measure the Collector and Leakage Current of my transistors
The value keep reducing? Why?

from: http://www.smallbearelec.com/HowTos/FuzzFaceFAQ/FFFAQ.htm


Then I try another set-up
The value also keep reducing

from: http://www.geofex.com/Article_Folders/fuzzface/fffram.htm


At first thought that they will stabilise after a while but they doesn't.
Are they faulty?

[GibsonGM]

You have to hook them up using jumpers, use a good battery, and then wait until they stabilize...they're sensitive to temperature, so keep them away from lights and such.   After as long as 10 minutes, they'll settle down. I like the ckt you have listed 2nd, from Geo...works very well.  Just give them time.  To prove the theory, hook it all up, and grab a transistor with your thumb & finger...you will see the number start to jump around 

[aron]

Hmmm moving this to the main forum. Interesting that this got posted in the beginner section after I created an ALL CAPS - READ THIS BEFORE YOU POST thread in the beginner forum.




READ THIS BEFORE YOU POST

[analogmike]

Using RGs transistor testing rig, the gain or leakage should not drift at all.

If it does, throw those transistors away or use them for diodes.

[Fret Wire]

 After as long as 10 minutes, they'll settle down.

No, if you haven't raised their temp with your fingers, a stable Ge will settle down immediately and hold a set gain and leakage. If it's dancing around for even a minute, it's not stable.