Internals/Gutshot Pics of Russian Germanium Transistor GT308V

[luap77]

Dear all,

I'm in the process of a west coast to east coast move in Australia and found a bag of blown germaniums whilst packing. Below are pics of what's inside a Russian GT308V PNP germanium transistor. Note the gold thread. Enjoy.

Paul E

[luap77]

Sorry about the awkward size of the pics 

Hope the external shot below is better

Paul E

[CGDARK]

They look like UFO's pics.

CG

[markm]

Cool! 

[soulsonic]

That's really neat! I love National Geographic nature photos of electronic components. How did you get it open?

[luap77]

I opened it by putting the "lid" in the jaws of the ignition lead slot of my $2 wire stripper/crimper tool and prying. It broke away quite cleanly.

Does anybody know what the grease-like substance inside is for? I've only ever come across this with glass-encased transistors as a means of preventing them from being used as phototransistors. Any ideas?

Paul E

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

I allways understood this grease was to conduct heat to the case. I don't know if this is true, though. It might also help to protect the junction from physical or chemical contamination, for all I know.
Here is a link discussing Ge transistors http://www.vintage-radio.com/repair-restore-information/transistor_transistor-faults.html
plus, a link to a review of a book devoted to collecting & restoring old electronic stuff http://www.vintage-radio.com/reviews/electronic-classics-book.html

[petemoore]

  Metal has a unique appearance, almost like it's varnished.
  I was using a couple 'great tone' GT308B transistors last night, 'Fine Fuzz Face -/ Bendtone Booster' affair ... fabulous !!

[nooneknows]

...pornotronics...

[soulsonic]

Okay, I had to do it..... that first pic is now my desktop background.

[luap77]

Ah, that makes sense about the grease. Thanks Paul P. for the interesting links.

Pete, you mentioned the use of GT308B. Mine are marked IT308B, and I believe these to be GT308V according to the datasheet. GT308V is higher gain then GT308B, with the former sounding quite nice in various fuzz projects. What are the markings on you GT308's, and what is a typical hFE you see for them?