Diodes

[kurtlives]

So I got some diodes labelled 1N973B723 and some labelled 1N270.

Could someone give me some info on them? Like what kinds are they and what they are used for.

Thanks

[GibsonGM]

Use the diode test function on your multimeter....a Vf reading of around .5 or .6v indicates a silicon diode, and around .3 or less is germanium.  Google the part numbers, and you might find datasheets on them for current handling capability...might be used for rectification of small signals, or power supplies (higher current)....beats me!

[morcey2]

1N973B723 -- 33V 1/2 Watt zener diode.

1N270  -- germanium.

http://pubpages.unh.edu/~aperkins/pdf/1N-devices/1N270.pdf

[kurtlives]

What would to some good uses of these diodes?

[Mark Hammer]

The 1N270 was the one MXR used in the original Distortion+ and possibly some other boxes.  Anything that calls for a germanium diode for clipping purposes can use a 1N270.  It is not magic, it's just a germanium diode.