NTE102

[CodeMonk]

Well, I went to build the Dallas Rangemaster (Austin Treble Blaster).
I used an NTE102 which is supposed to be a compatible component for this (it was all the electronics stroe had that was supposed to be compatible with the OC44).
Well, Not really thrilled with the outcome.
Anyway, so Now I have this part and no use for it.

Is there something else I could build with this part?

Thanks.

[Dragonfly]

The NTE germaniums are "hit or miss" IMO. I've seen a few sound good, and some sound terrible (as you found out!).
As far as using it for other things, I would suggest going to the AMZ website ( www.muzique.com ), clicking on "Blog", and looking for Jacks article on using bad germaniums as buffers. There's a TON of other great ideas / info in the Blog as well.

[smallbearelec]

As the man says, NTE devices vary a lot. Learn to test the gain and leakage so that you know what you really have:

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

or there is an article at GEOFEX that also covers this topic. If the device is very leaky, it may not be good for much. If it is low gain, but also low leakage (which is not uncommon,) try a Bear Boost Plus:

http://www.smallbearelec.com/Projects/BearBoostPlus/BearBoostPlus.htm

Regards
SD

[CodeMonk]

I'll look into all that.
I tested before I built it, it was within range (The Hfe)
But I didn't test for leakage.

Thanks.

[Shepherd]

Is the NTE102 genuinely germanium?

Or is it "functionally equivalent" to a germanium, i.e. low gain?

[smallbearelec]

Is the NTE102 genuinely germanium?

Yes, and so are the other devices that NTE bills as germanium. But the gain can be almost anything, and leakage is often unacceptably high for purposes of building effects.