Quick question about rating transistor gains

[kwijibo]

I've noticed it seems commonplace for people to cite current gain values for transistors as fixed values (i.e. transistor Y has a gain of X, Q1 in this fuzz pedal need a gain of 80-100). Whenever I've specified parts the small-signal current gain is always given against a range of Ic and Vce values. Is everyone assuming a standard bias current and Vce, or are people just repeating whatever comes up on their transistor tester/multimeter? I find it strange that so much attention is given to transistor gains when you can get a variety of values several times greater depending on how they're measured.

[R.G.]

I have practically made a profession of reminding people of that issue. I've posted it many, many times.

[kwijibo]

I have practically made a profession of reminding people of that issue. I've posted it many, many times.

Good to hear, it's nice to know I'm not totally confused or missing out on some secret information. This also explains why a lot of online "truths" about gain values in particular circuits don't always gel with my experience...

[LucifersTrip]

Many of the gains reported use either R.G.s ge tester:
http://www.geofex.com/Article_Folders/ffselect.htm

...or a Peak Atlas meter:
http://www.peakelec.co.uk/acatalog/jz_dca55.html

[PRR]

> profession of reminding people of that issue.

How's the pay?

Do you have to be in the union?

> commonplace for people to cite current gain values for transistors as fixed values

Just look at the datasheet. hFE of a specific transistor may vary almost 2:1 over the range of typical currents. By over 2:1 over extreme temperature.

[R.G.]

How's the pay?

NWAS, if you're a follower of acronyms.