Using transistors with spindly legs

[RandomGlitch]

Hi,

I've been using some transistors (that I got from chromesphere, top chap) in a fuzz face I've been making. 

As I wanted to experiment a bit, I installed sockets so I could swap transistors out.  The only trouble was, the transistors have very spindly legs that don't locate in the sockets, and look a bit easily broken, or twist and short (is that a song??  )

Anyway, I mounted them on some 3x3 vero with legs on to make them stronger and more swap-able.

A picture (well, three) speaks a thousand words, so here you go. It may be useful to someone. And could be extended to any fiddly or fragile component:

[deadastronaut]

use someone elses legs....

[RandomGlitch]

use someone elses legs....

I used some resistor legs. Leg transplant. The resistor had a donor card. Their families (The Threeohms) have been informed. Sad but glad other components could live a better life.

[duck_arse]

I had my legs custom-made for me.

[jrod]

Cool idea! Thanks for sharing!

[chromesphere]

Its a good idea random glitch!  The only (two) ways i have found to get good contact with these transistors (GT108V's and other modern russians) is using the to-18 sockets on mammoth.  They seem to be a bit tighter then header strips.  You can also fold the legs over, they are so slim a folded leg will fit into a header strip if you squeeze it closely together.   Thats how i get around them falling out at least (which happens!).

As for short protection, sheilding the legs like you have done is a good idea.  Usually i just cut the legs short and solder for pedals that arent for my own consumption.  Like i said in the PM to you though, you want to make sure you dont press them down too much or one of the 2 legs not connected to the transistor housing may short with it. 

All that said i've never had one of these legs break on me.  Its amazing how strong they are considering how thin they are!

All the best,
Paul

[Paul Marossy]

Very clever idea RandomGlitch. 

[petey twofinger]

thank you for sharing this fantastic lil hack !