measuring the gain range in a transistor

[Belt]

How do I measure it...  as far as which legs and what setting on a multi meter.

Thanks

Don

[R.G.]

First: go find the datasheet from the manufacturer of the part you have and identify which leg is which. There is NO standard. The three legs may be any combination, although some combinations are much more common. You have to look up the part datasheet to be sure which the maker intended.

Second: Your multimeter will be marked with E, B, C, standing for Emitter, Base, and Collector. Stick the matching leg from looking at the datasheet into the hole with the proper letter.

Third: make sure your meter is set for the proper polarity, NPN or PNP. The multimeter switch dial will have a position for reading gain. It's labeled.

Now read the meter.

You can not depend on the meter readings for determining the gain of germanium transistors. Germanium has so much leakage that it upsets the simple style of gain reading in these meters and fools them into thinking there is a higher gain.

[Belt]

Hey RG...  Thanks.  I guess I figured it would be harder.  Either way, I learned something.

Thanks again

Don