Transistor tester recommendations?

[Oldskoolfan]

What would be a good tester for a hobbyist?

 

[wattsabundant]

Transistor failure modes are open and shorted. Any meter with a diode function will meet this requirement. This includes $10 versions at Harbor Freight. I've tested 1000's of diodes and transistors this way. More advanced devices have a display and list NPN or PNP, type of device and current gain.

 

[mr_rye89]

I use this, "transistor tester" on scamazon

 

[Mohawk]

If you want a better one.....

 

[MB1953]

This is the one I use.
Have no use for the IR function, however, for my purpose as a hobbyist, it does the job.



The link below to PDF manual shows its capabilities.

https://www.circuitspecialists.com/content/430516/csi-tc1.pdf


MB

 

[Mohawk]

Reasonably sure that the scamazon one and your "circuit specialist" one are the same rig ....

 

[Hexis22]

If you want a better one.....

View attachment 85124

The DCA75 Pro is a very nice tester.

With the USB interface and laptop, it’s a very capable portable curve tracer and analyzer.

 

[Mohawk]

Definitely!

I have been through a couple of chinezium testers and they work surprisingly well until you test a cap that you forgot to drain first....
Oopsy...
I haven't got the Peak cap tester yet but it's on the list of toys to get....

 

[mr_rye89]

I have that one, it's pretty neat!

 

[sweatybetty]

+1 on the Peak

 

[Oldskoolfan]

well, I bought this tester, and it seems to work well enough.
Right now, I'm a bit befuddled. I am testing a KSC1845 transistor and the tester pinout doesn't jibe with the data sheet.
Tester shows 1 collector, 2 emitter, 3 base. Data sheet says 1 emitter, 2 collector, 3 base.
Has anyone had this happen before? Which do I believe?
I've tested some KSC945's and KSA992's. They all check as per spec.

What am I doing wrong?

UPDATE; Broke out my DMM (Fluke 87 III) Refreshed on how to check BJT's with a DMM. Pinout verified as per datasheet. So now I'm not sure I can trust this tester for every transistor...

 

[jbeckva]

@Oldskoolfan I just got the same thing, and yeah the same issue. I believe the tester gets the collector and emitters confused.

You may have better luck with spinning it around 180 degrees. I've had to do a double take a few times, but overall it's proven it's worth here.

 

[jbeckva]

One other thing tho.. With mine, the 3 slots to the left are labeled K A A, which from the chintzy manual seem to be more for zeners and diodes. Try the 1 2 3 slots to the right of the plastic divider?

 

[Oldskoolfan]

Yeah, I was using the numbered slots.