Finding old transistors

[ChrisDel157]

One of the hardest (or most frustrating) part of just fixing a radio has to be looking for parts for older radios. I know Dbay (you know what I mean) has parts here and there for different prices and locations with shipping options but who can you trust these days for older transistors? I've used digikey for some and I've also come up short simply because (and I'm sure most of you know this) the parts are obsolete or discontinued. Does any know of a few trustworthy sites to use without going to Dbay? I've also tried some "equivalent" (as they say) pieces, just to read the data sheet and see it doesn't compare. (I'm guessing that's my lack of knowledge ) sorry if this seems petty to some, just looking to not blow up my old stock of radios that I own that need service. Thanks everyone in advance! Chris

 

[Low_Boy]

RF Parts Co.

 

[Monk]

One of the hardest (or most frustrating) part of just fixing a radio has to be looking for parts for older radios. I know Dbay (you know what I mean) has parts here and there for different prices and locations with shipping options but who can you trust these days for older transistors? I've used digikey for some and I've also come up short simply because (and I'm sure most of you know this) the parts are obsolete or discontinued. Does any know of a few trustworthy sites to use without going to Dbay? I've also tried some "equivalent" (as they say) pieces, just to read the data sheet and see it doesn't compare. (I'm guessing that's my lack of knowledge ) sorry if this seems petty to some, just looking to not blow up my old stock of radios that I own that need service. Thanks everyone in advance! Chris

 

[Monk]

Hi,

Buy a NTE cross reference book from a NTE dealer of off of the web. There is a lot of information in it. You can use it to find something close if you have some transistors on hand or check to see if they will work in place of the ones you have.

 

[sunbulls]

There are cases where an exact replacement might be preferable, but that also holds true with a substituted part. At first, I’d be more concerned about updating the old electrolytic capacitors. Transistors usually don’t go bad by themselves. When you do find a bad transistor, all associated parts in that circuit need to be checked before going further. Don’t be afraid to make a transistor substitution. In most cases there are many subs to be found that are equal, if not better. As suggested, use a substitution guide, and if possible use an American distributor. Also, feel free to ask about any particular part on this forum.

 

[Smokinone]

I've used RF Parts and they are good.
I have also found Barkett Electronics (https://stores.goldeneagleradios.com/) to have some NOS type parts as well.