Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi,

i was just went to buy the materials for this project https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... #materials
but i could not find the transistor specified in the materials list.
is there any other transistor which i can safely use in its place??

Hello and welcome to the forums:

I found the transistor available at several on-line stores. It's also available through Radio Shack, and they claim my local store has it in stock.

I see that some distributors say that this device is obsolete. You can also search for an "N-channel JFET". Almost any "small signal" (not power) JFET will probably work. (This JFET can operate at Radio Frequencies, so an additional search term can be "RF". Note that the experiment does not operate at a high frequency.)

Keith

tarakscope - As Keith mentioned almost any small signal, N-Channel JFET will work in this application. I also found it at several Radio Shack locations in my area. Attached is their catalog info so you can call a local RS with their part number. As an unimportant footnote, I was a Motorola Semiconductor salesman over 40 years ago and sold many of these early, low-cost FET's to industrial customers.

Rick Marz

Thanks.

i found this http://www.fairchildsemi.com/ds/2N/2N5486.pdf, and from many sources, i get that this is the best option as its available at my local store.

once again thanks for helping.