How do you tell PNP from NPN

[Mark Graalman WB8JKR]

  Dan,

 The case/lead orientation has nothing to do with that.
 I think the easiest way would be to take a VOM that
has enough voltage at its terminal to activate a junction,
verify the + lead of the VOM is indeed + then connect the+
lead to the collector, the - lead to the emitter, connecting
another clip lead from the collector to the base should cause
the transistor to turn on indicating a low resistance IF its a NPN
device.
 If not, then connect the VOM - lead to the collector, the + lead
to the emitter, and a clip lead from the collector to the base
should turn it on if its a PNP device.

73,  Mark  WB8JKR
 .

On Thu, 13 Feb 2003 17:06:22 EST Dan Pividal N4VET <OTAKEBI at AOL.COM>
writes:
> Do any of you know a sure fire way to tell if a transistor is NPN or
> PNP?
> I know the base is the middle lead and that if I hold the flat part
> of the
> transistor toward me with the leads down that should put the emitter
> to the
> far left.
> But, that is not the case with all transistors.
> Can anyone help?
> Thanks,
> Dan
>
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