Replacing Obsolete Semiconductors

[wildmillbilly]

Can anyone help. I am getting into electronics via audio projects. I've got several Babani books showing various audio projects. I'm finding it very difficult to track down Transistors used in the projects. I know there are more modern circuits using op amps etc. but I would like to understand the electronics at a more fundamental level. Is there any resource for indicating suitable substitutes for obsolete transistors. I've tried wading through data sheets but do not find exact matches. How accurate does the replacement have to be? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I can list obsolete parts if anyone is feeling particularly helpful.

[art]

Hi Wildbillwilly

Try Here: http://www2.cricklewoodelectronics.com/ ... d/home.php

Cricklewood Electronics went under the name of “Marshall’s” (of Edgware) up to about a decade or so ago.

If you can’t get it at Marshall's it doesn’t exist. At least that’s been my experience. If it wasn’t in stock they would get it.

Marshall’s never failed me for: Transistors, Diodes or Capacitors Etc. since taking up the hobby in 1970. It was in the late 50s I first heard of the transistor that was going to make the “Radio Valve” obsolete.

During the great GPO Strike of 1971.
I was making my first Dual purpose Stereo 30W per channel amplifier “PE Gemini”. Stereo’s were just coming on the market then and what a price for a fiddly 5W Per Channel Stereo Amp. Every manufacturer were getting on the Bandwagon.

After a few niggerly problems it worked perfectly. So goog that I took it to my daughters School Fete. Played records and used it as a public address system. So loud the neighbours requested to the Head Mistress it be turned down.

Still haves component lists and building instructions.
PE (“Practical Electronics”) Nov 1970 to March 1971.

Cheers Art
artmarjp@btopenworld.com

http://www2.cricklewoodelectronics.com/ ... d/home.php

[wildmillbilly]

Thanks Art

I will check this out asap and let you know. Funny you should mention vac tubes - my ambition is to build tube amps, both hi fi and guitar amp to my exact requirements. I'm messing around with solid state just to get a bead on general electronics. I think I am beginning to understand the principles. There is definitely room for a book out there that can explain away a few basic principles in a way that non-educated people understand. there seems to always be a fair deal of presuming on behalf of the authors of such tomes! I've just put a three channel pre amp into a headphone amp together and I have to say that just diving in and getting on with it has been more educational than anything else. I want to put a high power mosfet amp together next and then it's on to valve stuff - playing around with different caps and resistors to figure out tonal characteristics. Would love to power up my very own hifi or guitar amp.

[wildmillbilly]

Yep, I've managed to get what I want. Will be using criklewood again - very useful. Thanks for your help