UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum - View Single Post

Darren-UK · 22nd Sep 2005, 10:07 pm

I have heard that during the 1960s impure germanium was used and thus it continues to 'grow' inside the transistor and somehow reacts with the metal(s) used for the screening can. For all I know, however, this could all be a load of codswallop.

Over the years I have kinda studied this problem and it does seem the whiskers are more likely to appear when a radio is left disused for long periods and much less so when in regular use.

22nd Sep 2005, 10:07 pm	#4
Darren-UK Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Blackpool, Lancashire, UK. Posts: 4,061	Re: Whiskers in germanium transistors etc I have heard that during the 1960s impure germanium was used and thus it continues to 'grow' inside the transistor and somehow reacts with the metal(s) used for the screening can. For all I know, however, this could all be a load of codswallop. Over the years I have kinda studied this problem and it does seem the whiskers are more likely to appear when a radio is left disused for long periods and much less so when in regular use. Last edited by Darren-UK; 22nd Sep 2005 at 10:09 pm. Reason: Addition.