If you go to Radio Shack, all of their DVM above $50 have Auto Transistor ID. You plug it in *any lead orientation*, it then runs a little algorithm. It will show you: 1) PNP or NPN 2) which lead is what 3) DC Hfe of the part Cool! Of course, I designed it! (and got 4 patents to boot!!) Paul Schreiber Synthesis Technology