[sdiy] transistor socket recommendations?

[Dave Manley]

cseldridge wrote:
> I'm looking for some transistor sockets to hold normal (sized) 
> transistors for some circuit testing.
> 1. Anyone here have a good link to a US supplier?
> 2. Can transistor sockets negatively effect circuit performance in any 
> significant way?
For prototyping how about this:
http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/item/STR-92/550/TO-92_TRANSISTOR_SOCKET_.html

For DC parametric testing why not a ZIF socket like the second picture here:
http://www.maxim-ic.com/appnotes.cfm/an_pk/565

I'm guessing for audio frequency circuits the TO-92 socket linked above 
wont have
much effect.

You could also get some machined pin sockets with the right diameter for 
the vias on
your board.  This can work very well depending on the lead type and will 
present
very little in the way of parasitics.  I've seen this technique used on 
very high speed,
and sensitive circuits (622MHz optical receivers).

-Dave