Transistor tester...how's it work?

[ed52]

I use a VOM to test components. It had a transistor test feature. I have used it and found one defective transistor. What does this tester measure and what do the results mean? The one bad transistor made the tester beep and it showed 000 on the display.
Good, same numbered transistors show numbers that have different values:
Ex: one reads 110 and the second one reads 85. What does the number indicate?

 

[Robisme]

Not knowing your tester, this is the best answer I have.

Those numbers are likely the transistors gain. They can be different. Also if you hold one between your fingers, it can read different than if you don't, due to heat.

The 000 reading is probably a shorted transistor.

Rob

 

[century tek]

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