labels on electronics

[ben111]

hello.
when i open old devices to try to understand how they work, i see many components  i do not know what there are.but they have labels on them ie numbers and letters.is there i site that you can just write the labels of the part and you get full details about the part?
thanks.
-bennett-

 

[audioguru2]

Most electronic parts have datasheets published by the manufacturer. They give max voltage, current and power ratings and detailed operating spec's. Frequently a typical circuit and pcb pattern is shown.
Some datasheets are found on Google but mixed with people selling parts. I get most datasheets at www.datasheetarchive.com but there are also a few other sites.

 

[ben111]

example:i saw what looked like a transistor but it had 2 lead.it had labels on it.it was very protected.what can i do to discover what it is?

 

[ante1]

Hi ben,

You can post a picture and we will try to figure out what it is!

 

[jgeidl]

Ben,

I gonna take a guess that what you are looking at is a diode and the "protection" you talk about is actually a heatsink which helps the part dissipate heat it builds up. 

As Ante suggested, upload a couple pictures and/or some of the numbers off the parts.

Jim