1953 Arvin 8213 Restoration

[old_tv_nut]

It appears the choice of a particular germanium diode type will produce only a small difference in detector efficiency:
http://www.rfcafe.com/references/rad...ruary-1952.htm

(scroll down to figure 7)

[Gleb]

This is an early type germanium diode. You can use a digital multimeter with a diode check function to test whether it is functional. A good germanium diode shows a forward voltage drop of about 150...400mV, and doesn't conduct at all in the reverse direction (infinity reading).

Even though there are some special "video detector diodes", I've never seen any difference replacing them with random germanium point contact types I had on hands; you shouldn't either. If the original diode tests bad, just replace it with any germanium point contact diode. I am not good in Western types of diodes, but I think 1N34, 1N60, NTE-109 and many others should be OK.

[old_coot88]

I've always found germanium diodes to show signifigant reverse leakage when checked with an ohmmeter (compared to a Si diode's zero reverse leakage). Yet the Ge diodes always worked normally in service.

[old_tv_nut]

Originally Posted by old_coot88

I've always found germanium diodes to show signifigant reverse leakage when checked with an ohmmeter (compared to a Si diode's zero reverse leakage). Yet the Ge diodes always worked normally.

It may depend on what voltage your ohmmeter applies.