2SC2879 HG Semi Transistors in Texas Star CW Transmitters

Power Up Your Texas Star with HG SEMI 2SC2879 Bipolar Transistors

At Texas Star, we’re committed to keeping your CW transmitters and amplifiers performing at their peak. For decades, Texas Star amplifiers have been the gold standard for radio enthusiasts, delivering unmatched power and reliability. Central to this performance were the Toshiba 2SC2879 bipolar transistors, particularly the later “red dot” versions, which powered many of our iconic models. However, when Toshiba discontinued the 2SC2879, including the red dot variant, the industry faced a challenge. Enter the HG SEMI 2SC2879—a high-quality replacement that has seamlessly stepped in to keep Texas Star amplifiers roaring. In this article, we’ll explore the transition from Toshiba to HG SEMI transistors, the timeline of this shift, and the Texas Star models impacted, ensuring you have the information needed to maintain or upgrade your setup.

The Legacy of the Toshiba 2SC2879 and the Red Dot Era

The Toshiba 2SC2879 was a silicon NPN epitaxial planar transistor designed for 2-30 MHz SSB linear power amplifier applications, operating at a low supply voltage of 12.5V. Known for its robust performance, it delivered up to 100W PEP output power, 13 dB power gain, and 35% minimum collector efficiency at 28 MHz. Its high voltage rating (45V) and 25A collector current made it a workhorse for RF amplification, particularly in citizen band (CB) and ham radio applications. Texas Star amplifiers, such as the DX 350, DX 400, DX 500, and DX 667, relied heavily on these transistors for their legendary output and durability.

In the mid-2000s, Toshiba introduced the “red dot” version of the 2SC2879, marked by a small red dot on the package. This variant was RoHS-compliant, replacing the original beryllia ceramic insulator (white) with an aluminum nitride ceramic (gray) to meet EU regulations banning hazardous substances like beryllium. The red dot transistors were used in Texas Star models produced after approximately 2007, including newer revisions of the DX series and models like the DX 1600. While the red dot version offered improved environmental compliance, some users noted slightly lower thermal conductivity due to the material change, though performance remained comparable in well-designed circuits.

By the late 2010s, Toshiba ceased production of the 2SC2879, including the red dot variant, leaving manufacturers and enthusiasts scrambling for alternatives. This discontinuation affected Texas Star’s ability to source OEM transistors for repairs and new builds, prompting a search for a reliable replacement.

The Rise of HG SEMI 2SC2879 Transistors

HG SEMI (Huagao Semiconductor), a Chinese manufacturer, stepped up with their 2SC2879 transistor, designed as a direct replacement for the Toshiba original. These transistors are crafted to match the electrical and performance characteristics of the Toshiba 2SC2879, making them an ideal drop-in solution for Texas Star amplifiers. Key features of the HG SEMI 2SC2879 include:

Performance Parity: Delivers 100W PEP output power, 13 dB gain, and 35% collector efficiency at 28 MHz, closely Ascendantly mirroring the Toshiba specs.
High-Quality Construction: Features a ceramic package with gold metallization for durability and efficient heat dissipation.
Matched Sets: Available in matched pairs, quads, or larger sets (e.g., 8, 16, or 24), ensuring consistent performance in multi-transistor configurations.
Rugged Reliability: Proven to handle the demands of SSB linear amplification with clean signal output, as verified by spectrum analyzer tests.

User feedback on platforms like eBay and forums like WorldwideDX.com praises the HG SEMI 2SC2879 for producing RF power output and signal quality nearly identical to the Toshiba original. For example, one user noted, “Side-by-side comparison between HG and Toshiba produce the same RF power output and quality of signal. Absolutely the best replacement I’ve found.” Another user repairing a Texas Star DX 350 reported, “These produce the exact output, and on the spectrum analyzer, they are very clean.”

Timeline of the Transition

The shift from Toshiba to HG SEMI 2SC2879 transistors in Texas Star amplifiers can be traced through the following timeline:

Pre-2007: Texas Star amplifiers, including early DX 250, DX 350, DX 400, DX 500, and DX 667 models, used the original Toshiba 2SC2879 (non-red dot) with beryllia ceramic insulators. These transistors were standard in models produced from the 1980s through the early 2000s.
2007–2010: Toshiba introduced the red dot 2SC2879, which became the default in newer Texas Star models and revisions, such as the DX 350HDV, DX 500V, DX 667V, and the high-power DX 1600. This period marked the transition to RoHS compliance.
2018–2019: Toshiba discontinued the 2SC2879, including the red dot version, due to market shifts toward FET-based designs and reduced demand for bipolar RF transistors. Texas Star began sourcing HG SEMI 2SC2879 transistors as replacements for repairs and new production.
2020–Present: HG SEMI 2SC2879 transistors became the standard for Texas Star amplifier repairs and new builds. Models like the DX 1600X and refurbished units of the DX series now incorporate HG SEMI transistors, ensuring continued availability and performance.

Affected Texas Star Models

The discontinuation of the Toshiba 2SC2879 impacted a wide range of Texas Star CW transmitter and amplifier models, all of which can now utilize HG SEMI 2SC2879 transistors for repairs or upgrades. Key models include:

DX 250 / DX 250HDV: Entry-level amplifiers using two 2SC2879 transistors, producing approximately 250W PEP.
DX 350 / DX 350HDV: Popular mid-range models with two or four transistors, delivering 350W PEP.
DX 400 / DX 400V: Four-transistor amplifiers outputting around 400W PEP.
DX 500 / DX 500V: High-performance models with four or six transistors, capable of 500W PEP.
DX 667 / DX 667V: Six-transistor units pushing up to 600–700W PEP.
DX 1600 / DX 1600X: Flagship amplifiers using eight or more transistors for outputs exceeding 1000W PEP.

These models, whether originally equipped with non-red dot or red dot Toshiba transistors, can be repaired or upgraded with HG SEMI 2SC2879 transistors without modification, thanks to their compatible pinout and performance characteristics.

Why Choose HG SEMI 2SC2879 for Your Texas Star?

At Texas Star, we stock HG SEMI 2SC2879 transistors to keep your amplifiers running like new. Here’s why they’re the perfect choice:

Seamless Compatibility: Designed as a direct replacement, HG SEMI transistors require no circuit modifications, making repairs straightforward.
Proven Performance: Rigorous testing by RF Parts Company and user reports confirm that HG SEMI transistors match Toshiba’s output and signal quality, ensuring your Texas Star delivers the power you expect.
Availability: Unlike the discontinued Toshiba parts, HG SEMI transistors are readily available in single pills or matched sets, supporting both small repairs and large-scale builds.
Cost-Effective: Priced competitively (e.g., $29.99–$831.68 for sets of 1–24 on ICA Manufacturing), HG SEMI transistors offer excellent value without compromising quality.

Whether you’re restoring a vintage DX 350 or pushing the limits with a DX 1600X, HG SEMI 2SC2879 transistors ensure your Texas Star amplifier maintains its legendary performance. Our team at Texas Star is here to provide the parts and expertise you need, including matched sets for optimal balance in multi-transistor configurations.

Upgrade or Repair with Confidence

The transition from Toshiba 2SC2879 red dot transistors to HG SEMI 2SC2879 has breathed new life into Texas Star amplifiers, ensuring that models from the DX 250 to the DX 1600X remain operational for years to come. At Texas Star, we’re proud to offer these high-quality replacement transistors, backed by our commitment to customer satisfaction and technical support.

Ready to power up? Visit texasstar.shop to browse our selection of HG SEMI 2SC2879 transistors, available as single units or matched sets. Keep your Texas Star shining bright—because when it comes to RF amplification, nothing beats the Star.