I mean that I have correctly identified the pins. It is a 2N2222A
transistor. I looked up the datasheet and found the correct
information, but I still get the solitary "1" on the screen.
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If you've connected the transistor to your DMM correctly and you
can't tell whether the transistor is good or bad, then you either
have a bad meter or a bad transistor.
In order to find out where the fault lies, (assuming your DMM has a
diode test function), do this:
Set your meter for diode test and connect it across the base to
emitter junction of the transistor. If it reads "OL", reverse the
connection of the leads. If, after that, it still reads "OL", then
the base to emitter junction has burned open and you have a bad
transistor. If it doesn't, and it reads something like "0.7", then
the base to emitter junction is OK.
However, if it reads close to zero, then the base to emitter
junction has been burned shut and you have a bad transistor.
If those tests are successful, then without disturbing the lead
connected to the base of the transistor, disconnect the lead
connected to the emitter and connect it to the collector. The
reading should still be around 0.7V.
If it isn't, and it's close to zero, then the collector to base
junction has been burned shut.
If it isn't and your meter reads "OL", then the collector to base
junction has been burned open.
If both of those preliminary tests were successful then, for a
final test, set your DMM to an "OHMS" range where 10k ohms can be
easily detected and connect the lead with a positive output to the
collector of the transistor and the other lead to the emitter of the
transistor. Your meter should read "OL".
If it doesn't, you've got a bad transistor.
If it does, then lick your fingers and pinch the collector lead
between the thumb and forefinger of one hand and pinch the base lead
between the thumb and forefinger of the other hand. If you do that
and you can change the resistance indicated by the meter by
squeezing and relaxing the pressure exerted on the base lead, you've
got a good transistor.