> >If you do what you say you did the transistor will die.
> >HOWEVER, you probably omitted to say that there was a resistor between
the +
> >or - 12v supply and the base.
>
> Right, a 10 Kohm resistor, to limit current

OK - that makes all the difference. Base current will be about 1 mA which is
fine.
Reverse breakdown will be lower current due to zener action.

Going to sleep here while typing . Goodnight. .




        RM

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