So, I have been playin around with electronics for a few years. Nothing more than some basic circuits with various gates, resistors, capacitors, etc. I finally started to study Transistors and kinda am looking for like a full overview or at least answer some questions I have.
Well I understand (or at least I think I do) that a NPN is open until power is applied to the "Base" which then allows power to pass between the "Collector" and "Emitter". The PNP works in the opposite, correct?
Now I had built a basic circuit once as a kid with one of those Radioshack kits and I remember taking the power off of the "Base" and the LED stayed on. However I have seen several videos on Youtube and from what I am seeing the Transistor acts like a switch, in that when power is removed, all power stops moving through the transistor, correct?
Now I wanted to go to Jameco.com and order some generic use transistors for circuits that carry between 5v and 12v. Is there a such thing as "Generic"? I just want something I can play with and get a feel for what capabilities I have with a few transistors.
Any other information you guys can give me would be great. I feel like I have a small grasp on this huge world of Transistors.....Thanks Guys!