Why are transistors called "Q"?

[Joe R.]

At 12:20 AM 2/27/05 +0000, Tony wrote:
>> 
>> "T" was taken (Transformer). That was also a problem when tubes began
being=
>> =20
>> used. I think they use X for tubes, don't they?
>
>Normally 'V' Certainly in UK manuals -- we call them 'valves', but HP and 
>Tekky also use 'V'.
>

    V is the standard designation for tubes in the US. It has been since at
least WW II.

   Joe