Signal generator choice - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Sekkai
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2018, 11:17:28 pm
content: What is a good choice of signal generator?On other EEVBlog site I see: Siglent SDG1025 Function/Arbitrary Waveform Generator, 25MHz, 125MSa/s Sample Ratehttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GQNNVH4/But much older post. Is this still good? Do you think another product is better?

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2018, 11:22:59 pm
content: Quote from: Sekkai on August 19, 2018, 11:17:28 pmFirst you must answer the question "good for what?".

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2018, 11:25:26 pm
content: Quote from: tggzzz on August 19, 2018, 11:22:59 pmAnd what are your limitations. With a million dollar you can get a very nice AWG, but my guess is that you don't have that much to spend.

author: JS
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2018, 11:42:26 pm
content: I'm considering the fy6800 with a lot of futures and decent specs for less than half than any other with similar futures, but there are a ton of problems reports and feeltech not beong to helpful about it.Then I'd like to know what there is out there, I'm particularly interested in dual chanel, pc control, not too fuzzy about bw... What are your requirements?JS

author: xrunner
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2018, 11:44:14 pm
content: Quote from: Sekkai on August 19, 2018, 11:17:28 pmWell I have a used Agilent 8648A which is a great signal generator for RF testing & repair ... but like the other valued members said - what do you want to do with one?That's the real question.

author: Sekkai
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2018, 12:44:23 am
content: Signal generator, like for a project testing such as this:and debug and learn about audio, radio, analog, blinking LEDs, op-amps, oscillators, converters (analog to digital), testing circuits.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2018, 01:00:18 am
content: Quote from: Sekkai on August 19, 2018, 11:17:28 pmA better choice is the more modern SDG1032X or if your budget allows SDG2042X.I updated my personal SDG1010 to a 1032X.Why ?2 equal spec channels.More advanced capabilities.But as always there's gotchas:Check the datasheets of each for sine and square wave specs....look closely.Also sampling rate, vertical resolution and memory depth.

author: Sekkai
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2018, 01:40:21 am
content: Quote from: tautech on August 20, 2018, 01:00:18 amWhat is the meaning?

author: JS
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2018, 01:45:29 am
content: Quote from: Sekkai on August 20, 2018, 01:40:21 amI think he is telling you to go for both datasheets and find the trap, he's even pointing whereyou should look... Good exercise, perfect if you are trying to choose one so you can distinguish limitations for yourselfJS

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2018, 01:55:07 am
content: Quote from: tautech on August 20, 2018, 01:00:18 amYou're recommending Siglents? That's surprising, I thought you'd go for Rigol.

author: Sekkai
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2018, 02:01:54 am
content: SDG1010 has sine and square frequency 1 muHz ~ 10 MHzSDG1032X has sine and square frequency 1 muHz ~ 30 MHzWhy trap?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2018, 02:17:09 am
content: Quote from: JS on August 20, 2018, 01:45:29 amExactly that JS.Not everyone likes or needs to be spoon fed.To be clear, even though I can stock and sellanyof the models of Siglent's various ranges I take the time to researchandtest those that will offer the best bang for buck. There's many I don't and/or won't stock !I'm not just some retail shop that will sell anything I can, instead I carefully examine the capabilities of equipment so I know and can give professional recommendations.Do Siglent offer the best equipment, no but at many price points they are extremely competitive WRT specification, capability and reliability.Don't want to hear from me again, well studyandunderstand datasheets !Or ask for advice.

author: xrunner
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2018, 02:34:39 am
content: Quote from: Sekkai on August 20, 2018, 12:44:23 amFunction generator - right. Well if you have the bucks like $300 - $400 check the specs and get a nice one like Siglent or Rigol or other brand in that price range. I say if you have the bucks and are willing to spend it you will like a nice piece of gear. I hate trying to use chincy cheap junky test equipment.

author: Sekkai
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2018, 02:43:55 am
content: tautech is there really a "trap" or are you trying to advertise??

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2018, 03:50:10 am
content: Quote from: Sekkai on August 20, 2018, 02:43:55 amStudy the datasheets for sampling rate, vertical resolution and memory depth spec between the SDG1025 that you were initially looking at and the 1032X and 2042X I suggested.I don't really care what you buy, all I care about is you making a fully informed decision.After some study come back and tell us of your preference and why.

author: Sekkai
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2018, 04:19:19 am
content: Quote from: tautech on August 20, 2018, 03:50:10 amSDG1025: Sample rate 125 MSa/s, vertical resolution 14 bits, 16k points of memory depth / waveform lengthSDG1032X: Sample rate 150 MSa/s, vertical resolution 14 bits, 16k points of memory depth / waveform lengthSDG2042X: Sample rate 1.2 GSa/s, vertical resolution 16 bits, 8M points of memory depth / waveform lengthI still do not see why this is a "trap"

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2018, 04:36:05 am
content: Quote from: Sekkai on August 20, 2018, 04:19:19 amIt can be but that's entirely dependent on your needs of:Arb wavelength and signal fidelity.If you you have high expectations select SDG2042XOrdinary usage requirements, SDG1032X.But you may have missed sine vs square wave spec of which only SDG10*2X do both sine and square to max frequency.Then to complicate your decision more, both the X models can apparently be 'improved' beyond their rated BW but as a distributor I'm not supposed to know anything about that.Check respective threads about 'improvements' for these X models.* SDG1032X or 1062X models.

author: Sekkai
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2018, 04:45:07 am
content: I filled in memory depth for last one, was still editing postQuote from: tautech on August 20, 2018, 04:36:05 amMaybe it is my difficulty with English, but I am having a very very hard time understanding what you are trying to say.Where is this "max frequency" problem?SDG1025 has sine and square frequency range 1 uHz - 25 MHz.SDG1032X has sine and square frequency range 1 uHz - 30 MHz.SDG2042X has sine frequency 1 uHz - 120 MHz, and square frequency range 1 uHz - 25 MHz.The SDG2042X max frequency for sine quite high, but lower for square, compared to SDG1032X, and same as SDG1025?The SDG1025 says max frequency is 25 MHz, both sine and square match that max.Max for SDG1032X is 30 MHz, both sine and square match that max. (So why do you say only SDG10*2X does it?)Max for SDG2042X is 40MHz, somehow sine is above this, square is below this. I believe this is what you point to as "trap"?Why did you ask to look up sample rate, vertical resolution, memory depth?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2018, 05:27:02 am
content: Good, you have picked out most differences but made one error.SDG2042X max frequency is 40 MHz, only an 'improved' one and SDS2122X can do 120 MHz.SDG10*2X = 1032X or 1062X.The higher sampling rates and resolution allow for better signal fidelity, that may or not be of importance to you.Likewise memory depth may not be a concern but greater allows for more complex and larger arbitrary waveforms to be created.Have you seen the output channel differences between for SDG1025 vs later X models ?Also X models have a LAN port, previous models not, again that may not matter for you.When you have considered all the small differences then you can make a good decision for your needs.SDG1025 $319 vs SDG1032X $359, for $40 difference SDG1032X is much better and more modern instrument.Your money, your choice.

author: Sekkai
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2018, 05:31:28 am
content: Quote from: tautech on August 20, 2018, 05:27:02 amI am using the figure on page 7 of this datasheet for the SDG2042Xhttps://mediacdn.eu/mage/media/downloads/SDG2000X_DataSheet.pdfwhere it mentions max sine frequency 120 MHz relating to SDG2042X, no? I only see this number for sine.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2018, 05:38:58 am
content: Quote from: Sekkai on August 20, 2018, 05:31:28 am120 MHz is the max frequency the top model of the SDG2000X series only SDG2122X or 'improved' units are capable of 120 MHz.See P3 for the factory spec for each model in the series.

author: Sekkai
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2018, 05:40:46 am
content: Quote from: tautech on August 20, 2018, 05:38:58 amYes I do see that, but where does it show SDG2042X sine / square frequency if those numbers on page 7 are only for SDG2122X? It shows sine at 120M and on the same page, square at 25M. I find this extremely confusing. Where do I see that SDG2042X sine is under max?

author: Sekkai
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2018, 05:51:28 am
content: If I understand you, you're saying for a little more money, SDG1032X (or the SDG2042X if I want something better than SDG1032X) are much better picks than the SDG1025, but there are "traps" / "gotchas" with things like SDG2042X because sine/square don't output at max frequency. Normally would expect 40 MHz for both, but instead they are doing like 25 MHz?

author: MarkF
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2018, 05:51:52 am
content: If you go for the Siglent, checkoutSaelig Electronicsand get their EEVBlog discount.http://www.saelig.com/sdg1000-x-series/FGDG013.htmIf you decide on one of the Rigol's,tEquipmenthas an EEVBlog discount also.https://www.tequipment.net/Rigol/DG1022Z/Function-Generator/?v=7380

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2018, 06:05:11 am
content: Quote from: Sekkai on August 20, 2018, 05:40:46 amYes, I can how see this might be confusing.AWG's, function generators and other equipment are specified by maximum sine wave frequency and sine wave spec is the industry standard for BW capability.So the frequency listed for each model is just and only the max sine wave capability.Hope that helps with understanding.Quote from: Sekkai on August 20, 2018, 05:51:28 amYes you have a grasp on what I was trying to point out. The differences become more apparent with higher BW models.Say SDG2082X, 80 MHz sine but only still 25 MHz square.That's just one of the gotchas/traps and they are all through the industry if you don't understand or study the datasheets carefully.Say we look at the top of the Siglent range, SDG6052X, 500 MHz with 20V p-p outputs but at the high frequencies and because of design/circuit limitations they can only output 1.28V p-p above 350 MHz and this is good by industry standards.

author: Sekkai
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2018, 06:11:05 am
content: If I (hypothetically) needed square wave > 25 MHz I would not get the SDG2042X even though it has a lot better specs than SDG1032X in most things, as example

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2018, 06:13:07 am
content: Quote from: Sekkai on August 20, 2018, 06:11:05 amJust think about it overnight.Dinner calls......maybe more later.

author: Sekkai
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2018, 06:18:02 am
content: (I was bringing up as example to see if I understood the point you are making)Perhaps that SDG1032X is a better choice because it does not have the traps SDG2042X does that you would normally expect for the money (I think you said you upgraded to SDG1032X), but either are still better than SDG1025 I asked about.

author: JS
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2018, 06:18:54 am
content: Quote from: tautech on August 20, 2018, 06:05:11 amI guess they should specify slew rate in the general specs and make things much more clear and easier to compare, then you can read the processed information in the small print like max output Vpp at a certain freq.JS

author: JS
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2018, 07:00:22 am
content: What about the Hantek HDG2XX2B? Just saying...16 bits, lots of versions from 5MHz up to 100MHz, 5MHz is cheaper than the others we discussed but I think the BW limit can be fixed later 20MHz is still cheaper than the others.64M seems like quite a bit, compared to the others. 250MSa/s not too shabby16 bits is nice! 0.1% THD isn't great for all audio applications but might be useful for some.Oh no, (I'm reading specs as I go...) seems like sweep is only linear, that might be a deal breaker by itself...Jitter seems a bit higher than the others, 500ps against 200ps of the Rigol and 300ps of the Siglent.Freq stability isn't rated, maybe not the 1ppm of the others but I expect that not to be a real problem, at least in my applications.16 channel digital gen, might come handy...Looking at the specs looks like an option to consider, bummer the sweep, might have other traps in there, might be a walk around the missing sweep, like selecting the second oscillator as frequency reference and using an exponential signal from there. Are there other traps? I don't know how the UI works or the connectivity but SCPI should do the trick for that, drivers?.JS

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2018, 08:03:04 am
content: Quote from: Sekkai on August 20, 2018, 06:18:02 amYes either are better and not just for waveform capabilities, be they MHz or amplitude.More modern and easier to use UI and better I/O connectivity.If you can afford the $40 more then you won't be disappointed with SDG1032X.There is too the seamless connectivity to SDS1104X-E scopes for Bode plot function if required but all SDG's can provide the sweeping sine wave for Bode plot functionality if required.

author: capt bullshot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2018, 08:12:52 am
content: Depends on the money you want to spend.I'd recommend the Keysight 33500B Series (you have the choice between 1 or 2 channels and various BW options). I like their user interface, IMO it's superior to most of the others in this specification range.Technically speaking, if you just compare features and spec, these AWGs are quite similar. Sometimes there are traps hidden in the specs (as limited amplitude with higher frequencies, non-identical channels on a dual channel model ...). Comparing the price tag, most others cost less for similar specs than the 33500B ones.

author: malagas_on_fire
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2018, 10:54:04 am
content: HiI'm revisiting electronics that i've learn in the past and currently i'm gattering some stuff. I develop firmware in linux embedded systems and microcontrollers with basic electronics and i would like an opinion for a first Waveform Generator if appliable.I was thinking of buying a used one or a brand new:My scope is 8MHz bandwith for now so something like this:https://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-Star-Jupiter-2000-Function-Signal-Waveform-Generator-Test-Tone/302856913477?hash=item4683adc245:g:b5gAAOSwawBbYitVor thishttps://ebay.us/kUx40EMight do the first entry?

author: JS
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2018, 12:15:52 pm
content: Quote from: malagas_on_fire on August 28, 2018, 10:54:04 amThe old one could be perfectly fine for many applications, but it can't do arbitrary waveforms, just a few preset waveforms. Also, to state the obvious, you can't control it with the pc.The feeltech has pretty much the functionality of the new ones, is a pretty modern one, not the latest model they have but still has arb and usb. There're plenty people really happy with their feel tech AWG, and plenty of topics, while there are some known problems with them, just look around for the particular model and check for yourself. As long as you don't think it will replace an AWG from some of the main ones we have mentioned in this thread it can be a great option.Coming back to the old one, it can have it's uses around a lab, some of them have pretty low THD compared to most AWG, so good for audio. The ramp can be much smoother to check for adc linearity and so on.JS

author: malagas_on_fire
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2018, 01:04:04 pm
content: Thanks for the tip about the starting Signal Generator. I used back in school / university one of those old signal generators and that was a choice for remember directly.With the AWG i can replicate some main waveform ( sinosoidal) and then apply some harmonics to mimic noise and check behavior of the circuit? And the feeltech software works on linux? if not that can be arranjed

author: JS
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2018, 01:13:07 pm
content: I'm not sure about the SW, likely W only bummer for me too...You don't need the computer, it's just an option you have, it already comes with a ton of waveforms as preset, then you can add your own if you need to.JS

author: rstofer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2018, 02:06:02 pm
content: I bought the SDG2082 knowing full well that the square wave frequency is limited to 25 MHz. If I need faster, I'll be using an FPGA anyway.One of the neat things about the SDG2082X is the ability to add in harmonics at various amplitudes and phase relationships. IIRC, I can add up to 8 harmonics to a fundamental although the harmonic still has to be below 80 MHz. This probably won't be the most used feature but it is pretty slick. Read the manual if you want the details.I use the Analog Discovery for Bode' plots and I don't yet own a Siglent scope so that remote control feature doesn't mean much.The SDG1032 was on my list before I decided to jump up a level. I upgraded my plan when I saw a Valetine's Day heart drawn on a scope using the SDG2042X. There are some strange harmonics being used!I have gotten along with cobbled together signal generators for a very long time. Having a real signal generator is a treat!

author: malagas_on_fire
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2018, 02:56:38 pm
content: That's a hole step in the entry level, but of course depends on what you're going to develop in the future. I just asked if the cheapo was capable, but i'll consider in the future a siglent with that characteristics.The manual of the FY2200 does not have presets for harmonic generation , but includes a good pack of waveforms.

author: rstofer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2018, 03:45:24 pm
content: Quote from: malagas_on_fire on August 28, 2018, 02:56:38 pmIt's really FY22xx where xx gets filled in by max frequency (02,05,08,10,12 MHz). The 12 MHz version on eBay is only $116https://www.aliexpress.com/item/FY2200-series-double-channel-function-generator-frequency-counter-DDS-frequency-sweep-signal-source/32542532043.htmlThe square wave output seems to be limited to 4 MHz and I don't see any mention of 'arbitrary waveform' capability. In fact, they seem to have just the standard 4 waveforms: sine, square, triangle and sawtooth.This may be enough for many applications but I don't think I would confuse it with the SDG2082X

author: malagas_on_fire
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2018, 03:59:31 pm
content: Hi thereAbout the manual and models it seems you're right except for the part "4 downloadable 2048 dots arbitrary waveform memories" on the third page. I could be wrong , since i know only the basic waveforms and nothing about Arbitrary Waveform Generation , that why i need learning. There is a chance to wait for chrismas and buy something like this:https://ebay.us/H0zk6qThis has more resolution for the Amplitude, Frequency and 64 positions for user defined waveform and more. This is more value for the money option maybe due to the added functions.The 22xxx is more cheaper however, but i regret buying something and then say "if it had this" :https://ebay.us/RuRFQuI'm not putting the cheapo in the same bag of the siglent and for future i'll then go forward to a better one,

author: rstofer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2018, 04:12:37 pm
content: Quote from: malagas_on_fire on August 28, 2018, 03:59:31 pmI didn't download the manual, I was looking at the abbreviated specs at AliExpress.QuoteThis seems a lot more reasonable. It's inexpensive and probably adequate for most hobbyists. The user interface is a very nice.QuoteI'd probably choose the FY6600 even if only for the user interface.As I said earlier, I got along without a dedicated signal generator for multiple decades. Now that I'm retired, I have more time to play and it seemed worthwhile to spend a bit more on a signal generator with somewhat advanced features. Do Ineedthem? Probably not! The cost was not a problem so I moved up a couple of levels.

author: JS
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2018, 07:35:34 pm
content: The FY6800 is already out there, not huge difference with the 6600 but about the same price, for a newer model. I'd have to go to the manual to state the difference...JS

author: Wolfgang
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2018, 07:47:59 pm
content: I recommend to try both Siglent and Rigol.The DG1062Z became my choice because of a very clean signal and good modulation quality.Up to 60MHz, it had a better signal than *real* RF generators:https://electronicprojectsforfun.wordpress.com/test-equipment/test-equipment-measurements/rf-signal-generator-am-modulation-quality/There is also a 30MHz model, IIRC.

author: malagas_on_fire
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2018, 10:52:23 pm
content: Quote from: JS on August 28, 2018, 07:35:34 pmSo far the FY6800 has a ground plug connector where the 6600 has not. Buttons different, can output one more preset waveform , Functions and specs look similar :https://www.ebay.com/itm/FY6600-60MHz-FeelTech-DDS-Dual-Channel-Function-Arbitrary-Waveform-Generator-UK/282929468196?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649https://www.ebay.com/itm/2018-FY6800-60MHz-2CH-DDS-Arbitrary-Waveform-Function-Signal-Generator-Meter-/183263162017

author: JS
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2018, 04:35:07 am
content: Quote from: malagas_on_fire on August 28, 2018, 10:52:23 pmSerial and 5V on the TTL connector. I remember and look closely when I opened your links...JS

author: malagas_on_fire
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2018, 09:26:05 am
content: Hi there.I think i'll stick to the cheaper one (FY3224) since my scope is only capable off 8MHz bandwith / 40M and then maybe step up both scope and signal generator in one setting in order to be able performing testing, rigol or siglent maybe.Thanks for sharing you're opinions.

author: MadTux
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2018, 09:58:44 am
content: Perhaps get something analog such as Tek FG501A or similar?Simple to use, repairable and has all the functions that I needed so far. Decent output voltage, too.Never had a need for fancy DDS synthesis, Squarewave and shaped sinewave is all that I need from a simple function generator. Triangle, sawtooth and basic pulse capabilities are sometimes nice, too. That's all what I need to do basic tasks like testing amplifiers or to drive big transistors to get high voltage AC signals. All this fancy digital stuff isn't needed 99% of the time but makes the generator less intuitive to use and much harder to repair.For low distortion signals, well timed pulses or sweeps, these things are useless anyhow. Have dedicated instruments for that, such as HP 3325A, 3326A, 3335A, 8662A, 8444A tracking gen for low distortion signals/sweeps, and 5359A pulse gen for well timed pulses.

author: malagas_on_fire
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2018, 11:18:34 am
content: I'll stick to this onehttps://ebay.us/kUx40EI think it will do the job for learning.

author: Old Printer
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2018, 01:00:33 pm
content: There is a huge thread about the FY6600/6800 in the test equipment forum. A lot there about problems and limitations, and also about making modifications to bring it to a much better unit. Worth reading if you are in the market for a low price signal generator.

author: malagas_on_fire
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2018, 02:03:33 pm
content: "....with a leakage current of close to 1mA at 90V AC...."Opppsss:https://sdgelectronics.co.uk/feeltech-fy3200s/

author: malagas_on_fire
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2018, 02:30:07 pm
content: Quote from: malagas_on_fire on August 29, 2018, 02:03:33 pmThis is not acceptable by me. I could mod easly if it was a used unit, but a brand new unit must comply with our electrical standards. Also the time and effort maybe would be a better isolated product.At least this model i can use one of my USB power cords which has proper isolation and it's more like what i've used in the pasthttps://ebay.us/IEFesp

author: malagas_on_fire
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2018, 04:03:54 pm
content: Well i've found a way to bypass the problem. Use the brand new isolation transformer 12VA

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2018, 10:58:12 pm
content: The FY6800 is supposed to have that issue fixed.

author: JS
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2018, 12:04:46 am
content: Quote from: Mr. Scram on August 29, 2018, 10:58:12 pmYes, it's grounded! That the issue with SMPS, and if you want it tl be floating you still need capacitive coupling to ground, other models from feel tech doesn't have ground connections at all. For other models you could ground it from a BNC, as you won't use every BNC at any time but I don't know how well it would work and even then is not ideal.JS

author: malagas_on_fire
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2018, 09:30:25 am
content: Hii ask for cancel the order and bought this cheapo one that is powered by USB. it has the basic stuff to revived the old memories, it can be used with a good USB power brick, or a power bank , and good usb cable:https://ebay.us/VDZTD0Later i'll step up this option has well the scope.

author: Mr. Scram
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2018, 11:59:38 pm
content: Quote from: malagas_on_fire on August 30, 2018, 09:30:25 amYou'll need to test whether USB ground connects to BNC ground and take appropriate action if it does. You can be in for a nasty surprise otherwise.

author: JS
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2018, 04:41:34 am
content: Hi, while we are at it, I'll be seeing an analog generator on Sunday, I'm acctually going to look for a power supply, but as I'm at it the seller offers the generator as well and I'm after one too. The main drawback is it's 2MHz only, but it has quite a lot of features not present in the most basics generators. Sweep generator, AM, and more interestingly, in the back, VCF in, CFV out, TTL output and modulation input. I leave a few pictures from google and the link to the paused publication as I go to see it. The unit is a Leader LFG-1300Shttps://articulo.mercadolibre.com.ar/MLA-738623741-generador-funcionessweeper-lfg-1300s-leader-japon-mlab-_JMThe price is about $140, it's likely U$ goes up tomorrow as we are going through rough times so the price might drop, and I can probably get a nicer deal as I get the two units. (A power supply, old school, also branded Leader, LPS-152 tracking ±25V 1A and 6V 5A) Both units are very well documented and maintenance doesn't seem so hard, in case something happens, pretty trustable units, recapping it might not be a bad idea. There are quite a few of this Leader things on fleabay, the price for the PS agrees about there with international prices, which is a great thing here. The price for the sig gen doesn't, is a bit higher but looks in really good shape. I'd be getting a 6800 for that money, which sounds tempting for the features, but the reliability of this seems much higher and I could probably sell it for about the same later, if it comes to that. I haven't seen much about it online, no good reviews or testing, some repairs but nothing too trending to one failure mode, dirty switches mostly.What do you say? Should I go for it? Note that I don't have any gen, using my phone for that so far, 2MHz is a great upgrade. The possibility of selling it again is also there so I'm not too worried if it's all working fine, and I'm going to test it before bringing it home, which is great!0JS

author: ferdieCX
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2018, 07:48:09 am
content: Hi JS,I bought a second hand Leader LFG-1300 eight years ago, and I am very satisfied with it.

author: JS
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2018, 01:20:24 pm
content: Quote from: ferdieCX on August 31, 2018, 07:48:09 amThanks! I'll see how it goes.Even if it has some limitations, like lack of slow enough sweep for the lower frequencies, as it can be controlled externally I could put something together to generate the slower sweeps. If I do any of those tweaks I'll be sure to post them here.JS

author: malagas_on_fire
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2018, 01:31:49 pm
content: Quote from: Mr. Scram on August 30, 2018, 11:59:38 pmI'll let you know when i got it. It is supposed to be in the next week.By he way here is the english manual , that i couldn't find in the feeltech webpage :https://www.insidegadgets.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/FY21xxS-User_s-Manual_V2_2.pdfSome of my USB wall chargers present 80Vac volts between earth and GND of USB port in open, but when loaded it vanishes.

author: JS
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2018, 04:35:19 pm
content: Quote from: malagas_on_fire on August 31, 2018, 01:31:49 pmThat's why usually current is measured, which makes more sense to represent the leakage from mains to isolated ground. The question that was asked to you was about the BNC and USB in the generator.JS

author: malagas_on_fire
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2018, 09:37:50 pm
content: Hi i found another DDS that is powered by external 5V power brick and has more features than the one i've ordered.https://ebay.us/qc8KzX

author: Microcheap
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2018, 02:01:49 am
content: Quote from: malagas_on_fire on September 05, 2018, 09:37:50 pmThere is a newer version of this MHS5200A function generator with some improvements, the details are discussed in this threadhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/mhs-5200a-function-generator-teardown-review-reverse-engineering/msg724647/#msg724647orhttps://youtu.be/TQXd7u4kPvs

author: JS
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2018, 03:17:36 am
content: Quote from: ferdieCX on August 31, 2018, 07:48:09 amI got it, the ranges go far beyond specs to the low side, so the sweep can be very slow. Even then, the seep generator is hard to know what's putting out, the lower freq is the fixed but the higher you never really know what it is, so I'm not sure, I should play a bit more with it. I did a calibration yesterday, many tweaks were required but the freq is bang on now.I also got the Leader power supply, pretty nice gear! I will make a review when I make time for it, I didn't found any when I was looking to buy them.JS

author: malagas_on_fire
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2018, 12:12:17 pm
content: Here are the Fy2100 signal generator tested with my cheapo scope.It camed with power brick, BNC cable and USB A to BSquare wave becomes undershoot due to bandwith limit of scope, so stopped to 1Mhz. Also triangle wave has some curvature in that frequency(Edit Forgot to put image on the square wave and switch from DC to AC in some pictures)At 100Hz i can't see in my scope any distortion because of it's low resolution.I've tried in the Khz range up to 200 by adjusting the ADJ knob and it seems fine.The only thing i see is atennuation on the signal ( around 100mV or more of 1Vpp ) when the frequency is increased to the maximum 2MhzIt has a simple interface, lightweight and has no leakage from mains.(Edit)... when powered by a USB power bank but using power brick it revealed 96V and around 60 uA of leakage.

author: LogicalDave
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2023, 03:19:52 pm
content: I have several signal generators including the SDG1025, DG1022, and several high-end RF signal generators (IFR 2025). When only considering signal generation, the DG1022 is very slightly better than the SDG1025 due to the ability to synchronize and offset channels, but overall I prefer the SDG1025 for two reasons:The frequency counter feature - this is surprisingly usefulThe ability to easily replace (via hack) the internal crystal oscillator with a high-precision (0.1ppm) TCXOThe two downsides of the SDG1025 are:The airflow arrangement makes it a little noisy; the fan itself is quiet, but the airflow through the vents is loud enough to be annoying in a quiet room: it makes a steady rushing sound like a white-noise generator.The frequency counter feature (which is great) is buried under several menu layers; it should really be a top-level menu choice. @Siglent, if you ever release another firmware update for this model, please consider this.Perhaps @tautech or @Siglent know whether newer models fix the airflow noise and still support the TCXO hack? I know you can always connect an external standard (and I usually do), but a high quality internal standard is often very useful and in the case of the SDG1025, and many users may not have a separate GPSDO or similar standard.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 27, 2023, 08:44:19 pm
content: Quote from: LogicalDave on May 27, 2023, 03:19:52 pmSDG1000 series are an old design superseded by the much improved SDG1000X models so apart from any newly discovered bug I see little further development done on them, sorry.I had the fanless SDG1010 for a few years but replaced it with SDG1032X that you can sync channels however the Counter is still buried in a menu.