Function generator needed? (Looking for a scope / RIGOL 1074Z-S??)  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: daemonix
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2014, 10:37:51 am
content: Hi all,Im looking to get a scope (entry level) for my synth and electronics diy adventures.(diy synth/sound/music making and some electonics - arduino, pi etc to crazy reverse engineering etc)There is a large amount of info about rigol 1052e (around 250gbp) and there is also the updated range of 1074z (4chan around 450gbp).One other thing that comes to mind, is about the importance of a function generator on your workbench if you are building diy synth stuff...!? Is it a high priority if you dont want to spend a lot? Necessity?If yes, There are some sigland and rigol entry level but also you can get the rigol 1074z-s with build in generator. (I think is +200, around 650GBP)Any ideas?Thanks(im in the uk so prices and brands are not the same with the us)

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2014, 01:24:37 pm
content: Most people recommend a late model analog scope if you are doing heavy audio work. But in your case you could be looking at getting both digital and analog.If your looking at distortion in audio frequencies or troubleshooting audio problems then you might need a generator to inject a tone.You could get by with a cheap audio/tone generator, use software and a sound card, or make one.

author: anvto
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 19, 2014, 01:43:26 pm
content: If you just need some test equipments for diy,as audio bandwidth is khz level, so there is a economic choice hds1021,it's a 20Mhz bandwidht handheld oscilloscope plus dmm.

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2014, 02:17:36 pm
content: Don't listen to Anvto He is spamming scopes He wants to sell you.

author: daemonix
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2014, 02:21:14 pm
content: Hi and thanks,The mini DSO seems to get a lot of negative replies, also they are really bad displays.I did a spelling in my post!Im going to do diy synth/sound/music making and some electronics - arduino, pi etc ---- NOT crazy reverse engineering etc ---.my digital side is usually making small interactive installations with some students (design and architecture MSC students) and building arduino/PIC based diy synth modules for fun.So what I get from the 2 replies is that I could start without a F-Gen and maybe get one if I really need one.Can anyone tell me if the function generator in Rigol 1074z-S is the same with any of the dedicated rigol f-gens??thnx

author: daemonix
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2014, 02:29:26 pm
content: Quote from: Shock on March 19, 2014, 02:17:36 pmthanks, seems true

author: daemonix
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 19, 2014, 08:15:02 pm
content: Any 1074z experts?is the waveform generator in 1074z-S comparable with Rigol DG10XX or Siglent SDG1020?

author: Mark_O
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 20, 2014, 10:58:43 pm
content: Quote from: daemonix on March 19, 2014, 08:15:02 pmComparable in what way? Some ways, yes, but just as examples, no sweep, and limited modulation. Nor can external inputs be used for gating, modulation, etc. Or are you talking just basic functional specs? (Waveform selection, frequency range, output voltage, etc.)OTOH, you shouldn't expect a built-in FG in a scope to be the full equal of a standalone generator, or you're likely to be disappointed. Perhaps that's all the information you were looking for?

author: daemonix
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2014, 11:47:11 pm
content: Quote from: Mark_O on March 20, 2014, 10:58:43 pmThanks a lot, comments like that was what i was looking for.Ill probably get the 1074z and keep the 200gbp to later get a proper wave ganarator.

author: Gallymimus
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2014, 05:11:26 am
content: Quote from: daemonix on March 19, 2014, 08:15:02 pmWe have one, but I haven't personally used it much. the 1074z-S isn't a very good function generator. It is quite limited compared to say the dg4062

author: MatCat
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2014, 05:16:07 am
content: I have the DS1074Z-S, for what it is it is nice, it's not as good as a dedicated function gen, but not that bad either, certainly usable just fine in the audio domain.

author: Mark_O
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2014, 06:58:02 pm
content: Quote from: Gallymimus on March 22, 2014, 05:11:26 amOh, come on. Really? An ancillary ~$230 generator built into a $585 scope isn't as good as a $920 standalone dedicated generator?Is this really a useful comparison to make?

author: Technicial
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 22, 2014, 09:27:00 pm
content: I bought a single ic kit from jameco way back. was a nice little DIY project and met my needs, though i'll probably upgrade eventually.its based off the XR2206 i believe

author: MatCat
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2014, 10:14:01 pm
content: Quote from: Technicial on March 22, 2014, 09:27:00 pmThe function gen in the DS1000Z-S series are certainly far superior to the XR2206 (I have a few of them too hehe).

author: Technicial
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 23, 2014, 12:51:09 am
content: Quote from: MatCat on March 22, 2014, 10:14:01 pmim hoping to upgrade soon. il see what i can snipe on ebay hehe. in the mean time i may get another XR2206 kit and put them in the same inclosure. fun stuff

author: daemonix
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2014, 08:38:12 am
content: thanks a lot for the info. I've order the 1074z and Ill probably get an entry lever Gen at around 250gbp price.