Beginner - used analog signal generator or ebay MHS-5200 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: andyman
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 28, 2016, 11:19:22 am
content: Hello, I am a beginner in electronics. I bought "Learning the art of electronics" and I got myself a cheap used analog tektronik scope and a DC power supply.Now I need a function generator.There is one guy selling a used BK precision 3017A locally for 75$ CAD (http://www.kijiji.ca/v-electronique/longueuil-rive-sud/generateur-de-fonction/1190325732?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true). It has 2MHZ bandwidth. Otherwise I could buy a MHS-5200A off ebay for around the same price (eBay auction: #400976855749)I can't judge the difference in bandwidth since i am a beginner, these numbers don't tell me anything.Which one should I get?Thank you very much.

author: rstofer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2016, 03:39:33 pm
content: Cautiously, I would probably go for the new 25 MHz version because 25 is more than 2. It's also new versus used of some indeterminate state.That said, arbitrary waveform generators tend to cost a good deal more than $50 so don't expect to be able to do all the things that can be done with, say, a Rigol DG1032Z. However, for the vast majority of learning projects, the $50 unit will be just fine.Later on, maybe an upgrade.As to 25 vs 2, you can do a lot of learning projects even with the lower frequency. All of the audio type projects are going to be below 100 kHz and probably below 20 kHz. As long as the unit will provide a sine wave at these low frequencies, you can play in the audio sandbox for a long time. At some point, the quality of the sine wave will matter.

author: jkf1000
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2016, 04:05:35 pm
content: Another consideration is what is your intended use, what aspects of electronics are you wanting to learn?I use the MH5200 but mainly in the lower frequencies. It tends to drop in performance over around 11 or 12mhz but it will achieve its listed 25Mhz, and the user interface can be a bit clunky until you get used to it. With all that said it is a good purchase at that price.. Karl

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2016, 11:13:09 pm
content: You may want to consider building a simple generator circuit to get familiar with its functionality and characteristics. Then, when you determine what functionality and performance youneed, you'll be able to choose one that fits those needs (or enhance yours, accordingly).Buying a used one would be a better option once you've gained some experience to be able to determine if its condition is OK and/or how to fix issues.Getting a new MHS-5200 or FeelTech 3200S would have less risk of undisclosed defects as compared to a used generator, however their performance will not be as good as other brands/models. Knowing whether or not that matters, again, depends on you knowing what you really need for your uses. Either should be OK for most tinkering/learning.

author: FlyingHacker
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2016, 12:59:08 am
content: Used lab grade equipment is nice because it is well built and well thought out. Older stuff is also through hole so you can repair it pretty easily.The FeelTech 24MHz generator is actually pretty nice for the money. If you don't want to study the old stuff and repair it yourself I would go for the Feeltech. I have both the FeelTech, and a bunch of older analog generators. The FeelTech has the advantage of being dual channel as well, which can be helpful. It is not a piece of lab grade gear though. It feels cheap, and lacks a lot of the niceties of the lab grade generators. I bought an IEC F34 as my first generator, and I love it. I got the FeelTech because I wanted higher frequency for some stuff.I would start with the FeelTech and then add a used generator when you have the cash. Get one with amplitude modulation, a voltage controlled oscillator (input to control the frequency based on an I not voltage), ideally a decent sweep function (though another generator and the VCO can do this), and ideally a Phase Lock Loop input (thigh that is pretty rare).You will acquire numerous generators for various purposes as you get into more areas of electronics.

author: danadak
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2016, 12:52:00 pm
content: The 5200A or FeelTech have quite a few capabilities that simpleanalog generators do not have, like sweep (some analog havesweep but you have to provide sweep V), arbitrary waveform,the ability to use second channel to gate the other channel (withexternal mux or something equivalent), ie. for bursts.....There is a revised board for the 5200A that fixes a couple ofissues associated with waveform fidelity at the high end of the freqrange, make sure thats what you are getting.I do not know specs of FeelTech, compare them for which one isbetter, and take a look at the control SW. The 5200A SW is a bit marginalin clarity, operation.Regards, Dana.

author: bitseeker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2016, 07:17:36 pm
content: Also note that there are threads here specifically about the MHS and FeelTech generators that are worth trudging through.