Help with selecting Arbitrary Waveform Generator (300$ Budget) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: NotJohnTitor
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 02, 2025, 03:46:08 am
content: Hello, I am an advanced (depending on who you ask) electronics hobbyist. My projects have become increasingly complex over the years, to the point that I need an arbitrary waveform generator to move forward. My main function generator right now is the Global Specialties 2001, a function generator that maxes out at 100 kHz and has no features. I am currently working on a project with a phase-locked loop based around the CD4049 operating at 250–300 kHz and decided that I need to bite the bullet on a real function generator to measure the bandwidth of my phase-locked loop.For various other reasons, I want to be able to create arbitrary functions for one project. One project, I want to be able to create AM-modulated signals; another project, I want to be able to play with modulating external signals through the AUX-in port to pulse-width modulate or AM modulate them. Because of the increasing complexity of my needs, I would also like to future-proof my function generator by opting for something in the 20 MHz range. I typically do not play with frequencies of this caliber, but it would be nice to get the extra range if I ever build something such as a radio.I like Rigol — my current oscilloscope is the Rigol DHO804, which I like a lot. I was looking into the Rigol DG800 series because they share the same form factor. The reviews on EEVblog seemed mixed. I browse eBay a lot, and when I do, I see lots of cheap MHS2300A and SeeSii AWGs sell in the range of $40–$60 used, but they seem like they might be cheap for a reason. I see auctions for AWGs from name brands all the time that seem like a fair price, but I am scared to spend over $200 on used eBay test equipment because I have purchased used test equipment on there in the past, and typically it is trash. I saw a bid for an AFG1062; I bid $200 for it. I got outbid to $300, which was still a steal. I know it is worth $700, and realistically I am out of my mind trying to get it for $200, but in my head I cannot justify used equipment that sits on the “sell on eBay shelf” for all eternity with the rest of the trash test equipment and garbage I purchased on eBay. I’d spend an extra $100 not to have trash on a shelf.What AWGs do you guys like or think are best for the price right now? I’m looking around, but it seems like the best place to get information would just be to ask fellow nerds on the EEVblog forum.

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2025, 11:05:33 pm
content: Quick note at the top, please try to break up your post into multiple paragraphs so it's easier to read.There is quite a bit of information here on the forums about function generators, so it might be best to dive in to some of the threads for the devices you are interested in. And there are also a lot of videos on YouTube to help get a better idea of what daily use looks like.I assume you meant the Rigol DG800 Pro series instead of the 800 non-pro? An 821 Pro for example does seem to be where you're headed since you like the DHO804. The same chassis and design can make some sense, assuming the form factor and fan noise are not a problem for you.Ultimately, your GS 2001 is barely an improvement over smashing two crystals together, so really anything you pick will be amazing by comparison!The cheap devices like the MHS2300A are probably a reasonable budget option if it's that versus a GS 2001, but yes, they have severe limitations. For example, the MHS2300A only has 1k points for the ARB, while the DG800 Pro has 2M per channel with an 8M option. But it can depend on what you need. The DG4000 series only has 16k points due to its older design, but can generate 200MHz sine waves.

author: watchmaker
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 03, 2025, 11:56:59 am
content: I just sent you a private message about a Siglent SDG1062X I have. Cannot discuss transactions in this sub, so we have to take it offline. It is on ebay at the moment.Regards,Dewey