Question: which cheap function generator should I get? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Fireflaker
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 24, 2020, 11:49:55 pm
content: FY6900 or ATTEN ATF20B DDS for the exact same amount of money(110USD)?Attached are the links to the datasheet for each.http://en.feeltech.net/index.php?case=archive&act=show&aid=65https://www.diverseelectronics.com/upload/documents/ATF20B.pdfThe 60MHz 250Msa one should technically be better according to the spec, but it looks so much more cheaply made than the 20Mhz alternative. The 20Mhz also goes for a higher price when new. Is there some features the cheap 60Mhz one is missing? such as adjusting output impedance. Or should I trust it?Many thanks!

author: ledtester
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2020, 01:17:52 am
content: Two others to throw into the mix:- UNI-T UTG962E ~ $140- eevblog thread:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/uni-t-utg932utg962-200msas-function-arbitrary-waveform-generator-220394/- Juntek PSG9080 ~ $200- eevblog thread:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/juntek-psg9080-programmable-signal-generator-(80-mhz-300-msas-14-bit)/- youtube review:https://youtu.be/b3yFxg2LwXI

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2020, 01:31:46 am
content: I don't know how the Atten, but the version of a few years ago has a limitation on the triangle and square wave. A review and teardown are shown below:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/atten-atf20b-teardown/I have a Feeltech FY6600 of 30MHz that has a few issues but it works well.

author: alextwin007
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 25, 2020, 04:50:58 pm
content: I second ledtester, I have the UNI-T UTG962E and I'm very happy with it. Although it is a bit more expensive and I haven't had the other ones your considering to compare it to.

author: Fireflaker
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 26, 2020, 08:11:24 am
content: Thank you very much for your reply!!

author: Labrat101
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 26, 2020, 09:14:33 pm
content: I would recommend the UNI-T UTG962 or 32I have just ditched my FY series as its buggy bad power supply etc and Jitter anda load of other thing in including FAKE chips . Even after modding it with an OCXO,upgrade Power supply . etc.etcthe UTG 900 series just work great out the box .They have a lot of professional functions that you wont get on any of the FY crap.The only down side I can possible find is that the Minimum rise & Fall time on thesquare wave is 15ns . (really no big deal)All the wave forms are steady & clean . No Jitter .Recommend you read the manual from uni-trend.com .I have had my UTG962 only a few days and ran almost every test I can think of .and its a well built. Clear screen , and small foot print .Will out rank any of theFY68 / 69 etc. That are the worst money wasters on the market .Plus there safety standards are Zero to NoneHave Fun

author: precaud
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2020, 02:22:29 pm
content: Depends on what you need it for. My primary tools are network and impedance analyzers so the function generator doesn't get used much.I picked up a BNIB 60MHz FY6900 in the BuySell forum for about half price, from someone who thought it was a POS, to use while I repair the HP generator I prefer. I fixed the earth wire issue and restored the ground wire they removed, and it works fine for my needs. I wedge it in place on the shelf so it doesn't move around when connecting cables or using the controls. I don't like the user interface of any of the new-gen arbs, but it's not a deal-breaker for occasional use.

author: Archades
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2020, 05:07:42 am
content: Would you get the UNI-T UTG962 (edited to make people know 962 is 60mhz) 60mhz version vs the JDS6600? Also would you choose that same one vs the 2 or 3 FY 6600, 6800, 6900 gens?Been reading a fair few posts and trying to find a $200AUD or less AWG to learn with...soo many opinions. Was gonna get hte JDS6600 but I'm hearing there is better for the money?I have a Siglent sds1104x-e and I'm still learning, $200 is kinda my max as it's more a desire than a true need at the moment. Not ready to splash the extra for the Siglent SDG2042X type stuff lol. Still in shock over buying the scope but so far it looks really really really nice. Would like a gen that I will be happy with as a beginner/moderate and does the job enough to learn. I've read quite a lot of posts and can't really get an updated 2020 consensus on what people are buying either, I'm guessing the OP is just as confused as I am.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2020, 05:25:35 am
content: Quote from: Archades on September 28, 2020, 05:07:42 amUTG932 is 30MHz version... for small addition of money, 60MHz version is UTG962, dont make noobs mistake that you and us will later regret. and if you've read enough, you should clearly know by now which one needs extensive modification which one just works right out of the box and better buttons/GUI interface. cheers.

author: Archades
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2020, 06:17:10 am
content: Whoops, that's what I get for posting whilst having gallbladder attacks haha.Just for clarity, the UTG962 is the one to get that beats the others? Pain meds are making the brain a bit slow haha. I've seen the fy series have issues with internal power, the JDS some have said the signal output is bad, so far I can't find anything bad about UTG962 except it was out of stock and hard to find info on?Just read through your thread, lots of good info, thanks. Looks like the UTG962 is the best bang for buck for noobs?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2020, 07:07:04 am
content: Quote from: Archades on September 28, 2020, 05:07:42 amTo enable some more capability of your scope consider the SAG1021I 25 MHz AWG.These connect to the scopes USB and you drive it from within the scopes UI.It will give you all you need for functionality to explore the capability of the X-E plus provide a PlugnPlay signal source for the Bode plot feature.Trio appear to be outta stock of these though:https://www.triotest.com.au/electronic-and-rf/waveform-generator/accessories/siglent-sag1021i-hardware-25mhz-function-arbitrary-wavef-orm-generator

author: paulbt
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2020, 07:48:16 am
content: @FireflakerHello!A few months ago I was searching for a basic function generator and I end up buying this the GW Instek AFG 2005 from TME. It can only go up to 5MHz, but my main requirements were to have the option to select between High-Z and 50Ω load and to have a "Sync" output. The build quality inside I have no clue how good it is, but on the outside it feels very robust, simple menu, rough power button, nice keypad, the rotary knob has a nice feedback and the bnc connectors are strongly attached to the front panel.Hope it helps...

author: Archades
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2020, 07:51:34 am
content: What's the diff between the SAG1021I and SAG1021?

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2020, 07:58:36 am
content: Quote from: Archades on September 28, 2020, 06:17:10 ami wont say UTG962 beats the other or such... different people with different need and interest, modding PSU and FG output is not a big deal to me, i built my own diy FG and front amplifier output before. the one thing that put me off when looking at FY thing is it doesnt have dedicated numeric buttons, that will make me difficult to jump between frequencies quickly. and by coincidence i have a small space allocated underneath my DSO for my previous diy FG that normal sized FG/AWG wont fit, let alone the boat anchor grade RF-Gen from HP/R&S/Anritsu (i wish to have them but i dont have much space) so UTG's dimension is my 2nd bonus. and 3rd bonus is i always wondered how to make dual rails PSU from single Vdc, esp the commonly used 5V USB level, now i know by dismantling and rev.eng UTG AWG and implemented it in my projects. so with those facts, i'm willing to pay twice the price of FY, ymmv.Quote from: paulbt on September 28, 2020, 07:48:16 amthe Hi-Z vs 50 ohm load menu setting is just to tell the FG what load its looking, it cant tell (sense) automatically, i'm not sure about high end model, with automatic sensing, there should not be a menu for that, it will just show you the right output level and load seen. for entry level FG, the output is always 50 ohm impedance with same signal, putting 50 ohm load to it will halve the signal level, and this will be shown correctly if you choose the right load in menu setting. UTG962 has this menu setting as well, like other normal entry level FG, i suspect FY series should have too.

author: Archades
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2020, 08:02:15 am
content: Does the SAG1021L hardware actually come with the software code to run it, or do you have to spend the $292 + pay a few hundred more to run it?

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2020, 08:56:23 am
content: be aware that while it sounds good being able to interface with your dso brand...1) if the DSO go, the FG will go as well2) at 20MHz max, it doesnt work/match well enough imho... esp when dso can go to 100MHz3) not being able to stand alone (no LCD) will make some situations worseyou can bode plot (magnitude) with different FG brand.. i just posted it somewhere, UTG962 sweep to get DUT respond to 60MHz...fromhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/juntek-psg9080-programmable-signal-generator-(80-mhz-300-msas-14-bit)/msg3252672/#msg3252672if you want really bode plot with phase (impedance analysis) you can hand calculate/eyeball or some semi automated programming (DSO + FG + PC SW) but i'm not aware a individual hobbiest has made a PC software for Siglent DSO.

author: Labrat101
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 28, 2020, 11:05:33 am
content: The UNI-T UTG 932 or 962Both work out the Box and have a full warrantee form Uni trend .OEM link fromhttps://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000373256414.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.2b034c4dZU1VGJPersonalty I'm not easily impressed But this UTG962 is really impressive and the spec's are correct.Value for money .Yes .FY 68 / has FAKE & dodge chips so upgrading does not Help .. Been there done that .FY69 is the same animal in a different box with a software update to compensate for the Bugs andpoor PCB design etc etc.There are over a 1000 pages on this forum on the FY66/ ++ which was the first version .which does respond to Upgrades . maybe the main Cyclone is better and not a Fake .I bought the FY68 about a year back . The power supply literary went up in smoke after 2 hoursof Run time . Feeltech never replied to my emails . The supplier gave me a 30% refund and saidfind some one to fix it..So if you want to put your well earned money on a No guarantee that it will even work when you receive it .Go for it .The other similar looking AWG 's are properly rebrands as the menus and the insides look very similar.(Clones of Clones)If you are learning over time you will want to upgrade say your DSO as your knowledge growsSo if you learn on equipment that is good . and may last you 5 to 7 years .You don't always need the very best scope on the market If your working in low frequentsranges say up to 5Mhz .Remember one rule of thumb you need a scope at least x10 bandwidth of frequency required .Good tools will give good results .Buy from Brand Names of Know established companies .We all love a bargain but if the Data spec's looks better than High end EquipmentIts a P.O.SBTW update . UNI Trend has patent A square wave design that's on there new modelthat goes to 70Mhz Square That would out rank a lot of competitors .I read there write up on this looks impressive . I not sure when the release date is.I guess it will be good $$ as well .

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 28, 2020, 07:51:41 pm
content: Quote from: Archades on September 28, 2020, 07:51:34 amSAG1021I is the new isolated output version and SAG1021 has been discontinued.Quote from: Archades on September 28, 2020, 08:02:15 amDepends on just how resellers price it.Technically the AWG capability for X-E scopes is in 2 parts, the HW and SW each with their own prices however you get 30 trial uses before you need to buy permanent licensing.

author: Fireflaker
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 22, 2020, 10:07:20 pm
content: Just wanted to say thanks. I was not expecting such informed replies.

author: masterx81
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2020, 12:10:12 am
content: I have an fy6900. And for my needs, after a lot of readings here in the forum, i think that i will change it only for a dg811 (that can be upgraded to 992 with some limitations in accuracy at the higher frequencies). Seem the cheaper almost professional unit without too much shortcomings (as almost all the cheaper units have) and good upgradability. The 992 has good specs, 250msps, 16bit, 16mpoints... Costs more than the 200usd budget, but worth instead of buying toys.

author: rf-loop
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2020, 07:58:23 am
content: Quote from: masterx81 on December 23, 2020, 12:10:12 am+1I have here both... oh well more, two FY6900 and then DG811 (+).--------------To OP:These instruments are like from different planet. Totally, everything. Yes there is price difference. If I am now hobbyist and desperately want generator and I have just money for FY6900 I will even collect bottles and get this rest money so that do not need buy this shit FY6900 or 6800 or 6600 toy where is every things wrong. Just like kids copypastedesign and made in some car garage and soldered by foots. Even connectors are most crap shit what I have ever seen in my life. End amplifier and power system is ... just nightmare. UI is designed by someone who do not know anything about using these kind of things to anything real but just playing fun like kids.If compare it to DG811 (mod to 992) it is just like professionals designed. If you take these two to hand, you know what is soap box and what is instrument.Look this price difference.... look features and performance what is just like from different world.Personally I do not like this touch display control even it is quite well made and its quality is good but... I have old eyes and old hands..But, this mod... it need do carefully.Some say it have problems with higher frequencies. Oh well... what problem. Sinewave level drops somewhere after 60-70MHz and finally in 100MHz it have dropped less than 3dB. And more fun. If look manual where is explained how to check performace... manufacturer do not give any value even for 992 model after 70MHz. So... (least this paper what I have fast looked).Do not think even twice.. IF you are sure you can do this trick from 811 to top model and if you can wait bit for get this money between tool and toy.

author: TurboTom
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2020, 03:14:22 am
content: Onehundred percent agreed! If you are half-way serious about your hobby and you intend to attend to it a few years longer, the DG811 (+) currently is by far the best "bang for the buck" AWG available, well worth saving some funds to be able to get it. All the cheaper contenders may be tempting, but if I read what needs to be changed and modified to get them to work half-way decently, I'ld rather spend the difference and get an instrument that's really worth this term and that works properly right out-of-the-box! But as we say here:"Jeder ist seines Glückes Schmied""Every man is the architect of his own fortune"Good luck!

author: Trader
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2020, 05:28:18 am
content: Quote from: Labrat101 on September 26, 2020, 09:14:33 pmI have a 60 MHz FY6900 and it works very well, very stable, no jitter and I keep it running for a couple of hours with 60 MHz, 5 Vpp, and also 20 MHz 24 Vpp (in both 2 channels) without problems. The temperature kept stable at 41C. I think the power supply is not a big issue.The FY6900 has better specs than the UNI-T UTG962E and costs 35% less. So I think both are good competitors. Check the options in the back, you can connect a 10 MHz VCO and other syncs, etc.Since you had so many problems with your unit will be useful if you show your tests pictures and report here in the forum.

author: ledtester
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2020, 09:12:43 am
content: QuoteThere are a few threads here on the FY6xxx series units such as:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/re-feelelec-new-arrival-fy-6900-signal-generatorThis post is representative of the conclusions that have been drawn after much analysis and modding attempts:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/re-feelelec-new-arrival-fy-6900-signal-generator/msg3303076/#msg3303076

author: precaud
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2020, 12:33:51 pm
content: Quote from: Trader on December 25, 2020, 05:28:18 amSame here.

author: matherp
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2020, 02:33:51 pm
content: FY6600 hereGenerally very pleased with it. AM and FM modulation very useful. The big downside for me is that the screen is small and the text tiny

author: paulbt
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2021, 01:46:57 pm
content: Hi!In the reply #11 here I recommended the GW Instek AFG-2005 function generator as a cheap option. I still own it and now I decided to open it's cover and take a look inside only out of curiosity. To be honest, I was expecting to see a much lower quality PCB. Since I could not find any photos of it's guts on the internet, I think it's a good idea to upload them here, maybe someone sometime in the future will be curious and he will google them.Keywords:GW Instek AFG-2005 teardown inside photos

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2021, 04:41:55 pm
content: Instek makes decent equipment. I am not surprised it looks quite alright.

author: JohnnyMalaria
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2021, 05:05:52 pm
content: I have a FY600 and two FY2300s - very happy with them. One of the 2300s has been used 8 hours a day for two years.

author: Trader
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2021, 10:14:00 am
content: Quote from: masterx81 on December 23, 2020, 12:10:12 amAbout upgrading the Rigol DG811 to the DG992, this can be done with any other AWG from 800 (DG812, DG821, DG822, DG831, DG832) & 900 (DG952, DG972) series?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2021, 10:17:32 am
content: Any of the Siglent 1k, 2k, 6k X model AWG's can beimprovedto max frequency.

author: TurboTom
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2021, 02:41:23 pm
content: Quote from: Trader on October 16, 2021, 10:14:00 amYes. The hardware is identical on all these versions (except for the casing colour) -- the main PCB even shares the same part number as found in Rigol's Chinese language maintenance manual.

author: Neper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2021, 03:19:39 pm
content: The PSG9080 I have fills me needs but I have to run it from an external 5 V DC PSU. With the built-in PSU it feeds too much noise back in to the mains.