recommended function generator for hobbyist - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: e0ne199
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2019, 08:30:40 pm
content: hello everyone, i am currently looking for signal generator that i will use to generate signals for my electronic projects...after reading some threads this forum i see that some people here prefer using FY6600 / FY6800 because it is cheaper that most of signal generators discussed here although its quality is still questionable...for everyone who has used that, is that signal generator really lives up to its spec? i just want to buy an affordable signal generator which can be used on 90% of my project and actually meets its actual spec...your opinions are appreciated, thx

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2019, 08:34:22 pm
content: For the money you can't go wrong. If it turns out you need more features and end up buying a more expensive generator at some point in the future then the Feeltech generator is still useful to have around.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2019, 08:40:43 pm
content: Quote from: e0ne199 on August 29, 2019, 08:30:40 pmIf you want Bode plot plug and play with your 1204X-E get one of the Siglent AWG's or study this:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-sds1104x-e-and-sds1204x-e-bode-plot-with-non-siglent-awg/

author: joseph nicholas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2019, 08:52:43 pm
content: There is a newer model of this but it has a different name. There is a thread going on this newer model here and a few reviews on youtube. Check it out.You haven't told us much about yourself and what your current need is for this function gen.

author: Old Printer
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2019, 09:53:32 pm
content: And affordable means different things to different people, putting an actual dollar figure on your budget range would help.

author: e0ne199
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2019, 01:38:19 am
content: Quote from: Old Printer on August 29, 2019, 09:53:32 pmwhat i meant about affordable is a signal generator that meets its specification especially when generating square wave and sine wave and still cheap enough to buy... btw from what i see on some threads that discuss about feeltech signal generator, looks like it cannot generate any good signal when it works on its maximum performance when generating, for example, square wave... i don't know about siglent or rigol, but are they just on the same level as feeltech?? because both of them are manufactured in china too

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2019, 01:43:13 am
content: Study datasheets and come back and ask better informed questions.Search for AWG models here in the forum.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 30, 2019, 02:41:56 am
content: Quote from: e0ne199 on August 30, 2019, 01:38:19 amThis is, perhaps, the greatest face-palm comment I've come across for some time.China can produce some exemplary equipment. China can also produce crap. This is just like any other country.Except, maybe, Germany.

author: e0ne199
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2019, 06:16:16 am
content: Quote from: tautech on August 30, 2019, 01:43:13 amthis is exactly what i am trying to ask... does siglent, for example, perform as what is written on its datasheet in real world situation?? it is hard to find someone who reviews awg's performance (except maybe feeltech) on youtube or this forum... feeltech awg also has tempting spec for its price point but in real life its performance is still disappointing...i just want to make sure that i don't buy the wrong awgi am not trying to look down on chinese product but for me it is important to know about it anyway

author: Vaiti
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2019, 06:59:40 am
content: Just get the feeltech, it will suit a hobbyist needs. tau will try to sell the siglent to you because he is a siglent dealer

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2019, 07:57:58 am
content: Quote from: Vaiti on August 30, 2019, 06:59:40 amNot only, a hobbyist like many here too !Quote from: e0ne199 on August 30, 2019, 06:16:16 am100% or better.QuoteLook at forum threads about SDG1000X, SDG2042X and SDG6000X for YT videos.The important bits about sig gens, FG's and AWG's are these specs:Waveform type max frequencyBits, 14 or 16Max amplitude and current2 equal channelsCombine channels timing (both same phase)Phase controlOutput protectionDC sourceExternal clock inputExternal trigger inputThere are many more specs that some will consider more important but based on personal experience those are what matter to me. I have a SDG1032X that fits my needs well however I could have anything on my bench from the Siglent range, even the $6k fully optioned 500 MHz SDG6052X but that would be a waste.

author: Dubbie
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 30, 2019, 08:41:58 am
content: I have a Siglent AWG and have never had any trouble with it. It always behaves exactly as I would expect given the specs. If it was stolen tomorrow, I wouldn’t hesitate to replace it with another.

author: bitwelder
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2019, 09:28:42 am
content: Quote from: e0ne199 on August 29, 2019, 08:30:40 pm...which are...?If you can detail a bit e.g. about what frequencies you'd need to coveror whether you need precision or stability from the siggen, you'd might have more precise answers

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2019, 09:29:38 am
content: Quote from: e0ne199 on August 30, 2019, 01:38:19 amEvery function generator has a limited bandwidth and the specified bandwidth only applies to sine waves. Other waveforms have higher frequency content (google fourier analysis) and at some point there isn't enough bandwidth to create a square wave. There is no difference between the Feeltech and other frequency generators. In the past some manufacturers limited the upper frequency of their generators for non-sine waveforms to 10% of the bandwidth but nowadays most leave it up to the user to decide whether a waveform (with attenuated / missing higher harmonics) is acceptable or not.And take note Tautech is a Siglent dealer; he tries to upsell you Siglent products.

author: e0ne199
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2019, 11:13:46 am
content: Quote from: bitwelder on August 30, 2019, 09:28:42 amactually i want high precision and of course stability on generated signal for my project especially when i want to use square wave signal on it..according to the information i get from this forum about feeltech, it cannot generate stable signal even when it is not on its maximum performance...i just want to know about other signal generator (especially rigol and siglent) if they behave the same way as feeltech one...that is all i want to know about anyway

author: BillB
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 30, 2019, 11:24:45 am
content: Let's see what we have so far:Cost:AffordableWaveform type max frequency:square and sine waveBits, 14 or 16:High PrecisionMax amplitude and current: ?2 equal channels: ?Combine channels timing (both same phase): ?Phase control:stabilityOutput protection: ?DC source: ?External clock input: ?External trigger input: ?A few more answers and I think we'll have it nailed down.

author: e0ne199
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2019, 11:25:33 am
content: Quote from: nctnico on August 30, 2019, 09:29:38 amwow is that true? if that is true then feeltech is really unbeatable in its price range...i really have to seriously consider adding it into my purchase list because after checking its price and spec for SDG1032X and compare it with FY6900, looks like FY6900 is really superior than SDG1032X in terms of max frequency (60 MHz vs 30 MHz)

author: e0ne199
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2019, 11:32:07 am
content: Quote from: BillB on August 30, 2019, 11:24:45 amthx for listing the spec i need to haveCost:AffordableWaveform type max frequency:square waveBits, 14 or 16:14 bits, high precisionMax amplitude and current: ?i don't know about current but max voltage should be 20Vp-p2 equal channels: ?2-channel is a mustCombine channels timing (both same phase): ?need anything related with phasePhase control: ?i absolutely need this, and it must be stableOutput protection: ?if it is still affordable then i will need itDC source: ?External clock input: ?External trigger input: ?i don't know the rest of them since i am new to signal generator

author: BillB
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 30, 2019, 11:40:07 am
content: Quote from: e0ne199 on August 30, 2019, 11:32:07 amGiven this, nctnico gave you the answer in the first response. Buy the feeltech, learn about it, and if/when you need more then you can upgrade later. You can keep the feeltech or even sell it at that point.Don't overbuy on an AWGI'd argue it's the least used piece of equipment on the home workbench, and your money is better spent upgrading meters and scopes.p.s. I've got a couple of Siglents (1032X,2042X) and they work fine for me. When you get to the point of wanting to upgrade, these are good choices to consider.

author: BravoV
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2019, 11:41:24 am
content: Missing the most important specification ... define "affordable" in number, otherwise this discussion is pointless.1 ? 10 ? 100 ? 1000 ?

author: Dwaine
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2019, 06:22:47 am
content: I have the feeltech 6800 and the Siglent SDG2042X generators. I would save up the money and get a Siglent and be done with it. Since getting the Siglent SDG2042X, the feeltech has never been turned on again. For me, it's third most used device on my bench... I mostly do restores of old tube radio equipment and amps.The 6900 looks great though....Dwaine

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2019, 09:17:48 am
content: I think the Feeltech / Feelelec 6900 model bridges the last gap by having a graphical user interface so you can see what the waveform looks like. I think it can compete with the lower end devices from Rigol and Siglent for general purpose use. An SDG2000X series takes you into the >500 euro range.

author: MikeLud
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2019, 12:59:27 pm
content: Below is a video that shows a comparison of JDS6600, FY6600, and SDG1032X generating 15mhz square wave.https://youtu.be/oOxLOsfoj30

author: fourfathom
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2019, 02:42:20 pm
content: Quote from: MikeLud on August 31, 2019, 12:59:27 pmIn the video, is there a termination on that cable? I don't think that Hantek scope has a 50-Ohm input option. We sure are seeing horrible reflections.

author: NoisyBoy
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2019, 04:32:51 pm
content: Agree, the video result is quite meaningless without proper termination, especially for square waves. Dave has demonstrated this common mistake in his video.

author: Dwaine
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 01, 2019, 01:38:54 pm
content: It nice to have these options in life. I remember being in my early 20's with a friend. We use to go and look at the function generators and scopes with 10mhz bandwidth. The whole time think we could never own any of this stuff.If I could go back in time to the 90's and tell people I have something like the feeltech on my bench. They would of laugh at me and called me a fool.The last time I used my Feeltech was on a restore project for an old Pioneer FM tuner. The original owner blew the the power amps out of it by touching the speaker wires together when the tuner was on. He said to me that all the shops said that the FM tuner could not be fixed. Beyond repair.Well with my trusty Feeltech, Rigol scope I did a complete restoration and alignment the FM tuner afterwards. It now enjoys a life at my brother place.If you don't have the money for a nice Rigol or Siglent function gen, then get the Feeltech one. You can still use it for your projects and have fun at it. You don't need to spend the big money to have fun.

author: TurboTom
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 01, 2019, 10:45:33 pm
content: You shouldn't write off the new Rigol DG800 / DG900 series. Especially the DG811 is a very attractive model, provided the hack still works with the currently delivered firmware version. Without recalibration, it should be possible to "crank it up" to DG972 performance. With recalibration (of which currently none of us "amateurs" knows how it's to be done exactly), it could be turned into a full-featured DG992.Cheers,Thomas

author: Frex
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2019, 08:17:32 am
content: Quote from: TurboTom on September 01, 2019, 10:45:33 pmHello,As i know, and according to the DG800 thread and from TV84 work, the hack of DG800 doesn't work anymorefrom new firmware version (v00.01.09.00.00).I agree that it would be great that it work again, you could get 100MHz with the lowest priced DG800 !Anyway, to wait this I "tweaked" my DG1022Z for 60MHz output.That already great .Frex

author: MarkF
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2019, 01:08:51 pm
content: A quick Google search ==>

author: MarkF
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2019, 01:13:59 pm
content: Also:FY6900 Signal Generator

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2019, 01:51:36 pm
content: Sigh... I wonder if the guy from SDG ever heard of creepage distance. That screw terminal he is using certainly doesn't have enough creepage distance for 230VAC mains voltagesAnd then he goes on deeming the original PSU (which does have the proper creepage distance) unsafe.And how well is that heatsink on top of the regulator chips going to work? Hint: epoxy is not good at transferring heat! That heatsink should be screwed to the bottom of the the board over bare copper areas so any significant heat transfer is actually possible. But a much better way is to use special surface mount heatsinks which can be soldered next to surface mounted devices.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2019, 02:55:29 am
content: Quote from: nctnico on December 26, 2019, 01:51:36 pmYou are talking about the screw going into plastic, the one with the cutout, or the one next to the earth terminal? I can't see why either would matter. There is no exposure to the user.The only reason he said the original PSU was "unsafe" was that it might be unsafe for projects (not people), in that it would expose them to a high voltage (although at a low current so it may or may not damage anything).There is no epoxy, he used some thermal pad. Thermal epoxy is an OK conductor of heat, not amazing but plenty fine for this application:https://www.masterbond.com/properties/thermally-conductive-epoxy-adhesives

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2019, 01:37:21 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on December 27, 2019, 02:55:29 amNo. Look at the screw terminals for the mains connection. A screw terminal with a 3.5mm pitch is not good enough for mains. Not by a long shot.And no again for the heatsink on top of the devices. The heat transfer through the epoxy of the packages is poor at best. No amount of thermal bonding glue is going to help that. A heatsink mounted on top of the packages is going to have next to no effect compared to the copper areas which are already there. Mounting the heatsink on the bottom or (even better) using surface mounted heatsinks is the way to go. The design is amateur hour all the way making things worse instead of better. The 'filtering' effect of the linear regulator is also doubtfull because the PSSR usually tops out at a few kHz at most and the small bead isn't going to keep the ripple out either. An RC filter with a cut-off around several 10s of Hertz is a much better solution if you really want to get rid of ripple from a switcher.The bottom line is: leave the original PSU in. It may look crap but you can be sure it's design is fit for purpose from a safety standpoint. And the original ground connection wire is safe. Look at 7:30 of the top video where the writing on the wires is clearly visible. The wire clearly says '300V' on it. But no, this guy goes on botching a new wire and shoving a push-on connector onto a previously soldered tab which is a big NO.Edit: upon closer inspection it seems the designer did put slots in the PCB to increase the creepage distance for the 3.5mm terminal. This likely still doesn't meet creepage and clearance requirements. From what I've found from a quick Google the clearance should be at least 3mm for 230V mains / pollution grade 3. Besides that the screws on the top seem to have a short creepage distance.

author: moffy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2025, 12:15:26 pm
content: Quote from: MarkF on December 26, 2019, 01:13:59 pmI have an FY6600 and was about to purchase another Function Generator because of the ground noise issue. Now having seen others with the same issue I might just drop in my own supply instead. Thanks for the posts.

author: Adrian_Arg.
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 21, 2025, 04:21:03 pm
content: Hello friend, I have a FY6900 20Mhz for about 5 years now, I'm a hobbyist, it has always worked when I've needed it, at the time I paid $62 in an offer, if you need support from the company, I can tell you that they don't have it, I have never updated it because it would surely stop working, the only thing I did was add a cooler and some heatsinks to some chips like the fpga, I wouldn't pay more money for equipment that I wouldn't get more out of, I have a rigol DS1054z oscilloscope, why change if I continue doing the same thing as 9 years ago when I started. I prefer to invest in supplies for projects.Hola amigo, poseo un FY6900 20Mhz, desde hace 5 años mas o menos, soy un hobbysta, siempre que lo he precisado funciono, en su momento lo pague 62 dolares en una oferta, si precisas respaldo de la empresa, te digo que no la tiene, nunca lo actualize porque seguro dejaria de funcionar, lo unico que le hice fue agrgar un cooler y unos disipadores a algunos chip como el fpga, no pagaria mas dinero por un equipo que no le sacaria mas provecho, tengo un osciloscpio rigol DS1054z, para que cambiar si sigo realizando lo mismo que hace 9 años cuando empeze. prefiero invertir en insumos para proyectos.