Looking for a nice function generator (arb) at a good price. Siglent?? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: toli
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2014, 06:26:28 am
content: Hello everybody,I think it might be a nice upgrade to replace my old GWinstek function generator as it has very limited capabilities, and I can feel it limiting me. I want something with 2 channels, as fast as I can get (in reality, 10MHz can probably be ok, but I'd really like to get as fast as I can if it doesn't cost much more, I know I'll need it eventually), and I'd really like to have arbitrary capability for some of my projects. My budget is limited at ~350-400$, so obviously the selection is limited.I was looking at older posts on the forum, and noticed that Rigol and Siglent are getting some attention, with the Siglent getting a better reputation with higher resolution and memory. However, I got lost with all the models, HW version, FW version, etc. So I'd really love to get some help on a few aspects:1 - Are these Siglents SDG10XX still worth a while, or should I look at something else nowadays?2 - Looking at the data sheet, seems like the only difference between the models is in sine/square/noise, and that the arbitrary BW as well as sample rate are equal on all models. Am I missing something and there are other differences not in the data sheet? If these are all the differences, I think a 20/25MHz version will be the proper choice for my needs and budget (although I'd really love to get more memory, but that's definitely out of my price range).3 - Is there a specific HW version/FW version I should ask for from the seller? Are there limitations on the HW version I should buy to be able to upgrade to the newer FW options?4 - Are the funny looking colors I see in older images of the display all gone from new FW versions on all models? These are some really annoying colors I must addThank you for all the help.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2014, 10:13:04 am
content: The Siglent SDG1025 RRP is US$409 plus taxes if any, so at the top end of your budget.Firmware will be compatible with all HW versions available AFAIK.I am not aware of any pending HW revisions.In the last 12 months there have been 2 firmware releases that I am aware of and I believe another is being worked on now as a result of a problem found by a member here.I am not aware of any product failures in this range of models.Download the user manual from the Siglent site for more information.

author: toli
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2014, 10:20:45 am
content: Thank you for the reply. As I'm not from the US, I'll probably order it online from eBay/AliExpress where the SDG1025 can be had for ~320$ shipped, so it should be within my budgetI have looked at the manual as common sense dictates, but I'd really like to hear what people who own this line of products have to say. There's nothing better than actual experience, and since I don't have access to this instrument I'd like to hear from other who have experience with it.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2014, 10:26:00 am
content: I have a SDG1010, what do you need to know?

author: toli
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2014, 11:47:52 am
content: Exactly what I've asked in my original postActually, I'd be very happy to learn something else too. How user friendly is the arb waveform software? Is the arb data file in any sensible format? I'd really like to be able to write a MATLAB program that would create these files for me, or even record data from my scope and then translate it into this file so I'll be able to replicate things I record. I really don't like drawing things, it's a PITA in most cases.If you (or anyone else) know of any other possible candidates to purchase instead of the SDG I would really like to know. As I've stated, I only know of this one and the Rigol, and looks like the Rigol is inferior.

author: rf-loop
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2014, 01:22:06 pm
content: Quote from: toli on August 13, 2014, 11:47:52 amData format is very common .CSVAlso with Siglent scope can capture something and then move data file to SDG and repeat it.These files can just edit as plain text or produce with some software.Of course in EasyWave waweform can also write as math equation.But draw and edit functions in EasyWave software are very limited and more like toy for try something but not at all as real tool for professionals.SDG itself is so good in many meanings in its price class that it is very pity this ARB software is not at all same level. It need note that 5MHz model and 10MHz model do not have fan. Other models have.Attached 16k memory triangle wave.(level is adjusted of course by SDG front panel, as also frequency. Values in file are only defaults.)SDG can also read this file to internal ARB memory from USB stick (and store it also for later use)(change filetype .txt to .csv)Note: in file there is "data lenth" what really have this error. (it is not my writing mistake)

author: toli
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2014, 01:54:49 pm
content: Thank you for this very helpful and informative reply.Its very strange the 10Mhz doesn't have a fan while the 20MHz has got one. I can't find the 1010 on eBay, but at aliexpress its starting from ~280$ shipped (lets call it 300$), which is ~30$ lower than the 20MHz model. 30$ seems like a very reasonable price to pay for the extra 10MHz capability. Do you have any idea how loud this fan is? My Rigol DS1052E has got a fan as well, and while I can certainly live with it, I do find it annoying at times, so I'd really like the fan on the 1020 to be quieter or it'll be out of the question (or maybe some modding?).

author: kwass
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 13, 2014, 02:24:08 pm
content: I have the SDG1025, which has a fan. I found it to be sort of annoying (but not terribly loud) so I replaced it will a quieter one. The air flow is more than sufficient to keep all the components quite cool. I'm pretty sure that I used a Noctua A-Series (60mm x 25mm) fan.

author: microe
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2014, 02:37:27 am
content: Quote from: toli on August 13, 2014, 01:54:49 pmI have a SDG1025 with a fan, which is quieter than the air conditioner!You can take easy with the fan noise problem.

author: toli
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 14, 2014, 03:51:58 am
content: Thank you all for the help.I think given the prices of these units, the SDG1020 is the way to go (can be had for 330$ on eBay, or <300$ on Ali).If there are any other comments I'd be happy to hear.BTW, given the fact I'm not from the US nor from EU and will need international shipping. Is there any specific place you'd recommend to purchase that, or will eBay/AliExpress be your recommendation?

author: microe
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2014, 03:16:29 am
content: Quote from: toli on August 14, 2014, 03:51:58 amAre you from Israel, if so, you can visit this websitehttp://www.sitl-t.com/Products/Siglent_Technologies.htmlor call the tel. +972-54-742-6060 for Alex.And there is a better way ,you can Email SIGLENT to ask for some information . I have done that and the Email of SIGLENT is sales@siglent.com (if they didn't change )

author: toli
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2014, 02:46:08 pm
content: Hi Guys,I have just one more question about this device. According to this:If you only use one channel, the arb can be 512kpts instead of the advertised 16kpts. I couldn't find anything about it in the datasheet, so I was wondering if its indeed true. Anyone knows if this is the case??Thanks again.

author: Wuerstchenhund
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2014, 06:31:02 pm
content: Quote from: toli on August 22, 2014, 02:46:08 pmNo, that is not the case. The SDG1020 has 16kpts per channel, no matter if used in single or dual channel mode.It's the SDG5000 which has 512kpts on one channel and 16kpts on the other.

author: toli
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2014, 06:45:51 am
content: That's what I figured, not sure how he came to the conclusionthanks.