Best signal generator $500 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: jgore
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2018, 02:56:21 am
content: Wondering what the leading recommendation is for a 2 ch signal generator, under USD $500. The SDG 2042x seems still very popular, but Im wondering if there are more recent alternatives to consider. Its for general use, no specific application.Thanks

author: CustomEngineerer
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2018, 03:09:47 am
content: SDG2042X

author: jgore
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2018, 03:35:31 am
content: That's what I figured. I guess these don't have the same product life cycle as cell phones. Moore's Law only applies when there is insatiable demand.

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2018, 04:04:21 am
content: +1 to the SGD2000X series. They've been out long enough that there may be a small used market that could get you one for a little less, but they're also popular enough that there may not be many showing up. While there are a number of good AWGs out there, it's real tough to find a fully featured one with comparable specs and bandwidth in the price bracket. It could be worth looking at the 1000X series too, though the output specifications are quite a bit lower, I'd still expect it to work well for a lot of situations.There are sometimes older Tek AWGs that get to this price bracket used, but I'd count the GUI as a pretty nice improvement over the character displays of some of the older Agilent ones and such which are available in the same range, and for whatever reason, I feel like Rigol's got units with great performance, but they're just not trying to compete in the same price bracket. I think their closest to the SDG2000X series is probably the DG1000Z series, but the sample rate is quite a bit lower (more on par with Siglent's 1000X series) and you're looking at less bandwidth for your dollar too.

author: jgore
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2018, 05:21:11 am
content: Looks like Amazon had quite a deal last year. But now, pricing in the US now seems all about the same now.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2018, 05:55:14 am
content: If budget is limited, indeed the SDG1032X is a good alternative to SDG2042X.It has the same functionality and features as SDG2kX models but at lower BW's, sample rate and memory and no touchscreen.However square wave performance is better.Thread:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-sdg1000x-waveform-generators/

author: chipss
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2018, 07:48:56 am
content: Just got the sdg2040 today, so far very impressed, I however am unable to telanet into it, Mac or Windows 10, have one last shot on a Windows 7 machine, As soon as dhcp is turned on Ip box is greyed out, telenet times out, I could be doing something wrong? anyway regardless of that, it’s still a great tool, I have never had the ability to sweep, opens a few doors for me.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2018, 07:54:26 am
content: Quote from: chipss on March 17, 2018, 07:48:56 amMight be some tips for you here:https://www.siglentamerica.com/application-notes/sdg2000x-series/

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2018, 08:51:03 am
content: I just bought a Rigol DG1022Z for about $330 from Tequipment.net after eevblog discount. The only criticism I have so far is that the screen is kind of small for my old eyes (but I had an eye operation 2 weeks ago). The AWG functionality only goes up to 25 MHz on all the DG10XXZ models; the higher end ones only give you sine output up to 30/60 MHz for a lot more money but the AWG is still up to 25 MHz.If the functionality meets your needs then the cost of a DG1022Z is about 40% less than the Siglent SDG2042X.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2018, 08:39:30 pm
content: And there are also the generators from Feeltech. Nothing fancy but they work fine. I have a Siglent SDG1000 series and a Feeltech FY3200S and I use the latter the most because it is straightforward to use.

author: chipss
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2018, 10:35:46 pm
content: SDG2042x yep it indeed is as good, and as fast as people say,Even for the mentally challenged with networks like me...lol.

author: Elasia
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2018, 10:58:46 pm
content: I got my SDG2042X Arb Friday from Saelig, little under 470 out the door with free shipping. Very nice unit, big upgrade from my old generator.. non arb.Now just need that nice scope to come in and will get an effective little filter analyzer combining the two unitsSDS1104X-E, the 200Mhz is not bad but the front end will get pushed... more value in the 100 if you ask me

author: chipss
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2018, 11:52:14 pm
content: Yep kind of kicking myself for not going 1104x-e for the bode plot function over the 1202x-e, for just that, looking at filters. Have to do without phase. Still way ahead of what I have been using.

author: Plasmateur
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2018, 05:16:54 am
content: Hands down the SDG2042X.Very easy to program too.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2018, 06:27:59 am
content: Quote from: chipss on March 17, 2018, 11:52:14 pmYeah even considering 100 MHz vs 200 MHz and an additional $120 it's still a lot of scope for the money.The 4 ch units are a big step up in capability from the 2ch X-E.

author: Safar
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2018, 03:00:44 pm
content: vote for SDG2042X

author: MilkmanCDN
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2018, 02:42:26 pm
content: QuoteI'm with you on this. I'd buy a SDG6022x tomorrow if I knew I could get both the I/Q modulation function and 500MHz output bandwidth.Fingers crossed...

author: rstofer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2018, 04:58:15 pm
content: I bought the SDG2082X a year or so back. It's a terrific SGTry this with less capable units:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/a-valentine_s-day-activity-for-your-scope-and-function-generator/msg1136847/#msg1136847There may come a day when I want to add harmonics to a fundamental (other than Valentine's Day) and the SDG2082 can do it very well.

author: markus_jlrb
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2018, 08:35:41 pm
content: @ MilkmanCDNAny progress concerning" I'd buy a SDG6022x tomorrow if I knew I could get both the I/Q modulation function and 500MHz output bandwidth."Markus

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2018, 08:56:54 pm
content: Quote from: markus_jlrb on June 04, 2018, 08:35:41 pmUnlike the 2042X hack a 6022X hack will be a 2 step one, first for 200 to 500 MHz BW and another for the IQ option.With the base model @ $1500 it's probably beyond the hobbyist's budget.

author: markus_jlrb
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2018, 09:20:23 am
content: @tautech,@ all,the SDG6022X has according to nmap the port 23 (telnet) and 111 (rcpbind) accessible.Had someone reveal the root access?Markus

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2018, 09:28:32 am
content: Quote from: markus_jlrb on June 05, 2018, 09:20:23 amRoot is probably the same as other products.I had some 6022X, however they've been sent to their new owner so sorry I can't check.

author: markus_jlrb
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2018, 10:20:03 am
content: @tautech,@all,root/ding1234 was not the proper one.Have you a another login/pw combination.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2018, 10:29:25 am
content: Quote from: markus_jlrb on June 05, 2018, 10:20:03 amNo, sorry.Maybe something in these threads can help:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/the-siglent-sdg2042x-thread/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-sdg1000x-waveform-generators/

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2018, 10:41:08 am
content: Quote from: jgore on March 17, 2018, 02:56:21 amBeware though that the cheaper generators may have rough edges. Currently I'm very frustrated with my Siglent SDG1010. I want a 10MHz sine wave and a 1 pulse per second to simulate a GPSDO. Unfortunately it seems there are rounding errors which make the 10MHz wander in respect to the 1PPS. Also when using an external 10MHz reference clock the 1PPS signal wanders. Useless!Time to shop for something else.

author: rf-loop
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2018, 12:40:22 pm
content: Quote from: nctnico on June 05, 2018, 10:41:08 amThis is not at all case with example Siglent SDG1032/1062 (I have not now here SDG2000X for test but I'm still quite sure it is same. (SDG1000 series is very old and can not talk in same day with these much more modern Siglent SDG's what are far over SDG1000 when talk performance.Just running 1s period pulse from CH2 to scope Ch4 and 10MHz sine from Ch1 to scope Ch1. Rock solid. In attached image, infinite persistence and over 10 minutes running before image..Just running 1s period 70ns pulse from SDG1032X CH2 to scope Ch4 and 10MHz sine from Ch1 to scope Ch1. Rock solid.In attached image, infinite persistence and over 10 minutes running before image..

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 05, 2018, 04:41:33 pm
content: That is a long way of saying I have to buy a new generator because I shouldn't expect too much from one I have. No sh*t Sherlock!BTW for kicks I updated the SDG1010 to the latest firmware but no luck.

author: Plasmateur
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2018, 08:09:37 pm
content: Quote from: tautech on June 04, 2018, 08:56:54 pmSo uhhh......Is this posted somewhere =D?

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2018, 08:22:55 pm
content: Quote from: Plasmateur on November 03, 2018, 08:09:37 pmHere on P4:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-sdg6000-series-awg_s/And P9https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-ads-firmware-file-format/Do some reading and ask for help if needed.

author: Sylvi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2018, 06:08:09 am
content: HiThe OE does not say what bandwidth he needs, just a target price?How about the Juntek JDS6600 or very similar JDS2900 - both go to 60MHz and are 14-bit res, or Hantek HDG2000-series with 16-bit res, or OWON AG1000s with 14-bit res ?All are within the $500 and can be bought from Alixpress and likelyt Amazon, too.

author: MrFox
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 08, 2018, 06:57:40 pm
content: Siglent looks by far the best bang for buck at the mid-range price point (2000X series). But at the low end, don't overlook the Rigols. At least if your're looking for a usable ARB buffer size and low jitter. Personally, I simply listed what I expected to need from a sig-gen and the rigol 1022Z was a much better choice than the siglent 1032x.