Looking for a good & basic signal generator - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: slow_rider
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2016, 09:48:46 am
content: A while ago I thought about buying a proper signal generator but the very low price of unbranded e(veil)Bay generators got me. I ended up with a crap DDS signal generator which I simply can't use reliably. The pots. show ware and now I can not set the amplitude accurately (among other problems).There are many firms with scopes in the sub $500 range. Which one should I take? I don't mind not having a fancy color screen or things like that. I am also only interested in new equipment as I got burned before with brand name used stuff. Don't have time for that.What I need:Several wave shapes up to 1 or 2MHz.proper amplitude and DC offset settings.good range in lower voltages (100 - 200 mV).if possible two outputs.Give me your feedback, people of the web O0

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2016, 10:05:44 am
content: Best buying ATM is the SDG2042X (40 MHz) but it's at the top end of your budget.Dave did a review on these a few months ago and has the 120 MHz version in his lab.http://www.siglentamerica.com/prodcut-detailxx.aspx?id=1364&tid=16&T=2Many are buying these 2000X series AWG's as they have been hacked to max BW, info in this thread:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/the-siglent-sdg2042x-thread/For a cheaper solution the SDG1000 series are well liked and good sound unit with 2 outputs.http://www.siglentamerica.com/prodcut-detailxx.aspx?id=145&tid=16&T=2https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/the-sdg1000-and-sdg800-thread/

author: slow_rider
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2016, 10:23:35 am
content: Thanks!Found on Aliexpress:Siglent SDG1005 @ $288.88 shippedSiglent SDG2042X @ $499 shipped

author: MrSlack
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 31, 2016, 12:39:58 pm
content: I'm using an xr2206 IC, some discretes. Took about 30 mins to build, good for 0.1-1MHz, cost about $20 for whole thing now. Had it since 1994 and haven't needed anything more yet. Pots came from a blown up Tek 453 so are nice ones. Does VCO/sweep from a 555/current source ramp generator. You can get kits for these which can be modified easily into something nice from China for a few $. Mine is AC coupled but you can chuck an op amp on the output to set DC level. Need two signals? Make two.RF spectrum is covered by a Marconi 2019 RF gen I picked up a few months ago that was dead. Turned out to be a shorted cap in the power supply. That cost me $80.So 0.1MHz to 1080MHz for $100.I prefer working like this with older kit as the new kit is pretty much impossible to repair without specialist equipment if you blow it up or it fails.

author: Wuerstchenhund
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2016, 06:01:19 am
content: Quote from: slow_rider on January 31, 2016, 10:23:35 amJust be very careful, Siglent might refuse any warranty if you didn't buy through one of their authorized resellers. Also, all support goes through these authorized resellers so if something is wrong with your device you might end up having to ship it back to China and hope for the best.

author: Chatchai
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 01, 2016, 03:25:59 pm
content: I am new for EEVblog and for me. I first use AD9850 and arduino.It easy for use and good signal more 40 MHz, many example in the website.http://webshed.org/wiki/AD9850_Arduinosorry about my bad english.

author: Alfons
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2016, 08:04:29 pm
content: As low price device I can recommend the Owon AG1022F. Here in Germany it is to get for about 250 €, so do not have to resort to China. It is important to pay attention to the version with "F", as this is much better equipped than the version without "F". Anyway, I'm satisfied with the device, even if it has bugs. Incidentally, the device is also sold by Tektronix.

author: ebastler
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2016, 09:47:38 pm
content: Quote from: Alfons on February 01, 2016, 08:04:29 pmAt that price I might be tempted. Could you tell me where you found the "F" model for €250, please? Best price I could find was €330, and further offers from €380 to €499. (All incl. VAT.)

author: Alfons
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2016, 01:03:16 pm
content: Quote from: ebastler on February 01, 2016, 09:47:38 pmSorry, made a mistake: I meant the AG1012F, to be found here:http://www.messgeraete-chemnitz.de/Labornetzteile-Funktionsgeneratoren?x9db1e=04c77f883fc475389819d927bdcdb63d

author: rf-loop
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2016, 01:42:20 pm
content: Quote from: Alfons on February 01, 2016, 08:04:29 pmWhere?

author: Alfons
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2016, 01:53:57 pm
content: Quote from: rf-loop on February 02, 2016, 01:42:20 pmhttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/tektronix-afg1022/msg789484/#msg789484

author: tsaG
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2016, 03:17:55 pm
content: What about the HDG2002B?There are not that much reviews on the net, so I don't know how it competes against the Rigol.