What do you guys think of this GW Instek function generator - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: TimNJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2014, 03:24:45 am
content: Hey guys, I'm looking for a "good enough" home lab function generator. I don't need a $1000 agilent but I want to upgrade from my bare board DDS function generator which works but is a pain in the ass.It is the GW Instek GFG-8020H. Not sure what specs to look out for really.http://www.tequipment.net/InstekGFG8020H.htmlAny thoughts?

author: Shock
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2014, 04:34:16 am
content: Low end gear at full price is really lackluster to me.You could buy something secondhand that would destroy that in specs as well.If you're seeking new and bang for buck you might want to check outthis thread on the Hantek HDG2002B

author: elliott
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2014, 07:01:09 am
content: If you want something simple like that, go used, you can find them for under $50 easily.

author: jadew
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2014, 08:12:55 am
content: I really wonder how GWInstek survives.

author: TimNJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2014, 11:55:14 am
content: Well despite rather negative remarks, I found one on eBay for $80 shipped, so I bought it. It looks practically new so that's a plus. Instek is usually alright so I expect it to be alright too. Probably an old ass design. We'll see when I tear it down.

author: Hydrawerk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2014, 04:59:26 pm
content: That GW Instek is probably a reliable product, but it was probably designed in late 1980s. It is quite obsolete. Here you can find the datasheet and manual. Its features are quite limited. But it might be easy to repair due to the simplicity.

author: Hydrawerk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2014, 05:01:21 pm
content: What about Siglent SDG1010? It is also cheap.http://www.silcon.cz/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=62

author: FrankenPC
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 03, 2014, 05:22:18 pm
content: I just purchased the Hantek HDG2002B and modified it to 100MHz. The modification is crazy easy. I think you can get them for about $330 on ebay shipped. Be warned: the firmware is only half baked and riddled with bugs. But it's usable.

author: TimNJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2014, 10:38:20 pm
content: Thank you all for the feedback. Hydrawerk, yeah it does look like an old design, but hey if they've been selling them since the 80s...then maybe it's not so bad? And repair-ability is indeed one of the contributing factors. I expect it to be all through with maybe a special(ish) chip or two but mostly just passives, discrete semiconductors, and some op amps. I'd like to make it last as long as I can, provided it's doing an alright job.The Siglent and the Hantek look great! Really awesome! Unfortunately, I'm not in my lab enough to warrant me spending $300 on a function generator.

author: Hydrawerk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2014, 12:07:01 am
content: If that GW Instek has enough features for you, then buy it. It will by OK for some audio development.

author: TimNJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 04, 2014, 04:04:53 am
content: Honestly, I don't really know the features I need. I hear a lot of people say: "If you don't know what features you need, then you probably don't need something high end"...though that could be flawed and debated.Most of what I'm doing right now is relatively low speed, simple design. I'm a rising college sophomore (EE) so I'm still getting my basics down. (As you can tell, I'm just trying to justify my purchase)I figure $80 isn't a lot in the scheme of things and if I find myself wanting more features, then I'll upgrade when that time comes. Plus I don't want to get the latest and greatestnowwhen I won't know how to use all its features untillater. And whenlatercomes, there will be likely something that is better on the market.