Would like recommendations on function generator - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: adauphin
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 08, 2018, 02:45:18 pm
content: This will be to compliment my 1054Z I'm awaiting delivery on. Not sure where to look, would like to stay under $200 if possible....under $100 would be even better..Projects will include basic electronics diagnosis and repair. I have one of these that came with my 465B, most sure how well it fares to the modern crop for basic things.

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2018, 04:06:11 pm
content: Hi, I just bought a Rigol DS1022Z from Tequipment.net but, at $330 (after discount) that's above your budget although it is great bang for your buck and has the neat feature that it can capture and repeat waveforms from Rigol scopes (check the 1054Z can do that rather than rely on my statement here).You can get cool-looking 15 MHz DDS generators from eBay e.g. feelgood for $100 and they are just OK but very poor build quality and prone to all kinds of firmware issues, threadhereabout them.Or you could look for used on eBay.

author: NivagSwerdna
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2018, 04:31:27 pm
content: I have a SDG1025 but to be honest it is the piece of equipment I use least... What do you want a Signal Generator for? Maybe your $ are better spent elsewhere?

author: adauphin
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 08, 2018, 06:03:07 pm
content: Quote from: NivagSwerdna on March 08, 2018, 04:31:27 pmMost likely so. I'm thinking it's more of a necessity than whether or not I actually need it....thinking on being prepared but it's likely overkill for my needs.Mainly looking to diagnose home stereo equipment and analyze audio equipment signal paths for distortion, signal purity, etc. Looking at input and output of preamps, amps, cables, crossover networks.A frequency generator of some sort will likely be all I need and could get an app for that. Not sure if I only need a signal, ie, 1khz or other types of waveforms other than a reg sine wave.

author: NivagSwerdna
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2018, 06:09:46 pm
content: Quote from: adauphin on March 08, 2018, 06:03:07 pmThat 4001 Pulse Generator might be all you need.

author: Gandalf_Sr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2018, 08:43:43 pm
content: There's an audio Function Generator for the iPhone, looks pretty cool. I just bought the Pro version for $1.99 (no adverts), that's within your budget

author: bd139
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2018, 08:58:44 pm
content: Look out for an HP 3312A. It’s a thing of beauty.

author: neo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2018, 09:14:43 pm
content: Quote from: bd139 on March 08, 2018, 08:58:44 pmI second that! Wonderful device.

author: SMB784
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2018, 09:32:05 pm
content: I recommend theFeelTech FY6600. We are on the process of reverse engineering it to work out the bugs, and to unlock the extra frequency capabilities built into the lower price models. I would recommend buying the 15 or 30 MHz model (both are <$100) and using the firmware in the thread I just linked you. Very capable unit.

author: mdijkens
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2018, 09:43:36 pm
content: I've got a FeelTech 2300H for over a year now. Use it regularly and works excellentI paid just under $100 with free shipping

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2018, 11:08:58 pm
content: Quote from: Gandalf_Sr on March 08, 2018, 08:43:43 pmBe interested to see it's capabilities if you want to do a thread and add some real scope screenshots.You can grab iPhone screenshots of the UI too using the Home/Power button press and they end up it the pictures folder.Everybody's 'right now' FG requirements are very different, it's what you might need 'down the track' if your interest shifts from audio to digital for example. My first was an old Philips 2 MHz and it served my 'then' very basic FG requirements OK however when I had the chance to update it and then discover the abilities of a more capable AWG the poor old Philips unit has never been used since. I should really sell it to someone just getting started.........These are my fav now for best bang for buck.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-sdg1000x-waveform-generators/

author: Adrian_Arg.
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 08, 2018, 11:25:25 pm
content: Quote from: mdijkens on March 08, 2018, 09:43:36 pmI wait

author: rhb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 09, 2018, 12:04:22 am
content: Quote from: adauphin on March 08, 2018, 06:03:07 pmFor what you want to do a good sound card and Octave/MATLAB are the way to go. For audio frequency work read, "Max Wien, Mr. Hewlett and a Rainy Sunday Afternoons" by Jim Williams. It's a great article and project. With proper signal processing the sound card will beat the HP distortion analyzer that Jim used.The classic single signal audio test is a 1 KHz square wave with a fast rise time.