Feedback FG601 Function Generator - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Sam__
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2014, 05:44:40 pm
content: I was wondering if the Feedback FG601 Function Generator would be a good general starter func gen? I don't have anything at the moment and I have found one for a reasonable price on ebay.Here's the datasheet:http://www.scotia-instrumentation.com/hire/Feedback-Function-Generator-FG601.pdfThe main specs aresine, square, triangle0.001Hz - 1Mhz20v p-p 600ohmvariable attenuationdc offset +- 10VTTL outputare there any more specs I should be looking at? what do you guys think?

author: edavid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2014, 06:31:04 pm
content: It seems fine, but you might want to spend a little more money to get one with a frequency display. You often see B+K 3011s sell for under $40.

author: Andy Watson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2014, 06:33:07 pm
content: Reasonable quality kit. However, the FG601 is a bit basic in terms of features. At £45 you can't go far wrong if the frequency range and output impedance is adequate for you r needs.But, I was giving some serious thought to purchasing one of these units and despite much surfing, I can't find a service manual, nor even a schematic for the FG601.

author: Sam__
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2014, 06:57:48 pm
content: I wish I was in the UK to pick up one of those BKs. Sadly there isn't much choice on ebay for function generators.I may wait a little longer and see if there is one with a display, that would be really handy. Any particular manufacturers to watch out for? or avoid?

author: Andy Watson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2014, 07:03:37 pm
content: Item 321295212598 looks interesting. Similar in performance to the FG601 but with digital frequency counter. Presently a bargain, but there are already two bidders on it.

author: Sam__
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2014, 07:05:11 pm
content: and six days to go. I may keep an eye on it but I wouldn't expect it to go cheap.

author: Sam__
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2014, 12:33:24 am
content: What about this beast from the 70's!http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wavetek-136-VGC-VCA-Generator-1970s-vintage-/271366501331?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Test_Measurement_Equipment_ET&hash=item3f2eb433d3Looks like it was working in 94, probably still fires up. They really don't make 'em like they used to.

author: Sam__
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2014, 12:36:40 am
content: Also, random thought. The FG601 has a TTL output. Am I right in assuming both outputs will have the same frequency? If so, I have a frequency meter which I could measure the TTL output freq with while using the standard output. That would effectively give me a display, and at a decent resolution too.

author: don.r
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2014, 12:52:12 am
content: Quote from: Sam__ on January 14, 2014, 12:33:24 am+1 for the Waveteks! I have 2 from the 70's and they are dead easy to repair. I use an old HP frequency counter since the dials are not terribly accurate on the generators. You might want to look for a more flexible model however. One that does square/triangle/sin/pulse/sweep. Mind you, if the bidding stays low that's a good price.... if you can fix it.

author: don.r
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2014, 12:40:18 am
content: I see the auction ended at GBP13.50. Did you get it? A steal if you did.

author: Sam__
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2014, 09:59:10 pm
content: Quote from: don.r on January 15, 2014, 12:40:18 amSadly not. I kinda wish I'd bid now.

author: don.r
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 16, 2014, 12:03:55 am
content: Quote from: Sam__ on January 15, 2014, 09:59:10 pmUse a free sniping service like Gixen instead. Last second (well... 5 second) bidding is the way to go to filter out all those who don't know how bidding works on eBay.

author: Sam__
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2014, 01:15:48 pm
content: Just a quick update. I managed to get an M&R systems Arbitrary waveform generator WG810. Got it on eBay for only £44 delivered.It looks like it has all the options I'll ever want and more. Max freq 10Mhz, sin square triangle and a bunch of others. 14v p-p max output, offset up to +-7v. External freq input.http://www.produktinfo.conrad.com/datenblaetter/100000-124999/120055-an-01-en-Signalgenerator_WG_810.pdfWhat do you guys think?