which waveform generator to buy? on a budget... - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: slow_rider
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2013, 02:26:13 pm
content: I need a new waveform generator... something from China with price tag under $400. What does everyone use? Thanks!

author: Fsck
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2013, 02:38:27 pm
content: What exactly do you need from it? You may be able to DIY yourself one, or you might need to find yourself an older model, higher specced one.I bought a used Rigol dg2021 for 350 domestically, does more than I actually need from it.. but it was shiny.

author: slow_rider
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2013, 03:00:11 pm
content: I need for basic testing of circuits, it would be nice if I could program it to output more than just static sine, square etc... I have one that is kind of DIY but I need some real equipment that is 100% reliable. Can't debug with equipment you are not 100% trust. A used one is an option but I would hate to buy something that is uncalibrated or is about to suffer from all kind of issues in the near future. I had all of my old test gear from junkyards and I saved a lot of time when I replaced everything with new gear that works all the time and does not break down.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2013, 04:21:18 pm
content: $400 should buy you a Siglent SDG1000 series and keep some change.

author: slow_rider
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2013, 08:12:41 pm
content: Looks like a killer! How well does it meet spec.?

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2013, 08:57:02 pm
content: Well, but it will not last a decade

author: rf-loop
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 06:09:23 am
content: Quote from: ddavidebor on October 10, 2013, 08:57:02 pmWhat kind of data you have for this?

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 02:49:37 pm
content: Quote from: ddavidebor on October 10, 2013, 08:57:02 pmI don't see why not. It has a screen saver so the TFT and backlight aren't wasted. Besides, Lecroy sell these under their own brand name. Something has to be right about these machines. I even use Lecroy's firmware on mine.

author: slow_rider
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 06:00:42 pm
content: Since it does look more and more like the unit I will buy what is different in the firmware from LeCroy?

author: echen1024
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 06:05:53 pm
content: What bout the Rigol DG1032Z?

author: slow_rider
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 06:47:46 pm
content: Looks good! I could not find it on the Rigol website?!?EDIT - Found it on rigol.com I was looking at rigolna.com or something... but that's almost 1K, that's 2.5 my budget.

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2013, 07:36:56 pm
content: Quote from: rf-loop on October 11, 2013, 06:09:23 amAnahaha funny

author: echen1024
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2013, 04:53:08 pm
content: Quote from: slow_rider on October 11, 2013, 06:47:46 pmThe export model will be cheaper because of the 70% tax in China.

author: pickle9000
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2013, 05:45:59 pm
content: I have a Siglent SDG1020 (for about 8 months) and it's good value for the money. I have had no issues at all.

author: tszaboo
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2013, 06:42:17 pm
content: Quote from: echen1024 on October 12, 2013, 04:53:08 pmWatt? "The standard rate of VAT in China is 17%." wikipedia.

author: timbarnes
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 12, 2013, 08:06:42 pm
content: Depending on what you really need, you can either build a simple oscillator (I built the one from Rod Elliott), or you can use your personal computer or iPod to play signals for testing.The latter solutions are essentially free if you have access to a line out.

author: ahnuts72
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2013, 08:55:08 pm
content: Quote from: NANDBlog on October 12, 2013, 06:42:17 pmTheir price to sell it in country is higher than what it cost them to sell it out of country.Sent from my Milestone X using Tapatalk 2

author: metalphreak
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2013, 04:36:07 am
content: https://secure1.bluecentral.com/emona/shop/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=3003DG-1032Z $688ex GST. Comparing other Rigol products with the USA pricing, it will be $599 USD (if Emona actually has accurate pricing).The odd thing is, that pricing puts it up in DG-4000 pricing range, which still appears to beat it in almost every regard.