I'm looking for a very basic signal generator, let me explain. I'm playing with a design that will 'shock' bees to get them to spit out bee venom onto a plate (you can buy them, look for bee venom collectors). But they're $400. I'm looking for a simple circuit that can generate a frequency in the 100's or 1000's of hertz (ideally can adjust), does a 30-60v output (I can add a potentiometer) with maybe 25-50mA of current? Wave shape doesn't matter much. And of course I want it to work off DC voltage (I can get any voltage from 3 to whatever, that's easy). This is more of a fun project for me, I'm a beekeeper. If I can figure out what V/A/freq, I will go back & design a little circuit to make multiple units (I'd probably use 10 or 20 at a time) I'm an old EE, went to school back in the 80's, so I once knew this stuff but long ago forgot 93% of it!

 

The simplest signal generator is a 555-timer circuit.

 

I'm looking for a very basic signal generator,

Are you looking to construct a circuit or something "off shelf"?

 

LMC555 version.

 

If instead of pulling the load up from GND, you pull it down from Vcc, you can eliminate some parts.

ak

 

LMC555 version.
View attachment 336295

yes, that is the kind of circuit I'm thinking of. Can you buy that as a circuit board? I haven't breadboarded a circuit since the last century!

 

Are you looking to construct a circuit or something "off shelf"?

I first want an off-the-shelf to experiment with. Then I will make my own circuits to make a bunch of them. I haven't soldered circuits in a couple of years... time to fire up my old metcal! Last time I did some circuits, a 8x10 raw circuit (maybe 2 or 3 panels) was only about $100. I know, everything is more today. But it'll be a fun project, and I have friends that will want me to make them some as well. (keep in mind, all beekeepers are a little crazy, some more-so).

 

If you want an off the shelf device then this one will probably meet your requirements. (I bought one in kit form and ir works quite well.)
Les.

 

TexasTony,
You will be fine. It's like riding a bike.
Everything is so much simpler these days.
You don't even need a fire to heat your soldering iron up.
I'm older than you too.
Good luck..............

 

If instead of pulling the load up from GND, you pull it down from Vcc, you can eliminate some parts.
ak

What parts?

 

yes, that is the kind of circuit I'm thinking of. Can you buy that as a circuit board? I haven't breadboarded a circuit since the last century!

Short answer, No.
The product LesJones listed will work as the signal source but requires a driver (like the one seen in my circuit) if you need 60 volts output.
BTW, exactly what will this output be connected to?

 

A simple audio oscillator and a reasonable audio amplifier rated for at least ten watts will do what you ask for. And you could get a "PA system amplifier that already has an output rated at 70 volts when it is at full power. No soldering required, just plug and play, although connecting up to the bees may be a bit challenging. There are some really cheap audio oscillators available, used but working will be the best deal.

 

A simple audio oscillator and a reasonable audio amplifier rated for at least ten watts will do what you ask for. And you could get a "PA system amplifier that already has an output rated at 70 volts when it is at full power. No soldering required, just plug and play, although connecting up to the bees may be a bit challenging. There are some really cheap audio oscillators available, used but working will be the best deal.

Ooohhh! I like that idea! But I would need to give it a source. It'd actually be funny to have a microphone right there, and amplify the sounds of the bees flying. Oh, but that's me just being a geek. But this would make a very simple amp part of the circuit. I like the cheap sig gen mentioned earlier, and this would be the back end of it to drive the output.