Function generator buying recommendations

Thread Starter

Robesim

Joined May 1, 2017
144
Hi,
I'm looking for a budget (not more than $150) function generator to buy at amazon. I'm a beginner in electronics. With the generator, i want to do experiments such as determining the resonant frequency of tank circuits, determine the inductance of a coil etc. I also want to test audio equipment and automotive electronics, such as sensors, pcb boards etc. If you have a good generator please let me know, so i can buy one at amazon.
 
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SamR

Joined Mar 19, 2019
5,031
Just a few ideas direct from China. Takes a few weeks for delivery but straight from the source. Comes in different frequency ranges with various brand marking but all the same build. Should also look at used items on Ebay for comparison. Be sure to get the plug/voltage for where you live.


https://www.aliexpress.com/item/6MH...bf-41e3-962d-eea93491beb3&transAbTest=ae803_5


https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Dua...a2-4d49-bdea-9bc6b22444ac&transAbTest=ae803_5


https://www.aliexpress.com/item/200...c9-4b14-bb47-279085cc9bfe&transAbTest=ae803_5
 

Thread Starter

Robesim

Joined May 1, 2017
144
Just a few ideas direct from China. Takes a few weeks for delivery but straight from the source. Comes in different frequency ranges with various brand marking but all the same build. Should also look at used items on Ebay for comparison. Be sure to get the plug/voltage for where you live.

Thank you for the recommendations, but do you own one of them and what is you're experience? It is important for me to know that.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/6MH...bf-41e3-962d-eea93491beb3&transAbTest=ae803_5


https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Dua...a2-4d49-bdea-9bc6b22444ac&transAbTest=ae803_5


https://www.aliexpress.com/item/200...c9-4b14-bb47-279085cc9bfe&transAbTest=ae803_5
 

SamR

Joined Mar 19, 2019
5,031
'm looking for a generator, someone already owns and has good experiences with it.
I own both of those. Bought the one line 15Mhz first and wanted higher f and bought the 60Mz TFT screen model for about the same price. Very satisfied with them. Also built the one Mr. Software recommended and some other really cheap kits that I sent on to my son. I much prefer the TFT screen one. It is accurate on my scope and substantially cheaper than the exact same one from Amazon. And much easier to use than the others I played with. I don't have any experience with the older analog dial units and the digital is a breeze to use and spot-on accurate. 0-5V 0.01-60Mhz Multiple Waveforms, Custom Waveforms, External Input 0.01-100Mhz Frequency Counter and Will do a Frequency Sweep. Arrived from China in ~3 Wks.
 

Thread Starter

Robesim

Joined May 1, 2017
144
I bought one of these, specifically for the price. It's clunky, but worked fine for the audio stuff I was using it for. They come both assembled and in parts so be sure you know which version you're looking at:

https://www.kr4.us/frequency-generator-kit-fg085.html
Many thanks, but i want
I own both of those. Bought the one line 15Mhz first and wanted higher f and bought the 60Mz TFT screen model for about the same price. Very satisfied with them. Also built the one Mr. Software recommended and some other really cheap kits that I sent on to my son. I much prefer the TFT screen one. It is accurate on my scope and substantially cheaper than the exact same one from Amazon. And much easier to use than the others I played with. I don't have any experience with the older analog dial units and the digital is a breeze to use and spot-on accurate. 0-5V 0.01-60Mhz Multiple Waveforms, Custom Waveforms, External Input 0.01-100Mhz Frequency Counter and Will do a Frequency Sweep. Arrived from China in ~3 Wks.
thanks for sharing you're experiences
 

rsjsouza

Joined Apr 21, 2014
383
I have some old time function generators and a Feeltech FY6600-30M (30MHz) and this one works quite well for its price and features - quite comparable to my much bulkier and noisier HP3314. It has some issues to keep up with higher output voltages and higher frequencies, as well as a floating ground, but these can easily be worked around. Several references around on the web show modifications for it.

Other folks mentioned the FY6800 is an improved version, but at a higher price (still within your budget, though).
 

JohnInTX

Joined Jun 26, 2012
4,787
I bought one of these, specifically for the price. It's clunky, but worked fine for the audio stuff I was using it for. They come both assembled and in parts so be sure you know which version you're looking at:

https://www.kr4.us/frequency-generator-kit-fg085.html
+1. I bought one as a kit. Went together easily enough. I used the sine wave sweep function to prove out tone controls. Operator controls are quirky but workable. Hard to beat for the price.
 

Wolframore

Joined Jan 21, 2019
2,609
I was just given two function generators... it's in my car. One is a RIGOL 20 MHz and the other is an Instek 2 MHz. They are very used from his work... his work likes to get rid of things and they end up at my house. :)

I'm still trying to figure out what to use them for besides watching the waves on my scope...

I know I'll use them when we start designing guitar pedals for my son. But really the waveform is something different from what you hear.... but still useful for designing filters and stuff....isolating noise... etc.
 
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