Function Generator

[Blindog]

I've been searching for an inexpensive function generator so I can finally break out my scope I've had for 3 years Any recommendations?

Thanks!

Mark

[jjman]

I use this one:

http://www.electronickits.com/kit/compl ... fg500k.htm

I didn't buy it from that site and I think I paid about $30 on sale.

I built the kit. Later I noticed that the output has 4.5volts of DC on it So I put a cap on the output to block that DC.

[FunkyE9th]

Poormans' generator... I used to use Audacity to generate tones and stick the headphone out of my laptop into the amp in.

Later I got a the idea to use my JamMan looper pedal. I save the wavefile generated from Audacity into JamMan and use that now as my generator. Works great! But JamMan is not cheap.

[Andy Le Blanc]

There are a couple free downloads that bundle a function generator with an O scope.

[KT66]

http://business.shop.ebay.com/items/Bus ... p=15&_sc=1

[Andy Le Blanc]

If all you need is a sine wave you could noodle around with a phaseshift
oscillator, a modded tremolo circuit right on your bench.

[selloutrr]

why not record the test tones to a CD and just play the tracks back on a cd player with a head phone out (make a wire to go from 1/8 mini to 1/4")
it's cheap and works as good as a cheap unit if not better.

I'm sorry but why spend money on something that is going to need to be replaced later?

Keep in mind one of the best parts of fixing amps is that the technology has far surpassed our needs so there are lots of places to pick up test equipment for cheap as people have upgraded to stay current. (schools, Government, Labs, etc.)

[Blindog]

Thanks for the help guys.

Ryan, I would totally dig an old Eico or something like that on the bay, but I was looking for something compact.

I never thought of using Audacity or something like it and bring the laptop down. I'm surprised someone hasn't came up with an iphone app yet

jjman, that looks pretty nice and compact.

Andy, yeah, I pretty much figured a sine wave would be all you would need for amp work correct?

I have a Tektronix 453A collecting dust that needs some use!

Thanks,

Mark

[sliberty]

A friend gave me this idea, and I use it all the time.

Download some signal generator software. Generate a bunch of signals (100hZ, 1000hZ, 2000hZ, 5000hZ, 10000hZ, etc.) and save them as wav files. Preferably save long files, like 5 or 10 minutes each. Convert the wav files to mp3, and copy them onto your iPod or other mp3 player. Your iPod is now a portable signal generator!

Here is the one I used:

http://www.nch.com.au/tonegen/index.html

[Structo]

Here is a software function generator.

Looks pretty slick and is only $30

http://www.testdisc.com/aqt.html?hop=kompich

[Bob-I]

I googled function generator and sine wave generator and found a free download. Using a headphone amp I can generate an easy 5-6V P-P so I can drive the output section directly if necessary. Best part, it takes up no room on the workbench.

[Wayne]

http://geofex.com/FX_images/q+dosc.gif

I put together one of these out of shop junk. If your shop has lots of junk, you could probably make 3 or 4 for different frequencies of interest. It'll have to work until I score a big R&D grant from the gummint

W

[tonestack]

I have used a Rolls MO2020 as my portable audio signal generator for over ten years.

http://www.music123.com/Rolls-MO2020-Te ... 2.Music123

[tyru007]

You can pick up a used function generator of Ebay for around $15-$30.

I picked up a BK 3017A for around $20 and it works great for amp work.

2 Mhz is fine and make sure you can adjust the output p-p down to .1V.

I took me a while when I first got the BK to realize that by pulling out the voltage adjustment knob you get a low range.

[David Root]

I have a 20 yr old BK3010 I bought NOS about 6 years ago. Never had any trouble with it. Paid a lot more than $20 though.