Function generators (again)

I have the Mastech SFG-2120. The first one had major issues but after they sent me a new one it's fine. However, it seems to be permanently out of stock.

My B&K 4003A is nice. Digital counter but otherwise all analog, no programming.

Thanks, I'm not sure analog will work for the low frequency application.

There we are looking at the resonance of a torsional harmonic oscillator. Freq ~ 1 Hz and Q's of 0.5 to 100 (or more) So being able to step through the resonance digitally is very nice.

The Rigol looks sharp

(At least they don't look to be going away unlike protek.)

George H.

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The Siglent SDG1005 comes to mind. Lecroy sells these under their own brand name.

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Hnmm that's interesting thanks. It looks a bit like the Atten ATF20B.. which was panned here,

Seems like there are zillions of FG's.

George H.

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can it be a pc based one?

-Lasse

I have a DG1022 and it works very well. The programming issue is the PC software. I loaded it, it seems to work, just not very glamorous as some may expect.

My latest use of this gen was a QAM and QPM experiment, where I used both channels to test some application theories.

I see they're still lots of venders out there offering them but I wouldn't pay over $400. I just don't think they are worth over that.

Jamie

The Atten ATF20 is a real piece of crap. Skip that one but the Siglent seems to be OK.

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Thanks Jamie, The dg1022 lists for $379 on the rigol web site. (If we buy in bulk (25-50) we may be able to wrangle a discount.) I figure we'll order one to play with, Rigol seems like 'brand name' now. Say what's the shortest pulse it will output?

George H.

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Hmm that's an interesting question. I don't want to be in the postion of helping customers to get the pc interface working.

What do you have in mind? A usb thing with some bnc connectors might work.

George H.

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OK thanks.

It's like a jungle out there for low end test gear. George H.

If you go that route make sure that the generators is totally, positively, one-hundred percent isolated at the USB link. Else all hell can break loose and you'll be in the business of noise fixing. "Hey, George, they installed this new elevator and now ..."

I think Velleman has some USB-based generators that are isolated but not all of them are. You'll have to go through and check the specs.

Other than that Lasse's idea is a good one because it can get you back into your previous old $300 price range.

Hmmm, shortest pulse..

Pulse width are in the range of 500uHz up to 3Mhz

But in order to generate a standing pulse you need to define the other parameters too, like Delays, levels, source etc.

Scroll down a bit but don't miss the back panel options while you're scrolling :)

Jamie

Thanks Joerg, I must admit a preference for a self contained box. But some customers may like a computer thing.

The rigol for $379 seems like a decent deal. We use to buy the proteks for $300... (and have to resell them for more... obviously) There were a bit dicey. (I wonder if the crappy fans took them down?)

Any price increase will be passed on, and the rigol may be better value for the money.

Hey at 20MHz the rigol can replace the SG9000,

George H.

George Herold schrieb:

Hello,

what about a generator with DDS (digital direct synthesis)? They are very good for low frequencies and good resolution.

Bye

You might take a look at this.

It does not have an enclosure but works well. I have used mine for two years with no problems. There are several with different specs and outputs for as low as $8.

Rick

Are the settings persistent over a power cycle?

Best regards, Spehro Pefhany

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That's interesting. How the 'bleep' can they make it so cheaply?

George H.

It remembers last settings.

Rick