£20 Chinese Function Generators - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Analog Dave · 15th Jan 2018, 5:15 pm

I'm after some advice. I have a cheap chinese made signal generator that I bought to test my new scope and for some jobs that are waiting to be done once the scope is fixed.

I wanted to know if these cheap generators are good enough for diagnostic work or whether I should look for something older (and bigger) and higher quality.

Thanks
Dave

ms660 · 15th Jan 2018, 5:45 pm

If it's for general audio work it'll be as good as it is.

For general radio work there's only one type of generator needed, a proper RF sig gen with built in modulation facilities, one of those will do for RF/IF/AF signal injection for stage testing, and RF/IF alignment and the general advancement of radio knowledge.....Something along the lines of an Advance E2 or similar spec. one.

Lawrence.

MrBungle · 15th Jan 2018, 5:47 pm

They're usually not terrible. Certainly do the job. Depends which model it is really.

If it is one that works like this, one thing to watch out for is that they are entirely floating so if you connect a switch mode power supply to one to power it there can be 90v or so of leakage voltage between mains and the output terminals. This can, if you suddenly ground something (think scope ground clip), result in semiconductors breaking down. Perfectly fine if you ground the unit first.

15th Jan 2018, 5:15 pm	#1
Analog Dave Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Selsey, West Sussex, UK. Posts: 10	£20 Chinese Function Generators I'm after some advice. I have a cheap chinese made signal generator that I bought to test my new scope and for some jobs that are waiting to be done once the scope is fixed. I wanted to know if these cheap generators are good enough for diagnostic work or whether I should look for something older (and bigger) and higher quality. Thanks Dave

15th Jan 2018, 5:45 pm	#2
ms660 Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Cornwall, UK. Posts: 13,454	Re: £20 Chinese Function Generators If it's for general audio work it'll be as good as it is. For general radio work there's only one type of generator needed, a proper RF sig gen with built in modulation facilities, one of those will do for RF/IF/AF signal injection for stage testing, and RF/IF alignment and the general advancement of radio knowledge.....Something along the lines of an Advance E2 or similar spec. one. Lawrence.

15th Jan 2018, 5:47 pm	#3
MrBungle Dekatron Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: London, UK. Posts: 3,687	Re: £20 Chinese Function Generators They're usually not terrible. Certainly do the job. Depends which model it is really. If it is one that works like this, one thing to watch out for is that they are entirely floating so if you connect a switch mode power supply to one to power it there can be 90v or so of leakage voltage between mains and the output terminals. This can, if you suddenly ground something (think scope ground clip), result in semiconductors breaking down. Perfectly fine if you ground the unit first.