Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => AmpTools/Tech Tips => Topic started by: Ed_Chambley on November 10, 2015, 02:10:00 pm

Title: Function Generator Recommendation
Post by: Ed_Chambley on November 10, 2015, 02:10:00 pm
I have a B&K 4040A on loan to me I need to return to the owner, so I need to replace it. Of course I do not need to spend this much on one for fixing audio equipment and I never used many of the features. 

I am not looking for the cheapest thing and would sacrifice features for durability since most I use them for is amps and radios.

Anyone have a recommendation?  Is a handheld like this Worth having:
http://www.newark.com/b-k-precision/3001/audio-signal-generator-frequency/dp/90F2312?ost=90F2312&ad=81515566941&CMP=KNC-GUSA-GEN-SHOPPING-NEW&categoryId=&categoryName=&gclid=CJnguqrShskCFdgOgQodBJYMFQ (http://www.newark.com/b-k-precision/3001/audio-signal-generator-frequency/dp/90F2312?ost=90F2312&ad=81515566941&CMP=KNC-GUSA-GEN-SHOPPING-NEW&categoryId=&categoryName=&gclid=CJnguqrShskCFdgOgQodBJYMFQ)

Also has anyone used http://onlinetonegenerator.com/ (http://onlinetonegenerator.com/) with a Ipad output?  I have, but only to inject a wave form.  No sweep or voltage adjustment.

If someone would direct me to a durable used model that would not break the bank, but still have capabilities necessary to assist in audio equipment repair I would be thankful.
Title: Re: Function Generator Recommendation
Post by: eleventeen on November 10, 2015, 02:44:47 pm
I had one of those I bot for $30 which I thought was a no-brainer. Now I can't find it, LOL. The "handheld" part is....kind of odd. OK, yeah, I suppose you could bring it to a gig and see if an amp was mis-amplifying. But for the most part, "function generator" = "bench".


Very cheap are used Tektronix CFG 253 gens. Sweep, sine, square, Triangle. Lots of 'em out there, often in the $40-$50 range.




Title: Re: Function Generator Recommendation
Post by: Ed_Chambley on November 10, 2015, 03:04:00 pm
I had one of those I bot for $30 which I thought was a no-brainer. Now I can't find it, LOL. The "handheld" part is....kind of odd. OK, yeah, I suppose you could bring it to a gig and see if an amp was mis-amplifying. But for the most part, "function generator" = "bench".


Very cheap are used Tektronix CFG 253 gens. Sweep, sine, square, Triangle. Lots of 'em out there, often in the $40-$50 range.
Thanks, yes it is a bench thing.  I agree.  I just saw one new for $30 and it was called a handheld.  I am in the process of building a new bench and workstation, so a bench model will be fine.
Title: Re: Function Generator Recommendation
Post by: DummyLoad on November 10, 2015, 03:24:39 pm
i have one of these (http://www.ebay.com/itm/EZ-Digital-Function-Generator-FG-8002-/221905809423?hash=item33aa9df00f:g:9OkAAOSwDFNWEx3f). it has served me well over the last 10 years. 70 bux delivered is a fair price.


--pete
Title: Re: Function Generator Recommendation
Post by: Ed_Chambley on November 10, 2015, 03:29:09 pm
Thanks Pete, I got it.  It looks like a durable unit. 
Title: Re: Function Generator Recommendation
Post by: shooter on November 10, 2015, 08:26:33 pm
my bench unit has become unreliable, found this one online and has served me well;

http://www.esseraudio.com/test-tone-generator-windows-software-generate-test-signal-sine-pink-noise-crest-factor.html (http://www.esseraudio.com/test-tone-generator-windows-software-generate-test-signal-sine-pink-noise-crest-factor.html)
Title: Re: Function Generator Recommendation
Post by: DummyLoad on November 10, 2015, 09:55:53 pm
Thanks Pete, I got it.  It looks like a durable unit.

YW.

--pete
Title: Re: Function Generator Recommendation
Post by: sluckey on November 10, 2015, 11:08:44 pm
I have an HP 3310B from eBay. If you are patient you can grab one for around $50.
Title: Re: Function Generator Recommendation
Post by: Ed_Chambley on November 11, 2015, 01:41:24 pm
I have an HP 3310B from eBay. If you are patient you can grab one for around $50.
Not a very patient person when I am in the middle of a project.  The one Pete suggested is on the way to me now.  Thanks for the suggestions.  $69 shipped seemed affordable to me.

I will say while I was looking that the old Tektronic probes I have are selling for over $250 each.  I compared them to some $10 ones I have and there is a slight difference, but not enough to matter working on the stuff I am doing.  I guess there are things where these are needed, but I don't think a hack like me will be repairing anything like that.