Good analog function generator

[Legion]

I want to get a function generator and was going to check the surplus stores for an old analog one. Any particular models I should be on the look out for? Any classics?

[GreyWoolfe]

I have a Protek B8055 that has a digital display and a Leader LG 1301 2MHz FG with a Leader LDC 823A counter connected to it.  The Leader is fine after about an hour of warm up.  The protek I can use right away.  I think I paid about $150 USD shipped for the Protek and about $100 USD for the Leader shipped.

[Rigby]

I have an HP 3311A that works pretty well, but it only goes up to 1MHz.  Got it free, though, so I'm not gonna complain.

Depending on how high of a frequency you would need, and what shape of wave(s) you need, a 555 might get you where you want to be.  Maybe.

[calin]

I have a Tek FG 504 - oldie but I love the thing - got if of craiglist for 25 buks. I had a blown fuse ... Goes to 40Mhz, has linear and log sweep, modulation capabilities . All in all a very nice oldie. No digital readout .. but there are plugins that do that if you don't have a freq counter. 

[Joule Thief]

+1 on the Leader LG 1301.

A solid performer on my bench for the last 10+ years. The upper limit is 2 Mhz.

[linux-works]

some ebay FG's I picked up over the years:





and an hp-3311a that I picked up but can't find a photo of.

I like the leader due to its larger size (less cramped control layout) and also that the dial goes to 2 (20k is a magic number for audio and I like my dial to be at the top of the audio range, but that's just me...)

the hp that is pictured is considered a 'golden' unit by many and its pcb is even gold!



but I find its controls are too cramped.  great functionality, though.

the gw instek is a huge monster but it has a nice digital display and can be used on its own as a counter.  the controls have a quality feel to them that is absent from most modern gear.  it was not a common FG but they can be found on the bay every so often.

[free_electron]

that 3312 is a good one

look on ebay for a 3324A or 3325A or 3325B . you can get these for less than 200$ and they are excellent generators

[Steve Gare]

I bought a second hand "Farnel LFM2" from ebay many many moons ago for about £4. It only gets used for testing speaker drivers  these days and it's limited to what you can do but hey for audio.... it looks funky in the shed

I'm using a HP 3325A with a reference inside as my main unit. These are pretty cheap now on ebay especially if you live in the states. They are excellent units. The 'B' versions are better but my 'A' is mint.

[dfmischler]

For $40 on ebay I got a BK 3011B that is OK.

I really like my HP 8111A much better.

[nanofrog]

Have a BK 4011A.

Got it used from fleaBay for ~$88. Not bad at this price, and using an external source, it can also do sweeps. Not a big fan of the Course & Fine knobs though. Wouldn't buy it new though (@ a bit over $300).

[Sigmoid]

I have an FG-8002... Mine is Goldstar, but I've seen them branded as LG and EZ Digital too.

It's a very simple, not particularly precise beast , but I got it for ~$40 off of eBay. It has some minor ringing in its waveform at high frequencies, but it's good enough for now.

[woodchips]

Anything by the UK company Feedback is worth getting, nice and simple, but work well.

[mtdoc]

I can also recommend the Leader 1301 and HP 3312 (especially).  I have one of each and found them for under $100 on eBay

For a bit more money ($118) I also have a Wavetek 166 - It is big, heavy, built like a tank and tops out at just over 50MHz. (I have a bit of an old anaolog equipment fetish...)  Labelled as "powers on but not tested" it works just fine. 

HERE's one for $199 - though a lower offer might get it...

[Weez]

Depending on your needs , the Heath 5218 is an excellent unit.

With a couple easy mods, you can get it down to ridiculously low THD.

I know Heaths aren't generally considered serious tools by many here, but this particular unit can hold its own, within the (admittedly limited) range it provides.  It's still a go-to unit for a lot of techs who work on guitar amps and such.

[oldway]

Philips PM5134 20Mhz function generator: very good, I have 2 units.

http://bee.mif.pg.gda.pl/ciasteczkowypotwor/Philips/pm5134.pdf