Best signal generator $500

[rf-loop]

Wondering what the leading recommendation is for a 2 ch signal generator, under USD $500. The SDG 2042x seems still very popular, but Im wondering if there are more recent alternatives to consider. Its for general use, no specific application.

Thanks

Beware though that the cheaper generators may have rough edges. Currently I'm very frustrated with my Siglent SDG1010. I want a 10MHz sine wave and a 1 pulse per second to simulate a GPSDO. Unfortunately it seems there are rounding errors which make the 10MHz wander in respect to the 1PPS. Also when using an external 10MHz reference clock the 1PPS signal wanders. Useless!

Time to shop for something else.

 

This is not at all case with example Siglent SDG1032/1062 (I have not now here SDG2000X for test but I'm still quite sure it is same. (SDG1000 series is very old and can not talk in same day with these much more modern Siglent SDG's what are far over SDG1000 when talk performance.

Just running 1s period pulse from CH2 to scope Ch4 and 10MHz sine from Ch1 to scope Ch1. Rock solid. In attached image, infinite persistence and over 10 minutes running before image..


Just running 1s period 70ns pulse from SDG1032X CH2 to scope Ch4 and 10MHz sine from Ch1 to scope Ch1.  Rock solid.
In attached image, infinite persistence and over 10 minutes running before image..

[nctnico]

That is a long way of saying I have to buy a new generator because I shouldn't expect too much from one I have. No sh*t Sherlock! 
BTW for kicks I updated the SDG1010 to the latest firmware but no luck.

[Plasmateur]

@ MilkmanCDN

Any progress concerning
 
" I'd buy a SDG6022x tomorrow if I knew I could get both the I/Q modulation function and 500MHz output bandwidth."

Markus

Unlike the 2042X hack a 6022X hack will be a 2 step one, first for 200 to 500 MHz BW and another for the IQ option.
With the base model @ $1500 it's probably beyond the hobbyist's budget. 

So uhhh......

Is this posted somewhere =D?

[tautech]

@ MilkmanCDN

Any progress concerning
 
" I'd buy a SDG6022x tomorrow if I knew I could get both the I/Q modulation function and 500MHz output bandwidth."

Markus

Unlike the 2042X hack a 6022X hack will be a 2 step one, first for 200 to 500 MHz BW and another for the IQ option.
With the base model @ $1500 it's probably beyond the hobbyist's budget. 

So uhhh......

Is this posted somewhere =D?

Here on P4:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-sdg6000-series-awg_s/

And P9
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-ads-firmware-file-format/

Do some reading and ask for help if needed.

[Sylvi]

Hi

The OE does not say what bandwidth he needs, just a target price?

How about the Juntek JDS6600 or very similar JDS2900 - both go to 60MHz and are 14-bit res, or Hantek HDG2000-series with 16-bit res, or OWON AG1000s with 14-bit res ?

All are within the $500 and can be bought from Alixpress and likelyt Amazon, too.

[MrFox]

Siglent looks by far the best bang for buck at the mid-range price point (2000X series). But at the low end, don't overlook the Rigols. At least if your're looking for a usable ARB buffer size and low jitter. Personally, I simply listed what I expected to need from a sig-gen and the rigol 1022Z was a much better choice than the siglent 1032x.