Looking to buy my first Waveform Generator

[tony3d]

Hi all, looking to buy my first waveform generator, and was wondering how the Owon products stack up against Siglent products. Only have about $300.00, or so to spend. Been looking at the Owon Ag1022F, and Siglent SDG810. Using this primarily to test audio amplifiers, and filter testing. Had ordered the Owon AG1012, but then realized it did not have the modulation functions. Sent it back, and now decided to try the versions that include modulation, and possble other products. Thanks.

[jimdeane]

I have no idea if it fits your needs at all, but I've been using one like this for the simple signals I need. Apparently it can sweep, but I haven't tried that yet, I just set it to the frequency and wave type I need.

Link goes to SainSmart UDB1005S at Amazon.com

https://goo.gl/ut8pI3

[tautech]

Hi all, looking to buy my first waveform generator, and was wondering how the Owon products stack up against Siglent products. Only have about $300.00, or so to spend. Been looking at the Owon Ag1022F, and Siglent SDG810. Using this primarily to test audio amplifiers, and filter testing. Had ordered the Owon AG1012, but then realized it did not have the modulation functions. Sent it back, and now decided to try the versions that include modulation, and possble other products. Thanks.

As much as I'd like to see sales go to a dealer that can offer support if needed you'll find the price mentioned in this post hard to beat:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/the-sdg1000-and-sdg800-thread/msg978902/#msg978902

[MarkF]

Here is a very long review of the Owon AG1012F.  It appears that you need the 'F' version with the modulation capabilities in order to have a sweep function.

Aso, checkout Saelig and their EEVblog discount.

[Curtis]

I just recently purchased a Siglent SDG830 on Amazon for $242.00. I thought for sure they had made a mistake on the price as I could not find any other seller selling it for that price. I think the seller was "Tequipment". The SDG830  function generator works better than I had hoped!!!. I also do mostly audio work, so the "sweep" function works good for checking audio filters.
The "modulation" feature was not something I had to have, but being a ham radio operator I am sure it will come in handy some day.

[SaabFAN]

What about the Hantek HDG2002?
It is available on ebay for 230€ (Link: http://www.ebay.de/itm/152063976716?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT) and seems to be hackable to output higher frequencies.

[tony3d]

Thanks everyone. I'll look these all over, and make a decision.

[David Hess]

For filter testing, look for log/lin sweep capability and a sweep sync output.  This will allow you to use your oscilloscope as a network analyser for measuring filter characteristics.  Sync outputs are rare on modern swept function generators though; I have yet to see one but I have not been looking since I have a couple of analog swept function generators.

I have not used one of these but maybe someone else can comment.  They can do low frequency swept network analysis:

http://www.syscompdesign.com/Instruments_ep_42.html

[rstofer]

For filter testing, look for log/lin sweep capability and a sweep sync output.  This will allow you to use your oscilloscope as a network analyser for measuring filter characteristics.  Sync outputs are rare on modern swept function generators though; I have yet to see one but I have not been looking since I have a couple of analog swept function generators.

I have not used one of these but maybe someone else can comment.  They can do low frequency swept network analysis:

http://www.syscompdesign.com/Instruments_ep_42.html

So can the Digilent Analog Discovery : http://store.digilentinc.com/analog-discovery-2-100msps-usb-oscilloscope-logic-analyzer-and-variable-power-supply/

Considering the ugly way we had to make phase/frequency plots in college (circa '72), this thing is a blessing!  It really is a lab in a small box.  Caveat:  I think it is very necessary to know exactly what you are doing with this gadget.  I would sure hate to wipe out a PC by probing some very high voltage.

[tautech]

Thanks everyone. I'll look these all over, and make a decision.

Just had the first one of many SDG800's in the field fail, it wouldn't reboot past the splash screen after a FW update.
Had to wait a few days for a new run of PCB's from the factory (bad timing I guess) and I've organised to it have sent directly to my customer whom is more than capable of doing the PCB swap.
Other than that we've had no HW failures in these units. 

http://www.siglentamerica.com/pdxx.aspx?id=71&T=2&tid=16

As I linked before the Amazon price is pretty good for the top model in this series, a SDG830.