Use of audio frequency generator?

[vinlove]

Hi All

Just got this vintage audio frequency generator 10hz -200 kHz.
This is a massive and heavy instrument built like a tank.

But what are the some of the real practical uses of this set?

Thanks

[madires]

Signal source for measurements and trouble shooting of audio circuits.

[hexreader]

A signal generator is a really handy tool for testing out an oscilloscope.

An oscilloscope is a really handy tool for testing out a signal generator.

 

[cdev]

A fun thing you can do with one, is get a very flat piece of metal and a speaker or even better, some other mechanical transducers, like piezo transducers, and reproduce the "cymatics" experiments, using some sand, salt or similar powders.

This is endlessly fascinating.


For example, this is the original set of experiments done by Dr. Hans Jenny. He published a book ages ago "Cymatics".

Search on that term to find a lot of stuff.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=cymatics



Also try it with fluids and transducers. 

It would be computationally quite expensive to simulate this!

[Vovk_Z]

Just got this vintage audio frequency generator 10hz -200 kHz.
This is a massive and heavy instrument built like a tank.
But what are the some of the real practical uses of this set?

- If you don't have any generator then to have one is better than not to have. (Sorry that I am KO).

[themadhippy]

But what are the some of the real practical uses of this set?

keeping unruly yoofs at bay. 

[Wallace Gasiewicz]

Perhaps:

Use it to inject an audio portion of an RF signal in a RF generator. Through modulation port. Many RF signal generators do not have a modulation unit built in, but do have a BNC for injecting modulation. You then get an AM signal for testing receivers both AM and SSB. Some RF generators will also modulate to FM.

Use it to design switched mode power supply, these things frequently use 100 KHz frequencies.

Use it as a microphone input to test radio transmitters, more reliable than shouting into the mic.

Use it to test speakers and headphones, and the audio response of audio amplifiers.

Use it to drive the neighborhood dogs nuts with the correct dog whistle frequency.

Test your own hearing using different frequencies

See if you can shatter glass.

Maybe an ultrasonic cleaner? These things usually require a big signal however. And a transducer.

See if high frequencies in an office environment make people nuts.

Turn an arduino input on and off rapidly

With the correct phasing maybe learn to "cancel" certain frequencies.

Use it to check the performance of capacitors and inductors at KHz frequencies.

I am not advocating any harm to anyone, just pointing out some of the applications of an AF generator. Also some of my suggestions may not be entirely practical.

[vinlove]

Sounds like great useful tool to have in any Electronics DIY shed.
Thank you all for your inputs and explanations.

[Doctorandus_P]

I think you can use it to generate audio frequencies.

[wizard69]

I think you can use it to generate audio frequencies.

You could also irritate the neighbors dog without the neighbor hearing!

[Renate]

The main use is to send 10 to 50 Hz into an audio amplifier to determine the resonant frequencies of a wooden structure.
You may find that a little power can really cause the walls and windows to shake.

[SilverSolder]

The main use is to send 10 to 50 Hz into an audio amplifier to determine the resonant frequencies of a wooden structure.
You may find that a little power can really cause the walls and windows to shake.

Interesting, what do you use that measurement for?

[Renate]

Interesting, what do you use that measurement for?

Nothing. Just using a couple of watts to be annoying.

[SilverSolder]

Interesting, what do you use that measurement for?

Nothing. Just using a couple of watts to be annoying.

I was thinking, you might be able to use this method to find rattles in a car etc.

[Renate]

I was thinking, you might be able to use this method to find rattles in a car etc.

Well, if you could get the bass funneled into the tail pipe it could be useful.
Heat shields and such things are very frequency selective for a rattle.

[SilverSolder]

I was thinking, you might be able to use this method to find rattles in a car etc.

Well, if you could get the bass funneled into the tail pipe it could be useful.
Heat shields and such things are very frequency selective for a rattle.

Yep, and various plastic panels in the car can resonate (if you have a loud stereo!)

[vinlove]

Does it also get used for repair / DIY restoration of vintage AM / SW radios?

[Wallace Gasiewicz]

It absolutely gets used in radio repair. I use it all the time.
You can insert a signal into the start of the audio chain to see if it works and you can use it with a RF frequency generator to make a modulated RF small signal to insert into the antenna. Some RF generators do not have an audio generator built in and have a BNC input for modulation. This can be AM or FM modulation.

[vinlove]

Great stuff !!
I am glad that I have this audio signal generator
It is 20 Hz - 20 kHz. 

It is a 1980s vintage gear, and built like a tank, heavy and large set.
I would like to see some videos that utilise audio signal and RF generators.

[Renate]

I use my Analog Devices AD9850 DDS module with an ATMega32u4.
I can generate log or linear sweeps of audio (or even higher to 40 MHz).
There's a sync output so I can sync my scope to the sweep.
It's an easy way to sweep audio things for frequency response.

[SparkyFX]

A signal generator is a really handy tool for testing out an oscilloscope.

An oscilloscope is a really handy tool for testing out a signal generator.

One of the many paths that lead to TEA...

[cdev]

Perhaps:
...

Infrasound - sound right below the frequency threshold that we can hear, has some interesting effects.

A badly adjusted elevator right next to the office of the SF department of public health's environmental services department used to generate infrasound (was measured) and it constantly made people feel uneasy.

This effect is used in film soundtracks.