Unstable Signal from JDS6600 Signal Generator?

[RTKurek]

Hey folks!

First off, apologies if this is a dumb question or I'm missing something obvious. I'm a total EE newbie!

I recently picked up an oscilloscope and a cheap JDS6600-based signal generator (from Koolertron). I was hoping to create some low-voltage signals for use in learning about amplifiers. However, when I hook the generator up to the oscilloscope, it seems to have trouble locking onto the signal. It seems to do a decent job with higher frequencies and voltages, but the signal still pumps around somewhat regardless of what I do with the trigger settings. Anything below 0.5 V peak-to-peak just becomes a total mess - the scope can't determine the frequency at all.

Any thoughts on what the issue could be? Bad cheapo signal generator? Bad cables? User error?

Thanks!

[Kleinstein]

The waveform looks rather noisy. This could be a weakness of the generator. If really small amplitudes are needed one would better use an external attenuator (divider).

The rather noisy signal is tricky to trigger. So it may need some extra function on the scope or more experience to find a good trigger setting.  So there could also be some weakness with the scope. Using single trigger may work to get at least a stable picture  .

[cliffyk]

Could be a bad cable and/or connectors also--have you tried another?