A CRO (Cathode-Ray Oscilloscope) will visualize the signals that are generated by a function or a signal generator. While they might cost a little on the high end, a self-built function generator is just as effective if not accurate than a ready-made CRO machine. They are highly inexpensive and if you are into electronics as a hobby, you would know that building one is just as simple. In this list today, we are going to look at and talk about some of the top DIY function generator kits available to buy. These are ranked and rated based on the following three factors.
Feature Rich:
This includes all the types of waveforms the function generator can support once it is built. From basic sine or square waves to any form of custom waves, it should be able to generate them.
Compatibility
Most of these DIY kits do not come with any display. Hence the kit you choose should have a wider compatibility factor so it can be set up with a good quality display screen once it is built.
Quality of the components
You can know and trust more about the quality of the components provided to you by reading the reviews of other buyers. The list provided below has been generated after going through how many other online electronics enthusiasts have felt about after using them. Now without any further ado, let us jump right into the article and list down the top and best DIY Function generator kits that you can buy.
Best Function Generator Kit 2023: List
Top Function Generator kits: Reviews
1. Onyehn XR2206 High Precision Function Signal Generator DIY Kit
First on our list is XR2206’s signal generator DIY kit. The generator kit is capable of generating sine, triangle, and square waveforms with a very high precision.
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With this generator kit, you can get an output frequency in the range of 1Hz to 1MHz. What’s more beneficial to you is that you can adjust the frequency and amplitude based on your requirements. If you are a beginner and not proficient in building electronic components, then this one is the best generator kit for you This is a simple DIY kit that uses through-hole components so that you can easily assemble it without any difficulties. This generator kit runs on a 9-12V external power or a 9V battery. The batteries are not included in the package and you have to get them separately. Components included:
Resistors, Capacitors, and Diodes Alligator Clips Prefabricated Circuit Board Transparent case box shell Potentiometer Cutting pliers User manual
Pros
Easy to assemble and ideal for beginners Multiple modes of operation
Cons
Signal strength is poor Instructions are not clear
2. Kuman Function Generator DIY KIT by JYE Tech FG085
The JYE Tech F5085 is a DIY digital function generator by Kuman comes with a small screen and can do almost everything the DDS Mini can do. It has an easy set up with all the holes punched on the Prefabricated Circuit Board. It can generate continuous waveforms basic like the Square, Sine, Ramp, Staircase and Triangle and it can also generate custom user-defined arbitrary waveforms as well. The amplitude and frequency limits for this frequency generator are 1 Mhz that is the same as a DIY analogue frequency generators It also has servo control which analogue devices do not have. As it is a digital device, the function generator’s controls are press buttons instead of the wobbly knobs which are a huge relief and ease up the process of using it. The assembly guide has detailed instructions on the assembly and usage. There are, however, reported issues about the product having power issues. Components included:
PCB with an integrated mini screen Resistors, Capacitors and all the micro components required for the circuit completion Press buttons Output and Power supply cables User manual
Pros:
A digital function generator that is easy to use Great fit and has no improper fit issues like most DIY function generator kits
Cons:
Has power issues while turning it on Pricing
3. Reland Sun XR2206 Function Signal Generator DIY Kit
Next on our list is Reland Sun’s XR2206 generator kit, which comes with fewer components making it one of the easiest generators to install and use them. With a high precision resolution, the generator can produce sine waves, triangular waves, and square waves. The frequency range of these waves is between 1 Hz to 1 MHz. The frequency and amplitude can be adjusted with the help of coarse tuning and fine-tuning. The generator has an impedance of 600 ohms with less than 1% distortion at 1KHz. Plus, it has an amplitude of 0 – 3V for the sine wave and triangle wave and 8V for a square wave at 9V DC input. Also, it supports a wide range of power supply, as the brand recommends using 9V batteries or 9 – 12V DC external power supply for optimal functioning. Yet you need to purchase the batteries separately as they are not included in the kit. Components included
Capacitors Resistors & diodes Alligator Clips Prefabricated Circuit Board Plastic Case Screws, & Bolts Knobs User Manual
Pros
Easy to adjust the frequency and amplitude. Easy to assemble with pre-drilled holes. Affordable pack Produce sine, square, and triangle waveforms
Cons
Variable resistors are not marked with volt and ohm. Instructions are not clear.
4. Treedix XR2206 Function Signal Generator Kit
The Treedix XR2206 kit is an excellent kit for beginners to learn more about the construction and usage of a generator. It generates sine, square, and triangle waveforms with a high resolution. The frequency range of this function generator will be 1 Hz to 1 MHz. This generator kit will let you change the amplitude and frequency based on the requirement. However, adjust the signal frequency by using coarse tuning and fine-tuning. This function signal generator comes in a transparent box shell, which is easy to install the generator without any prior experience or need for complicated tools, as it has straight inserted components that have to be assembled as per the instructions. The generator has an impedance of 600 ohms with less than 1% distortion at 1 KHz. It has 0 – 3V for the sine wave and triangle wave and 8V for a square wave at 9V DC input. The function generator works well wide power supply range with a 9 – 12V DC external power or 9V battery, yet the battery is not included in the pack. Components Included
XR2206 function signal generator DIY kit (not assembled) User manual
Pros
High precision resolution Easy to install Frequency range of 1Hz – 1MHz Wide power supply (9 – 12V DC power or 9V battery) Adjustable amplitude and frequency Deliver better performance
Cons
Not ideal for large projects Poor packaging.
5. HiLetgo 2pcs ICL8038 Monolithic Function Signal Generator DIY Kit
All of the DIY function generators mentioned in the list so far are based out of the XR2206 IC. The HiLetgo monolithic function signal generator module is based on the ICL8038 IC. While the IC XR2206 has a maximum frequency range of 1 Hz to 1 MHz, the ICL8038 has a meagre frequency range of just 50 to 5KHz. This makes it ideal for longer wavelength waveforms. (provided the display length is large) The uniform VCC voltage for this frequency generator is about 2 Volts and the input voltage is the standard 12 Volts (batteries not included and 9-volt batteries may not work). The function generators come in a pack of two and in it, the manual/ the schematic is not included. Components included:
2 Sets of function generator PCB Resistors, capacitors and all the other micro components needed for the installation ICL8038
Pros:
Comes in a pack of 2 Very easy to build Given the low-frequency range, it can be used for high wavelength waveforms (provided larger display screen)
Cons:
Not so ideal for larger frequency requirements
6. ICQUANZX XR2206 High Precision Function Signal Generator DIY Kit
The XR2206 kit is another basic kit for beginners that helps you to get started with learning the basics of building a generator. Once built, it generates sine, triangle, and square waveforms with a high resolution. Like most other generator kits on our list, this kit also lets you change the frequency and amplitude based on the requirements. This signal generator kit supports frequencies in the range of 1Hz to 1MHz. Using the coarse tuning and fine tuning, you can adjust the frequency of the signals. It is very easy to assemble this kit. All the parts used in this kit are through-hole components. So, even if you do not have any prior experience, you can still assemble the kit without any trouble. The user manual comes with detailed instructions and guides you on developing the generator. You can power this generator using either a 9 to 12V external power or 9V batteries. You have to buy the batteries separately as they are not included in the kit. Components included: Resistors, Capacitors, and Diodes
Alligator Clips Prefabricated Circuit Board Potentiometer Transparent case box shell Cutting pliers User manual
Pros
Easy installation Affordable
Cons
Difficult to adjust frequency Poor packaging
7. Weewooday XR2206 Precise Function Signal Generator Kit
Last on our list is Weewooday’s XR2206 generator kit. This function signal generator comes in a transparent box shell for easy assembling of the kit. The XR2206 generator can produce 3 wave forms including sine wave, square wave, and triangle wave with a high precision. It supports a wide range of frequencies within the range of 1Hz and 1MHz. The generator has a distortion of less than 1% with an impedance of 600 ohm.It has an amplitude of 0 to 3V for sine and triangle waves and 8V for square wave at 9V DC input. Plus, it has less than 1% linearity for triangle waves and less than 5% symmetry for square waves. The generator needs a voltage supply of 9 to 12V DC input to work. Components included
Resistors Capacitors Diodes Prefabricated Circuit Board Cutting pliers Transparent box shell User manual
Pros
Good starter kit Affordable
Cons
Suitable only for basic projects Needs a bit of soldering
Wrapping it up
The Onyehn XR2206 High Precision Function Signal Generator DIY Kit is a great pick as it comes with well-cut PCB, components that fit well and gives you seamless function. While it may not be able to create custom waveforms, it sure gives you the bang for the buck and is easily one of the best DIY Function generator kits out there. Please remember that given the highly cheap nature of these kits, do not expect a highly precise or versatile waveform output like professional CRO machines (Read: The Best Signal Waveform Generators). So those were our picks. We hope that it filled out on all that you are looking for and if you have any further questions or queries regarding any electronics or electrical components, DIY kits or anything as such, feel free to write to us in the comments section below. Our team will write back to you as soon as possible. Comment * Name * Email * Website
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