1HZ-500KHZ FG-100 DDS Functional Signal Generator Frequency Meter Signal Source Module Frequency Counter

When I received the wave generator unit I was all excited. Plugged it in, turned on the power button, watched the red light turn on, but the display stayed off.Then I noticed a lose clanking around inside the unit. I saw the 4 screws on the back and realized it would be easy to check it out without too much trouble. Opened the unit up and realized the display wasn't plugged in, and the brass standoff and screw were not attached and those making that rattling sound inside.So I screwed back in the double-end threaded brass standoff into the LCD board, didn't even bother screwing it back, on the adjacent-end into the main board (since there was only one screw dangling around inside there (will circle-back around later screw the other end of the standoff into main board, once I get back to my shop in a couple days where I have lots of tiny screws.So plugged the display in (standoff acts as a support for it not to droop) and it now works fine. I also remember reading another reviewer (I think it was here) who reported same issue of something rattling around inside and had to do same kind of fix.So it works fine now, and tests out all good once I actually plugged in the display.I guess the money we save on these kinds off inexpensive parts, are due to bypassing QC inspection (most likely assembled in homes by small enterprise home business based assemblers) where they just don't have time or profit-margin to check every little tiny thing like 'does it work'. Or perhaps it worked and the screw rattled out in the shipping trailer on the way here. For whatever reason.It's fine, in this case I was able to recover it, so I made the decision not to send it back, I like it for the purpose I'll be using it for.

As with many other reviewers, I received two of these units and both of them had the problem with the display not being connected. Had to remove the screws and open the unit and then plug the display into the header. As mentioned, was only held by a single screw and not properly attached to board. This wasn't a simple "got loose during shipping", this is definitely an issue with their assembly and QA process.I can't imagine how much they are losing due to returns and replacements for customers who don't know how to open the unit and fix it.Once the display is installed the unit seems to work as designed. Documentation is very poor. As the documentation mentions, as you increase the frequency the output amplitude decreases. But it's basically what you expect at this price point. Very basic function, don't expect super high precision or signal quality.

Pros:* Nice palm-sized function generator* Good frequency range* Simple controls (see below)* Good priceCons:* Cheap build -- plastic box* wobbly push button controls -- would have prefered a know for frequency* no power supply -- came with a DC-to-USB cable, but you have to supply the wall-wart partThe biggest issue was one that other's have mentioned. When I turned it on, the display failed to light. when I opened the unit (4-screws on back) I found that the display had not been plugged in, nor screwed down to the mother board. Moreover, there was a mounting post for the display which -also- had not been screwed down. I had to take the entire unit apart, remove the motherboard (2 more screws), screw down the post, reinstall the motherboard, plug-in and screw down the display, and then close everything up again.At that point it fired right up and worked properly. But really, if they had applied a bit of quality control at the factory, that 15 minutes of labor would have been unnecessary. Also, it's clear that the unit had not been given a final test fully assembled, because if it had, they would have discovered the disconnected display.It works OK, but if I need another one I'll probably look elsewhere, just because of the QC issue.

I've only taken a quick look at the output of this signal generator on a scope, but it appears to meet or exceed its frequency and waveform parameters, and is easier to control than I'd imagined. It should work fine for a number of audio and very low RF frequency generation needs, circuit testing and prototyping, etc. I powered it with the included USB power cable, which could be inconvenient in some use cases. I got it for the grandkids.For the price, a decent instrument.

Signal Generator is not a bad addition to the home electronic hobbyist. Now let me first state that this is NOT, I repeat NOT what I would recommend for ANY professional application whatsoever, but it is pretty neat and the output waveforms: Sine, Square, Triangular and Sawtooth are pretty nice, when viewed by oscilloscope with relatively descent resolution you see a nice clean wave. The 5V max may be limiting to some however, for me as an educator it serves its purpose. The 900,000 Hz frequency maximum is pretty good, but I was thinking perhaps it could go higher.

I’ve bought about 8 of these now as I use them for my scalar equipment. Out of the 8 I’ve bought, 5 have had issues. Some didn’t turn on at all. Screen never lit up, the last 2 I’ve ordered turn on, but the lights seem to be blacked out. You can only see the wave and frequency if you look at an angle.I’m unsure if their primary goal is to make as much money as possible while providing cheap equipment or what. That seems to be their message.If only the generators had a better quality to them. I’m seeing similar reviews. Not working, poor display, improper measurements.. this stuff is being used on oscilloscopes and frequency generators. Pay more attention to your work please. This is poor craftsmanship and poor execution.