Audio generator vs. Function generator

[digi2t]

Hi all,

Just a quick question; What's the difference between this audio generator


Manual; http://www.bkprecision.com/products/docs/manuals/3001_manual.pdf

and this function generator?


Manual; http://www.abra-electronics.com/abra_files/FG500.pdf

I'm assuming that they both do the same job, except that the frequency generator also outputs triangle. Is one better (more useful) than the other? I need something that will pump a signal into a circuit, and I figure either one will do the job. What are your preferences/opinions.

Cheers,
Dino

[CynicalMan]

Either will do the job. Get whichever is cheaper. A laptop with a VST frequency generator (free) is more versatile than either.

What you're going to use to analyze the output matters as well. For using an oscilloscope, a sine wave is more useful. Sine wave, white noise, and square wave are useful for use with a spectrum analyzer. Again, a laptop with free VSTs can do just about any kind of scoping or analysis you need.

[jbgron]

What VST's are you using exactly?

[CynicalMan]

mda TestTone function generator: http://mda.smartelectronix.com/effects.htm
Smarteletronix s(M)exoscope oscilloscope: http://bram.smartelectronix.com/plugins.php?id=4
Voxengo SPAN spectrum analyzer: http://www.voxengo.com/product/span/

I also use Visual Analyzer when I need more advanced features, although it's not a VST: http://www.sillanumsoft.org/

[jbgron]

Thanks.  Will give it a try.

[digi2t]

Thanks a bunch Alex, much appreciated. Actually, I think I''l go for the FG-500K (second one). It comes in kit form as well, 20 bucks cheaper at 43$, and will give me something to do as well. In keeping with the DIY spirit 

Thanks again. Cheers,
Dino

[defaced]

If you really want to save your pennies, Merlin has posted two mini signal generators somewhat recently.  I've built the second one and posted my layouts and such.  May be worth looking at if you want to DIY.  I'm currently working on adding a square wave function to it, the op amp comparator circuits I have tried (my first venture into the little buggers) aren't as clean as I'd like, but maybe I'm shooting too high. 

[digi2t]

Thanks for the heads up Mike, but the kit's been ordered. I kind of like the fact that it comes with everything ready to assemble, one stop shop so to speak.

I do appreciate your input though, thanks.

[defaced]

You're welcome.  As I engineer my generator into life, I completely understand where you're coming from.  Time consuming little bugger.