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From: Chris Tansit on 17 Apr 2010 02:22
Can someone please recommend a signal gen for audio work?
I want to get into solid state and tube/valve amp repair.
Feel free to suggest a brands/models etc.

What other gear is handy to have?
I have a scope and a DC PSU.

Any good resources on the web? Books etc I should be reading?

Thanks
CT

From: Mark Zacharias on 17 Apr 2010 06:02
"Chris Tansit" <tansi(a)keyweb.com> wrote in message
news:4bc9538e$0$32007$c3e8da3(a)news.astraweb.com...
> Can someone please recommend a signal gen for audio work?
> I want to get into solid state and tube/valve amp repair.
> Feel free to suggest a brands/models etc.
>
> What other gear is handy to have?
> I have a scope and a DC PSU.
>
> Any good resources on the web? Books etc I should be reading?
>
> Thanks
> CT
>

For general work I think any decent sine-square generator in good working
order would do.
Use sine waves for a general troubleshooting signal source, use square
waves, usually around 1 kHz as a good overall (quick) check for linearity.
One thing I've noticed for example, a square wave signal viewed on a 'scope
will quickly tell you if a loudness or filter switch is malfunctioning. One
channel may remain boosted or attenuated when the control is back in the
"neutral" position.
Also, square waves seem to show more easily the effects of dirty controls,
relays, etc as you are manipulating or tapping on them (when viewed on a
'scope of course).
I use a Leader solid state model at work (don't remember the model) but for
many years used an Eico 377 tube model. They can be found all over eBay for
under 50.00.
A new solid state model will run 179.00 and up.

I think most distortion analyzers sine wave generators built in - my Sound
Technology 1700B does. They can be had used for maybe around 400.00 or so.


Mark Z.

From: Tim Schwartz on 17 Apr 2010 08:27
On 4/17/2010 2:22 AM, Chris Tansit wrote:
> Can someone please recommend a signal gen for audio work?
> I want to get into solid state and tube/valve amp repair.
> Feel free to suggest a brands/models etc.
>
> What other gear is handy to have?
> I have a scope and a DC PSU.
>
> Any good resources on the web? Books etc I should be reading?
>
> Thanks
> CT
>
For general use, I use a Heathkit IG-5218 (also available in a
different color as the IG-18, which is a bit older) This unit has
stepped frequency selection and an output meter. Really easy to work on
if it needs it. Likely available on e-bay or at hamfests for under $50.
I've seen filthy ones as low as $10. Of course the build quality of
the kit is a factor.

There are also lots of mods possible to make them lower distortion, but
some of the mods reduce the stability and make the settling time when
changing frequencies annoying at best, and damaging at worst. Also, the
unit is low enough in distortion for general use as is. If you don't
have or need a distortion analyzer, they are pointless.

That said, there a lots of good choices.

Regards,
Tim Schwartz
Bristol Electronics


P.S. Here's one on e-bay now:

190389304471
From: N_Cook on 17 Apr 2010 08:39
Chris Tansit <tansi(a)keyweb.com> wrote in message
news:4bc9538e$0$32007$c3e8da3(a)news.astraweb.com...
> Can someone please recommend a signal gen for audio work?
> I want to get into solid state and tube/valve amp repair.
> Feel free to suggest a brands/models etc.
>
> What other gear is handy to have?
> I have a scope and a DC PSU.
>
> Any good resources on the web? Books etc I should be reading?
>
> Thanks
> CT
>


A calibrated , well at least consistently marked between ranges , attenuator
on the o/p is useful


From: William Sommerwerck on 17 Apr 2010 09:02
I have a heavily modded Heathkit audio generator, which I'd be happy to
sell.

I don't remember the model number. About 35 years ago, "Audio Amateur"
published an article on modifying this generator for ultra-low distortion.
The "catch" is that when you change frequency, you have to wait a second or
two for the generator to settle.

I'd sell it for the original price of the kit. If you're interested, please
get in touch with me.


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