XR2206 High Precision Function Signal Generator DIY Kit Sine/Triangle/Square Output 1Hz-1MHz Adjustable Frequency Amplitude + Transparent Case Box

Generator is simple to assemble and works as expected. Frequency range is even brighter than expected. However, amplitude is fluctuating significantly, especially in megahertz range.

I would not recommend this to a new kit builder due to the lack of clear instructions.Note: The kit came with a 8 pin header instead of a 10 for the frequency range selectionI did make some changes to my kit as I was building it:(There is a video on YouTube describing this where I gleaned some of my changes from)- Used a higher quality IC socket for the IC.- Rewired the Amplitude Pot since mine was backwards .- Put a 50K Resistor across the Amplitude Pot to lower the output, since the waveform was flat topping.(I may replace this with a lower value to lower the output more since it's about 5v output now)- Replaced C3 With a 1uf cap as per the data sheet for the IC- Replaced R3 & R5 with a 1K Resistor each to lower the output- Replaced R1 with a 5K Resistor to lower the Square wave output (could have gone larger to lower further)- Installed a 10uf Cap in line with the Sin/Tri output to block the DC- Installed a 10uf Cap in parallel with R5 to help stabilize the outputOver all it's good for what it is "A inexpensive (AKA Cheap) Function Generator)With a little work it can be made better but for the price it's a handy little piece of gear.

Easy build. But there were a few problems. The screws that mount the board to the bottom are way too short but mine also had a 20 pin socket for a 16 pin IC. Luckily I had a spare. Only took a couple hours and I was taking my time. It tested fine but I couldn't get the waveform to lock until I gave up on the 9v supply and went with 12v. The frequency ranges aren't exact but they at least overlap so you can generate anything up to 1.25 Mhz (rated only to 1Mhz though). I took 50 pics during the assembly and consider writing an assembly guide but it is actually very simple to build. No its not as nice as my BK but it works for what I needed it for. Important note though, the XR2206 is made to drive a 600 ohm load so it may or may not perform well if you drive a low impedance load.

I already own lots of professional test equipment, including function generators. But just for fun, I decided to order one of these just to see what it could do. The "instruction sheet" was totally unreadable, so I took a screen shot of the page showing the parts list and board locations. On that screen shot, the polarity of the electrolytic capacitors is described backwards - you'll have to pay attention to that. But, basically it works. There is nothing "High Precision", about it, as claimed. The square wave is pretty good at the lower frequencies. However, the sine and triangle waveforms leave a lot to be desired - neither of them are close to the triangle or sine waves, and they even look similar to each other. The waveform isn't even symmetrical from top to bottom. Also, the "Coarse" and "Fine" controls are almost the same with a 2:1 ratio instead of a more typical 10:1 or 20:1 ratio. The control for the output amplitude is designed backwards - counterclockwise to increase, instead of clockwise. It does not come with a plug to match the power input jack - you'll have to find your own. I would suggest removing the protective covering from the top plastic piece and rubbing some white water-based acrylic paint over the etched label markings, then wiping it off before it dries. Otherwise, you won't be able to read the text. As it is, the knobs cover up half the text printed above them. The actual XR2206 IC has no markings at all, which can mean that it's NOT a genuine Exar chip, and that would explain why the sine and triangle wave forms are not very good. BUT HEY - it's still worth the $10, and it's an excellent starter kit for a beginner!

A very interesting signal generator project to assemble. If you connect it to a good oscilloscope, you will see that it is rather sensitive. A great learning tool for different types of frequencies.

Kit came missing parts, I contacted the seller and they agreed to ship me the two missing capacitors from China in 20-25 business days. Not so prime, but they’re fixing the issue so I guess that’s better than nothing. I had a couple 10uf caps in another amp that I pulled from to get it working to test out.I bought this kit to use as a sine wave generator for testing audio circuits. In that regard it does ok, except for the -4.5 VDC offset on the output. Easy enough to bypass with a cap but still glad I checked before hooking up to an amp. Also the amplitude knob sends the sine into distortion pretty quickly, at least in the sine mode, so I need to keep the level pretty low. Not ideal, but again isn't technically a fault.The case is pretty decently CNC’d, but is a tight fit with come of the components. You would need to cut your solder joints pretty darn flush to get the small screws to hold it, and the caps need to be tilted over to fit under the top.Over all for my needs, and at a $10 price point, it’s hard to beat.

All capacitors shipped in the kit are not to the schematic spec, instructions are zip so put on your thinking cap for installing bridge pins, caps and testing. Do you bridge both and then pull one for sine wave? Good thing I have a scope. Triangle waves are really rounded, close to modified sine. Square, not very square