XR2206 High Precision Function Signal Generator DIY Kit

The instructions are sparse, but adequate - essentially a list of component values against the board designator. You have to be able to read the resistor colour code, or have a multimeter handy to tell the resistors apart, and know that electrolytic caps have to be fitted the right way round. All the positions are clearly marked on the pcb, which is well made. Soldering was easy, a socket is provided for the ic. You will need a medium to fine soldering iron and a pair of cutters to trim the leads after soldering. Worked very well, ranging from 0.6Hz to 1.1MHz. The square wave output is constant amplitude the sine/triangle wave changes amplitude with one of the posts - too high and the waveform 'clips' as it runs out of head room. I'll probably make the effort to put it in a case with switches to set the frequency range and select sine or triangle

We needed a simple signal generator for student use and these fit the bill. If you have some experience of soldering, then these kits are fairly easy to put together. The google-translated instructions are a bit hazy, "Check the IC whether against, such as anti please timely correction". Anyone? We have the square, triangular and sine wave. The amplitude doesn't alter the square wave, but works fine on the others. The triangular and sine wave appeared quite similar, but we only need it so the students can play with an oscilloscope, so it serves our purpose. Customer service has been great, a couple of pins were missing from 1 kit and a replacement was sent promptly. They might not last long in student hands, but we are going to buy more, at this price I can buy 50 and still be cheaper than things in educational catalogues.

Used it to test an amplifier kit with an oscilloscope. Producing clean signals within the audio range 10Hz to 20kHz. Not tested other frequencies. Needing a reasonable fine tip for soldering and important to fit the electrolytic capacitors snug to the board and the other components not higher than the top of the el-caps. Minor criticism, the box could be a little taller to fit easier and the small screws for the board could be a little longer. For this price excellent product.

This product is brilliant! So many challenges, you have to go through to make this thing works. The schematics was poorly printed, but I didn't mind, just google it for a new manual and it's done! My first trouble shooting. Then, go easy and starts with the resistors “something that I regret of course “ if it was today the IC(XR2206) would be the first! Anyway. Putting these parts together and make it works brought me a feeling that I can do anything. For all the reasons mentioned, I do recommend the product.

Instructions /circuit diagram.rather small. Ideally suited for a fine tip.soldering iron. Missing capacitor but luckily had one spare. Items loose in a bag therefore legs to chip bent aswell as the capacitors and resistors

Built, but not yet tested. Fun to assemble. Case fitting issues - great idea, but executed poorly. I might buy/build a slightly better case (if it works). - screws not long enough to bolt board on to bottom of case. - gap on sides for power and connect block not big enough, so not clearance to allow for power connector lead and cables. Power - missing power connector lead. Instructions - needs improvement, a little ambiguous.

Took about an hour to complete and worked first time. Ideal for my needs as a new student of RF electronics.

Overall it is well worth the money but there are a few little niggles and bits to watch out for during assembly. The finished item is designed to close limits and space is the main issue. The lid relies on certain components to be soldered tight to the printed board, particularly the electrolytics and the chip base or the lid will not settle into the correct position. it is not obvious that the case items are clear acrylic with removable paper protective coating. There are 8 screws and nuts. The short screws are to fix the board to the base using 4 nuts as spacers and 4 to fix. The 4 long screws hold the top on with the screws cutting a thread in the holes in the base. The square wave output is not controlled but the triangle and sine waves are although the sine wave is not particularly convincing as it seems to be the triangle with rounded tips. The minimum output is in the order of 500mv to a little less than the supply voltage. Both of these are output sitting on a DC voltage of half supply so an isolating capacitor could be fitted but not easily due to the print layout and, as I only discovered this after fiddling to get the top on, I am not inclined to bother. Overall, I am happy with the purchase and now looking for a matching frequency counter.