Software based function generator

[gbono]

I'm looking for a good software based signal generator - free shareware would be great.

[Chuck H]

Not really sure, but I don't know if your computer can provide enough current for some signal generator chores. I know electronics gear can be cumbersom and not nearly as eloquent as some of the electronics tools software programs but IMHE for tube amp projects bench gear is often put to tasks that computer I/O's just aren't up to.

Chuck

[gbono]

100-200mV is usually more than enough for most solidstae amps........

[Wilder Amplification]

SigJenny. Here's the link -

SigJenny - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com

[olddawg]

Not really sure, but I don't know if your computer can provide enough current for some signal generator chores. I know electronics gear can be cumbersom and not nearly as eloquent as some of the electronics tools software programs but IMHE for tube amp projects bench gear is often put to tasks that computer I/O's just aren't up to.

Chuck

Then run it through an amplifier. I have an old tube HP signal generator that I sware could sweep voice coils by itself. But this program, a computer, and a small amp would do the same thing.

[bkahuna]

I have tried literally dozens of these over the years. None of the free ones did everything I needed. This is the best one I've found. Test Tone Generator
It's shareware, but was only around $25 when I bought it. It has the cleanest output, most flexible configuration, and stores presets of your most used setups. I use it every day and recommend it highly.

[defaced]

How are the square waves on these? I tried some stuff through SoundForge (it has a function generator) and the output looked like maybe 5 odd order harmonics added, not very square at all when viewed on a scope.

[bkahuna]

How are the square waves on these? I tried some stuff through SoundForge (it has a function generator) and the output looked like maybe 5 odd order harmonics added, not very square at all when viewed on a scope.

The one I linked to is pretty good. The quality is primarily determined by the capabilities of your sound card. There are some audible artifacts when using squares and sweeping them, but I saved the output as a wave file (another handy feature of TTG) and looked at it in sound forge. It was very square and the transitions were exactly 1 sample wide, so again if you can run at a faster samplerate and higher resolution, you'll get better results. I don't use squares very often, but I can tell you that the sine wave distortion is VERY low with a pro sound card. Some of the other generators left me wondering if the speaker I was sweeping was bad, or was it just the crappy generator.