Volteq function generators

[drakke]

Hello,

I am looking for a function generator suitable for student use. I don't want to spend too much but I want something to last for maybe 2 yrs.

I searched these forums and searched ebay for BKPrecision 4011, 3011B, HP 8111A, HP3312A and siglent SDG series. Also considered some very simple offshore 'circuit board' types etc.

But this looks most interesting: http://www.volteq.com/function-generator.html

What is your opinion of Volteq?

Thanks.

[saturation]

Volteq is the renamed Mastech AKA Quakko brand from California.

[rf-loop]

Perhaps made  by Mei-Li (or some supplier) and sold also with name MCH
http://mch.en.alibaba.com/product/540829630-219145438/MFG_3010_function_generator_10Mhz.html
Also available with what ever brand and model number sticker you want.

I have some of these in stock but not in active sale due to quality under my standards.. On the cartons I have yellow sticker: Sell as junk, pay something and take away "as is"  and warranty ends when you go and close door)

[saturation]

I concur with rf-loop, and thanks for that find.  In general, an OEM device that has no real reputation on its own and is sold by so many that its hard to pin a reputation on it, is a big gamble to buy.  Even if X-OEM works, Y-OEM may not work as well as it depends on the OEM's QC and how X or Y does their QC after they receive OEM's shipment.  Also, how serviceable it is, so you can do DIY repairs, or its longevity are all questionable even if it worked OOB.

Sold as Mastech:

http://www.amazon.com/Acifica-0-2Hz-2MHz-Bench-Function-Generator/dp/B000E14DOE/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Then later sold as Volteq:

http://www.amazon.com/Function-Generator-Frequency-Counter-SFG-1002/dp/B00PXJITQK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421003699&sr=8-1&keywords=volteq+generator

You may find reviews elsewhere by omitting the brand name, just the product number and compare the chassis.

OTAH, we did extensively review and test 2 low cost FG available in North America, the Instek SFG 1003, $150 shipped from Tequipment, and the Hantek DDS-25 or its updated 1025, also $150, reviewed elsewhere on the forum.  Before I obtained and tested both, I culled reviews elsewhere to see if it was durable enough to consider testing to higher standards. 

FWIW, Instek is very reputable from Taiwan, and Hantek is decent from China, regardless what country you buy it from, assuming its not counterfeit.

For other makes, local support can help a lot, if you have dealers like rf-loop, his support and testing make other branded products good choices, say in Finland.