Title: Build a Function Generator

Class Size: 5

Minimum Age: 12 and up (under 16 must have parent present)

Cost: $20

This is a workshop to build your own function/signal generator.

The kit uses the XR2206 IC to produce sine, triangle and square waves in five ranges from 1 Hertz to 1 megahertz. Useful as a signal generator for electronics testing purposes, or an audio oscillator in the audible ranges, or maybe a low frequency oscillator for certain kinds of analog musical gear.

We'll also cover some oscilloscope basics, so you can see the output of your function generator on a screen!

The kit does include an engraved laser-cut clear acrylic case.

This kit requires a 9-12V power supply (not included, though we can provide parts to make a 9V battery adapter). The outputs are to screw terminals, and we can provide some 3.5mm jacks for the outputs if you want to hook it up to a speaker/synthesizer/etc. This class is intended for beginners in electronics and soldering, as well as some basic hand & power tools (hand metal punch, drill press)

No experience needed.

PROCEDURE

• Resistors:
  • R1 - 1K (brown-black-black-brown-brown)
  • R4 - 330 Ohm (orange-orange-black-black-brown)
  • R3,R5,R6 - 5.1K (green-brown-black-brown-brown)
• IC Socket - Solder one pin first, and make any adjustments if necessary
• Ceramic Capacitors:
  • C2 - 0.1 uF (104)
  • C5 - 1 uF (105)
  • C6 - .047 uF (473)
  • C7 - .0022 uF (222)
  • C8 - .000010 uF (101)
• Electrolytic Capacitors (WATCH POLARITY!!!) - Striped location on the silkscreen indicates the negative leg
  • C1 - 100 uF
  • C3, C4 - 10 uF
• Headers - tack and align before soldering all pins!
  • J1/J2 - 4 pin
  • the big one - 10 pin
• Power input - tack & align
• Screw Terminal - P1 - tack and align - make sure metal part is facing out!
• Pots - resistance labeled on the underside - they're also incredibly loose on the board, so tack & align!
  • R2, R7 - 50K (B503)
  • R8 - 100K (B104)
• insert XR2206 IC
• test! - set speed to 1-10 Hz, apply power, check with scope
• build the enclosure
• Further testing and learning about Oscilloscopes