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