Review on 🔊 B&K Precision 3001 Sine/Square Wave Audio Generator - Versatile Frequency Range Ideal for Audio Testing by Blake Pudic

This signal generator is suitable for general diagnostic and testing purposes, but not for high precision calibration or testing. It's beautifully built in Taiwan for BK Precision and is probably identical to the cheaper model I've seen at Revain. I bought the BK version because of the company reputation etc. But my review probably applies to both models. The latch's battery compartment was a bit difficult to open. I've damaged these lids before and figured the worst thing I would do would be tape if I broke them. But I convinced it to open it and it was up and running in less than 5 minutes. I checked the output with a calibrated oscilloscope and frequency meter and found that the output is a bit slow. I opened the case and found two saucepans; I played around with them a bit to find out that one controls the frequency and the other the duty cycle of the square wave. I used 1kHz as the target frequency and found that all others differed slightly, but no more than 1-2%. I think that's normal for this class of instruments. After rebuilding the case I went through the four page manual and to my surprise found the full schematic, parts list and calibration procedure! Haven't seen that since my Heathkit. Turns out I was right about the two pots. But management used 640 Hz as the target. I checked my device again and found that 640 is worth buying, as is 1K. I will keep this device in my travel box but I suspect it will be useful in the shop as well. Based on my brief experience with it, I think it will be a very handy device to have on my bench.