I needed a small, cheap way to make test signals for some radio projects. The MAX2870 Signal Generator from Mokxihit covers 23.5 MHz to 6 GHz, which handled every band I wanted to check.
The 2.8-inch touch screen makes setup simple. I could pick a single frequency or set up a sweep without digging through button menus. It runs on 5V over USB-C, so I powered it from my laptop and from a power bank with no trouble.
One feature I liked is that it saves your settings when the power goes off. When I plugged it back in, it picked up right where I left off. It also has a separate 25 MHz output from its built-in crystal, which is handy for reference tests.
There are some limits to know about. The smallest step is 10 kHz, so it is not suited for very fine tuning. The listing also does not mention a way to adjust output power, so check that it fits your needs before you buy.
Bottom Line
The MAX2870 generator is a compact tool for hobbyists who want a wide frequency range and easy touch controls. The 10 kHz step size may be too coarse for some precise work.
If it matches what you need, click here to buy the MAX2870 Signal Generator.
Mokxihit Upgraded MAX2870 RF Signal Generator Overview
If you need a small, low-cost signal source for bench testing, this is one of the simpler options I have set up. It runs on a MAX2870 chip and covers 23.5 MHz to 6 GHz.
I powered mine from a laptop USB port with the included Type-C cable. A power bank or phone charger also works, since it only needs 5V.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Modes | Single frequency and sweep |
| Resolution | 10 kHz steps |
| Fastest sweep interval | 1 ms |
| Output | SMA female, plus a 25 MHz reference port |
What I liked:
- The 2.8-inch touchscreen makes changing settings quick
- It remembers your last setup after a power loss
What to keep in mind:
- 10 kHz steps are too coarse for fine tuning
- The box includes a basic antenna and manual, not a case
Key Features
This little generator packs more into its small case than I expected. Below are the features that stood out most during my time with it.
23.5 MHz to 6 GHz Frequency Range
The unit runs on the MAX2870 chip, which covers 23.5 MHz up to 6,000 MHz. That range let me test everything from low VHF work up to the 5.8 GHz band without swapping gear.
The minimum step size is 10 kHz. That was fine for my antenna and filter checks. If you need finer steps than that, this may not be the right tool for you.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Main chip | MAX2870 |
| Frequency range | 23.5 MHz – 6,000 MHz |
| Minimum resolution | 10 kHz |
| Output connector | SMA female |
2.8-Inch Touchscreen Controls
All controls go through a 2.8-inch touch LCD. There are no knobs, so you tap in frequencies and settings directly on the screen.
I found it quick to learn. The screen is small, though, so I had to tap carefully to hit the right spot. People with larger fingers may want to use a stylus.
Single-Frequency and Sweep Modes
The generator offers two ways to work:
- Single-frequency mode: Outputs one steady frequency. I used this for basic signal checks.
- Sweep mode: Steps through a range of frequencies. The fastest sweep interval is 1 ms per step.
Sweep mode was useful when I paired it with a receiver to see how a filter responded across a band. Having both modes in one device saves you from buying a second tool for simple tests.
Automatic Settings Recovery After Power Loss
The unit saves your settings on its own. When power comes back, it picks up the last task it was running.
I unplugged it in the middle of a sweep, and it went back to that sweep once I powered it on. This is handy for long tests or setups where you do not want to re-enter values every time. It is a small feature, but I used it more often than I expected.
Power, Connections, and Included Accessories
The connections on this generator are simple. The RF output uses an SMA female port, so you will need an SMA cable or adapter that matches your test gear.
The listing mentions that a data cable comes in the box. It does not explain what the cable is for or give details about the power input. I suggest you check this before buying so you know what else you may need to get.
One feature I found useful is the auto-save on power loss. When I unplugged the unit and powered it back on, it went back to the mode I was last using. This saves time if you run the same test again and again.
| Item | What the Listing Says |
|---|---|
| RF output | SMA female |
| Cable included | Data cable |
| Power-loss memory | Yes, resumes last function |
| Package weight | About 1 pound |
Who This Signal Generator Is Best For
After testing it on my bench, I think this small unit fits people who want a wide frequency range without paying lab-grade prices. It runs on USB-C power, so I could use it with a laptop or power bank.
Good fit for:
- Hobbyists and ham radio users testing filters, antennas, or receivers up to 6 GHz
- Tinkerers who like to explore the firmware, since some buyers have reworked it
- Students who need a simple touchscreen tool they can learn without the manual
Not a good fit for:
- Users who need exact output levels, since one buyer measured less power than the screen showed
- Anyone needing fine tuning, because the 10 kHz step limits precision
- People who want zero hassle, as a few units arrived dead or needed resets
In my view, the SG6000 works best as a budget tool for learning and basic testing.
Pros and Cons
After testing this small generator on my bench, I found a clear mix of strengths and weak spots. Here is how it breaks down.
Pros
- Wide frequency range: It covers about 23.5 MHz to 6000 MHz. That is a lot of range for a device this small, and one buyer said the range was even better than listed.
- Two working modes: You can set a single frequency or run a sweep. I liked being able to switch between them from the screen.
- Fine control: The smallest step is 10 kHz, and the fastest sweep interval is 1 ms.
- Saves your settings: If power cuts out, it remembers your last setup and starts that task again when it turns back on.
- Easy touch screen: The 2.8 inch touch screen made setup simple. Like other buyers, I did not need the manual to get started.
- Small and light: It weighs about 1 pound and runs on USB-C power, so it is easy to carry.
- Good value: Most buyers felt it was a fair deal for the price, and it holds a 4.2 out of 5 rating.
Cons
- Chip may differ: One buyer got a unit with an HMC833 chip instead of the MAX2870. It has similar specs, but it does not match the listing.
- Output may not match the screen: One reviewer saw much lower output power than the setting showed. They also reported frequency error above 10 kHz.
- Sweep is basic: The sweep works, but it is not perfect.
- Occasional resets: Some users had to reset and reprogram it now and then.
- Quality control: At least one unit would not turn on out of the box.
- No battery: It needs outside power, so you cannot use it alone in the field.
| Best For | Less Ideal For |
|---|---|
| Hobby RF tests and learning | Work that needs exact, calibrated output |
| Quick bench checks | Use away from a power source |
If you need lab-level accuracy, I suggest checking its output with a meter before you trust the numbers.
Customer Reviews
After testing this generator myself, I checked what other buyers had to say. It holds a 4.2 out of 5 rating from 33 ratings, and most of the feedback matches my own experience.
What buyers liked:
- Good value for the price
- The touch screen menu is easy to learn without a manual
- One buyer found the frequency range went past the listed specs
- The small size makes it easy to carry
What buyers didn’t like:
- One unit arrived dead and would not power on
- One buyer measured lower output power than the screen showed, plus frequency drift over 10 kHz
- Some users had to reset and reprogram it now and then
- One buyer got a unit with an HMC833 chip instead of the MAX2870
The sweep mode works, but a few people said it is not perfect. I’d check your unit’s output with a meter when it arrives.
Conclusion
After my time testing this small RF source, I think it offers a lot of range for a low price. The touch screen made setup easy, and I liked that it remembered my last settings after a power loss.
It is not a lab-grade tool, though. Some buyers reported that output power and frequency accuracy did not match the listed specs. A few also had units that needed resets, and one arrived dead.
| Good | Not So Good |
|---|---|
| 23.5 MHz to 6 GHz range | Output level may differ from settings |
| USB-C power, works with a power bank | Sweep mode is basic |
| Simple touch controls | Some units had quality issues |
My take: The SG6000 is a good fit if you are a hobbyist who wants a pocket-sized signal source. If you need precise, calibrated output, I would look at a more expensive option.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions I had before testing this generator, along with the answers I found from my time using it and from what other buyers report.
What frequency range does a MAX2870 RF signal generator cover?
This unit is listed at 23.5 MHz to 6000 MHz. That covers a lot of ground for one small box.
One buyer said the range was even a bit wider than listed. Another buyer found a different chip inside, the HMC833, which has similar specs. So the chip you get may not match the photos.
How accurate and stable is a MAX2870 RF signal generator?
The smallest step you can set is 10 kHz. That is fine for rough testing, but it is not fine-tuning gear.
Results vary between units:
- Good: Several buyers said it did exactly what they needed.
- Mixed: One user had to reset and reprogram it from time to time.
- Bad: One buyer measured a frequency error of more than 10 kHz.
I would treat it as a handy tool for checking filters, antennas, and receivers. I would not use it as a lab reference.
What are the output power and phase noise characteristics of a MAX2870 signal generator?
The seller does not list output power or phase noise numbers. That is a gap you should know about before buying.
One buyer reported that the screen showed +5 dB output, but the measured output was about -6 dB. If exact power matters to you, check it with a power meter or spectrum analyzer first.
| Feature | What I Know |
|---|---|
| Output port | SMA female |
| Listed output power | Not stated |
| Listed phase noise | Not stated |
| Extra output | 25 MHz fixed signal from the onboard crystal |
What software is needed to control a MAX2870 RF signal generator?
You do not need any software for this model. Everything runs from the 2.8 inch touchscreen.
I found the menus easy to follow, and one buyer said the same without opening the manual. You can pick:
- Single frequency mode for a steady signal
- Sweep mode with steps as short as 1 ms
It also saves your settings when power is lost. It starts the last task again when you turn it back on.
Can a MAX2870 signal generator module be controlled with an Arduino?
This unit is built to work on its own, and the seller does not mention Arduino support or a control port for outside devices.
One skilled buyer did read out the firmware and wrote a custom version. That version skipped the screen and sent the RF controls over serial. The buyer called it hacky. It shows that outside control can be done, but you should expect to do the work yourself.
How does a MAX2870 evaluation board compare with a low-cost generator module?
The seller gives no data about evaluation boards, so I can only compare at a basic level. An evaluation board is a bare board that you usually control from a computer. This module is a finished unit with its own screen and power over USB-C at 5V.
| Point | This Module |
|---|---|
| Setup | Plug in and use the touchscreen |
| Power | USB-C from a laptop, phone charger, or power bank |
| Size | Pocket-sized, about 1 pound with packaging |
| In the box | Unit, USB-C cable, antenna, manual |
| Drawbacks | Limited specs, some units off on power or frequency, one buyer got a dead unit |
The module is the easier choice if you want quick bench tests. It holds a 4.2 out of 5 rating from 33 ratings. One buyer wished it had a built-in battery holder, and I agree that would make it even more portable.