Operate a Frequency Tone Generator
Like the crocodile and the great white shark, frequency tone generators haven't had to change much since they were invented. They don't have to. With two simple controls, the frequency tone generator has made possible the broadcast of Morse Code, tests of the resonating frequency of different materials, and even rudimentary interplanetary communication. With a little guidance, you can use a frequency tone generator to create your own tone-based signals.
Instructions
1. Open an Audacity recording session, and make sure you have no microphones or other audio input devices attached to your computer. Hit "record", let the program record a blank track for a few seconds, and then hit stop.
2. Click somewhere inside the blank track, and open the "Generate" menu at the top of the screen. Choose the "Tone…" option, which will open a small box labeled "Tone Generator."
3. Accept the default settings, and you'll have a 30-second, 440-hertz tone added to your track at 80 percent amplification. Shorten the duration of the tone by changing the value of the "Duration" box at the bottom.
4. Heighten the pitch of your tone by increasing the "Frequency (Hz)" value. Comfortable pitches vary per person, but are generally between 100 and 1,000 hertz. Experiment to find the perfect pitch for your needs.
5. Change the starting amplitude, or volume, of your tone by raising or lowering the "Amplitude" value. It is expressed in values between one and eight, but can be thought of in percentages. For example, the default amplitude of .8 is analogous to 80 percent of the maximum volume.
6. Change the characteristic sound of your tone by choosing a "Waveform" in the menu at the top of the tone generator. This simply changes the shape of the wave formed by the generator, thus changing the sound of the tone. Experiment with different waveforms to find your ideal sound.
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