REVIEW - Rigol DS2072 - First Impressions of the DS2000 series from Rigol

[marmad]

Nice work! 
But what the heck are Rigol doing with their serial number system, can it get any more confusing?

LOL - yes! And exactly how many decimal digits of version number do they actually need? Will this series be manufactured for the next 100 years? 

[xrunner]

* NEW FIRMWARE FOR DS2000: FW v.01.00.00.03 *

I've been wondering about the firmware for these scopes since I got interested in buying one, but I've never seen on their site where the firmware is available for download. All I can find is a document that tells you how to install the firmware.

Where are the firmware updates located at the Rigol website? 

[marmad]

Where are the firmware updates located at the Rigol website? 

I've never looked for FW updates at their website (always got it from my dealer or other users), but from what I understand, this is one area where Rigol could stand improvement (as well as in documentation, communication, etc. - the typical weak points of Chinese companies).

[xrunner]

I've never looked for FW updates at their website (always got it from my dealer or other users), ...

What dealers provide the firmware?

How do other users get it?

[Rednaxela]

Huh, neat. After seeing Dave's video comparing the DS2000 series and DS1000 series I've been tempted to get a DS2072, but now after hearing about this firmware update I'm even more tempted to get a DS2072 now...

Thanks for checking this out Marmad

[EEVblog]

I've never looked for FW updates at their website (always got it from my dealer or other users), but from what I understand, this is one area where Rigol could stand improvement (as well as in documentation, communication, etc. - the typical weak points of Chinese companies).

Rigol have remarked to me (not to be taken as an official reason I suppose) that they didn't think their firmware update process is robust enough yet to encourage every man and his dog to attempt it. i.e. they don't want a flood of bricked scopes or support calls coming through.
They are certainly aware of how the lack of downloadable firmware is a not a good look for them, and are working on on it.

[EEVblog]

What dealers provide the firmware?

The one you bought it from should, if they are any good.

How do other users get it?

If you ask on here, the firmware fairy might pay you a visit 

[orbiter]

They are certainly aware of how the lack of downloadable firmware is a not a good look for them, and are working on on it.

Come-on Rigol... It only takes 10 minutes to put a few files on a server with a brick warning next to it

[EEVblog]

Come-on Rigol... It only takes 10 minutes to put a few files on a server with a brick warning next to it

Problem is, people never read anything 

[marmad]

Rigol have remarked to me (not to be taken as an official reason I suppose) that they didn't think their firmware update process is robust enough yet to encourage every man and his dog to attempt it. i.e. they don't want a flood of bricked scopes or support calls coming through.
They are certainly aware of how the lack of downloadable firmware is a not a good look for them, and are working on on it.

Good point, Dave. I thought they had fixed this bug in FW 01.00.05 (not being able to update from the GUI menu) - but apparently not. It's rather complicated using the boot-loader, and even though we've posted the instructions (and warning) in this thread (and other threads in the forum as well), many people have locked up their scopes. I'll have to add this back into the bug list on page 1 once it's revised.

[xrunner]

OK thanks guys. I was afraid I was just to dumb to locate it.

I wrote Rigol about it this morning let's see if I get a response.

[EV]

OK, new firmware is intalled!   

[nack]

Great work by Marmad for investigating and providing a list of bugs for the ds2000 scope. Also to my delight Rigol has responded by fixing a lot of reported issues. It makes me even more confident of buying a DS2102 very soon

Again, great work by Marmad and Rigol.

[Wim13]

Can someone with 2072 and new software test this setup file..

This setup file gives a DS2072 a   2 nSec   timebase..

[marmad]

Can someone with 2072 and new software test this setup file..

This setup file gives a DS2072 a   2 nSec   timebase..

What's the matter, Wim - afraid you won't be able to downgrade?    That's the main question - and I haven't tried it yet; still hoping Drieg will answer the question before I take the risk    I suspect, because of the problems with the update procedure - that it's still possible to downgrade back to 05.

[Wim13]

Can someone with 2072 and new software test this setup file..

This setup file gives a DS2072 a   2 nSec   timebase..

What's the matter, Wim - afraid you won't be able to downgrade?    That's the main question - and I haven't tried it yet; still hoping Drieg will answer the question before I take the risk    I suspect, because of the problems with the update procedure - that it's still possible to downgrade back to 05.

Maybe....


There are two loaders, i understand, one in the basic rom, and one in the firmware, so the buggy loader was
in the firmware, which only can be repaired in the latest version, so the maybe in the new version they have
repaired the loader, but you can only test that on the next next version

[orbiter]

We now have many more option times for the screen saver too

[wb3fsr]

Just spoke with Rick @ Tequipment who are located no more than five miles from me here on the Jersey Shore.

Rick contacted Rigol N/A and the word is: Not released to the US yet 'It's coming around the World' and it may take up to 30 days before we see it. 

Registered owners will receive an email blast when it's released for your geolocation.

Regards,

PeterV [REN] WB3FSR

[quarks]

Thanks a lot to marmad for his great Review and helpful information on this thread!!!

I am looking for a new scope and thanks to this topic I am considering the DS2000 series.
I have not yet decided if the higher prices for the DS2102/2202 models are worth to closer look at them.
Besides the obvious higher bandwidth and the better probes, are there any helpful advantages/things to take in consideration?

[marmad]

Just spoke with Rick @ Tequipment who are located no more than five miles from me here on the Jersey Shore.

Rick contacted Rigol N/A and the word is: Not released to the US yet 'It's coming around the World' and it may take up to 30 days before we see it. 

Registered owners will receive an email blast when it's released for your geolocation.

Regards,

PeterV [REN] WB3FSR

Ha! It goes around the world in about 5 minutes. 

[orbiter]

Ha! It goes around the world in about 5 minutes. 

Exactly

[marmad]

I am looking for a new scope and thanks to this topic I am considering the DS2000 series.
I have not yet decided if the higher prices for the DS2102/2202 models are worth to closer look at them.
Besides the obvious higher bandwidth and the better probes, are there any helpful advantages/things to take in consideration?

Thanks for your kind words. The probes are the same (RP-3300: 350MHz @ 10x) for all the models - so it's really just a bandwidth issue (plus you get the 2ns timebase setting in the DS2202).

[wb3fsr]

Hi Mark,

Maybe they disabled their RTC... 

Oh, they have a different calendar.

PeterV

[zibadun]

Dear firmware fairy, please visit.   

Updated (per marmad):   

[marmad]

Dear firmware fairy, please visit.   

Actually, Vasily, I think this is the correct dance to call the fairy: