I have one myself and I have done the "upgrade". The scope is a nice upgrade over the other 100mhz models with the larger screen, and the multi-level intensity grading which makes it more like traditional scope and I didn't know how important it was until trying a scope without it.
Use one of the On-Line Keygenerator (you want to use it for DS1000z) at* >
RigLol keygen:
http://riglol.3owl.comCanadian mirror:
http://gotroot.ca/rigol/riglol/UK mirror:
http://rigol.avotronics.co.uk/mirrors/riglol/Do NOT install 500uV Vertical Sensitivity, as it doesn't work properly (buggy*). Therefore do NOT use 'DSBA' - 500uV Vertical, or 'DSFR' - all options.
1. Type in your unit's Serial Number.
2. Type in
DSER for all options without the 500µV. This Option may not be in the Keygen's list, but it will work!
3. Do NOT enter anything for 'Privatekey', it will be inserted automatically for you (based on the DS1000z).
4. Press [GENERATE], and record the resulting Option Code.
5. When you are done enter the Option Code manually in the DS1000z using a single string without using any 'dash' (-) using Rigol's Procedure for activating the Trial Options in the D1000z. As I recall the procedure is available on Rigol's Web Site under DS1000z.
This will enable all the options on the scope that are usually separate, such as decoding of i2c etc.. AND it will change the scope model number to be a DS1104Z (100mhz model) after you reboot once.