OWON HDS 200 Handheld Oscilloscope w/ builtin DMM/AWG

[sequoia]

Testing the units I found or confirmed several firmware bugs.
I might be wrong so maybe some of you will do same tests and confirm or not - "it's not a bug is a a feature" style.

------------------

a) "Channel 2 is Off" on screen without any reason when using HOR menu or the Trigger menu.
How to test: just press HOR or Trigger menu. The message will pop up.
(@TheBay noted this bug and I can confirm it).


b) User interface not responding in Waveform Generator menu.
How to test:
Use Mode to switch to Waveform Generator - set some frequency using arrow keys.
Use Mode to switch to Oscilloscope - use any of Channel / HOR / Trigger menus.
Use Mode to switch back to Waveform Generator try to use arrow keys to change Frequency (Frequency will show in green color that means is selected).

I did quick test on unit with v5.4.0 firmware.

a) This only happens if CH2 is disabled and in "CH1/2" menu have CH2 active. If switch to CH1 in this menu (press "CH1/2" button couple times), then don't get this message anymore....

b) I was unable to reproduce this.

[TheBay]

Testing the units I found or confirmed several firmware bugs.
I might be wrong so maybe some of you will do same tests and confirm or not - "it's not a bug is a a feature" style.

------------------

a) "Channel 2 is Off" on screen without any reason when using HOR menu or the Trigger menu.
How to test: just press HOR or Trigger menu. The message will pop up.
(@TheBay noted this bug and I can confirm it).


b) User interface not responding in Waveform Generator menu.
How to test:
Use Mode to switch to Waveform Generator - set some frequency using arrow keys.
Use Mode to switch to Oscilloscope - use any of Channel / HOR / Trigger menus.
Use Mode to switch back to Waveform Generator try to use arrow keys to change Frequency (Frequency will show in green color that means is selected).

I did quick test on unit with v5.4.0 firmware.

a) This only happens if CH2 is disabled and in "CH1/2" menu have CH2 active. If switch to CH1 in this menu (press "CH1/2" button couple times), then don't get this message anymore....

If you use the "Auto" mode it will randomly select CH2 even though it is disabled.

[eti]

Just received my 272S (a mere five days from China to Blighty! 😮😀) - I had a cursory play around with it, not sure what I'm doing yet. I've managed to save screenshots (. BMP format) and waveforms (.CSV format), and have twiddled and wiggled, but need more time.

In the interim, I've taken some screenshots for you, in case you'd like to see. It's truly a very nice device.

PS: Mine is on 5.4.0 firmware too.

[tly]

In my opinion these devices are "toys": fun to have but a waste of time and money. I checked most of the "reviewers" opinion (videos) and after I've got these units I think those reviews are biased.
I know that I don't have too many posts on this forum, so...  here is a short video with 2 devices: link.

[hobbeeist]

In my opinion these devices are "toys": fun to have but a waste of time and money.

Would your opinion on that change if the code was bug-free?

... I think those reviews are biased.

Kerry Wong said that Banggood sent the unit to him for review (reading between the lines: for free), so there is definitely some incentive for him to promote it. I don't recall about the others, but you're right to be skeptical.

I know that I don't have too many posts on this forum, so...  here is a short video with 2 devices

I saw your earlier post about those issues, and your video is pretty clear cut. Definitely something going wrong. Thanks for posting it. Hopefully BetterAndBetter will be able to relay these issues to the Owon team and get them fixed ASAP. Given that there is now software v5.4.0, you might reach out to Owon support for an updated version. Maybe one of your issues has already been fixed? I have one on order, but hasn't arrived yet, or I'd report my own findings.

[eti]

I find the scope very good, thus far. I'm no scope expert but it's VASTLY better than "JYETech" scopes which TRULY are toys. I own both the DS0112A, and the DSO150 (aka "DSO Shell"). I'm not sure on what planet the DSO150 can be classed as a scope, with its toy-esque bandwidth being a paltry 200Khz! 🤦‍♂️😂

[hobbeeist]

Eti,

You have the newer software version, right? Can you do the sampling mode frequency test to see if that issue is fixed?

[sequoia]

Measurements (frequency and period) seem to be still wrong in "Peak Detect" mode with v5.4.0 firmware.

Reporting 2kHz vs actual 1kHz, while (hardware?) counter is reporting the frequency correctly...

[tly]

In my opinion these devices are "toys": fun to have but a waste of time and money.

Would your opinion on that change if the code was bug-free?

I like the ideea behind these units: go on field, do your work with less equipment and in less time.

[ExaLab]

I have written to this company many times to ask if an update is available.
They never gave me an answer! This lack of respect for customers is absolutely inconceivable!
Undoubtedly interesting products but ... totally absent customer support, therefore ... never again OWON!!

My unit is SN. 2124xxx, Ver. V3.1.0
Do any of you kindly have a firmware upgrade compatible with it?

Thanks so much

[eti]

A very thorough review, here, in Russian. I've attached English subtitles in zipped SRT format, in case you need them. Russians know their stuff!!

[sequoia]

Tempered glass camera (LCD) screen protectors seem good idea with these scopes as plastic is really soft.
Problem is that its rather hard to find correct size, since usually these are advertised only by camera model, without actual protector dimensions mentioned...

However, I happened to accidentally notice that Sony ZV-1 screen protectors are ok fit (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07W3VRHJ7/)
These are about 3.4" diagonally, while 3.7" would seem ideal, but haven't yet come across that size screen protectors....

[gnuarm]

New hardware version of HDS272, HDS200 PCB MAIN V3.0 (2021-09-27) and firmware v5.1.1.

Received HDS272S yesterday (from Banggood), this has firmware v5.4.0 but same PCB version it seems.
Serial is in 2149xxx range.

However, looks like they've added a bodge, extra electrolytic capacitor on upper right corner...(see attached photo).

I bought a volt meter with banana plug jacks that look just like those.  You ask why was I opening my volt meter?  Because one of the banana plug jacks had opened up right where it is soldered to the PCB.  I don't know if the metal is stub soldered to the PCB or if that one plug was defective, but it did not appear to be much holding it in place.  Any sort of mechanical stress on solder will result in it breaking before too long which is what happened.  Are these the same or do they poke through the PCB with solder on the back side?

Looking at the black one it doesn't seem to have much solder and I still don't see an opening in the board. 

I was thinking of getting the 2102S model, but that seems hard to find.  Any reason for that that we know of? 

[hobbeeist]

I was thinking of getting the 2102S model, but that seems hard to find.  Any reason for that that we know of? 

It's a brand new addition to the product line, and they don't have the volume shipped yet. I'd bet on either production issues, or some outstanding software issues. Last I heard was that it would start shipping on Jan 19, but it was originally scheduled for release in late Dec, and then early Jan, and then Jan 12, and now Jan 19, so who knows.

[BetterAndBetter]

Unfortunately I have no way of creating a video.

It's a bit difficult, but I'll try to describe it anyway.

We are in the AWG Settings menu.

First of all - with the frequency setting or the amplitude / offset setting, everything works correctly.

After switching to high level / low level, you can increment or decrement the digit in front of the decimal point without any problems. Likewise the place after the comma.

But if you want to set the smallest decimal place (1/100), the crazy behavior starts.

- Sometimes you can only decrement (but with the increment key).
- Sometimes an increment causes the number to increment by two digits.
- Sometimes the number is changed at high level and at the same time at low level and other behavior that is difficult to describe.

This behavior is already insane.

Hi saresigi，

The bugs had fixed， please send email to info@owon.com.cn  for update.

[eti]

Unfortunately I have no way of creating a video.

It's a bit difficult, but I'll try to describe it anyway.

We are in the AWG Settings menu.

First of all - with the frequency setting or the amplitude / offset setting, everything works correctly.

After switching to high level / low level, you can increment or decrement the digit in front of the decimal point without any problems. Likewise the place after the comma.

But if you want to set the smallest decimal place (1/100), the crazy behavior starts.

- Sometimes you can only decrement (but with the increment key).
- Sometimes an increment causes the number to increment by two digits.
- Sometimes the number is changed at high level and at the same time at low level and other behavior that is difficult to describe.

This behavior is already insane.

Hi saresigi，

The bugs had fixed， please send email to info@owon.com.cn  for update.

Hello.

Are you an Owon employee?

[tly]

HDS272S already  supported Low Refresh(My machine version is V5.3.0). Let's see how to set:
https://youtu.be/z4BaAnN0eFg

Hi BetterAndBetter,
The video you posted helped me. Thanks for info.

If you have acces at the new firmware version (and some spare time): can you do me a favor and check following:
-------------
In HOR menu check that Acqu Mode is set to "Sample".
In Measure menu activate Frequency for the channel that you are using.
Connect oscilloscope probe to calibration port.
Use Auto button to sync the displayed wave form.
Check the measured frequncy on display (it should be 1KHz).
Use HOR menu and set Acqu Mode to "Peak detect".
Check the measured frequency on display (it should be 1KHz).
-------------

Thanks.

[eti]

New hardware version of HDS272, HDS200 PCB MAIN V3.0 (2021-09-27) and firmware v5.1.1.

Received HDS272S yesterday (from Banggood), this has firmware v5.4.0 but same PCB version it seems.
Serial is in 2149xxx range.

However, looks like they've added a bodge, extra electrolytic capacitor on upper right corner...(see attached photo).

Nice smoothing off of the edges of the board. Lovely. 🤣🤨

[TheBay]

Hi saresigi，

The bugs had fixed， please send email to info@owon.com.cn  for update.

Hi,

Have you fixed the "CH2 is Off" bug?
Also can you please post the updated firmware on here or put links to it on here as we don't always get a reply when we contact your company.

[tly]

Tempered glass camera (LCD) screen protectors seem good idea with these scopes as plastic is really soft.

On my devices I'm using tablet film protectors cut to size of display.
I prefer film protectors with anti-glare - the display is easier to read.
Check for film protectors for older 10" tablet models, are alot cheaper.
You can get protection for 2 or 3 devices using 1 protector .

[tly]

New bugs added to previous list

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f) When osciloscope settings are save then recalled, active (voltage or time) markers values are corectly saved but are shown in wrong position on display (images attached "bug-f-1.jpg" and "bug-f-2.jpg"  )
How to test:
(Use Mode to switch / activate oscilloscope mode).
Press Measure button.
Select Cursor option.
Select Type.
Select CH1 voltage (or Time).
Select A cursor and set a value.
Select B cursor and set a value.
(Note displayed markers - lines - position)
Press Save button.
Select Configure option.
Use Save option.
Use Recall option.
Press Measure button.
Check markers values and displayed position of lines.


g) When device is restarted (power off / power on):
- Voltage markers - same like previous bugs;
- Time markers  - strange values (check attached image "bug-g.jpg").

How to test:
Press Measure button.
Select Cursor option.
Select Type.
Select Time.
Select A cursor and set a value.
Select B cursor and set a value.
Press Power button and shut down device.
Press Power button and start the device.
Press Measure button.
Check markers values and units and displayed position of lines.

------------------

Edited:
Ask "engineering team" if in firmware is set the low voltage for the Li-Ion batteries at 3.6V or so.
(My device bateries are marked: 18650s22 jby-21620).

How to test:
Use the device until "Low battery" message is displayed and the battery sign on display shows empty battery / or device shuts down.
Remove battery cover.
Use a DMM and check batteries voltages: it should be around 2.8V (?).

[eti]

Nice Lissajous I got going: https://imgur.com/a/ILg1hOH

[tly]

 
Voltage bug confirmed and I add a new one to the list. So...
 
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h) In firmware is set the low voltage for the Li-Ion batteries at 3.6V - 3.7V or so. Voltage of 3.6V or 3.7V is the nominal value for Li-Ion batteries. The discharged value should set between 2.9V - 3V.
Due to this the device may be used only at around half (+/-) of batteries total capacity. (check attached images.)
(In video I'm using 2x2800mah batteries that should give around 8 hours of usage.)

How to test:
Use the device until "Low battery" message is displayed and the battery sign on display shows empty battery / or device shuts down.
Remove battery cover.
Use a DMM and check batteries voltages: it should be around 2.9V-3V (?).


i) In Trigger menu: The line that represents Trigger level is shown if Coupling option is set to "DC" but is NOT shown if Coupling option is set to "AC".

How to test:
Press Trig button.
Set Coupling to "DC".
User arrows to set a level.
(Note that trigger level is shown on display like a popup message and a line).
Set Coupling to "AC".
User arrows to set a level.
(Note that trigger level is shown on display the line that represents the level is not shown).

------------------

A video presenting bug f), g), h) and i) is available on this LINK (updated)


Edit:
Video link fixed.
... and a note: the DMM used in video is produced by Owon and sold by Farnell - 

[eti]

Voltage bug confirmed and I add a new one to the list. So...
 
------------------

h) In firmware is set the low voltage for the Li-Ion batteries at 3.6V - 3.7V or so. Voltage of 3.6V or 3.7V is the nominal value for Li-Ion batteries. The discharged value should set between 2.9V - 3V.
Due to this the device may be used only at around half (+/-) of batteries total capacity. (check attached images.)
(In video I'm using 2x2800mah batteries that should give around 8 hours of usage.)

How to test:
Use the device until "Low battery" message is displayed and the battery sign on display shows empty battery / or device shuts down.
Remove battery cover.
Use a DMM and check batteries voltages: it should be around 2.9V-3V (?).


i) In Trigger menu: The line that represents Trigger level is shown if Coupling option is set to "DC" but is NOT shown if Coupling option is set to "AC".

How to test:
Press Trig button.
Set Coupling to "DC".
User arrows to set a level.
(Note that trigger level is shown on display like a popup message and a line).
Set Coupling to "AC".
User arrows to set a level.
(Note that trigger level is shown on display the line that represents the level is not shown).

------------------

A video presenting bug f), g), h) and i) is available on this LINK (updated)


Edit:
Video link fixed.
... and a note: the DMM used in video is produced by Owon and sold by Farnell - 

You need to state the firmware version within which you’re seeing these issues. Thanks. .

[tly]

You need to state the firmware version within which you’re seeing these issues. Thanks. .

....
I bought 2 units (HDS272s) from (bgd) CZ depo -
Both have v3.2.0 firmware version and SN are starting with 2128xxx .
....
I have videos that presents the aboved mentioned bugs and a return/repair notice was sent to bgd on December 28.
...

Feel free to post your test results -> are detailed in my posts how to do it... and firmware version. Some might be fixed allready ... or not ...   
Thanks.

PS: I dont'encourage any one to do or to ask for firmware updates until all bugs are fixed.
I'm actively using the units - day by day. That's why I'm hitting all those bugs.
I don't care any reviewer got a unit for free or not: he/she/it should be using it daily and give you /us an honest opinion.
I don't care who is who.

The units that I bougt are for daily work use. And should work flawless. I don't have time to play.
On the other hand : Posting on public forum I find it usefull - it will help me on long term to not have more headaches.
Any device I use is in parameters and I trust it.
I don't trust these "toys" until everything is fixed.

PS: Sorry if I was harsh...
... and if they don't fix ALL the bugs I found, I'll continuously push bgd to return the money.
I'll stop here. but IF I got a flawless firmware - you'll get one too. Read / test / submit your own info and test results.
Be active !!!