I understand that the noise issue was going to be resolved in the updated version that went into production in the beginning of June. Can anybody confirm that this new version is in production? Does anybody know if this updated version is available for sale yet? I also wanted to confirm that the new version would be SDS71021323xxx or above
Thanks in advance for the info!
dgmoore78@yahoo.com, Post #1195 contains the following message that I left at Owon's tech support beggining of June:
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Dear Owon Tech support:
This is a follow up to my April 4, 2013 inquiry to which I did not receive a response. I bought my SDS71021246320 from Saelig in the USA on January 17, 2013. As I previously stated this is one of the units that has the "GND noise issue". This is the issue extensively discussed in the EEVblog and ForumUp forums on the internet. A DIY for modifying the PSU & adapter boards has also been posted but unfortunately it voids the Owon Warranty. It's been reported that Owon may be starting mass production of improved PSU and Adapter boards that include this modification during the month of June. I would greatly appreciate a response to the following questions:
1. Will the "GND noise" significantly decrease if these new boards are installed in my unit?
2. Will the Owon Warranty cover replacement of these boards in units affected by the "Gnd noise" issue?
3. Can I obtain these boards so I can fix my scope myself either free under the Warranty or at a discount if this is not possible?
A prompt and detailed response will be greatly appreciated.
Best regards,
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Post #1199 contains the response I got from Owon and my interpretation of it's meaning:
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"Thank you for purchasing OWON product.
As to GND noise, we have noticed there is noise, but it is not the one will affect your testing result, as you know, every scope has noise affect by testing environment.
We have not plan and exact date to make change for it now, because it is not quite abnormal. Unlike the ones said in the blog.
Thank you for understanding. "
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If I understand this correctly, they are saying that:
1. They know there is noise.
2. In their opinion the noise doesn't affect testing.
3. That this noise is similar to other external sources of noise you may encounter while using the scope.
4. That making changes to correct this noise is not a priority because it is closer to normal than abnormal.
5. That either the noise they see or the influence they believe it has in the usability of the scope doesn't match what is said about it in the EEVblog.
6. That they are hoping that the customer finds this explanation acceptable.
As I stated before, I view the GND noise on my scope as just an inconvenience. So I can't argue that some of the statements made by Owon are untrue. However, I find it strange and inappropriate, that a test equipment manufacturer would justify an obvious flaw in their equipment by pointing out the existence of external similar conditions that mimic it. Similarly, a car manufacturer could justify a car that pulls slightly to the right on a straight and level road, by reminding the customer that common road conditions would require him to steer in a similar way anyway.
In the end, Owon didn't directly answer the questions regarding Warranty coverage. However, the tone of the message leaves little doubt in my mind that at least at present they don't plan to offer Warranty coverage or any kind of a discount.
Ultimately, Owon will have to live with the results of their actions. Saving a few dollars now may seem as a wise financial decision. But only time will tell the actual cost of disappointing current customers and causing prospective buyers to take pause.
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If we are to believe that Owon is telling the truth, then any reports of newer scopes exhibiting lower GND noise levels is purely coincidental and doesn't guarantee that purchasing a scope manufactured after the beginning of June will give you similar results.