AFAIC, I 'm not paying $440 for a bunch of ones & zeros (software activation). That's outrageous, ridiculous and just plain greedy.
$50 yes, $100 maybe, but 1/3 the cost of the SA, forget it. This isn't the first time I have seen this.
It's poor marketing and poor customer relations. It really turns me off to these companies.
I did voice my opinion when I called, but received a excuse that since the SA was priced the way it was, spending the additional $$ still brought it under all the others. While technically true, it still doesn't change the fact you are paying 1/3 of the price of the device for some limited function software "key".
I have a separate RLB (Return Loss Bridge): Eagle RLB150x5 that I use with my Aeroflex 2399A. Of course it doesn't provide VSWR measurements, but at least I can see the plot on the scope.
One thing I will admit, their VSWR adapter, which is a RLB is far cheaper than the Eagle. But, the Eagle is made here, not China.
For the cost of their software activation (you can d/l the software, one of which is a 350MB package
for free) and a RLB, you can buy a decent SWR meter.
So can this option be activated without buying Rigols accessory?
AFAIK, yes. They are listed separately.