Unlocking Siglent SDS1104X-E, step by step

[guho]

Is it safe to update the 4-channel SDS1xx4X-E to version 6.1.37R10 or will I lose unlocked features? Same question about OS: SDS1xx4X-E Operating System -V3. Is OS V3 required for 6.1.37R10? Many thanks in advance for answers.

[BillyO]

Since the features were unlocked with valid license keys, the version update should not have any detrimental effect on them.

[moerdijk]

Yes it still does.

Make sure to put `SDS1000X-E` as the model and not `SDS1004X-E` like i did at first 

[LogicalDave]

I know this was an old question from @bffargo, but it's a good one:

1) Some old posts / videos show the -3db drop at around 130 MHz when using original firmware at locked 100MHz bandwidth.  Once you unlock it to 200, does it still have the -3db drop there or does it get extended? what is the drop @ 200? I couldn't find a definitive post on a hacked one.

I expanded the bandwidth of my SDS1104X-E to 200MHz and used it to measure the output of an IFR 2025 RF signal generator at 0dBm. I compared it with two other scopes: Tek TDS3K and Owon SDS8202.

At 100MHz the signal was flat and there was still no significant drop off at 130MHz.
At 200MHz:

• Siglent: -1.15dB
• Owon: -0.343dB
• Tek: +0.157dB

Note that I didn't have 50R through terminators for the Siglent or Owon so those were measured using a BNC-T and 50R terminator.  The Tek scope had internal 50R termination settings.  I've ordered a BNC through terminator and will re-test with it and a 6dB pad and report if the results are significantly different.

As others have found, the 3dB point on my hacked SDS1104X-E was between 230MHz and 235MHz, so the hack definitely works.

I'd be curious if anyone has a real (not hacked) SDS1204X-E and can compare Vpp at 200MHz.

[BillyO]

I know this was an old question from @bffargo, but it's a good one:

1) Some old posts / videos show the -3db drop at around 130 MHz when using original firmware at locked 100MHz bandwidth.  Once you unlock it to 200, does it still have the -3db drop there or does it get extended? what is the drop @ 200? I couldn't find a definitive post on a hacked one.

I expanded the bandwidth of my SDS1104X-E to 200MHz and used it to measure the output of an IFR 2025 RF signal generator at 0dBm. I compared it with two other scopes: Tek TDS3K and Owon SDS8202.

At 100MHz the signal was flat and there was still no significant drop off at 130MHz.
At 200MHz:

• Siglent: -1.15dB
• Owon: -0.343dB
• Tek: +0.157dB

Note that I didn't have 50R through terminators for the Siglent or Owon so those were measured using a BNC-T and 50R terminator.  The Tek scope had internal 50R termination settings.  I've ordered a BNC through terminator and will re-test with it and a 6dB pad and report if the results are significantly different.

As others have found, the 3dB point on my hacked SDS1104X-E was between 230MHz and 235MHz, so the hack definitely works.

I'd be curious if anyone has a real (not hacked) SDS1204X-E and can compare Vpp at 200MHz.

I don't think the through terminator is going to make a significant difference.  Which version of the Tek was it?  They come in 100, 300 and 500MHz.  Even old and used they are 3x the price of the Siglent.