Hackable spectrum analyzer from Rigol or Siglent

[suspension]

Hello
I am looking for a SA below 1500USD from siglent or rigol which can be hacked to get a better spec - bandwidth and features. I did this to my Rigol oscilloscope and AWG and both work nicely. I tried searching the forum but could not find much information on this subject.

Thanks
S

[TomKatt]

Nothing wrong with trying to get all you can for your money, but do you have any specs in mind that you’d like to achieve?  It could end up the test gear best suited to you isn’t “upgradeable”…

[Bicurico]

The best bang for buck in terms of spectrum analyser and possible the only option for your budget consists in buying a Silent SSA3021X-Plus and cross-convert it to a SVA1032.
Check the specs at Silent and search this forum for the respective thread.
Note that the SSA-Plus is different from the non-plus!
However, take note of the previous reply: make sure the specs of the SSA/SVA suit your needs.

[coromonadalix]

done an Siglent SSA3021X  to the 3032X, works wonder,  not done the SVA xxxx conversion

Done many of their scopes, small and big signal gens, etc ...  saved around 10K$ of options ...

Done a Rigol DSA815-TG  too,   same,  works wonder



Rigol and Siglent are popular because of the "Upgrades"  we prefer Siglent with more manuals and programming manuals and Labview controls  ... than Rigol

We do many automations with Siglent, Python  etc ...

Sadly Rigol SW  are heavy and not practical for me,  Ultra Spectrum Ultra Scope  ..... may be for others ...

For the BW upgrades in each brand,  there is lots of infos  here ...

[suspension]

Great info everyone. I also saw this new thread on this subject.

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-ssa3021x-or-ssa3021x-plus/

Will most probably go with the SSA3021X-Plus and upgrade it to either 3032X or SVA1032.

[TERRA Operative]

I and my brother have both done the SSA3021X-Plus to SVA1032 and they work brilliantly. No complaints at all.

If you do the hack, you will probably find the serial number erased (so take note of it before hacking to a VNA!)

#1 restore serial number with SCPI :SRLN <serial_num> (starting with SSA...)
#2 reboot - all licenses are gone
#3 use python script (uncomment 'SVA1000X') but be aware to use HOSTID - not serial number
#4 enter generated code for "ALL" - system reboots
#5 voila! it's finished - a full working SVA

[suspension]

Great thank for the info! Gives me more confidence to buy this unit.