Tek TDS3014 upgrade?

[cncjerry]

Can't a TDS3014 be upgraded to a 3054 thru software?  I seem to remember something about it.  I know you can upgrade/activate the measurement features - I did that with my 3054, but I thought the 3014 was limited in the software to 100Mhz but could be hacked up to 500Mhz.

The reason I ask is I found a 3014 for sale for $400, which is low for that scope as it is, but for $400 if it was hacked to a 3054, then that is a hell of a deal.  I have a 3054B and love it.

Jerry

[alm]

Was easy to find using site:eevblog.com tds3000 upgrade:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/tds-1000-2000-3000-bw-hack/

[cncjerry]

I went looking for that post as I was on it and couldn't find it for some reason.  thanks.

Anyway, that's a pretty decent deal then, a 500Mhz, 4 channel 3054b equivalent for $400?

[alm]

In my opinion yes. Assuming the 10 kS record length is sufficient. Short by modern standards, but better than the 2.5 kS that was common in many other early Tek DSOs. Keep in mind that you will need suitable probes to use that 500 MHz bandwidth, unless you only plan to use it with 50 Ohm sources with a direct coax connection.

Could be passive high-impedance (e.g. P6139), passive low-impedance (e.g. P6158) or active (e.g. P6243). The input capacitance is lower than many lower bandwidth scopes, so not all probes may compensate correctly.

[Hydron]

I can confirm that 3014B unlocks to 3054B (unsure about upgrading to 3064B, didn't try that one as it's not clear if it's running the same hardware)

Bear in mind that the 3000 series needs a communication module to enter the commands (3000B series can do it via ethernet & the built in web page, no PC software required)

If you do the hack and have the appropriate gear, would you mind checking if it needs a factory cal afterwards for correct performance? I unfortunately don't have the required leveled sine wave generator or 2.2V pulse generator.

[cncjerry]

I unlocked all the extra features on my TDS3054B using the small insert - they all worked great. 

I was thinking about purchasing this 3014, it's a heck of a deal at that price but I have too many scopes as it is. 

It is listed in the SF craigslist if anyone is interested. 

btw:  I never found the 10k record length to be an issue. I actually like the 500 point fast recording option at times.