EEVblog #879 - R&S 1202 Scope Bandwidth Hack Investigation

[Fungus]

How do you actually enter the upgrade keys on one of these scopes?

Is it through the front panel, like a Rigol? A special file on a USB stick? How?

What information doe R&S need to be able to make you a key? Serial number?

Anybody been through the process?

[nowlan]

Generate the license key directly from http://voucher.hameg.com/. Download the key code and transfer it to your device via USB stick

[Fungus]

Generate the license key directly from http://voucher.hameg.com/. Download the key code and transfer it to your device via USB stick

Hmmm....

Unfortunately the keygen isn't in javascript on the web page.

It's a start though.

Next step would be a ROM disassembly 

[rs20]

Unfortunately the keygen isn't in javascript on the web page.

Gosh darnit, those sneaky buggers -- always one step ahead! 

[pa3hfu]

Has this 'nice project' been stopped...??

[David Hess]

I just watched the extended video and yes, I was jumping up an down and yelling at Dave just like he predicted but I see you guys figured it out; the oscilloscope disables acquisitions while updating the configuration making the chip select and other things invisible to the oscilloscope itself.

On the subject of programmable options which you have to pay for, think instead of a 300 MHz oscilloscope which R&S also sells at a discount to users who will accept a lower bandwidth.  I do not particularly like it either however in theory the market gets a product which otherwise would not exist at a lower price while R&S makes more sales even if some of them are for less profit allowing them to produce the product in the first place.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Price_discrimination

[Brumby]

On the subject of programmable options which you have to pay for, think instead of a 300 MHz oscilloscope which R&S also sells at a discount to users who will accept a lower bandwidth.  I do not particularly like it either however in theory the market gets a product which otherwise would not exist at a lower price while R&S makes more sales even if some of them are for less profit allowing them to produce the product in the first place.

This very topic - in particular, the circumvention of certain constraints - endured a long and tortuous discussion on this forum not too long ago.  It was done to death then - and I hope it stays that way.

However, I do agree with the final point.