Keysight 8 Channel MXR Oscilloscope Giveaway

[Keysight DanielBogdanoff]

Today's the day - our first ever 8 channel scope!

Win one here:
https://www.mxrkeysight.com/?cmpid=OSM-500982&utm_source=ADOSO&utm_medium=OS&utm_campaign=109-1

MXR web page:
https://www.keysight.com/en/pcx-3062392/infiniium-mxr-series-real-time-oscilloscopes?cc=US&lc=eng

Press release:
https://www.keysight.com/us/en/about/newsroom/news-releases/2020/keysight-technologies--combines-technology-and-solutions-experti.html?sf233873809=1

[The Soulman]

Cool, no excluded country's this time?

[jmw]

Cool, no excluded country's this time?

"This promotion is limited to specific countries and is only open to entrants aged 18 years or older at the time of submission who are legal residents of, and physically located within, Austria, Canada (excluding the Province of Quebec), Chile, Finland, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Japan, Korea Republic of, Poland, South Africa, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States (excluding Florida, New York, and Rhode Island), and Venezuela."

[Melt-O-Tronic]

Just curious; are the chances of winning proportional to how promising of a sales candidate the entrant is based on their answers to the profile questions?

[ddcc]

Shouldn't be, there's pretty strict laws on sweepstakes (games of chance vs skill). From the terms and conditions:

6. Prize Description. There will be one prize winner. The prize is: One Keysight MXR208A Series Oscilloscope, $47,000 US List Price (sum of prize pool)
7. Taxes. All federal, state and/or local income and other taxes and duties, if any, are the winner's sole responsibility.
8. Odds of Winning. The odds of winning this promotion depend on the number of eligible entries received.

Also:

11. Winner Notification... In accordance with local laws, if the selected entrant is a Canadian or South African resident, that entrant will be required to answer a mathematical skill-testing question(s), without assistance of any kind (whether mechanical or otherwise), within the time frame provided above.

[BravoV]

Cool, no excluded country's this time?

"This promotion is limited to specific countries and is only open to entrants aged 18 years or older at the time of submission who are legal residents of, and physically located within, Austria, Canada (excluding the Province of Quebec), Chile, Finland, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Japan, Korea Republic of, Poland, South Africa, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States (excluding Florida, New York, and Rhode Island), and Venezuela."

Venezuela ?

After seeing this kind of stunt -> Adobe is cutting off users in Venezuela due to sanctions by US President ...   



Someone at Keysight simply screwed up ... big time. 

[wraper]

Someone at Keysight simply screwed up ... big time. 

As long as they have a licence from US government they can do business with Venezuela. https://www.theverge.com/2019/10/28/20936214/adobe-venezuela-sanctions-us-executive-order

[BravoV]

Someone at Keysight simply screwed up ... big time. 

As long as they have a licence from US government they can do business with Venezuela. https://www.theverge.com/2019/10/28/20936214/adobe-venezuela-sanctions-us-executive-order

Yes, but don't you think its weird, that US Gov. keeps trying so hard to topple the current leader Nicolas Maduro for years, heavy economics embargo and especially with recent (just few days ago) a failed attempt by CIA & US Silvercorp mercenaries to assassin him in Venezuela.

Just few examples out of many -> HERE or HERE

Imagine what if Maduro's kid won the prize ? 

[Keysight DanielBogdanoff]

I'm not going to comment on country stuff other than we work with our legal teams to try to include as many countries + people as possible.

For the sweepstakes, your answers do not impact your chances of winning. That would be illegal for us and it's purely chance (hence "sweepstakes" vs. "contest"). Answering the questions truthfully does help us evaluate this type of thing and get funding for future events/projects like this, so we do appreciate getting useful/accurate information!

[TheSteve]

Entered to win!

On the off chance I don't win I'd still be happy with the 1204 bottle opener scope... 

[HighVoltage]

Thank you, Daniel, looks like a really nice scope.
I have entered to win.

[The Soulman]

Entered without a chance to win.
Why does the registration page is happy to take in all of my personal information (including full name and address and country)
even when that country is excluded from participating?
Making the country's that cant enter non select-able in the country's selection list would save some people quit some time,
and now I feel tricked and abused for not getting the lolly and a ride in the van. 

[Mr. Scram]

It's always the same discussion about eligible countries. 

Giving away an oscilloscope the price of a very decent car is a pretty good way of introducing it though. Will Shahriar from The Signal Path get one for review? I'd love to hear his views on it.

[0xdeadbeef]

I entered but I have mixed feelings about winning such a beast. While I'm not sure which model this is exactly, it will most probably cost a fortune and the import taxes will be brutal.
Then again, it's not like a ever one anything substantial in my life, so this is not a problem I'll have to deal with. And it sure looks sweet. Time base accuracy "8 parts per billion". Holy Christ.

[Mr. Scram]

I entered but I have mixed feelings about winning such a beast. While I'm not sure which model this is exactly, it will most probably cost a fortune and the import taxes will be brutal.
Then again, it's not like a ever one anything substantial in my life, so this is not a problem I'll have to deal with. And it sure looks sweet. Time base accuracy "8 parts per billion". Holy Christ.

I'm sure Keysight won't mind declaring "Assorted electronic components". 

[0xdeadbeef]

Just for fun, I had a short look at the options. There are 12 (!) different license models for low speed decode/trigger option (SPI, RS232 and the like). The fact that you can buy a time limited license (6 month, 12 months, 24 months, 36 months) makes me shudder to think what a perpetual license would cost
And only a few (4 out of 12) of these license models are "transportable". So looks like you pay a few thousand k$ to be allowed to use an option for some months but if the server is down, you're screwed. Brave new world.

[Mr. Scram]

Just for fun, I had a short look at the options. There are 12 (!) different license models for low speed decode/trigger option (SPI, RS232 and the like). The fact that you can buy a time limited license (6 month, 12 months, 24 months, 36 months) makes me shudder to think what a perpetual license would cost
And only a few (4 out of 12) of these license models are "transportable". So looks like you pay a few thousand k$ to be allowed to use an option for some months but if the server is down, you're screwed. Brave new world.

People are already growing wary of everything being a subscription. Big investments don't combine will with relinquishing control over your investment either. I may work out short term, until people figure out how they can cut you out permanently by moving to a competitor.

[KaneTW]

Will the scope be software upgradable, or do you need to send it in?

E: Looks like software upgradable.

[jh15]

Why not these states?  (excluding Florida, New York, and Rhode Island).

In Maine, about everything except cars has a 4 year implied? warranty.

I have fun at big box checkouts when they want to sell me an extended warranty on a $10.00 item. I mention the above, usually loud enough for others in earshot.

I'll yell now with the 6 foot rule.

[Brumby]

Why not these states?  (excluding Florida, New York, and Rhode Island).

I haven't read the appropriate legislation - but I would think it was obvious.  I'll bet you London to a brick that it will be encased within those states' legislation on games of chance/gambling/lotteries/raffles etc. that make it impractical (or impossible) for Keysight to comply.

In other words - it's the state legislatures of Florida, New York, and Rhode Island that you should challenge ... not Keysight.

[kaz911]

congrats on a great looking scope

Reading the spec PDF - it looks like it is the end of the line for the 4000 series? At least it is not in the comparison in the spec sheep(t) pg. 17?

But one like that with RTCA to 6.2 and wide real time bandwidth would be lovely for my Wireless stuff. If I WON a beast like that I'd put up my MDO4000 with 6GHz spectrum analyser as a giveaway....

So my "affirmation" ( as per Scott Adams ) ... - is "I will get a Keysight MXR with RTSA and protocols bundle....."   

[Keysight DanielBogdanoff]

Will Shahriar from The Signal Path get one for review? I'd love to hear his views on it.

Yes!

[Keysight DanielBogdanoff]

congrats on a great looking scope

Reading the spec PDF - it looks like it is the end of the line for the 4000 series? At least it is not in the comparison in the spec sheep(t) pg. 17?

Thanks! We're quite pleased with this one

I don't get the impression from anyone that it's the "end of the line" for the 4000 X-Series, that thing is a beast and a joy to use. It still does pretty well and holds up. Not sure why it didn't make the comparison.

[MarkL]

Thanks! We're quite pleased with this one

Another windows based scope?  I'm disappointed.

I thought Keysight was done with windows as per EEVblog #1032 - "John Kenny Keysight Interview".  I was looking forward to seeing a new OS direction.

[jmw]

I thought Keysight was done with windows as per EEVblog #1032 - "John Kenny Keysight Interview".  I was looking forward to seeing a new OS direction.

Windows CE. This is full Windows 10 on a regular x86 PC. The hit-or-miss video performance and stability of Linux is probably reason enough to veer towards Windows. I do have questions about the longevity of this setup though. Is the scope able to keep up-to-date with patches and updates?

[Keysight DanielBogdanoff]

Love Like it or hate it, Windows is pretty industry standard for this type of thing right now. For trying to get things certified for secret+ government labs, etc., Windows is a decent route. I'm sure there are exceptions.

We also will periodically put out upgrades as Microsoft revs the OS, and the Windows instance is (I believe) compatible with standard windows updates.

For the John Kenny interview, like @jmw mentioned, that was mostly focused on the embedded version of Windows that went end-of-life. We swapped over to Linux for a number of products.

[MarkL]

Love Like it or hate it, Windows is pretty industry standard for this type of thing right now.
...

So, that would be the "hate it" option.

I won't debate the merits of running windows or not.  That debate has already been run a thousand times.  Only letting you know you have one less customer for the MXR.

Thanks for the clarification on windows vs. windows ce from the interview.

[james_s]

I absolutely loathe Windows 10, it has been the worst and most user-hostile software experience I have ever encountered and don't think I could bring myself to buy an instrument that ran on it, although if I won one I don't think I'd turn it down.

I wonder if this thing is subject to the same constant stream of updates nightmare that one gets with standard PCs? Imagine your $$$ oscilloscope being hijacked for an hour for an update right in the middle of trying to take some measurements. Or having to wait for it to update before you can use it. I finally dumped the Win10 VM I had because every time I loaded it up I'd have to wait for it to update, it was useless.

[KaneTW]

Setting up W10 so it won't force-reboot is trivial with Education/Enterprise versions, and slightly more involved with Pro. I really don't get the hate. I'd even argue the default settings to auto-reboot in consumer versions are a good thing, since consumers are really awful at installing updates.

[Mr. Scram]

Can we please not make this into another OS thread? We know you like the turd sandwich and hate the douche or vice versa. Everyone gets their panties in a twist and nothing changes, so let's just omit the exercise and get to the being grumpy stage without all the hassle.

[ogden]

I'm not going to comment on country stuff other than we work with our legal teams to try to include as many countries + people as possible.

Did you work with your legal team when decided that coutry list in entry form will include non-eligible countries as well? Will you send spam emails to everybody who entered or only to those who are from eligible countries?

[edit] Notification e-mail instead of telling me that I made mistake and Latvia is not in the list, says: "Please click the button below to confirm your email address and lock in your entry". 

[james_s]

I'd even argue the default settings to auto-reboot in consumer versions are a good thing, since consumers are really awful at installing updates.

It's 100% the user's responsibility to manage their devices. The customer is *always* right and as the end user I demand *complete* control over what is installed/updated/changed and precisely when, this is not negotiable.

People are notoriously awful at doing all sorts of things but it's not acceptable to go around forcing one's will on everyone else to save them from themselves, it is up to each individual to manage their own life and deal with whatever consequences come from that.

[Trader]

Love Like it or hate it, Windows is pretty industry standard for this type of thing right now. For trying to get things certified for secret+ government labs, etc., Windows is a decent route. I'm sure there are exceptions.

We also will periodically put out upgrades as Microsoft revs the OS, and the Windows instance is (I believe) compatible with standard windows updates.

For the John Kenny interview, like @jmw mentioned, that was mostly focused on the embedded version of Windows that went end-of-life. We swapped over to Linux for a number of products.

Linux is increasing a lot between the professionals, please, pay attention to LINUX.  Thank you

[Magnificent Bastard]

Very schmick 'scope!  I entered-- who knows!  Maybe I will win (this time)!

[MarkL]

Love Like it or hate it, Windows is pretty industry standard for this type of thing right now. For trying to get things certified for secret+ government labs, etc., Windows is a decent route. I'm sure there are exceptions.

We also will periodically put out upgrades as Microsoft revs the OS, and the Windows instance is (I believe) compatible with standard windows updates.

For the John Kenny interview, like @jmw mentioned, that was mostly focused on the embedded version of Windows that went end-of-life. We swapped over to Linux for a number of products.

Linux is increasing a lot between the professionals, please, pay attention to LINUX.  Thank you

I would echo that Keysight should pay more attention to the importance of Linux in the hardware development community.

While Linux would be great, even an option to NOT have windows would be acceptable.  Although there are a lot of other issues with Tek's new MSO 5-series, one thing I think they got right is that windows is optional.  Don't like it or need it on a piece of TE?  Don't pay for it.  Sounds right to me.

[james_s]

I would echo that Keysight should pay more attention to the importance of Linux in the hardware development community.

While Linux would be great, even an option to NOT have windows would be acceptable.  Although there are a lot of other issues with Tek's new MSO 5-series, one thing I think they got right is that windows is optional.  Don't like it or need it on a piece of TE?  Don't pay for it.  Sounds right to me.

How do they do that? Do they have versions of the software that runs on the gear for other operating systems? Personally I think Windows has no business being on a piece of test equipment but whatever, as long as it's behind the scenes it could be tolerable. I just don't like it when gear just feels like a desktop PC in a fancy package and boots up to a desktop.

[MarkL]

I would echo that Keysight should pay more attention to the importance of Linux in the hardware development community.

While Linux would be great, even an option to NOT have windows would be acceptable.  Although there are a lot of other issues with Tek's new MSO 5-series, one thing I think they got right is that windows is optional.  Don't like it or need it on a piece of TE?  Don't pay for it.  Sounds right to me.

How do they do that? Do they have versions of the software that runs on the gear for other operating systems? Personally I think Windows has no business being on a piece of test equipment but whatever, as long as it's behind the scenes it could be tolerable. I just don't like it when gear just feels like a desktop PC in a fancy package and boots up to a desktop.

They talk about it a little here:

  https://www.tek.com/blog/oscilloscope-operating-system-have-it-your-way-5-series-mso

Basically, you buy an SSD from them that has windows 10 on it and the scope boots from the SSD when it detects it.  Otherwise, it boots its "native embedded" OS.  They're very cryptic about exactly what the native OS is.  My guess is that it's probably VxWorks, which they've used in their other scope products, but for all I know it could be winCE or something else.

This is a really smart approach to the issue, IMO.  Keysight has already adopted Linux on their latest low-end scopes as their embedded OS.  It shouldn't be out of the question to consider it for OS flexibility on their higher end scopes.


UPDATE:  Clicking through to one of the sites referenced in that Tek blog posting says their Series 5 embedded OS *is* Linux.  So there, it's been done.

  https://www.eenewspower.com/news/oscilloscope-offers-choice-operating-systems