Hack of Sigllent spectrum analyzer ssa3021X?

[807]

Hi,
Greetings and many thanks to you all. Fresh owner of a 3021x plus here.
Seems that the python keygen does not work with fw = 3.2.2.5.1R20. I have this FW release and generated codes seems to be invalid.

Did anyone have success with python generated codes on a 3.2.2.5.1 Rel 20 firmware ?

Thank you in advance, BR
mitb67

I have the same firmware as you & opened all the options I wanted except for Refl which gave an invalid code. Don't know why just that 1 won't work. I didn't try VNA so don't know about that one. Perhaps the Refl would work if I chose the keygen for "ALL"? 

[tv84]

Perhaps the Refl would work if I chose the keygen for "ALL"? 

Generate a code for "CAT" and insert it.

[807]

Perhaps the Refl would work if I chose the keygen for "ALL"? 

Generate a code for "CAT" and insert it.

Thanks for quick reply & yep, Refl now activated. Cheers. 

[TheDefpom]

I am just playing with a SSA3021X Plus *cough* got it to 3.2GHz with all options etc just fine, but it is using a newer firmware of 3.2.2.6.0R1, latest on the site is 3.2.2.6.0R7 which I can obviously upgrade to.

I am wanting to improve it further to cross flash to SVA and I looked at the SVA FW file to change the hex, only the starting address has different values in it, so I think due to the 3.2.2.6 version that the previous hex is no longer valid, (screen shot included of new vs old FW).

I do not want to just go in there and blindly change it in case it bricks my brand new unit, anyone able to confirm if it is safe to change it?

ALSO I could not telnet into the SSA either, so I suspect the product ID has changed, BUT the backup ADS worked on it and I got 436MB of data.

[tv84]

I do not want to just go in there and blindly change it in case it bricks my brand new unit, anyone able to confirm if it is safe to change it?

You won't brick it but you also won't make it.

The patch shown only works on that specific FW version. For others, the patch differs. So, try implementing the patch in that specific FW version, as long as it accepts a downgrade version.

[TheDefpom]

Good news, I have updated my brand new SSA3021X Plus to an SVA1032X, I did a couple of things slightly differently though.

When I first got the unit I used the ALL code and 3032 code to fully option it as an SSA3032X Plus.

As my unit came flashed with 3.2.2.6.0R1 I had to downgrade first to 3.2.2.5.1R1, BEFORE downgrading i changed the system setting to have it turn on with default settings not "last used", in case it caused problems as I have read that it can cause trouble on devices when doing updates, I then flashed it and that worked fine.

Before installing the cross flashed SVA firmware I copied over the na_1p and na_2p files, I then rebooted and then I flashed it with those already in place (just in case I couldn't get back in with telnet)

After flashing with the SVA cross flash I did the ALL, and 3032 option codes, but still had the model showing as a SSA3032X Plus, then I did another telnet backup, and copied over the NSP file to update the model name using telnet as below:

Code: [Select]

mount -o remount,rw /usr/bin/siglent/firmdata0

cp /usr/bin/siglent/usr/mass_storage/U-disk0/SA-firmdata0/NSP_trends_config_info.xml /usr/bin/siglent/firmdata0/NSP_trends_config_info.xml
Once I did that I updated to the latest firmware 3.2.2.6.0R7

So far all looks perfect, my serial number is intact, I have the correct model name, and seemingly the VNA functions appear to be working fine, now I just need to learn how to use it.

I have recorded some video footage showing how I did the upgrade and all the steps,  (more so in case something went wrong and I had to refer to it, or for future reference) I do not know if I will make it public though as I don't want to annoy Siglent as they have been good to me :-)

Thank you very much to all that have been involved in producing this "upgrade path" and documenting the steps to simplify it for others such as myself, especially tv84 & Bicurico.

[MathWizard]

If I get 1 of these in a year or 2, my home-lab will be almost complete.

[deanclaxton]

I had a new SSA3021X Plus delivered on Thursday. Following the same procedure as theDefpom, I successfully updated it to a fully licensed SVA1032 on Friday morning 

When I copied across the 2 calibration files I noted that they had been given executable attributes. I figured that was not required/desired so I used chmod -x on them to remove the executable attributes.

I havent used it in anger (still waiting for some cables to arrive) so hopefully its all good. I also noted that after flashing it to SVA telnet on port 10101 is no longer available, but I can get in on port 23 using the root/ding1234 combination.

[tautech]

I had a new SSA3021X delivered on Thursday. Following the same procedure as theDefpom, I successfully updated it to a fully licensed SVA1032 on Friday morning 

Only possible with a SSA3021X PLUS !

[deanclaxton]

Whoops - yes - SSA3021X Plus - corrected! And thanks tautech for your pre-purchase advice on this 

[chrisb741]

Just to clarify

To upgrade to the SSA3032X Plus I need a SSA3021X Plus?

It can not be done with a any other SSA3000 series analyser?

[Bicurico]

The hardware for the SSA3000X line is or WAS different from the hardware for the SSA3000X-PLUS and SVA1000 line.

What remains to be seen, but I got no feedback here, is: can it be that the NEW SSA3000X models, which use the NEW firmware (incompatible with the old line), can be cross-converted like the SSA3000-PLUS to SVA1000.

To start, I want to know if the NEW SSA3000X has a touch screen.

But the plain answer to your question is:

1) The SSA3021X can be upgraded to SSA3032X
2) The SSA3021X-Plus can be upgraded to SSA3032X-Plus and you can cross-grade it into a SVA1032

This means that there is no reason to keep buying the SSA3021X, since it is only marginally cheaper than the SSA3021X-Plus. Unless, of course, that Siglent decided that the SSA3021X is a dead product for mentioned reasons and replaced the original hardware platform with the SSA-Plus/SVA hardware platform, cutting down the extra options by software.

[G8UUG]

Hi where did you get the python keygen script from? and how do you run the script, can you send me a link?

KR

Andrew

[807]

Hi where did you get the python keygen script from? and how do you run the script, can you send me a link?

KR

Andrew

The link to the keygen is in another thread. Follow the thread from this post...

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-ssa3000x-spectrum-analyzers/msg4963210/#msg4963210

[tcottle]

I'm owner of a brand new SSA3021X Plus.  I've updated to a SSA3032X Plus via the python script and enabled all options.  That process was painless and thanks to all who worked on it

I'm preparing to crossflash to a SVA1032X to enable the VNA features.  Most who have blazed this trail have included a screen shot of the system info as proof of success.  I've noted that they are all at HW revision  00.00.00
Mine is at 01.00.00.  Before starting the crossflash I thought I should make a post and check to make sure that this is still an option

[G8UUG]

Hi I have the script now thank you, can you bullet point the steps for this to work? what firmware do I have to lad first, can I use putty? in short Help.

KR

Andrew

[807]

Hi I have the script now thank you, can you bullet point the steps for this to work? what firmware do I have to lad first, can I use putty? in short Help.

KR

Andrew

What version firmware do you currently have? Do you have the Plus version analyzer?
To upgrade, there's no need to use putty. You enter the keys manually into the analyzer as mentioned in the link above.

[ytterligare]

I'm preparing to crossflash to a SVA1032X to enable the VNA features.  Most who have blazed this trail have included a screen shot of the system info as proof of success.  I've noted that they are all at HW revision  00.00.00
Mine is at 01.00.00.  Before starting the crossflash I thought I should make a post and check to make sure that this is still an option

Did someone suggest something about it ? I'll probably get mine in a month or so, and it will be likely Rev 01.00.00 as well 

Andy

[tcottle]

It upgraded without issues 

[mandor]

Thinking on buying ssa3021x-plus.
I'm into amateur radio so interested in crossflashing to sva.
Two qestions.
1. Still should be possible?
2. Is any ssa functionality lost when flashing to sva?

Thanks

[tcottle]

It is still possible and no loss of functionality

[MathWizard]

I'm torn between getting 1 of these, and some computer upgrades. I use my PC all the time, so upgrading it would be a lot more fun. And how often would I really need to use a dedicated SA or VNA ?

But I keep mixing up the non-plus version's. They are the ones I've been seeing open box and refrub deals on lately. So the SSA3021Xplus is what I'd need to make a VNA version anyways. I'd have to save up a few months more for that.

A NanoVNA looks great for my hobby usage, but it's so little and flimsy, I'd want a box sized version with better connectors and a bigger screen.

How much better is a cheaper, older Siglent SA, than the one in my sds2204X+ ? I'm guessing they can't be turned into a VNA tho.

The fasted hobby stuff I'm working on would be FM radio projects, or maybe some fast pulse generator, or trying to look at high speed data doing some consumer tech repair.

I have no accessories like coax cables, connectors, splitters, terminators, etc. How much money can I expect to pay for accessories if I get all that at once, from a decent brand name, vs amazon/ebay quality ?

[tautech]

You need a SSA3021X Plus to make a SVA1032X as they share the same HW.

IMO SMA and BNC adapters covers most needs although you need consider BNC not so suitable for anything beyond 1GHz.
Leave one or the other fitted rather that fit/remove them each time you use it. Even the best quality adapters have a limited fitment lives.
The better quality cheap SMA cables give reasonable service life and are so much nicer to use than N type cabling.

Despite having the much more capable/costly SNA5004A (not hacked yet), SVA1032X remains my favourite RF instrument.

[MathWizard]

I'm confused again, I just read (part of this is Tautech speaking)

Quote from: lebromeau on June 26, 2020, 09:40:51 pm

    Could you confirm what was purchased when you are referring to the SVA1015X model (in terms of base device + options)? Asking because as of 9/23/2019, it looks like Siglent North America ships SVA1015X with the VNA option included.

    Curious if you are saying that you can use it as an SA up to 7.5G, but as a VNA only up to 1.5G due to the license lock? I could be reading this wrong, and your case is that you haven't purchased the VNA license prior to the hack, and did not have any VNA ability beforehand.

    Thanks in advance

Welcome to the forum.

All SVA models now have VNA mode standard out of the box. It is no longer an additional option.
There are 3 models, SVA1015X, 1032X and 1075X.
Their respective BW's 1.5, 3.2 and 7.5 GHz are also their SA rating.
All 3 models have small differences in HW so their is no upgrade path from a lesser model.

Hope that helps.

So a certain SA can be hacked to a Vector analyzer, and they have a separate VNA mode???

I definitely don't need +2GHz anyways. So what can't the SVA1015X do that the hacked SSA3021Xplus could ? They would cost around the same, and the 1015X is only 1.5GHz or whatever. Besides that whats the main difference. ?

[tv84]

I definitely don't need +2GHz anyways. So what can't the SVA1015X do that the hacked SSA3021Xplus could ? They would cost around the same, and the 1015X is only 1.5GHz or whatever. Besides that whats the main difference. ?

If you don't value BW then there is no difference.