Hantek DSO2x1x models: firmware updates and best use practices

Hantek DSO2x1x models: firmware updates and best use practices
Posted by AndrewBCN on 18 Jun, 2021 08:56
Hantek DSO2C10, DSO2C15, DSO2D10, DSO2D15 (DSO2000 series): firmware updates and best use practices

If you are considering buying one of these Hantek DSOs, or have just bought one, you might find the information below useful. Note that all these models are based on exactly the same mainboard. The DSO2D1x models populate the mainboard with components for an Arbitrary Waveform Generator (a rather basic 12-bit function generator with limited functionality), the DSO2C1x models don't. And the DSO2x15 are good to 150MHz, while the DSO2x10 models are software limited to 100MHz.

The DSO2000 Series User Manual can be found here: http://www.hantek.com/uploadpic/hantek/files/20210409/DSO2000%20Series%20Digital%20Storage%20Oscilloscope%20User%20Manual.pdf

This thread is a restart of the previous https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/new-hantek-dso2x1x-models/ thread, which got too confusing for people searching for essential information on firmware updates and general use hints and tips for these "value" Hantek DSOs.

Note that if you are specifically interested in hacking your Hantek DSO2x1x, you should look into this thread: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hacking-the-dso2x1x/

See the next post for firmware update recommendations, the third post for links to reviews, and the fourth post for bugs, limitations and other issues.
Also see DavidAlfa's post below for tons of relevant information which he has collected through extensive research into his DSO2D15.

#1 Reply
Posted by AndrewBCN on 18 Jun, 2021 08:58
WARNING!
Before you update the firmware on your Hantek DSO2x1x, you may want to consider the following:
1. Some firmware updates have been shown to cause various annoying problems and decrease the stability of the DSO internal software.
2. The firmware update process can for various reasons fail, leaving your DSO in an unusable state (i.e. "bricked").
3. In principle, it is always possible to "unbrick" a "bricked" Hantek DSO2x1x, but it's better not to "brick" it in the first place.
4. Before you get started on any firmware update, take a picture of your DSO "system information" screen.
5. Last but not least, remember the old adage: "If it breaks, you get to keep the pieces."

This is the firmware update procedure described in the Hantek DSO2000 series User Manual:

Quote
2.14.1. Update Firmware
This series of oscilloscope can upgrade the software by the USB flash disc, which needs about 5 minutes.
The firmware is upgraded by the following steps:
1. Plug the USB flash disc in which a firmware program is saved in USB Host interface on the front panel of the oscilloscope.
2. Press [Utility] button to skip to the Utility menu.
3. Press Update -> Update Firmware softkey.
4. Select the file and press Multifunctional Knob to confirm. Then press Start updating softkey to update the firmware.
5. Reboot the machine after finishing upgrading, and the software version is upgraded. The oscilloscope should be
self-corrected once after upgrading.

At present there are two repositories for Hantek DSO2000 series firmware updates:
1. The Hantek official website at hantek.com: http://hantek.com/DownLoad
2. DavidAlfa's GDrive folder: https://tinyurl.com/ytteeyj7

Which is the recommended firmware update? Unfortunately the answer is "it depends..."
As of June 2021, there is no single firmware update that will reportedly work perfectly on all Hantek DSO2000 Series models.

List here the firmware updates available and recommendations.
Explain the "fool proof" firmware update process.
Explain the "fool proof" unbricking process.

#2 Reply
Posted by AndrewBCN on 18 Jun, 2021 09:02
Links to reviews

#3 Reply
Posted by AndrewBCN on 18 Jun, 2021 09:06
This is a list of known bugs, limitations and other issues.

Bugs
The following is a list of verified known bugs:
- The DSO will lock up when switching ranges too fast! Known bug and Hantek has been notified.
Limitations
Hantek have cut quite a few corners to lower the cost of the DSO2000 Series scopes. So there are some limitations, some obvious, some not.
- The DSO2000 series are shipped by Hantek with a single probe! Yes, that's right. You have to buy a second probe separately.
- The embedded ARM CPU does not have hardware floating point. Indeed, but that should not change much in terms of general operation of these DSO.
- The function generator in the DSO2D1x models performs poorly. Again, that's correct, it has limited performance and functionality. If you need a function generator with better specs, use an external one.
Other issues
- Hantek have been slow in coming up with firmware updates that fix well known problems. Patience! Hopefully as the number of units sold increases, they will accelerate the firmware updates.

#4 Reply
Posted by AndrewBCN on 18 Jun, 2021 09:08
Various bits and pieces of information that don't fall in other categories

1. My DSO2x1x came with just one probe, even though it's a dual-channel DSO! Hantek is delivering all these DSO's with just a single probe, so you'll want to order an extra probe when you purchase any of the DSO2000 Series models. Note that any standard oscilloscope probe will work, but you'll probably want to buy a Hantek PP-150 probe to match the one that came with your DSO2x1x.

2. Where is the FEL button located? (refer to the hacking thread to know what the FEL button does; it is not needed in normal operation)

#5 Reply
Posted by AndrewBCN on 18 Jun, 2021 11:14
Quote from: DavidAlfa on 18 Jun, 2021 10:28
I suggest a more generic title. Are you making your grade thesis or what?
"Hantek DSO2x1x thread (Continued)"

So I'm the only doing the work while the kids post memes?
Don't take it badly, but you already filled the first page with crap!
First, thank you for contributing real, good information.

As for changing the title, well, I don't intend this thread to be a continuation of the old one, rather it's a reset that focuses on firmware upgrades and real use of these DSOs, so the title will remain what it is now.

#6 Reply
Posted by Piton on 13 Sep, 2021 05:52
Hello. Where is the "Phoenix-20210416" file located? Thanks.

#7 Reply
Posted by Piton on 14 Sep, 2021 05:16
It's clear. I have a problem with the YUSB on the 714th firmware, which fixes the hang in the "auto-measurements" mode. I thought that maybe this file will help fix it.

#8 Reply
Posted by Piton on 14 Sep, 2021 11:31
I understand it. 416 works well, there is no problem with USB, but there is a problem with freezing in the "auto measurements" mode. 714 also works well, there is no problem with freezing, but there is a problem with USB. I still hope that Hantek will have a new firmware without these problems.

#9 Reply
Posted by Gregkb on 29 Sep, 2021 13:23
Hi David, I have the 2d15 running SW 416 and FW3200 with the Freeze issue and offset issue on Ch1. What do you suggest for upgrade on SW? Do I upgrade the SW to latest 816 or 510, which sets to FW3202? Thanks.

#10 Reply
Posted by Gregkb on 30 Sep, 2021 10:11
Thanks David. Both SW 210816 and FW 3202 updated correctly. However, when I reviewed the 'System Info' the SW displays "20210814" and not "20210816". FW reads ok "3202".

#11 Reply
Posted by aztecboy on 21 Nov, 2021 16:33
I just received my DSO2C10 from Banggood and I am trying to use the backup utilities before I try to do anything else with the scope.
It arrived with:
Software 1.0.1.1.0 (20210726.00)
Firmware 3202
Clearly I am doing something super dumb here,
I loaded both dso3kb_backup-builder.upk and the eprom,upk onto a fat32 usb stick.
I then put the stick into the front USB port.
Pressed Utility/Update/Update Firmware
Then from the menu selected backup_builder.upk
Then "start update".

It starts "updating" but gets to 35% and then hangs (I waited 10 mins just in case).
After a scope reboot, I can see it has produced empty FULL.ukp and eeProm.ukp files (I tried running both utilities)

I have spent hours scouring all threads for the answer and my sincere apologies if I have just missed some fundamental step in this process.

Hoping someone can help me!

Ted

#12 Reply
Posted by aztecboy on 21 Nov, 2021 21:47
schoolboy error

I found I also had a USB lead plugged into the back of the scope and even though it wasn't plugged into anything, it caused the backups to fail.
(and yes I had read about the single port quite a few times, just forgot the lead was plugged in)

Now both backups work, the scope reboots once the backups are complete.

Enormous thanks to David and Andrew for the painstaking and thorough investigation of this little marvel.

73s Ted

#13 Reply
Posted by Wawavoun on 29 Nov, 2021 20:44
Hello there,

Well done job and very good informations here.

My DSO2D15 is now up to date and I even test the backup and restore tool (because I forgot to disconnect probes for calibration ) ! So upgrade, restore, upgrade again etc... but now everything okay !

Thanks for all.

Philippe

#14 Reply
Posted by werner on 13 Dec, 2021 14:02
I just (13 Dec 21) received my scope: software 1.0.1.1.0(20210726.00). Fw version 3202.

Decided to make a backup.
During this process, this one also seemed to hang at 35%. I let it sit in the 35% state for a few minutes and then all of the sudden it rebooted automatically.
Once rebooted and running without problems, I pulled the USB drive out and checked if both file where there and not null sized.

File sizes on mine:
dos3kb_[serial].upk is 926kB
dos3kb_[serial]_FULL.upk is 3891 kB

Registered to contribute Hope this helps others.

#15 Reply
Posted by enmane on 01 Jan, 2022 02:55
Hi all - there is a firmware update available on the DSO2000 series as of 12/30/2021 - I'd be interested to hear how well it performs.

#16 Reply
Posted by aztecboy on 02 Jan, 2022 13:32
I just spotted that too, I'll try loading it tomorrow.
Do Hantek publish any changelog?
73s Ted

#17 Reply
Posted by Pley on 07 Jan, 2022 11:49
Quote from: DavidAlfa on 14 Sep, 2021 12:53
In 20210714 usb only works correcty with FW3200 versions, which have a different board revision.
Try installing FW3102.
Para ativar as ondas arbitrárias. tem o link do apk?

#18 Reply
Posted by Pley on 07 Jan, 2022 11:53
Apk para ativar ondas arbitrárias no DSO2X1x.

#19 Reply
Posted by fpx on 11 Apr, 2022 22:37
Hi, new to the Hantek DSO2D15 (arrived today), and found this treasure of information in this forum (you're amazing guys).
I have 20210416.000 and 3200.
After reading this topic, I am wondering whether I should upgrade to 20220210 and FW 3203 or not.
Sorry for asking, but I don't want to screw up by installing a newer but less stable version, would you recommend doing this update-to-latest-version I mentioned, or maybe I'm better off as it is?

Thanks! The information and resources here are amazing!

#20 Reply
Posted by pu6k1n on 03 Aug, 2022 07:15
Does anyone have a full nand w25n01g memory dump for dso2d15???

#21 Reply
Posted by yannickg on 08 Aug, 2022 23:18
What would be the recommended firmware for a new user of model DSO2D15? From my readings, I'm thinking of going for 3202, good guess?

Thanks

#22 Reply
Posted by Jasonsbx on 22 Aug, 2022 08:28
Going from firmware 3200 to 3202 made it usable.
I see new software update is out - dso3kb_20220517

#23 Reply
Posted by DavidAlfa on 22 Aug, 2022 19:16
Read the FAQ! It's in the main thread, also in my signature.

#24 Reply
Posted by Hank69 on 13 Feb, 2023 20:38
Hey I'm a bit late to the party and tried some earlier links to the tool to backup the Hantek DSO 2XIX SCOPES. Does anyone have a good link for me to get the tool. Thanks for any help... Hank

FOUND IT.... After learning more about the "embedded links", I.E. DavisAlfa's "DRIVE" LINK BUTTON, went to the G drive and got all the good stuff.

Thank you Mr. David A.....

#25 Reply
Posted by bbhs on 12 Jul, 2023 19:51
Just picked this thread up I have updated my software from Hantek but cannot see where I can download the firmware - my DSO is currently 3000 and I believe the latest is 3024
The link to Davids Gdrive no longer works any info appreciated - Many thanks

#26 Reply
Posted by DavidAlfa on 12 Jul, 2023 20:20
Link gone?
It's everywhere in this thread, check the FAQ in my signature
If your original is FW3000, update to FW3102, but NOT to 32xx, it's for a different board version.
Just ensure to read the FAQ properly before doing anything!

#27 Reply
Posted by bbhs on 13 Jul, 2023 05:48
Thanks David yes I found it and read the recommended upgrade path for the firmware i.e. only update if you have an issue.
Thanks again

#28 Reply
Posted by Vazgentiq on 13 Sep, 2023 20:32
Hello everyone, I am the owner of DSO2C10, I wanted to convert it to DSO2D15, I wanted to keep the native firmware using software from DavidAlfa. As a result, I activated the platform-tools installation by mistake, and the installation was completed with an error. The device has stopped booting; when you turn on the power button, the button backlight turns on, but the device does not boot. After this, damp Winbond 25N01GVZEIG was made using CH341A (to retain at least part of the native firmware). Then there were repeated attempts to install different versions of platform-tools, but they all ended with the same result (log in attachment). Completely clearing the memory does not help (I did it using dsoflash erase). After trying to install platform-tools, the device starts to boot but freezes on the second splash screen with the inscription “Your testing solution provider”. What am I doing wrong?

P.S. Sorry for bad English

#29 Reply
Posted by ClubFoto on 09 Feb, 2024 11:37
I recently purchased the DSO2D15 model and it had software version 1.0.3.0.0 (230831.00) and firmware 3205 installed, I consulted with Hantek if I needed an update and they sent me a new file that was an improvement, version 3207 and software 1.0.3.0 .0 (231209.00), the problem I am encountering now I can only use the memory in 4K.
I have continually written to Hantek without getting a response, and I have several questions:
Can you move from a current version to a previous one?
Does anyone have version 3205 available with which this model came, with that version I could use all the memories.
any suggestions? thank you

#30 Reply
Posted by morgan_flint on 01 Mar, 2024 09:47
Hello, Clubfoto.

I can't answer your question, but this thread doesn't seem to be very active. There are other two related to this scope with much more activity:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hacking-the-dso2x1x/
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/new-hantek-dso2x1x-models/

Probably, you'll get an answer there, but first check DavidAlfa's super-complete FAQ, as the solution may be already there

#31 Reply
Posted by Aldo22 on 01 Mar, 2024 10:37
Quote from: ClubFoto on 09 Feb, 2024 11:37
now I can only use the memory in 4K.
That is normal in decode mode.
You don't mean that, do you?

Quote from: ClubFoto on 09 Feb, 2024 11:37
Does anyone have version 3205 available with which this model came, with that version I could use all the memories.
any suggestions? thank you
You can download the firmware from the Hantek website:
https://hantek.com/download?key=fjzl&sid=0&pid=17182&word=

And yes, read DavidAlfa's FAQ!

#32 Reply
Posted by DavidAlfa on 01 Mar, 2024 14:52
Only 4K available in decode and HR adquisition mode make aire they aren't enabled.

#33 Reply
Posted by ClubFoto on 04 Mar, 2024 16:37
Quote from: DavidAlfa on 01 Mar, 2024 14:52
Only 4K available in decode and HR adquisition mode make aire they aren't enabled.

The firmware on your page is older than the one installed, I'm also not sure if I can install older software and if that makes sense.
The fundamental problem is that it only works in 4K, regardless of the operations used, it is the same in decoding as in any other operation, of course I have carried out the tests with a single channel.

Thank you.

#34 Reply
Posted by Alectronic on 04 Mar, 2024 18:27
Sadly the link to the backup tool and the Platform tools for the Hantek DSO2D1x scopes is nowhere active! And Hantek only supports upgrading the firmware on a not yet bricked oscilloscope so they are not providing any good service!

#35 Reply
Posted by Aldo22 on 04 Mar, 2024 18:56
Quote from: ClubFoto on 04 Mar, 2024 16:37
The firmware on your page is older than the one installed, I'm also not sure if I can install older software and if that makes sense.
No FW3208 and 2024.02.02 is newer than your version:
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/new-hantek-dso2x1x-models/msg5366381/#msg5366381

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/new-hantek-dso2x1x-models/msg5367956/#msg5367956

#36 Reply
Posted by Alectronic on 05 Mar, 2024 05:21
Thanks for the Platform backup & restore tools for the Hantek DSO2D1x oscilloscopes. Links became active some time after logging in on Eevblog.

#37 Reply
Posted by DavidAlfa on 05 Mar, 2024 08:15
Links have never been down, unless something temporally broke down at Google.

#38 Reply
Posted by OLderDan on 10 Apr, 2024 14:49
Has anybody used the waveform editor to load a custom waveform into the onboard generator? I find the readout to be messed up when trying to adjust amplitude and frequency at the scope, where if I load a sine wave with two peaks, the frequency is halved at the display and the amplitude measurements are not actual, but a percentage of the loaded waveform.

#39 Reply
Posted by Aldo22 on 10 Apr, 2024 15:00
Quote from: OLderDan on 10 Apr, 2024 14:49
Has anybody used the waveform editor to load a custom waveform into the onboard generator? I find the readout to be messed up when trying to adjust amplitude and frequency at the scope, where if I load a sine wave with two peaks, the frequency is halved at the display and the amplitude measurements are not actual, but a percentage of the loaded waveform.
Please be a little more specific with your error reports.
What does “the frequency is halved at the display” mean?
Do you mean the signal generator or the measured frequency?
Of course, in this case the SG shows half of the measured frequency. How is he supposed to know what your arbitrary waveform looks like?
Amplitude: Did you utilize the full vertical range in your arbitrary waveform?

#40 Reply
Posted by Aldo22 on 10 Apr, 2024 16:13
@OLderDan:
I also have such a waveform (attachment).
The signal generator shows 5MHz and 10MHz is measured because the AWF is already 2Hz.
The amplitude/PkPk is correct.
Have you set the impedance to "High-Z" or 50Ω (second page of the signal gen)?

#41 Reply
Posted by OLderDan on 11 Apr, 2024 00:17
Does this mean if I make a sine wave with 2 complete cycles I can only trigger on the start and no point elsewhere? Please accept my apologies if I am asking some basic level questions and revealing my stupidity.
I have searched Google for information, which was how I discovered using the 50ohm settings reduces the PtP voltage to 3.3v down from 7volts when in the hi-z mode. I am trying to create a square wave 0-5v and another 0-3v for triggering uprocessors, and struggle to get appropriate offset on the built in generator while the built in test pulse has the correct levels, but is only 1khz!

#42 Reply
Posted by Aldo22 on 11 Apr, 2024 08:07
Quote from: OLderDan on 11 Apr, 2024 00:17
Does this mean if I make a sine wave with 2 complete cycles I can only trigger on the start and no point elsewhere?
No.

Quote from: OLderDan on 11 Apr, 2024 00:17
I have searched Google for information, which was how I discovered using the 50ohm settings reduces the PtP voltage to 3.3v down from 7volts when in the hi-z mode.
Leave it at High-Z if you are not using a 50Ω load and even then... leave it at High-Z.

Quote from: OLderDan on 11 Apr, 2024 00:17
I am trying to create a square wave 0-5v and another 0-3v for triggering uprocessors, and struggle to get appropriate offset on the built in generator while the built in test pulse has the correct levels, but is only 1khz!
This works for 3.3V (attachment), but not for 5V. The positive voltage of the AWG is probably limited to 3.5V, as the specified maximum amplitude is 7Vpp.
Perhaps a logic level converter could help?

#43 Reply
Posted by OLderDan on 14 Apr, 2024 13:06
Could someone confirm for me the largest size SD card that can be read. After my original 8gig got sick of the terrible (read non existent) unmounting choices, I chucked in my 32gig brand name USB stick I noticed I could no longer save any file type either internal or external. I could read files fine, but any attempt to save resulted with a hang on the progress bar anywhere from 20% to 50% depending on the file type.
I was freaking out until I found another 8gig card and I now I could write all file types to both SD card and internal.

#44 Reply
Posted by DavidAlfa on 14 Apr, 2024 22:26
Should be FAT32 formatted, NTFS or others won't work.

#45 Reply
Posted by OLderDan on 14 Apr, 2024 23:02
Yes, fat32 formatted. Could someone try and confirm please, I still have return period available.

#46 Reply
Posted by Aldo22 on 15 Apr, 2024 08:40
@OLderDan: Why is that a problem for you?
If you have an 8GB USB stick that works well, you can store over 7000 screenshots (BMP) on it and many times more PNG if you install the "bmp2png".

I use an old 4GB stick for this and it's more than enough for me.
After about 30 screenshots I copy everything I want to keep to the PC anyway and delete the rest.

The problem is rather that you can't sort/organize the images on the Hantek. If you set the system time, they are at least chronological.

#47 Reply
Posted by OLderDan on 18 Apr, 2024 01:11
Turns out the issue is not sdcard related, but memory depth. If my acquisition is on 8M it locks up on any save of any format both internal and external. Every other depth saves fine, is this user error, a known bug or just good luck?

#48 Reply
Posted by DavidAlfa on 18 Apr, 2024 03:54
8m save takes a long time, but if 4m works normally, maybe it's defective.

#49 Reply
Posted by OLderDan on 18 Apr, 2024 05:57
HOLY MOLEY... It takes 2-3mins, like actual minutes... After uninstalling overclocking, reverting to original software/firmware versions I finally was methodical enough to see the USB transfer rate is just super slow.
Back to latest software/firmware 3209 with 28 overclock and small fonts, I can resume terrifying small components and semiconductors!
Thanks for your patience, I only tried waiting the stupid amount of time it takes to transfer a 4M or 8M file after your last comment.

#50 Reply
Posted by Aldo22 on 18 Apr, 2024 09:08
@OLderDan: Ah, you mean saving "Wave" or "CSV", not screenshots?
I had never tried that with more than 4k.
I think it's not just the USB speed, but it simply has a lot of data to process/serialize.

Try CSV (takes a long time), you can see the dimensions better.
With 8M it stores an insane 222MB to the stick! (112.5MB @4M, 11.3MB @400k, 115kB @4k).

But it doesn't take that much longer than the much smaller *.lwf files (15.3MB)