GW Instek manuals have gone "Members Only"

[5q5r]

I was going to look up a few details on XY-mode for my MDO-2204, so I went to GW Instek's website to grab the manual. I probably had it somewhere, but by getting it from there, I was sure I would get the latest version, if any errors had been corrected etc.

Lo and behold: A login screen! The manuals - and as far as I can make out, many other downloads - now require registration! Both the firmware and the list of firmware revisions, for example. I found the one I had in my downloads folder instead...

Am I the only one who habitually looks at manuals, firmware releases etc. when buying new gear, in order to make sure I like the support offered? Having manuals shielded behind a login (Even if it's just a mandatory spam mailing list) would really turn me off from a new product. :-/

[sequoia]

I just had downloaded firmware for my GDM-9061 last week and there was not yet these 'members only' downloads....

Very annoying indeed, but at least firmware downloads don't require active support, etc....(just need to provide email to registr 'free' account).
Unlike "HP" (HPE, or whatever they're calling themselves nowadays), that has locked firmware updates so that those are available only with active support agreement....

I always check manuals and firmware updates before buying new equipment...gives a good idea what to expect....

[PeterKlop]

Agreed, that's not a smart practice. I always look through the manual before deciding to buy new gear. When i feel i know the instrument better it becomes more attractive to me. So when i can't do that with Instek but can with, say for example, Siglent, the siglent has an edge there. Forcing me to register is off-putting also, so that's just not smart. I do own a ton of Instek gear so now i am already familier with the company, but when i wasn't this could have played a negative role in the buying decision.