Hack of Sigllent spectrum analyzer ssa3021X?

[BalticLab]

Just did the crossmod from SSA3021X Plus to SVA1032X + all options enabled without any issues. At least on the software side of things, haven't put the jumper in place yet. Still debating whether or not I'll put proper SMA-connectors in place or just hardwire some semi-rigid coax in place. Anyway, you guys are awesome! 

UPDATE: I ended up just soldering some coax in place. All works as intended after calibration.  Also, I upgraded the FW to version 3.2.2.5.1R1 (official download from Siglent) and everything is still enabled and working.

[rescue161]

I bought my SSA-3021X back in 2017 with full intentions on hacking it after the warranty ran out.  I completely forgot to do so and for whatever reason, the thought popped into my head, so I dug up this old thread and started reading.  Mine still has V1.2.8.2, which I was initially glad, but after reading about the Python hack, I was able to just create the keys and upgrade without any hacking.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  Now, I have an SSA-3032X with all features enabled, but it still has V1.2.8.2.  Is there a dead stop on which version I should not go past?  My unit has suffered from locking up while in TG mode from time to time and I'd have to reset the unit to bring it back to normal.  I have since found out that all I needed to do was hit the Preset key to "fix" it, but I also read that a newer firmware would fix that bug.  I do not want to hobble my newly minted 3032X, so any advice on which firmware I should upgrade to would be awesome.  Thank you again for such an amazing board with amazingly smart individuals.

[Bicurico]

For the SSA3000X (not the Plus model), you can safely upgrade to SSA3000X_Firmware_V1.3.9.10 (Release Date 02.05.24 ).

You will retain all activated options.

Mine has a patched FW that adds telnet and the cool web server (not mine).

[Bicurico]

Here is the patched version with telnet and webserver (made by Frank van Hooft - https://github.com/frankvanhooft/SSA3021X-webserver).

Use at your own risk.

[tautech]

Here is the patched version with telnet and webserver (made by Frank van Hooft - https://github.com/frankvanhooft/SSA3021X-webserver).

Use at your own risk.

Please make it very clear this is only for SSA3000X models as SSA3000X Plus, SVA1000X and SSA3000X-R models already have weberver capability and have from day 1.

[rescue161]

Thank you very much for confirming that I can upgrade to the latest.  I only have the SSA3021X, not a plus model.  It was purchased well before the Plus was even a thing. 

[Bicurico]

Here is the patched version with telnet and webserver (made by Frank van Hooft - https://github.com/frankvanhooft/SSA3021X-webserver).

Use at your own risk.

Please make it very clear this is only for SSA3000X models as SSA3000X Plus, SVA1000X and SSA3000X-R models already have weberver capability and have from day 1.

[rescue161]

One more thing of note.  When I bought mine, they still required you to purchase the tracking generator, which I did, so I still have the activation code and receipt.  After I ran the Python script, I pulled out the old code and it they are completely different.  Could there be a second hash, or are there just multiple activation codes for each device and the script just picks the first in the list for each feature?

[tautech]

One more thing of note.  When I bought mine, they still required you to purchase the tracking generator, which I did, so I still have the activation code and receipt.  After I ran the Python script, I pulled out the old code and it they are completely different.  Could there be a second hash, or are there just multiple activation codes for each device and the script just picks the first in the list for each feature?

Wow, yours is a very early unit !
Soon after release TG became standard but the TG license should still be the same ......

Do you have that early TG license installed ?

[rescue161]

Yes.  I bought the SA in August of 2017 and used a code from EEVblog to get a discount.  I paid for the TG option and they sent a code, which I promptly installed and used for years.  I recently remember this website and remembered why I bought it (to hack it).  It is amazing how much changed over the years.  I'm going to update the firmware tonight to the open Telnet/webserver version tonight.

[Bicurico]

Codes changed from old FW generation (before V1.2.8.1) to new FW generation (starting with V1.2.8.1), which is why you cannot downgrade past a given base version.

Existing keys are automatically converted to the new format.

There is only one possible key, since the hacked keygen uses the same hash as the official keygen: it was extracted from the executable.

[tautech]

Yes.  I bought the SA in August of 2017 and used a code from EEVblog to get a discount.  I paid for the TG option and they sent a code, which I promptly installed and used for years.  I recently remember this website and remembered why I bought it (to hack it).  It is amazing how much changed over the years.  I'm going to update the firmware tonight to the open Telnet/webserver version tonight.

You can get all the SSA3000X FW versions here:
https://int.siglent.com/download/firmwares/?ProId=29

Download a recent version and study the notes for any required version install steps in the PDF in the zipped folder.

We recently found a deficiency with the latest version V2.1.1.4 and Reflection mode is not working as it once did but I have a factory patch, PM if you need it.

[rescue161]

It is very strange as mine came from the factory with v.1.2.8.2, so it should have had the newer style activation code, but it is completely different.  I'm not complaining as it was just an observation.  Also, why is it that 1.3.9.10 has a newer date than 2.1.1.4?  Which one is the latest?  I would assume, by version numbering alone, that v2.1.1.4 would be the latest, but the date for that revision is 2023-09-08 and v1.3.9.10 has a release date of 2024-02-05.  What gives?

[tautech]

It is very strange as mine came from the factory with v.1.2.8.2, so it should have had the newer style activation code, but it is completely different.  I'm not complaining as it was just an observation.  Also, why is it that 1.3.9.10 has a newer date than 2.1.1.4?  Which one is the latest?  I would assume, by version numbering alone, that v2.1.1.4 would be the latest, but the date for that revision is 2023-09-08 and v1.3.9.10 has a release date of 2024-02-05.  What gives?

Unsure however we do see later versions with tweaks to support newer HW versions where some components are no longer available so updated SW is required to support.
Yours being an older unit won't require newer HW support which I believe V2 SW provides.

[Bicurico]

The newer SSA3000X use the same HW platform as the Plus models, though they lack some options, so a crossgrade doesn't seem possible.

But this means that the FW is completely different. The 1.x is for old HW and 2.x is for new HW.

[bigboss59]

Thanks for the work guys !
I have read carefully this topic and the "Siglent SSA3000X and SSA3000X-Plus Spectrum Analyzers"

1. I have a concern regarding the spectrum analysis calibration of SSA3021X when upgrade to SSA3032X, HW is same but what about calibration ?
I guess the SSA3021X hasn't been calibrated to 3.2Ghz or is it ?

The newer SSA3000X use the same HW platform as the Plus models, though they lack some options, so a crossgrade doesn't seem possible.

But this means that the FW is completely different. The 1.x is for old HW and 2.x is for new HW.

2. So does it means SSA3021X, SSA3021X plus and SVA1032X share the same HW ?
If so how a crossgrade from the SSA3021X to the SVA1032X is not possible then ?

[Bicurico]

They share SOME of the hardware, but not all. I believe they share just the CPU board.
A simple example: Non-plus does not have a touch screen.

[tautech]

They share SOME of the hardware, but not all. I believe they share just the CPU board.
A simple example: Non-plus does not have a touch screen.

Or the webserver in Plus, X-R and SVA models.

[acast]

Hi all,

thanks    to the team and following msg #1296 summary, I was able to successfully telnet/usb key backup and upgrade my ssa3021X to sva1032X going from:

Model  SSA3021X Plus
Serial SSA3PCxxxx
HOSTID xxxx
SW1    3.2.2.5.1R20
SW2    20211011-1001
SW3    000000D4
HW     00.00.00

to :

Model  SVA1032X
Serial SSA3PCxxxx
HOSTID xxxx
SW1    3.2.2.4.0
SW2    20201220-0
SW3    000000D4
HW     00.00.00

Didn't do neither steps 2B, 3, 4B nor 8.
I had to change the firmware0 usb key to "rw" to backup the initial files. The telnet was already working (after SCPI command) on default 23 port.
step 9: I entered only the "ALL" option key from the python script result (obtained with the proper SVA1032X option selected).

Note also that on my recently purchased model, the cable is in place, as VNA worked as a charm without hw mods.

Did not yet upgrade with the latest FW though (last step) as I estimate I have enough to work with 

I obviously would have chosen a second hand SA with TG equipment if this one was not hackable, as I already own an HP VNA .

Best

[Sunlitcomet]

My conversion is mostly done except for this, any suggestion? I really don't want to open the shell.

[BalticLab]

Has anyone been brave enough to upgrade to the latest V3.2.2.6.3R2 firmware on a device with the SSA3021X Plus to SVA1032X modification?

[RoV]

Has anyone been brave enough to upgrade to the latest V3.2.2.6.3R2 firmware on a device with the SSA3021X Plus to SVA1032X modification?

Several people did so (including me). Check topic "Siglent SVA1015X and SVA1032X 1.5, 3.2GHz Spectrum & Vector Network Analyzers".

[Sunlitcomet]

i have.

[BalticLab]

Several people did so (including me). Check topic "Siglent SVA1015X and SVA1032X 1.5, 3.2GHz Spectrum & Vector Network Analyzers".

Thanks a lot! I also just upgraded to FW V3.2.2.6.3R2 on a "modified" SVA1032X. All mods still active. 

[Sunlitcomet]

My conversion is mostly done except for this, any suggestion? I really don't want to open the shell.

any takers?