Hantek DSO2x1x models: firmware updates and best use practices

[AndrewBCN]

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.

[AndrewBCN]

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:

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.

[AndrewBCN]

Links to reviews

[AndrewBCN]

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.

[AndrewBCN]

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)

[AndrewBCN]

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.

[Piton]

Hello. Where is the "Phoenix-20210416" file located? Thanks.

[Piton]

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.

[Piton]

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.

[Gregkb]

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.

[Gregkb]

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".

[aztecboy]

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

[aztecboy]

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

[Wawavoun]

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

[werner]

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.

[enmane]

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.

[aztecboy]

I just spotted that too, I'll try loading it tomorrow.
Do Hantek publish any changelog?
73s Ted

[Pley]

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?

[Pley]

Apk para ativar ondas arbitrárias no DSO2X1x.

[fpx]

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!

[pu6k1n]

Does anyone have a full nand w25n01g memory dump for dso2d15???

[yannickg]

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

[Jasonsbx]

Going from firmware 3200 to 3202 made it usable.
I see new software update is out - dso3kb_20220517

[DavidAlfa]

Read the FAQ! It's in the main thread,  also in my signature.

[Hank69]

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.....