Hantek LCR 1832C unlock

[ru_tash]

I can freq sweep for Z out to about 6GHz with good results, up to 8GHz with ok results, using a $150 VNA.

But that's not really what I am asking about.

The 1833 has the 5wire Kelvin connection (4w test). If I clamp a simple carbon resistor and measure Rs, Rs should not change when I go from 10kHz to 100kHz.

How about just 10cm of cat5 twisted pair (one pair) with the ends tied. There's some L there, along with wire Rdc.
Slow speed, 300mV:
On 100Hz
Rs not even stable, jumps around from 0.3746 to 0.4204
Ls reads -28uH to 6uH

On 10kHz
Rs 0.2143 to 0.2407
Ls 2.36uH to 2.47uH
X 0.1553

on 10kHz, 1833 tells me Z is 0.3859
sqrt(X_L² + Rs²) != 0.3859


With an LCR meter, it would be good to have all 4 values on screen at same time (LCRZ) so when you press HOLD you can validate the HOLD numbers using math.

1833 is not right, math not adding up right.

I have two interesting links to share, I have to go grab them from another laptop.

try power up device through USB, at least in my case, readings are more stable and less jumping.
as I mentioned here (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hantel-lcr-1832c-unlock/msg5234217/#msg5234217) before, if this LCR-meter powered by batteries the measurement AC signal is interrupted every 20seconds, which is not happened when powered by USB.

[Randy222]

In this other 183x thread, there's mention of a "2023......AM"    FW

I also posted there about how easy it is to flash the FW using dfu-util instead of some gui program


FW "20230410AM"    <---  where is this FW ??

see https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hantek-1833c-lcr-meter-firmware-and-win-11-connectivity/

[Randy222]

So did the update procedure...

a) yeah, hold TX button while off and connect the PC, then the compare button lamp lights on

b) files are different in size as the old one (LCR2020101001.dfu = 125k, LCR2021061501.dfu = 513k)

c) after upload, it shows still as LCR2020101001, so what changed and what is different?? 

d) did the calibration open and closed using 4 pol model, than 3 x SET and than ... open value shown as -------

e) tested the same SMD 1206 10K  resistor, 100Hz about 9.98K ... 100kHz about 9.977K 

Hp

The 183x is "old"?
Did they at one point have different FW's for 1832 and 1833, and then at some point combine them?

[Randy222]

Well, you should find this interesting.
Hantek support emailed the latest FW.
It's a "2023......" version.

How do you display the device info in the screen? Or do I need to use SCPI?

[Veteran68]

Well, you should find this interesting.
Hantek support emailed the latest FW.
It's a "2023......" version.

Interesting. Glad to hear support is responsive to such requests. Disappointed that they can't be bothered to update their website.

Did someone confirm that the same FW image works for both 1832 and 1833 models?

[Randy222]

Well, you should find this interesting.
Hantek support emailed the latest FW.
It's a "2023......" version.

Interesting. Glad to hear support is responsive to such requests. Disappointed that they can't be bothered to update their website.

Did someone confirm that the same FW image works for both 1832 and 1833 models?

I did specifically ask support for latest FW for "my 1833C I just got from ali express".
It seems odd that the FW would be hard coded for specific model, because the FW from Hantek site is FW for "183x", so same FW for both models.
Size is still small like their download site version, so I assume some minor changes.

Is this 2023 version specifc to 1833C? Not sure, but the code itself has references to 1832C and 1833C.
I will reply to support asking if that FW is for both 32 and 33.

Code: [Select]

[roott@localhost 183x]# strings LCR2023041001.dfu |grep "183"
Hantek1832C
Hantek1833C
Hantek1832C
 Hantek1833C
Hantek1833C
 Hantek1832C


[hpw]

I did specifically ask support for latest FW for "my 1833C I just got from ali express".
It seems odd that the FW would be hard coded for specific model, because the FW from Hantek site is FW for "183x", so same FW for both models.
Size is still small like their download site version, so I assume some minor changes.

Is this 2023 version specifc to 1833C? Not sure, but the code itself has references to 1832C and 1833C.
I will reply to support asking if that FW is for both 32 and 33.

Code: [Select]

[roott@localhost 183x]# strings LCR2023041001.dfu |grep "183"
Hantek1832C
Hantek1833C
Hantek1832C
 Hantek1833C
Hantek1833C
 Hantek1832C


This is fun...

as currently sharing with Hantek support about 2023 FW (as I do not have from the support) & open calibration issues. As cap at 100khz showing about 8pf after startup, after calibration as close as 0.00XpF bingo...

BUT after restart (switch on & off cycle) I gets again the 8pF as last used seams not to work or the values are false stored. I guess for each freq. & resistor to values needs to be saved differently or not?

So do you have the same issue? Even after 2023 FW release?

Hp



 

[Randy222]

I did specifically ask support for latest FW for "my 1833C I just got from ali express".
It seems odd that the FW would be hard coded for specific model, because the FW from Hantek site is FW for "183x", so same FW for both models.
Size is still small like their download site version, so I assume some minor changes.

Is this 2023 version specifc to 1833C? Not sure, but the code itself has references to 1832C and 1833C.
I will reply to support asking if that FW is for both 32 and 33.

Code: [Select]

[roott@localhost 183x]# strings LCR2023041001.dfu |grep "183"
Hantek1832C
Hantek1833C
Hantek1832C
 Hantek1833C
Hantek1833C
 Hantek1832C


This is fun...

as currently sharing with Hantek support about 2023 FW (as I do not have from the support) & open calibration issues. As cap at 100khz showing about 8pf after startup, after calibration as close as 0.00XpF bingo...

BUT after restart (switch on & off cycle) I gets again the 8pF as last used seams not to work or the values are false stored. I guess for each freq. & resistor to values needs to be saved differently or not?

So do you have the same issue? Even after 2023 FW release?

Hp

I did no testing yet.
Did you try to enter debug mode and then save calibration, then exit debug and reboot?

[ru_tash]

Well, you should find this interesting.
Hantek support emailed the latest FW.
It's a "2023......" version.

How do you display the device info in the screen? Or do I need to use SCPI?

would be interesting about rollback to previous version is supported or not.

[hpw]

I did specifically ask support for latest FW for "my 1833C I just got from ali express".
It seems odd that the FW would be hard coded for specific model, because the FW from Hantek site is FW for "183x", so same FW for both models.
Size is still small like their download site version, so I assume some minor changes.

Is this 2023 version specifc to 1833C? Not sure, but the code itself has references to 1832C and 1833C.
I will reply to support asking if that FW is for both 32 and 33.

Code: [Select]

[roott@localhost 183x]# strings LCR2023041001.dfu |grep "183"
Hantek1832C
Hantek1833C
Hantek1832C
 Hantek1833C
Hantek1833C
 Hantek1832C


This is fun...

as currently sharing with Hantek support about 2023 FW (as I do not have from the support) & open calibration issues. As cap at 100khz showing about 8pf after startup, after calibration as close as 0.00XpF bingo...

BUT after restart (switch on & off cycle) I gets again the 8pF as last used seams not to work or the values are false stored. I guess for each freq. & resistor to values needs to be saved differently or not?

So do you have the same issue? Even after 2023 FW release?

Hp

I did no testing yet.
Did you try to enter debug mode and then save calibration, then exit debug and reboot?

As I posted (and did not remember this as looong ago ) https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hantel-lcr-1832c-unlock/msg3596003/#msg3596003

As worked with debug mode, but IMHO this is shit, as to connect with a PC & App.

Please let us know how the new worked as whether the open calibration saves now or not or only in DEBUG mode.

May add a small cap for getting OFF calibration value and then test it with calibration(without the off cap) and switch off & on again.

Anyway, complained on Hantek support about this as wee need a solution without any PC & App. May a special key combination.

Hp

[Veteran68]

How do you display the device info in the screen? Or do I need to use SCPI?

Just realized I missed this question.

Press the SET button 2 or 3 times. First it brings up the menu, then hit it again to bring up the device info. Can't remember if it takes a second or third press (don't have it with me).

[Randy222]

With this new FW on my 1833C
Running on just batt power.
1) I probably need to verify by going back to old FW, but now when it boots the values for most items just say "-----------" with no probe wires attached, whereas in old FW the readings were jumping around.
2) The freq signal no longer drops off for a quick/brief time, sine wave does appear to stay on.

Beyond that, did not test anything else.

[ru_tash]

With this new FW on my 1833C
Running on just batt power.
1) I probably need to verify by going back to old FW, but now when it boots the values for most items just say "-----------" with no probe wires attached, whereas in old FW the readings were jumping around.
2) The freq signal no longer drops off for a quick/brief time, sine wave does appear to stay on.

Beyond that, did not test anything else.

Upgraded my 1832C.
Battery power.
1) did not notice difference with old FW with "------" symbol.
2) no more signal interruptions, readings are stable

Finally the tool became usable 

Via SCPI converted it to 1833C.

PS. couple of months ago in the process of searching the root cause of interruption i shielded digital part of PCB with brass foil, now i am thinking about to remove it or leave it on place. 

[hpw]

@Randy22

>> Please let us know how the new worked as whether the open calibration saves now or not or only in DEBUG mode.

>>May add a small cap for getting OFF calibration value and then test it with calibration(without the off cap) and switch off & on again.


So any results using the 2023 FW how the calibration behaves... are any change notes given from Hantek?

Hp

[yg188]

After flashing the device with a new firmware, it became 1832C again, I had to apply the Teixeluis method, everything worked out great.
But the device did not remember the calibration after turning off, I decided to try to enter the device into debug mode, while the red inscription "DEBUG" lights up on the device screen next to the battery, disconnected the device from the computer, the inscription remained, did the calibration open and closed, connected 1833C to computer, wrote the command "fact: save" and exited debug mode. Now, when you turn on the power, the device loads the calibration that I did.
Good luck!

Thank you, your post helped me save the calibration. I am very grateful to Russ3000 and teixeluis for your work.. I want to say that after saving the calibration through debugging mode, you can change the firmware to another (using DfuSeDemo) one and the calibration remains. I want to clarify for those who are interested in this. I entered debugging mode using the program "IOLibSuite" - Keysight Connection Expert 2023 - Keysight Interactive IO.
You need to connect Hantek via USB and turn it on.
I entered the following into the "Command" line:
1. *IDN?
2. calib:hantek_enter_debug_cmd
- Then, without turning off the device, disconnect it from the Computer and make the calibration open and closed. Then connect the device back to the computer via USB.
3. fact:save
4. calib:hantek_exit_debug_cmd
5. *IDN?
After each command, you need to click "Send& Read"
R.S. If the program does not see the Hantek 1832c, then you need to go to the Device Manager and install the "USB Test and Measurement Devices" driver, which is located on the computer after installing the program.

[ru_tash]

R.S. If the program does not see the Hantek 1832c, then you need to go to the Device Manager and install the "USB Test and Measurement Devices" driver, which is located on the computer after installing the program.

the main problem now - how to calibrate 1832C on 50, 75, 100khz frequencies.

[wind999]

I think that the calibration for freq 50, 75 and 100 khz are made in 1832c no matter is hacked or not, check the video. - Time after 6:32.

I have a question, does anyone successfully connected the Hantek meter with the Hantek1803C ver 1.0.7 Windows software? I tried everything.

[msuthar]

Here is my post at Hantek BBS few months ago regardig software to work with Win 11
https://www.eediscuss.com/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=18106&extra=page%3D1

After 2 days exploring now I found that LCR Meter connects to win 11 only by VISA drivers installed on PC.
do not install the supplied virtual com drivers by STM on pc ,the meter does not communicate with this com driver 100% as it is looking for VISA command set.
Drivers from Keysight   https://www.keysight.com/in/en/lib/software-detail/computer-software/io-libraries-suite-downloads-2175637.html
Keysight IO Libraries Suite 2023 Update 1 works with my setup.

[ru_tash]

I think that the calibration for freq 50, 75 and 100 khz are made in 1832c no matter is hacked or not, check the video. -

not exactly, it passes calibration procedure but not saved corresponded variables in the memory, so on those frequencies measurements are not correct.

[wind999]

I confirm what you have written on this forum, no calibration for freq 50khz-100khz. I made the measurements and indeed for 50khz a measured resistor the Theta angle moves from 0 to 50, and for 100khz even gone to 80degrees.

So, i read about this intervention in the passive components in the LCR meter, particularly C66-C69 capacitor on the PCB. Here https://www.creationfactory.co/2021/03/reverse-engineering-and-unlocking.html?showComment=1622733342560#c2775361835350856538 and on page 2 and Page 4 on this forum post. On page 4 user MIRW, suggested "it's not just the firmware you need to change, you have passive parts too, you mean replacing C66 and C67 with 10 and 100 pf".

So, has someone replaced these capacitors, and obtained the calibration? And what type are these capacitors 1206, 0806 or 0603SMD so I can order from AliExpress?

Someone has even suggested that removing these capacitors the meter works fine "If these capacitors are in 1833, then their capacity should be 3 times less, parallel to the 100kOhm calibration resistor was a 22pF capacitor, 10kOhm - 245pF. The device works great without these capacitors at all. It may be necessary to adjust at high frequencies by installing capacitors, but the capacitance must be calculated for a 100kHz filter." from the website - https://www.creationfactory.co/2021/03/reverse-engineering-and-unlocking.html?showComment=1622733342560#c2775361835350856538

[Randy222]

I confirm what you have written on this forum, no calibration for freq 50khz-100khz. I made the measurements and indeed for 50khz a measured resistor the Theta angle moves from 0 to 50, and for 100khz even gone to 80degrees.

So, i read about this intervention in the passive components in the LCR meter, particularly C66-C69 capacitor on the PCB. Here https://www.creationfactory.co/2021/03/reverse-engineering-and-unlocking.html?showComment=1622733342560#c2775361835350856538 and on page 2 and Page 4 on this forum post. On page 4 user MIRW, suggested "it's not just the firmware you need to change, you have passive parts too, you mean replacing C66 and C67 with 10 and 100 pf".

So, has someone replaced these capacitors, and obtained the calibration? And what type are these capacitors 1206, 0806 or 0603SMD so I can order from AliExpress?

Someone has even suggested that removing these capacitors the meter works fine "If these capacitors are in 1833, then their capacity should be 3 times less, parallel to the 100kOhm calibration resistor was a 22pF capacitor, 10kOhm - 245pF. The device works great without these capacitors at all. It may be necessary to adjust at high frequencies by installing capacitors, but the capacitance must be calculated for a 100kHz filter." from the website - https://www.creationfactory.co/2021/03/reverse-engineering-and-unlocking.html?showComment=1622733342560#c2775361835350856538

I think it was noted somewhere, the caps in 1833 were not 3x less, I think it was mentioned some were greater than the 1832.

[ru_tash]

So, has someone replaced these capacitors, and obtained the calibration? And what type are these capacitors 1206, 0806 or 0603SMD so I can order from AliExpress?

I tried remove C66, the smallest capacitor (56pF if I remember right) in the row, the removal spoiled measurements on frequencies 10-40KHz and not improved on frequencies 50-100kHz, so I returned it back.
I believe that hardware of 1832-1833 is identical, the issue is in the software(firmware).

[wind999]

Thank you ru_tash for sharing this information. In that case for now i will not intervene in the hardware of the 1832C, i will try to find something in the firmware. Maybe comparing 1832C and 1833C before and after calibration can tell as something. Anyway, thank you.

[wind999]

Does anyone know what command or button on the device will display this message. "STANDARD IMPEDANCE CALIBRATION. OPEN_SHORT CAL MUST BE COMPLETED FIRST. PRESS KEY TO START CAL (300mV)"

I just open the LCR2023041001.dfu with BeyondCompare to compare the old dfu (LCR2021061501.dfu) to see any changes. I noticed that this message is not displayed while standard calibration process is initiated. It can be found in both firmware’s, but the new one LCR2023041001.dfu, contained some changed values. However, the procedure exists in both firmware’s.

[wind999]

This is corrected post after several messurment on different resistors.
Here are the measurements for the 22ohms, 120 ohms, 1k, 10k, 22k, 100k and 1M ohms resistor as well as the Theta angel. See attachment. These measurments are done on Hntel 1832c just with the software modification mentioned in this forum, no hardware intervention.

The Theta angle is interesting, the value should remain 0,but i noticed three groups. First group measured between 8-120ohms, maybe more i didn't have other resistors, the 50-100Khz band remain with same Thetha angle, the second group is 1K to 10K, and the third group is 22k and 1M oms resistors. Are these the calibration models that the device is building, probably.

These measured values are very close to the measured value of djQUAN, after changing C66 and C67 capacitors, maybe some of them are better??. He wrote at page 3 "And the result with the 10k resistor test is more sensible but the reading has a slight rolloff. 9.66k from 100Hz to 40k then 9.57k @50khz, 9.52k @ 75kHz, 9.45k @100khz."

Maybe this confirms that the problem is in the firmware, not the hardware? But how so, when it is the same firmware for both devices. It would be nice if someone with the Hantek 1833c measures just for comparison the 10k resistor, and what the device will say.