New Rigol 16-bit function generators DG800/900 series

[Gandalf_Sr]

So my DG811 came with fw vn 00.01.08.00.01 and I was able to upgrade to DG992 (and keep my serial number) with the magic USB drive but TV84's version of 01.08 was never installed on mine so what should I do to get to 02.04?

[tv84]

so what should I do to get to 02.04?

If you already upgraded yours to DG992 you can flash 2.04 without problems.

[maxwell3e10]

I can also confirm that it worked and I now have a DG811 "upgraded" to DG992 running firmware 2.04.

For me the process of downgrading with 1.08.00.01 v5 and then upgrading to 2.04 did not work and resulted in the device becoming a DG811 again. But after using the  Finish_Upgrade_2.04 script the device reverted back to being a DG992.

Thank you bulba99 and tv84!

Just to confirm, after installing version 2.04, you put the Finish_Upgrade.GEL file on memory stick and performed the firmware upgrade?

[Powernun]

I can also confirm that it worked and I now have a DG811 "upgraded" to DG992 running firmware 2.04.

For me the process of downgrading with 1.08.00.01 v5 and then upgrading to 2.04 did not work and resulted in the device becoming a DG811 again. But after using the  Finish_Upgrade_2.04 script the device reverted back to being a DG992.

Thank you bulba99 and tv84!

Just to confirm, after installing version 2.04, you put the Finish_Upgrade.GEL file on memory stick and performed the firmware upgrade?

Yes, I did the one with the device booted:

• Boot the device
• Insert the flash drive
• Popup appears, select OK
• Done!

[tv84]

Damn!

DAVID, the forum needs a deep patch!   

My msg here has an attachment that has nothing to do with what I attached and that many people were able to download. Now it's become an attachment that I made in another thread! 

Guys, I don't have access to my initial file at the moment. I'll (try to) correct it when I get back home.

DON'T FLASH IT.  (It should do no harm but...)  I've reported this to Dave.

Many of you know that some of my attachments execute some changes to the equipments. By chance the file  that replaced the initial one is inocuous (in a DG800/900) BUT what if it wasn't...   

EDIT: I re-attached a correct file. (The forum still has an attachments bug and I haven't heard from Dave about it...)

[jhenderson0107]

Configuring the DG992 (firmware 00.01.08.00.01) for LAN communications using a known-available static IP, it reports 'lan connection successful' on the GUI after booting.  However, subsequent communications attempts are unsuccessful.  Pings fail and the device cannot be detected as an LXI device on the network using NI MAX.  Several different uncommitted static IP addresses were tried and also behave identically.  However, configuring the instrument to use a DHCP -assigned address allows it respond and be controlled as expected.  Has anyone else observed this behavior? 

[bulba99]

Has anyone else observed this behavior?

With firmware 02.04 it works fine.
DHCP=Off, AutoIP=Off, ManualIP=On

[jhenderson0107]

Thanks bulba99, I'll give it a try. 

[klamath]

b]EDIT: I re-attached a correct file. (The forum still has an attachments bug and I haven't heard from Dave about it...)[/b]

many tanks tv84, your patch works very well,

the ultimade upgrade how-to mini guide:

dgXXX with oem firmware = 01.08
in 01.08 firmware follow tv84 guide https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/new-rigol-16-bit-function-generators-dg800900-series/msg2420391/#msg2420391, then upgrade to the latest firmware.


dgXXX with oem firmware => 01.09
1) downgrade with 01.08 cwf (many thanks evgbog. https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/new-rigol-16-bit-function-generators-dg800900-series/msg3017342/#msg3017342)

2) change model type (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/new-rigol-16-bit-function-generators-dg800900-series/msg2420391/#msg2420391)

3) apply tv84 ultimade patch (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/new-rigol-16-bit-function-generators-dg800900-series/msg3119264/#msg3119264)

NB: I'have apply this patch in 02.02 firmware, but i don't knows if it work in any firmware, need more test.

4) upgrade to the latest firmware 02.04

[PushUp]

Damn!

DAVID, the forum needs a deep patch!   

EDIT: I re-attached a correct file. (The forum still has an attachments bug and I haven't heard from Dave about it...)

Probably Dave took some used hardware from his "Dumpster Findings"! 

[Vtech]

Recently I've acquired DG812. While playing with it I've connected 0/10V square wave from its output to counter input not realizing that it is rated to only +-2.5V (wtf??? cannot even tolerate its own output? ). Counter didn't work and I cannot get it to work. It shows something only at the exact moment of connecting cable to counter input and after that it shows 0. Have I fried counter input? Looking at teardown photos in this thread I see 49.9R series resistor and some limiting diodes on counter input. I think it should survive "slight" overvoltage or am I wrong?

Edit: After some fiddling with settings I've managed to get the counter working but only when coupling is set to DC. On ac coupling it doesn't work o matter what.

[thm_w]

Recently I've acquired DG812. While playing with it I've connected 0/10V square wave from its output to counter input not realizing that it is rated to only +-2.5V (wtf??? cannot even tolerate its own output? ). Counter didn't work and I cannot get it to work. It shows something only at the exact moment of connecting cable to counter input and after that it shows 0. Have I fried counter input? Looking at teardown photos in this thread I see 49.9R series resistor and some limiting diodes on counter input. I think it should survive "slight" overvoltage or am I wrong?

Edit: After some fiddling with settings I've managed to get the counter working but only when coupling is set to DC. On ac coupling it doesn't work o matter what.

2.5V is the trigger voltage, not the input range.
I don't think many people are using it as a counter.

[Vtech]

2.5V is the trigger voltage, not the input range.
I don't think many people are using it as a counter.

Front panel label as well as User Manual dares to disagree.

Wonder what "Disruptive Discharge Voltage" means It is also very nice that parameters in datasheet don't match user manual and label on the instrument

[thm_w]

Front panel label as well as User Manual dares to disagree.

Wonder what "Disruptive Discharge Voltage" means It is also very nice that parameters in datasheet don't match user manual and label on the instrument

Yeah you are right.

If we look at Toms great teardown photos: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/new-rigol-16-bit-function-generators-dg800900-series/msg2419776/#msg2419776
Input goes through a 50R resistor, into a "JY" SOT23, then splits off into some R/C and B4U SOT23 and TL072.
JY appears to be BAV199.

So whatever +/- rails its clamping to should be the limit of the input.
Whether those are the main instrument rails, or only ~+/-8V as the manual implies, I'm not sure.

[bd139]

Counter is completely shit on them and the DG1000Z units. I would just stick a cap on it and not use it.

[ultranalog]

It sounds to me that 'disruptive discharge' means they've tested it to withstand over voltage pulses to 7V.

Good thing I've only used it with a 10x probe so far...

[bitseeker]

Counter is completely shit on them and the DG1000Z units. I would just stick a cap on it and not use it.

Mine hasn't been uncapped since unboxing.

[Vtech]

Counter is completely shit on them and the DG1000Z units. I would just stick a cap on it and not use it.

Can you elaborate why? At least it has gate time option and 9 digits so it is slightly better than counter in MSO5000. Mine is not working on AC coupling

[Vtech]

As I have just successfully upgraded my DG812 to DG992 I would like to post yet another summary of the required steps.

0. Note your DG's serial number if you care.

1. If you have software version higher than 00.01.08.xx.xx you need to downgrade to version 1.08 using specially modified GEL file to allow downgrade (as described by evgbog here: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/new-rigol-16-bit-function-generators-dg800900-series/msg3017342/#msg3017342).
My contribution is that I've prepared modified GEL file, available here (new link):
https://1drv.ms/u/s!Apl2P2E_LZQ_sYgtAQ4Tv2gbLjiujA
Put the file on USB stick, plug it into your DG and accept "update" when popup shows. WARNING! This "upgrade" will reset your SN to DG80000000001 but convert your unit into DG992 immediately. This is the effect of the downgrade itself - the firmware is official Rigol firmware. The modification only changes the boot script to allow downgrade.

As a side note, I don't see a point in using hex editor in evgbog method of preparing the GEL. Those GELs are tar files as mentioned by tv84. I prepared the file by simply untaring it, decrypting fw4uboot.sh, modifying it, encrypting it back (you need to maintain file size) and finally TARing everything back into GEL file using 7zip.

2. Prepare a "magic" USB stick. Format USB stick as FAT32 (stick MUST BE BIGGER than 1GB). Open it in HxD editor as LOGICAL DISK (not physical disk - I did that mistake) Tools->Open Disk (uncheck "open as readonly"). Jump to sector 2000000 (sector field is at the top right corner). Enter value manually or use "Paste write" in edit menu (Ctrl+B). Magic value: 0B0A3B2E5F4CECBE

3. Insert the magic stick into DG (make sure it is recognized and USB icon is shown) and connect the instrument with the computer (using USB A-B cable and downloading Rigol's bloatware UltraSigma is the easiest way). Open SCPI command panel, check communication by issuing *IDN? command (use Send & Read). Send command :PROJ:SN DGxxxxxxxxxx with your correct SN number noted in step 0 (use Send command, DO NOT USE Send & Read). Verify if it worked by sending another *IDN? command - it should report back with correct serial number. Now send command :PROJ:MODE DG992. You can disconnect the instrument from PC and remove USB stick.

4. Edit: This step is only needed if your purchase version was higher than v1.08 and you did step 1 Download tv84's "Finish_Upgrade_2.04.zip" from this post: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/new-rigol-16-bit-function-generators-dg800900-series/msg3119264/#msg3119264
Put this GEL file on USB stick, plug into DG and confirm update when popup shows.

5. Download official 2.04 firmware from Rigol: https://int.rigol.com/Public/Uploads/uploadfile/files/ftp/DG/软固件/SardineII(ARM)Update-v00.02.04.00.00.rar
No logging in required
Put GEL file on USB stick (delete the previous one), upgrade DG and enjoy
Serial number should be kept and model should be DG992.

All credits go to tv84, bulba99, evgbog and others who helped to create this hack!

[tv84]

As I have just successfully upgraded my DG812 to DG992 I would like to post yet another summary of the required steps.

Generically, I think that sums it up.

[Luckygecko]

My notes based on Vtech's post (and other's work). There were a couple of little things I was not sure of, so I cover them here in case others have the same questions. I'm grateful for the hard work of others making this possible.  ( My unit DG821 just bought on current --July 2020-- 'clearance' $251USD was on version 1.08 )


Since mine came with version 1.08 already, I could skip to step two on Vtech's list.

2. Prepare a "magic" USB stick. Format USB stick as FAT32 (stick MUST BE BIGGER than 1GB). Open it in HxD editor as LOGICAL DISK (not physical disk - I did that mistake) Tools->Open Disk (uncheck "open as readonly"). Jump to sector 2000000 (sector field is at the top right corner). Enter value manually or use "Paste write" in edit menu (Ctrl+B). Magic value: 0B0A3B2E5F4CECBE

I did this from Windows 10.  For good measure I DISKPART cleaned the drive, Disk Manager simple volume and formated it FAT32. Used Tools menu in HxD64 to open drive H: (your dive will/may be different. Make sure you have the correct one selected) (16gb Sandisk Cruzer in my case) went to sector offset 2000000 and manually entered the hex string. File menu save. Exited HxD64 and used Windows File Explorer to eject the disk safely.  Note, there were no other files on the disk, you do not need to write any image onto the file. Just make those hex changes to the sector offset.



While the DG821 was running, I inserted the usb thumb drive. A "waiting' popup appeard and the USB icon appeared into the upper right.


3. Insert the magic stick into DG (make sure it is recognized and USB icon is shown) and connect the instrument with the computer (using USB A-B cable and downloading Rigol's bloatware UltraSigma is the easiest way). Open SCPI command panel, check communication by issuing *IDN? command (use Send & Read). Send command :PROJ:SN DGxxxxxxxxxx with your correct SN number noted in step 0 (use Send command, DO NOT USE Send & Read). Verify if it worked by sending another *IDN? command - it should report back with correct serial number. Now send command :PROJ:MODE DG992. You can disconnect the instrument from PC and remove USB stick.

I connected it to the PC and used the SCPI Command function of Ultra Sigma. 

(This text is from ultranalog's post with my notes())

Code: [Select]

-> *IDN?              (Use Send and Receive button)
<- (Return Count:55)
Rigol Technologies,DG821,DG8A123456789,00.01.08.00.01

-> :PROJ:MODE DG992   (Send button only)
-> *IDN?                        (Use Send and Receive button)
<- (Return Count:55)
Rigol Technologies,DG992,DG8A123456789,00.01.08.00.01
 I removed the cable. I had to do a power off at this point.  I powered back on the unit and the screen text background changed to red/orange colors and I could see the icon for channel two. 

SEE TV84's post below: I did not need this step:

Step 4. Finish_Upgrade_2.04.zip is only needed if your purchase version was higher than v1.08.
4. Download tv84's "Finish_Upgrade_2.04.zip" from this post: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/new-rigol-16-bit-function-generators-dg800900-series/msg3119264/#msg3119264
Put this GEL file on USB stick, plug into DG and confirm update when popup shows.

Unit will reboot on it's on at this point.

I copied and overwrote tv84's patch with the larger factory firmware. I turned the unit off and let it boot again before doing final upgrade.

5. Download official 2.04 firmware from Rigol: https://int.rigol.com/Public/Uploads/uploadfile/files/ftp/DG/软固件/SardineII(ARM)Update-v00.02.04.00.00.rar
No logging in required
Put GEL file on USB stick (delete the previous one), upgrade DG and enjoy
Serial number should be kept and model should be DG992.

All credits go to tv84, bulba99, evgbog and others who helped to create this hack!

I inserted the USB while the unit was running. It was in 'waiting' mode for a while, be patient. Select yes to the update prompt (don't forget that it is simple as using the touch screen).  Then the unit automatically rebooted and started writing the firmware flash space. I removed the USB after the screen went black during reboot. I powered off once again when it was finished and powered up I'm left with this success: 







(I can remove that little while option cap)


(soapbox)
I am pleased. While currently I understand (based on other's tests) the unit is more on par with DG952, that is more than fine with my use. If DG952 performance, I gained a second channel, extra memory, and double the signal rate/sample rate. 

Currently in the states the DG821 is a couple dollars cheaper than the DG811.    I'm assuming they are the same hardware, but at least in the case of the DG821 you know it factory tested at 25Mhz.     Ethically, I feel I'm in a gray area with this weird software limited hardware.   But, I'm not using mine for profit so I don't see it much different than performance tuning 'unlocks' on a car.    Rigol did not lose any money in my case.  I would have adapted my personal learning projects to the equipment I could afford (DG821) because I did not have the budget for more. In a way, this makes me like their product better.
(/soapbox)

[tv84]

Step 4. Finish_Upgrade_2.04.zip is only needed if your purchase version was higher than v1.08.

[Luckygecko]

Well, I'm glad I did not brick it.   That's information I missed.  I updated my post with your information. 

[AZTLAN]

Can anyone post the complete backup of the firmware.  I think my firmware is corrupt i have firmware 1.08.00.01 



Thanks
Aztlan

[TK]

As I have just successfully upgraded my DG812 to DG992 I would like to post yet another summary of the required steps.

0. Note your DG's serial number if you care.

1. If you have software version higher than 00.01.08.xx.xx you need to downgrade to version 1.08 using specially modified GEL file to allow downgrade (as described by evgbog here: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/new-rigol-16-bit-function-generators-dg800900-series/msg3017342/#msg3017342).
My contribution is that I've prepared modified GEL file, available here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/16nC-uJ12MXilJElv4Eukvt1IW4RzGdb7/view?usp=sharing
Put the file on USB stick, plug it into your DG and accept "update" when popup shows. WARNING! This "upgrade" will reset your SN to DG80000000001 but convert your unit into DG992 immediately. This is the effect of the downgrade itself - the firmware is official Rigol firmware. The modification only changes the boot script to allow downgrade.

As a side note, I don't see a point in using hex editor in evgbog method of preparing the GEL. Those GELs are tar files as mentioned by tv84. I prepared the file by simply untaring it, decrypting fw4uboot.sh, modifying it, encrypting it back (you need to maintain file size) and finally TARing everything back into GEL file using 7zip.

2. Prepare a "magic" USB stick. Format USB stick as FAT32 (stick MUST BE BIGGER than 1GB). Open it in HxD editor as LOGICAL DISK (not physical disk - I did that mistake) Tools->Open Disk (uncheck "open as readonly"). Jump to sector 2000000 (sector field is at the top right corner). Enter value manually or use "Paste write" in edit menu (Ctrl+B). Magic value: 0B0A3B2E5F4CECBE

3. Insert the magic stick into DG (make sure it is recognized and USB icon is shown) and connect the instrument with the computer (using USB A-B cable and downloading Rigol's bloatware UltraSigma is the easiest way). Open SCPI command panel, check communication by issuing *IDN? command (use Send & Read). Send command :PROJ:SN DGxxxxxxxxxx with your correct SN number noted in step 0 (use Send command, DO NOT USE Send & Read). Verify if it worked by sending another *IDN? command - it should report back with correct serial number. Now send command :PROJ:MODE DG992. You can disconnect the instrument from PC and remove USB stick.

4. Edit: This step is only needed if your purchase version was higher than v1.08 and you did step 1 Download tv84's "Finish_Upgrade_2.04.zip" from this post: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/new-rigol-16-bit-function-generators-dg800900-series/msg3119264/#msg3119264
Put this GEL file on USB stick, plug into DG and confirm update when popup shows.

5. Download official 2.04 firmware from Rigol: https://int.rigol.com/Public/Uploads/uploadfile/files/ftp/DG/软固件/SardineII(ARM)Update-v00.02.04.00.00.rar
No logging in required
Put GEL file on USB stick (delete the previous one), upgrade DG and enjoy
Serial number should be kept and model should be DG992.

All credits go to tv84, bulba99, evgbog and others who helped to create this hack!

Maybe I am missing something, but if you have the DG811 with any firmware version, then upgrade to 2.04, then downgrade to 2.02 you end up with a DG992 with the original serial number...

What is the point of downgrading all the way to 1.08?