Rigol 832 vs 832A differences

[drummerdimitri]

After browsing the web for some time it seems to me that they are identical in hardware except for the more colorful scheme on the exterior front panel of the 832A model.

It is my understanding that the 832 can be hacked to match the exact functions and specifications of the A model so why would one pay an extra 200$ or more to get it?

I love the styling of the 832A and would actually consider paying 100$ extra for the different design however the actual cost seems exaggerated for the same hardware.

Am I missing something here? Should I just get the 832 and be done with it?

[maginnovision]

Yes, just get the 832 and be done with it.

[ted572]

Hello drummerdimitri:
See ->  https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/need-help-hacking-dp832-for-multicolour-option/msg2320485/#msg2320485   And in 5 or 10 minutes you can have a DP832A (with full color) from a less expensive DP832.  I made simple step by step notes on doing this from the info there and it was easy.  I sent the SCPI command via USB using EEVbloger 'PeDre' Messinstrumente (Measuring instruments - program for data transfer and control) which is very easy and fast. Good luck and you should be able to do this quickly from the info in the link above.  Its all there!  'tossu' with 'volkimel' and 'tv84' are a 'Top Shelf Team' for sure.

Edit: By request, here is a English link to 'Messinstrumente' (Measuring instruments - program for data transfer and control) ->  https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=de&u=http://peter.dreisiebner.at/messinstrumente/index.htm

[drummerdimitri]

Thanks for the help.

One more question before I pull the trigger: Can I get a mAh and/or Wh reading in conjuction with the power reading?

[JxR]

Thanks for the help.

One more question before I pull the trigger: Can I get a mAh and/or Wh reading in conjuction with the power reading?

Having previously owned one of these power supplies for a few years, I can tell you that the DP832(A) does not provide this as far as I'm aware.  Your only option would be to log the data over time and do the calculations yourself.  Almost no power supplies provide this information built in, and I have only seen it on a couple of models.

[ted572]

See  https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/need-help-hacking-dp832-for-multicolour-option/msg2540175/#msg2540175  for a picture of a DP832 conversion to a DP832A.