The device does not have a real-time clock. This is the best they can do with the hardware-it writes to the I2C FRAM chip at a specified interval as a function of the main clock frequency. It does not know the true time.
Just use riglol and unlock the features.
Valid points of contention, however, I never worried about this because I purchased my Rigol DP832 knowing I could easily have all the options for no additional costs (RigLOL). Naturally, I waited to make the options "Official" until I knew I was 100% keeping my unit and everything was good to go (cannot be reverted, could affect warranty coverage). With Rigol being a Chinese manufacturer, I have absolutely no problem justifying this decision.
-Kris
Good points, I've had mine for a few days. I'm 99.999% certain I'm keeping it. So I gamble that I wont need warranty work or that I can uninstall it with SCPI later.
Seeing how this feature works and is activated, not sure even RIGOL can tell if the codes are from RigLOL or them.
After successfully installing all the options on my unit, I tested the SCPI method to uninstall option licenses (just as a test) and it failed (exactly as others have reported). I believe a firmware update at some point in the past broke the SCPI license uninstall option (maybe intentionally, maybe not).Seeing how this feature works and is activated, not sure even RIGOL can tell if the codes are from RigLOL or them.
When a legitimate option license key is obtained, you visit THIS FORM and enter your unit S/N, so, they would know. However, whether a Rigol repair technician would bother checking is the unknown.
With that being said, I too was willing to accept the risk so I installed all the option license keys. It's a little tedious entering all those keys, so be careful, if you make too many mistakes, I believe you get locked out from entering keys for 12 runtime hours. Good luck!
-Kris
Oh crap... So well I guess for now I can't uninstall. I took the word of another forum user that it could be done. I got all excited about the ability to do this that I rushed thru it without thinking it thru and doing some more research.
I used SCPI to install the keys one at a time, using copy and paste. Was pretty quick and painless. It was a matter of seconds and the display went from "trial" to "Official". I cycled power and confirmed everything was still good.
I guess RIGOL could technically know if their servers do not have record of the serial number. Never crossed my mind, I knew from Dave's video that it was web based. Maybe all their web activation process does is generate the keys like RIGOLOL, and have no recording or data base. I also have to wonder that even if it did record this info that this info would be linked or shared to the repair centers or part of the repair centers validation of warranty beyond a proof of purchase of the actual supply.
But if you think about it, why would a non-oem license key invalidate the units warranty? Its just a key to turn the feature on. It doesn't download or install the program to run any feature. The features are already included in the unit. It's not like installing a program on a computer that trashes the registry or causes operational errors.
That would be the same as Toyota denying my claim for a faulty motor sensor on my car because I have aftermarket wheels or installed a Kenwood radio instead of using the OEM one.
I hope..
...Either way, someone has sent their device back to Rigol for warranty repair, generated codes and all, and not a word was said. Some people have even received "new" devices that came unlocked (probably customer returns re-sold as new). Voiding a warranty for typing a code into the front of the device seems extremely questionable, but imagine the PR nightmare if a warranty claim was denied--I just can't see that happening...
Sorry if I steered you wrong on the uninstall, I gave you my best understanding. However it's unlikely you'll need to return your device if you are happy with it and it has been burned in/running for a while. I have not heard many complaints about the new DP832 hardware (with the better LM317 heat sink). New design seems pretty bulletproof for what it is.
:LIC:CLEAR
You won't see any confirmation on the screen, but also no error message like incorrect remote command :)FYI: you can uninstall all licenses on the DP832 with this SCPI command:Code: [Select]:LIC:CLEAR
You won't see any confirmation on the screen, but also no error message like incorrect remote command
so long,
Hias
:SYSTem:OPTion:UNINSTall
The device does not have a real-time clock. This is the best they can do with the hardware-it writes to the I2C FRAM chip at a specified interval as a function of the main clock frequency. It does not know the true time.
The device does not have a real-time clock. This is the best they can do with the hardware-it writes to the I2C FRAM chip at a specified interval as a function of the main clock frequency. It does not know the true time.
Even in that implementation, it should be possible to implement it slightly more intelligent, in such a way that the clock event is only committed and registered when you are actually using the specific trial feature of the scope.
They could implement this with a Finite State Machine, that keeps track in which mode of the scope you are. They can do the actual registration at the lower level in hardware, but should put some more intelligence at a higher level in software, to mask the clock event when you are not using the actual trial option.
Ideally they should split this for the different trial options, so that you can wear out one trial option faster than another trial option, and use the respective trial options individually at your own pace.
FYI: you can uninstall all licenses on the DP832 with this SCPI command:Code: [Select]:LIC:CLEAR
You won't see any confirmation on the screen, but also no error message like incorrect remote command
so long,
Hias
That's great! Did you do this on the current firmware? I'll have to give it a try when I get a chance.
Should be able to remove the license then reinstall them with no issues....right?
is that command not in the SCPI reference in the manual? (I have no dp832 so I have not looked at the manual)
There is a programming manual that lists "all" the SCPI commands. It's on the Rigol site, titled "DP800 Programming Guide". It is 205 pages in length, but does not contain ":LIC:CLEAR", which if it works, may be undocumented.
The SCPI command table seems to be located at around 0x00F0EC00. You can read it with ":SYST:UTIL:READ? 15789057,20000"...
so long,
Hias
HiassofT posted in another Rigol thread about dumping the "SCPI command table" (see below quote), so I believe he performed the same analysis on the DP832 and discovered the undocumented command (my theory).
The gel files are encoded. In the I2C hacking thread, someone posted a de-gel utility for decoding the files.