Siglent SSA3021X or SSA3021X-Plus?

[807]

After many decades of using my beloved HP8591E spectrum analyzer, I think it's time to treat myself to a brand new one. Without the option 130, the minimum resolution bandwith on the HP is 1kHz, which is limiting the kinds of signals I want to look at. But I'm not sure whether to go for the Siglent SSA3021X or the Plus version. The plus version is around £200 more (£1600 compared to £1400). I'm not a fan of touch screens, so will probably never use it.

I'm also wondering which model is the easiest to hack to 3.2GHz? I'm not that concerned about crossflashing to SVA, I just want a decent spectrum analyzer. Over the last couple of days I've read through this entire thread:-

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hack-of-sigllent-spectrum-analyzer-ssa3021x/

and also the last 20 pages or so from this thread:-

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-ssa3000x-spectrum-analyzers/msg4357723/#msg4357723

Despite a few members posting a summary of what needs doing every now & again, it still gets confusing as to what needs to be done with units having the latest firmware. Am I right in thinking that telnet is not open on latest firmware, but can be forced open using one of the other ports? Then, is it just a question of running the python script to choose which options to open up & extend to 3.2GHz bandwidth? Or is there more to it than that?

I'm surprised that there aren't any reviews of the Plus model on Youtube, apart from one by Tony Albus.

[tautech]

Get the Plus for the few additional features.
Like you I don't use a touch screen unless I'm in a hurry where it is a timesaver or better still plug in a mouse.

Demodulation, touch, a better EMI mode are all things the Plus provides for little additional cost.
Only the Plus shares the same HW as SVA.

[807]

Yep. The fact that it's a newer design & shares the SVA hardware is leaning me towards the Plus, but the 3.2GHz hack is also a selling point for me.

If it's still hackable with current firmware then it's no contest, but if it isn't then...Hmmm.

[Bicurico]

The Plus model is a no-brainer. The price difference is very small.

With the now public key-gen you can upgrade the bandwidth to 3.2GHz and activate all options.

If you then dare a cross-flash, you will effectively transform the Siglent SSA3021X-P into a Siglent SVA3032.

While the corss-flash can, in theory, be made impossible to the common user by Siglent, they cannot change the fact that the key-gen exists, unless they upgrade all users, which would be a major problem for all involved.

But beware that the SVA capabilities are not that great (comparable to a a NanoVNA?) nor are the demodulation capabilities (get a dedicated field meter if you need heigher stream rates). It's nice to have, but with limited usability, in my opinion.

Regards,
Vitor

[807]

Yeah. I'm not that concerned about cross flashing to SVA. I just want a decent spectrum analyzer. I already have a NanoVNA-F V2 which is OK for my use.

If the Plus can be extended to 3.2GHz & options unlocked, then that's good enough for me. I'll have to re-read the 2 threads again, as my understanding was that the cross flashing is done before the keygen, so wasn't sure if the Plus had to be cross flashed to SVA before applying the keygen?

I'll order the Plus on Monday anyway & take it from there.

Edit...just noticed, my 100th post. 

[Bicurico]

You just use the key gen script for the SSA-P model.

[mitb67]

Hi,
Seems that the python keygen does not work with fw > 3.2.2.5.1R1. I have a newer release and codes are invalid.
Did they change the hash ?

BR
mitb67

[807]

Hi,
Seems that the python keygen does not work with fw > 3.2.2.5.1R1. I have a newer release and codes are invalid.
Did they change the hash ?

BR
mitb67

Oh! Now I'm dithering again. 

I see youv'e asked a question in the main thread. I might postpone my order until you get a reply.

[Bicurico]

Since most people don't own a device shipped with this FW version, it is kind of hard to say if Siglent change anything or not.

My bet is that you are doing something wrong.

[807]

I went with the Plus which arrived today. Gave it a workout before making any changes. Having it side by side with my old HP 8591E really brings home how sharp & clear the display is. Much bigger too, which helps my ageing eyes!. Very impressed. The lower RBW really makes a difference when measuring close-in sidebands, which were lost when using the HP.

Used the web interface instrument control to upgrade it. Found it easy using the pc keyboard. I did the options individually. They all worked except the Refl option, which said it was invalid. Tried it 3 times, so I know it wasn't finger trouble.

Thumbs up to the clever guys on this forum. 

Firmware 3.2.2.5.1R20

[G8UUG]

Hi where did you get the script, as need to turn on some options?

KR

Andrew

[807]

Hi where did you get the script, as need to turn on some options?

KR

Andrew

I've posted a link in the other thread.