So to make sure I understand, the mod to U1105 will work with FW 00.01.12 by shorting the # 7 and 8 pins on U1105 and that the pins DO NOT have to be lifted from the board. Is that correct?
Thanks!
Thebobster
Hi Gents, this evening i just received the VB1020 kit and the full software key.
Firetank:
Congratulations on you new DSA815-TG. I'm sure you will enjoy it very much. Although I want to to caution you that Rigol has been having problems with their 'expensive' VB1020 VSWR Bridge for the last couple of years. And as a result they have lowered the specifications a couple of time since it was initially released for production. I included a plot of one I tested for a friend in 2013, but please note that they have since reduced the Return Loss Specification to 20dB typical and 15dB minimum. So if you measure your new unit I expect that it could possibly be worse than my test results were.
I have included some links for Return Loss Bridges that are available. You can also use a Mini-Circuits Directional Coupler (although what you get will be what you will have). You may be happier using a Return Loss Loss Bridge (that can be adjusted and tweaked at least a little A/R), and there are several available at reasonable cost ($70 to $150 is reasonable). And then you may want something even better(?). All of the units I referenced I think are probably at least as good as the VB1020 (yes, I believe even the cheapest). I would recommend returning your VB1020 for full refund, and by the way you have the VSWR Key, so that will remain on your DSA. Tell them that the performance is way too low for your use of a RLB, and you will get your full refund. The VB10220 is a nice clean package, but it doesn't work very well for its intended purpose.
What should a RLB have for a minimum Return Loss (with the UUT port terminated with an excellent 50 ohm termination)? Ideally 30dB minimum for general hobbyist measurements, 35dB is preferred, and 45dB minimum for laboratory type measurements. The amount of error, either to the worst, or 'incorrectly' to the better, can be very significant even with a Return Loss Spec. of 30dB. You may want to to do a little research about RLB's to understand and appreciate this.
Not recommended, but very inexpensive: http://www.ebay.com/itm/100M-1000MHz-RF-Reflection-Bridge-VSWR-SWR-Bridge-Antenna-Analyzer-Module/171589343360?_trksid=p2047675.c100009.m1982&_trkparms=aid%3D777000%26algo%3DABA.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20131227121020%26meid%3Da0eb29102f10459ba35638440de62a60%26pid%3D100009%26prg%3D20131227121020%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D4%26
Again not recommended, but still inexpensive: http://www.ebay.com/itm/3MHz-1200MHz-RF-Reflection-Bridge-Directional-VSWR-SWR-Bridge-Antenna-Analyzer-/171521995972?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27ef81f4c4
Is 500MHz enough for you(?): http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-1-500-MHZ-reflection-bridge-standing-wave-bridge-rf-bridge-/111510492079?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19f68b13af
This may be a good option: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-1-1000MHz-1GHz-reflection-VSWR-bridge-bridge-bridge-RF-SWR-bridge-/131329059012?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e93d268c4
This is probably a Best choice: http://www.amtronix.com/rlb.htm Note that it needs a reference '50 Ohm Termination', and one to check its Return Loss* capability (* you will need this with any RLB you buy, or make).
Edit by Ted572: Added the following information. 1/10/2015: Added Mini-Circuits ZFDC-20-4 Return Loss Data.
Explore all of the available RLB options: Search eBay, Google, etc yourself. Do you want to buy or make yourself, and most important what capability suites your primary interest?
Recommended 50 Ohm Termination: Mini Circuits (MCL) model KARN-50-18+, N male connector, 2 Watts, DC to 18GHz, $14 each (brand new). http://www.minicircuits.com/pdfs/KARN-50-18+.pdf This is an excellent 50 Ohm Termination. You can spend up to ten times more money from other sources, but I don't think you will get any better quality than what this unit has. If you are going to build your own RLB, then I suggest getting at least two (2). One for the reference termination, and one to use for checking (calibration) for your available Return Loss. You can see a KARN-50-18+ on the back side of my RLB (50 Ohm REF).
As to the power sweep issue. My SA arrived this morning and one of the first things I did was confirm...
He assigned me a case number and stated he would keep me informed. I trust this will be helpful to those interested,
Re. Post 567, 568, and 569: The Key here is that name removed at Rigol (email removed) is UNAWARE, was UNAWARE 3 months ago, will still be UNAWARE 3 months from now, and is Fully Incompetent. Ask him about any of the Rigol equipment and you will find out that he's not that familiar with it, or Simply UNAWARE. Rigol has enough problems with their firmware booming out years after product release, and them they have guys like name removed in Product Support. What are they thinking? They essentially have very nice affordable products and then they screw it all up with Firmware issues and a UNAWARE Product Support Specialist.
... is NOT functioning..
... is NOT functioning..
I give them 40 days to fix it. If there will be not a new FW, I will never buy a Rigol again.
A pissed off customer which thinks never go cheap again.
Please be kind and take this as a legitimate question/concern. Rigol has a 3 year warranty, which is void if you make any mods, such as the mod to "stop the clock" on trial keys. If, within 3 years, the device breaks, what do you do???
I understand the advantages of making the mod, but am trying to decide if the features gained are worth the risk of having a device that is no longer under warranty.
Has anybody tried using a block down-converter to throw Wi-Fi Freqs into the freq range of the 815 so they can be monitored?
If so, any recommendations on hardware? I understand that it won't be frequency accurate nor the cleanest way to do it, and there will be the frequency conversion issues, noise, measurements would be uncalibrated etc etc... This is mainly to point antennas etc.
Thanks!
1. Can I safely upgrade to v1.09 or v1.12? and will all my unlocked options still be available?
2. What version should I upgrade too?, from the rigol website I can only get the v1.12?
3. If I want to have the v1.09 where to get it?
4. Is there any website I can download older versions? to revert back?
Hi all,
Just found this great forum and this topic about the 815.
Maybe this has been passed many times, but I have some questions about the firmware.
And I want to absolutely be sure I am having it all understood right.
I was reading about the v1.09 and the v1.12 firmware.
My DSA has the v1.07 firmware with the v1.03 bootloader.
All features unlocked "forever"
1. Can I safely upgrade to v1.09 or v1.12? and will all my unlocked options still be available?
2. What version should I upgrade too?, from the rigol website I can only get the v1.12?
3. If I want to have the v1.09 where to get it?
4. Is there any website I can download older versions? to revert back?
Hope someone can point me out where to go and what to do..
73
Bjorn de PD5DJ