R&S UPL - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Raziel92
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2023, 04:54:58 pm
content: Hello, im considering buying R&S UPL and have few questions1. For what I should look? I mean how to examine the unit condition? Few of the units on ebay are with actuall R&S calibration, its sign of good condition?2. Its possible to decode production year from serial number? Or it doesnt metter if its few years order or newer?3. What is reasonable price for unit in good condition with basic options?

author: JeremyC
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 09, 2023, 11:04:24 pm
content: Quote from: Raziel92 on November 09, 2023, 04:54:58 pmIf you’re searching for analog analyzer, you should check the QA403 from QuantAsylum, it cost only ~$599.00.Link:https://quantasylum.com/products/qa403-audio-analyzerIf you have a reason to buy the R&S you should ask for traceable calibration cert (I’m assuming that the reason to buy it is to satisfy an audiophile client of yours).

author: Raziel92
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 11, 2023, 04:02:33 pm
content: QA is a nice unit and cheap but I need stand alone device, thats why im not considering QA and AP for example.

author: Inside21
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2023, 05:33:53 am
content: 1. Output connect to input and look. (Device have old win95 computer + 2 ADC + 2 DAC) internal generator connect to internal voltmeter thru exteral cable.2. don`t know3. -any price (audio measurements not needed now, because audiotechnika and audiophils is died) + inflationR&S stop production last audioanalyzer UPV 2 years ago, tektronics (sony) too. bruel&kjaer is saled to Hottinger (now is "HBK world")for UPL i have 4 Gb software (disk image too)if you need it, i may send this by telegram (+7 903 741 5039 + Алексей Осипов + photo of Nefarius)

author: Raziel92
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 17, 2023, 05:36:12 pm
content: I think i found one suitable device, about 3300 euro, but the unit looks like new, display is so bright that camera cant take proper photo.It has new CPU fan, new backup battery and new hdd (unfirtunately not cf or ssd) just new old type spinning disk

author: Raziel92
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2023, 09:33:25 pm
content: Im still thinking about at which to decide, get the UPL or maybe Audio Precision ATS-2AP is almost 10 years younger, but I do preffer stand-alone devices

author: Inside21
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2023, 04:08:33 am
content: Of course UPL, because it is an independentmeasurementdevice.

author: KeBeNe
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2023, 04:46:48 am
content: Quote from: Raziel92 on November 17, 2023, 05:36:12 pmDo you want to earn money with it?If so, don't bother with such old devices, unless you love the excitement of a fault.If not and you enjoy such devices, including troubleshooting and repair, then go for it.You have to decide for yourself whether these devices are worth €3300, the costs that the seller has invested are less than €100.Does he give you a guarantee?Do you have a link to the seller?

author: Raziel92
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2023, 05:48:08 am
content: I need it in my audio repair shop, so yes it will work for itself.6 months guaranteehttps://www.ebay.pl/itm/295108283772?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=4908-175131-2357-0&ssspo=QCqqpFnQRPC&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=kklvbqjftda&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2023, 06:15:15 am
content: I don't know what the European market looks like for UPLs, but that's probably at least 1.5x the price of what I'd expect in the US. It's an old unit, as mentioned before its successor of something like 15 years has already been discontinued. That said, it's got pretty good options and if it's got a guarantee and will be used for a business, maybe it's worth what they're asking.The trouble with the AP units before they went with USB is that their APIB interface needs a special PCI card or converter box, both of which are expensive and limit you to older host machines (or at least VMs on a newer machine), so while capable units, probably not so usable.There is also a good bit of service information/uploaded firmware/etc from hobbyists online, so if something happens to it and you're willing to work on it, there is reasonable chance of repair.

author: Raziel92
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2023, 06:25:24 am
content: There are custom apib-usb interface for system one and system twoAMD the ATS-2 wbich i consider had oem interface usbAs for the UPL prices, ofc ther are a lot of units for the price approx 2000-2500 dolars, but they are older with clearly signs of thousands hours of usage

author: DaJMasta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2023, 06:44:31 am
content: Yes, and the USB adapter is often $300+ and may not work on a modern OS (still needs drivers). It can probably be done in an XP VM, but it's another layer of complexity to the system at a fair percentage of the price for the unit, so it's at least worth considering.Not sure why you think this UPL is newer - they haven't made them in 20 years. Expect it to have just as many hours and a similar age to other units - if you get a Windows 95 based unit, you have a new one, a good number were DOS. That said, from the lack of yellowing from the plastics, this one probably wasn't kept near a window. Yes it looks nice and was probably well cared for (wouldn't be surprised if the LCD or backlight is just a new replacement), but that doesn't mean you're getting a newer instrument.Not sure if there's availability, but the Prism Sound dScope III is a pretty capable USB Audio analyzer that probably still has its software package downloadable from the manufacturer. I think the overall specs are a little lower, but if you're considering the host computer route, it's somewhat newer and has a much smaller bench footprint. The QA403 is a reasonable choice, especially for the price, and its software is pretty fully featured. I could be wrong, but I believe the UPL and AP analyzers support higher input voltages, so for some kinds of testing they may be a better choice than the other units. It could also be worth identifying any specific measurements you need that may not be usual - I remember an audio tech complaining about the UPV for removing some of the record player specific measurements that the UPL had, and especially if you don't want to be trying to do your own scripting, having those built in could be a big value proposition.

author: Raziel92
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2023, 07:18:08 am
content: 1996 was the launch date, and they were produced till 2008, im getting information about them since few weeks.About the AP, software is downloadable from site, and the interface is working under win 10 and 11I have already tested in demo mode, what is also advantage of AP is the automatic tests, "HST" which are all measurments made 1 by 1 and reported in similiar way to RMAA soft.I work on a lot of hi-end stuff like Krell power amps, Mark Levinson power amps so the capability of high voltage input is welcome.

author: Raziel92
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2023, 05:12:26 pm
content: Bought UPL with B1 option

author: Raziel92
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 05, 2023, 06:09:57 pm
content: Hello i just bought the UPL from a test equipment company, they tried to change the disk for ssd but it doesnt work.They had transcendar 64GB ssd and from what I read these discs were not working.I ordered CF adapter and 4GB card, after I receive unit I will make disc image from this ssd to CF and hope it will work.The original spinning disc is 20GB fujitsu from 2003 year

author: ptwz
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 27, 2025, 06:13:37 pm
content: Hi there,also wanted to pitch my Open B5 project, bringing an open hardware B5 compatible extension card with more modern components.Currently rev A is already at the board house, as soon as I complete the bringup, all the schematic/pcb data with (hopefully) few fixed will be released in KiCAD format.

author: Rafiki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2025, 12:49:13 pm
content: QuoteI replaced the disk with a SSD some time ago. AFAIR I had to use the onboard IDE controller instead the additional where the original disk was attached. BIOS settings changes are needed for that. Depends on version of motherboard which is installed in your device of course.