Rigol MSO2072A segmented memory decode issue ... - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: W7NGA
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2014, 04:31:09 pm
content: Greetings from San Juan Island, Wa.I am a little embarrassed to posit this question but after searching the archives I cannot seem to find the reference I am sure I once read vis-a-vis I2C decoding on recorded data (segmented memory).I am designing a multi-processor system using I2C (telescope control) and my first thought was to upgrade my Agilent DSO7000 series scope and add segmented memory and I2C decoding. The harsh reality is that these two options cost ~$3400, and if I wanted to add the 16-channel Logic Analyzer it is an additional $1900. Clearly, the newly released Rigol MSO2072A began looking extremely attractive!The issue stems from reading several blog references that claim once captured (record function) in segmented memory, you cannot decode the data using the I2C decode option as each segment is played. This would be an untenable restriction for my application (any serial application). Is this correct? Also, could someone comment on searching for a specific packet somewhere in the deep segmented memory using Hex or Ascii radix, and the allowance of decoding time-correlated digital channels.I apologize if this has been previously hashed out. I saw references that indicated the implementation varied with the series, i.e. the 4000 series behaves differently than the 2000. Confusion reigns!When you add the option costs to upgrade my Agilent, the MSO2072A is a very reasonable purchase, costing less than one Agilent (er, Keysight) option upgrade, and includes segmented memory, serial decoding, and a Logic Analyzer. I believe the decoding on my DSO7014B is done in hardware with much higher performance. However, this application has minimal demands other than deep segmented memory and a Saleae continuous sampling solution would not be workable.Thank you for taking the time to respond ...daniel W7NGAMSEE, Stanford University

author: alex.forencich
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2014, 06:02:58 pm
content: How about enabling service mode on the DSO7000 and purchasing a used MSO probe off of ebay? That would be cheapest option.

author: W7NGA
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2014, 06:09:55 pm
content: sadly, I have no idea what service mode is or how that might enable segmented memory and decoding.

author: alex.forencich
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2014, 06:27:11 pm
content: Use telnet to connect to the scope on port 5810, username panther, password pictures. At the -> prompt, type setServiceMode(1) and press enter. Then on the scope, press utility -> options -> licenses -> options, enable 'service mode' and 'all licenses', and then reboot the scope. Done.

author: W7NGA
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2014, 06:31:11 pm
content: well, you have piqued my interest. what happens next? are the options available for use permanently or for a limited time?thanks for the reply ...daniel

author: alex.forencich
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2014, 06:33:34 pm
content: Permanent and they persist across power cycles, so long as the 'service mode' box is checked. If you uncheck it, then you will have to telnet back in to re-enable it. This will enable all options - MSO, segmented memory, mask testing, all decoding options.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2014, 07:00:42 pm
content: All options are fully hacked on the Agilent 5000/6000/7000 there is a thread here on it. Service mode is the easiest as you can do it simply by telnetting into the scope and typing a command, but doesn't enable all options. You can get trials and set the clock back, or use a tweaked firmware image to enable everything, including options that don't officially exist like circular segmented memory

author: marmad
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2014, 07:01:35 pm
content: Quote from: W7NGA on September 13, 2014, 04:31:09 pmDaniel,In answer to your original question, the Rigol MSO/DS2000A seriescandecode the data in segments - as shown in my video here:Apparently, Rigol has not introduced this capability on the MSO/DS4000 series yet (and I'm not sure about the MSO/DS1000Z).Mark

author: alex.forencich
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2014, 07:08:51 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on September 13, 2014, 07:00:42 pmWhat doesn't get enabled by service mode, aside from circular segmented memory and secure environment?

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2014, 09:08:31 pm
content: Quote from: alex.forencich on September 13, 2014, 07:08:51 pmI'm not sure - not used it myself - I have a feeling the decodes don't - ISTR service mode was there to allow testing of hardware, like memory (early models only had 1M) & MSO

author: alex.forencich
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2014, 09:18:10 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on September 13, 2014, 09:08:31 pmIt enables all of the decode modules. Here is what the license string looks like on an MSO7104B with no options, save for LSS:MSO, mem8M, LSS, MST, E00After enabling service mode all licenses:All*, MSO, MSO*, FPG*, memMax*, LSS, AMS*, CAN*, ALT*, PWR*, 232*, SGM*, LMT*, FRC*, MST, E00, SND*, FLX*, 553*The modules I have tested are most certainly usable (LSS, SGM, 232)The only things it doesn't activate are the non-standard options like CIR and 1MV. Nor does it enable SEC.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2014, 09:46:00 pm
content: OK that's useful to know - after I'd installed the hacked FW (before someone mentioned service mode) I wasn't paying too much attention to that thread...

author: alex.forencich
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2014, 10:10:02 pm
content: Quote from: mikeselectricstuff on September 13, 2014, 09:46:00 pmI actually tried the patched FW first, but it didn't work and I just about bricked my scope. Not sure what went wrong. Fortunately the bootloader was able to load the firmware off of the flash drive on boot so I was able to get it working again. I have little interest in trying that again, though. I ended up using the service mode hack because there is basically zero risk.

author: W7NGA
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2014, 10:20:41 pm
content: You all have been so gracious. Thank you very much!May I share something?It's odd, because if this was a different industry I don't believe I would have any qualms in 'circumventing' the process and unlocking the goodies. With that in mind, I can't say that the ethics of doing so is an affront to me. However, I made a nice living in this industry for many years and there is a part of me, albeit a part that grows smaller daily, that feels at odds with the notion of not filling the coffers of Agilent/Keysight and helping amortize the engineering costs of development.As usual .. in my life there is always the flip side. Asking that I pay $1900 for a 100 Mhz Logic Analyzer feels like I have been taken and held hostage. I know this has been hashed ad nauseam, is interesting philosophically, and ultimately a personal decision. Perhaps if I pay the $1900 and buy the Logic Analyzer, I can better rationalize installing the options for free. Or, buy the Rigolthanks again ...daniel W7NGA

author: alex.forencich
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 13, 2014, 11:30:54 pm
content: Quote from: W7NGA on September 13, 2014, 10:20:41 pmI certainly see where you are coming from. I am a graduate student in EE right now so I make very little money. However, I managed to scrape together enough to buy a used MSO7104A with RS232 decoding and segmented memory for $5500 and pay $1400 on top of that for the scope locked I2C/SPI decode module....only to find out half a year later (and well out of warranty) that the scope has a bad main board (user cal will not run; init for talon cal failed) that will cost about $6k to repair, which I simply can't afford. I have had a couple of back-and-forths with Agilent to see if there might be a way to get it fixed or to trade it in for a used scope of the same model, but no dice. Especially since they have absolutely no interest in transferring licences between scopes. If I bought a new one and shipped the old one to the Agilent factory, sure, they might be able to help me, but otherwise I was out of luck. With this hack, it is possible to enable the licenses on a replacement scope, as soon as a used one pops up that I can afford. At any rate, I will probably end up buying a new scope (perhaps one of the MSO-X 6000 series, though the screen resolution is lower) down the road when I actually have a job and can afford the list price.

author: W7NGA
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 14, 2014, 10:02:45 pm
content: I wanted to report that the service mode install method worked and to express my appreciation to Alex, Mike, and marmad.Like Alex, I suspect a Keysight 6000X series oscilloscope will be a future purchase, so I can perhaps rationalize this decision better by calling it a 'sales incentive' should I decide to use it.I think segmented memory should no longer be a ~$1661 option. It is a feature found on many new oscilloscopes including the Agilent 4000X and should be included as a feature and not an expensive option. Agilent could easily have provided that feature via free license upgrade to registered users as they do firmware upgrades.and add Runt triggerdaniel