A question about a LeCroy 9450  "Options IC Chip" - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: HiTech
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 04, 2014, 02:22:05 am
content: There's a chip labeled PG0001.A (at least it looks to be the number 1 since the hand writing is a bit illegible) on the microprocessor board in my 9450 scope inserted into the socket where the FFT option chip would get installed. I'm wanting to know if my scope has the FFT option already and if not, then I would order a chip for it off eBay. I'm a bit confused in understanding if getting the WP02 FFT option chip also includes the WP01 option on that same chip and if I need to upgrade any software/firmware in the process of it all? Apparently the WP01 option is necessary to have in conjunction with making the FFT function work. So, what is that PG0001.A chip for that's presently on the pcb ?Thank you.

author: HiTech
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 06, 2014, 08:18:06 pm
content: ** bump **No LeCroy 94xx series owners here that might have an answer for me?

author: Mark_O
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2014, 12:42:18 am
content: Quote from: HiTech on August 06, 2014, 08:18:06 pmI can't answer your questions about the EPROMs, but as far as "I'm wanting to know if my scope has the FFT option already", you should be able to determine that simply through the Menu. I think it's under the Math Options.

author: PedroDaGr8
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2014, 03:01:25 am
content: I have a 9410 give me a few minutes to check.

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 07, 2014, 03:08:17 am
content: I have the 9424 with all service manuals etc, but I can't check until I get back in a few hrs.

author: PedroDaGr8
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2014, 03:14:55 am
content: Here is the image of the option slot chip. This scope supposedly has all options available for its particular model.I have a feeling the 0203 means WP02 and WP03.

author: miguelvp
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2014, 07:39:24 am
content: Nothing more than a $35 gamble could find out: (Edit, but the seller has 100% positive feedback)http://www.ebay.com/itm/LeCroy-9450-9450A-9424-9420-9410-options-chip-PG060F-gives-WP01-WP02-CARD-/300980796039?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4613da7a87But it is a PG060F option chip instead. Apparently wp01, wp02, wp03, wp04 & eclkEdit: and CARD if hardware equipped. BTW ECLK - external clock (not all models/firmware)

author: HiTech
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2014, 12:18:42 pm
content: Quote from: PedroDaGr8 on August 07, 2014, 03:14:55 amI think you may be correct. I thought I remember reading somewhere on the internet that there's a way to call up a screen that lists all installed options and software version by pressing a sequence of front panel switches. If my currently installed PG0001 chip is strictly just the WP01 option then the WP02 chip must also include the math functions of the WP01 chip has in order for the FFT feature to work properly... so I would assume.I saw that eBay offer for a WP01/WP02 FFT chip listed and bookmarked it last week, should I end up going that route. Yes the price seems to be a reasonable gamble to unlock the FFT feature.Thank you to everyone who replied.

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 07, 2014, 12:47:16 pm
content: Just checked the service manuals .. they have no real info on WP01/2/FFT options, which is odd.I seem to recall that I did d/load some instructions on how to copy/install? these options without a key?I'll scour my HDD and see if I can find it ... now you got me interested too :-)Edit: OK found it :-) and PM sent

author: Stray Electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2014, 12:57:11 pm
content: Quote from: miguelvp on August 07, 2014, 07:39:24 amFWIW, I bought one of this guy's chips and it worked perfectly. He also spend a lot of time answering unrelated questions that I had. I couldn't be a happier with the transaction and I recommend him HIGHLY. For the price, I don't know why everyone that has a LeCroy 93xx or 94xx scope doesn't have his chip in it!I don't know if your 94xx operates the same way but on a 93xx, press the "Show Status" button then when the menu appears, step down one position to "SYSTEM" and it will list the options that are enabled. SEVERAL options will not work unless they have the proper hardware installed, in addition to the options being turned on, RS-232, GP-IB and printer ports, internal printer, internal disk drive, internal PCMCIA card slot, internal hard drive and trigger outputs on the rear panel.

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 07, 2014, 01:32:38 pm
content: Quote from: Stray ElectronThat's because us poor baskits :-) who bought these new, when they first came out, paid $30K in AUS for the base model.They wanted another $30K+ for all the options !! The next model up, with FFT fitted was $85KBy the time I saved my pennies for the options, other make / models were starting to appear and it just wasn't worth it any more.BUT ... for 30 bucks ... that's quite a discount !!! (without even adjusting for inflation !!! ) :-)

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2014, 02:54:34 pm
content: The option numbers posted by digsys match the option key descriptions released by lecroy to thelecroy yahoo groupwhere they have also released the *.jed files required to program the GAL16V8D option chips.They're touted as being for the 9300 series but I believe they're also valid for 9400 series.I bought some of these GAL's, programmed them with the released jed files and tried it on my LC574 and it unlocked all the options.My original option chip had a label KEY007, the files over on yahoo have the prefix CLE, which apparently is French for KEYIt's recommended to update to the latest firmware which I believe is 9.3.0 This firmware has all of the options, plus others that need to be unlocked by the GAL or in some cases, entering an option key via the front panel.Make sure to read all the readme files as enabling all the options can create problems as some of the options conflict with each other. I believe the optimum option JED file to use is 2EF

author: HiTech
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 08, 2014, 03:03:01 pm
content: I checked mine and it has just the WP01 option (math) and software version 5.3

author: marshallh
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 08, 2014, 06:01:14 pm
content: The 93xx and 94xx series uses different option GALs.Lecroy has released the JED file for burning fully outfitted 94xx option gals for some time. Just recently they released the files for the 93xx as well.The files are available in the Lecroy yahoo group.

author: Mark_O
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 09, 2014, 10:08:02 am
content: Quote from: marshallh on August 08, 2014, 06:01:14 pmYes, personally I think this was a really nice gesture on the part of LeCroy. Making such info publicly available for their older, legacy gear, that's still running strong, and remains very useful. (I had 4 units in these 2 series, and still have/use 2 of them.) Most vendors would just bury it, because all they care about is people buying their latest and greatest. I think this sets LeCroy apart from the crowd.(Now if they would just get rid of the doofus in their recent ad campaigns. But I blame that unprofessional and cringe-worthy approach on Teledyne.)