Siglent SDS 1102X : Wavegen button says "Function cannot be used"! What the...? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: VinzC
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 26, 2017, 08:33:01 pm
content: Hi all.I recently bought (like 2 months ago) aSiglent SDS 1102Xoscilloscope and so far I'm pretty happy with it (in comparison I have a Tektronix at work that takes at least 10 times longer to boot up). The only question I have so far is about the WaveGen button: the latter says "Function cannot be used". The decode button works fine (I guess the supplier I bought it from courteously installed the decode function as I have a permanent license). The third button (i.e. "Digital") says I need a license for it so I guess the WaveGen button message is not about a license, right? I have read nothing special about the WaveGen button, that would require me to activate somehow.Does anyone have an idea why I get that message? Isn't the WaveGen function part of the SDS 1102X?

author: TheAmmoniacal
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 26, 2017, 09:42:49 pm
content: Your model does not have any wavegen.http://www.siglent.eu/sds1102x.html"DDS Waveform GeneratorNO"Maybe open it and check the hardware?EDIT: It looks like it's all pretty confusing.. I see them offering "SDS1102X+ 100MHz + Waveform generator + FREE Decode license" but then list the SDS1102X without waveform generator.EDIT2: SDS1102X+ and SDS1102X are two different models, the SDS1002X+ has waveform generator included, the other does not.They are just too lazy to remove the button I guess, or cover it up.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2017, 06:23:33 am
content: Quote from: VinzC on March 26, 2017, 08:33:01 pmAs TheAmmoniacal correctly points out the XPlus versions only have Wave Gen and MSO capability.If you have SDS1102X and not X+ it will not have MSO HW or Wave Gen HW.Another version that was available for a while before the XPlus versions was X-S, they had the Wage Gen but no MSO HW.The X Plus versions replaced the X-S but has Wave Gen included and MSO as additional optional functionality.The front panel UI is the same IIRC for all these models and non-installed HW is and options are indicated to the user by some OSD message.Check you have the latest firmware too, version 13R5.http://siglentamerica.com/gjjrj-xq.aspx?id=5002&tid=15

author: VinzC
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2017, 07:43:29 am
content: Thanks tautech & TheAmmoniacal.It's quite confusing indeed as my scope (gotten fromhere) has a back BNC connector marked "WaveGen". Just that displayed message that looks as confusing as can be if you account for the price: ~600€ from Elektor whereas ~400€ from the constructor... Damn! What a difference!I'll definitely check the firmware upgrade but I'd like to know if it's possible to backup the current firmware too, you know, I'm being extremely paranoid as to losing features with proprietary stuff like this... Sure mine is not at that version level.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2017, 08:17:16 am
content: Quote from: VinzC on March 27, 2017, 07:43:29 amAll previous versions of the firmware are available on Siglent websites, here's the link to the Hamburg site but AFAIK all individual FW links are from the USA site.http://www.siglenteu.com/gjjrj.aspx?id=15Only recently have we had a good FW changelog, when you unpack the .rar firmware there's usually 3 files, changelog, update instructions and the update itself, a .ads file.Yes the BNC is on all models but some of the internal HW is missing, member rf-loop indicated the Wave Gen was another small PCB. We don't have access to it as a spare part.

author: oewean
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2017, 10:17:17 am
content: Hi,I can confirm the Siglent SDS1000X+ model's has an extra wavegen daughter board.

author: VinzC
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2017, 11:53:09 am
content: Quote from: tautech on March 27, 2017, 08:17:16 amAh. Might explain why that BNC seems to spin loose on mine...Had I known, I'd have opted or the X-S model. Too late now.