DL3021 to DL3031 Conversion Discussion - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Pedrofabian
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2022, 02:32:26 pm
content: Hi all,so recently I've come in possession of a Rigol DL3031 350W E-Load with a broken screen. I already had a working DL3021, so naturally I swapped it's screen to the higher end model.Sidenote: I did go back and replace the screen on the DL3021 for anyone interested. It's an LCD with a glass/plastic cover. LCD part number is TM043NBH02. There was no finding an original piece of cover glass, but I did fine a Glass resistive touch screen digitizer of the same dimensions (105x65mm) which fit perfectly, looks like new!Upon opening up the DL3031, I was surprised to find that it appeared to have no more MOSFets or other parts that the DL3021. In part, this made some sense, as the insides of the DL3021 are far too robust for a 200W load. The MOSFets are all in the same place and have the same part number.I've already flashed the DL3031 to the DL3031A and the DL3021 to a DL3021A using the method outlined herehttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/need-help-hacking-dp832-for-multicolour-option/Naturally the question comes up, can you turn the DL3021 into a DL3031?As it appears to me, the only distinction between a 3021 and a 3031 might be firmware.Sanity check before I burn my perfectly good DL3021? Pictures attached.DL3021:https://imgur.com/a/Kjg2z5oDL3031:https://imgur.com/a/OFUONn9

author: electr_peter
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 13, 2022, 06:58:14 pm
content: Conversion to *A models has been done with no negative effects, 21->31 conversion would be welcomeAlso, it would be great to know if the same method via SCPI could work for this hack.Just be 100% sure before any changes - are you certain that DL3031 unit was DL3031 from the factory? If so, this makes whole DL3000 range (DL3021/3021A/3031/3031A) differs only in FW and front panel markings. Current idea is that DL3031 has more stuff in it, but that could be a myth.Images in your links look very similar (you can attach pictures on forum post as well). I can't see all the details, but shunt looks the same, power MOSFETs seem the same, circuitry around is the same..., i.e., looks very promising.Now, as you have both DL3021 and DL3031, can you test few identical load scenarios on both loads? Say, one at 200W, one at 40A. Look for heat dissipation, try measuring control voltages.

author: electr_peter
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 13, 2022, 07:36:13 pm
content: Specs suggests no or almost no HW differences between DL3021A and DL3031A, as models differ only in:Maximum Power -200W vs350WMinimum Operating Voltage - 40A @ 1V vs 60A @ 1.3V (0.025vs0.022estimated R_DS_ON)Current Slew Rate - 0.001 A/μs~0.3A/μs vs 0.001 A/μs~0.5A/μsCurrent Slew Rate - 0.001 A/μs~3A/μs (>5 V) vs 0.001 A/μs~5A/μs (>5 V)Max power is SW limit; internal resistance is almost the same. Current slew rate is slightly faster, but it is explainable by different max current. From specs:QuoteFirmware file is the same for all models of DL3000 range.Looks even more promising

author: Pedrofabian
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2022, 11:03:00 pm
content: Yes I know I can upload pictures but it was too many, it exceed the size limitYes this is an original DL3031 (non A version)I have the test running now. Will allow to run for a little while before checking heat and some voltages.

author: Pedrofabian
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2022, 11:40:12 pm
content: Ran both units at 200W for about 30 minutesThey both stabilized similarly to ~40CI measured the voltages across most of the MOSFETs (the ones I could reach) and they are all biased with similar voltages.Not super sure what else to check? Next steps or YOLO?

author: Pedrofabian
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2022, 07:09:36 am
content: Hello. I'm impatient!SO I went ahead and flashed the DL3021 to DL3031AHere are the results and some notes:1. Before flashing, I went ahead an loaded the DL3031(A) at 350W, specifically ~14V at ~24.5A for ~1 hour. It got pretty hot, but the temperature stabilized around 49.5C2. I flashed the DL3021 to a DL3031A using the same method mentioned in the post. Sidenote: Apparently, you can set anything to the model number. I accidentally set the model number to DL3001A and it took it, it updated the system menu, but all the features reverted to the 3021 set and limits.3. Once flashed, everything appeared nominal except for one bug, I could not set the current limit in CC mode while in the 60A range. I could set all the other limits in that mode and all the other modes. Neither the number pad or knob worked. Only way to circumvent was to go into the factory test mode and set it there. Returning to CC mode would have the updated limit. However this went away after leaving it loaded for 1 hour.4. I left the DL3021 (31A) loaded at 350W, same as before ~14V at ~24.5A for ~1 hour. It got hot like the DL3031(A) and the temperature stabilized around 51.8C.So overall a success.I don't really have the means (Well not without a lot of effort on my part) to check the behavior at the limits, 5.8V at 60A, 150V at 2.3A.

author: electr_peter
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 14, 2022, 08:54:37 am
content: Quote from: Pedrofabian on February 13, 2022, 11:40:12 pmQuote from: Pedrofabian on February 14, 2022, 07:09:36 amCooling performance is identical (same size heatsink, same fan) and adequate for 350W.QuoteEasy mod. USB connection with Rigol Ultra Sigma SW can be used to issue SCPI command.QuoteCan you confirm that this bug disappeared after restart? Also, what CC ranges (4/40A in DL3021) and max limits (70A max in DL3021) do you see in CC settings menu?QuoteBe careful with 150V, it can damage the instrument. I have access to 60A capable supply and DL3021(A), I will have to ask.

author: Pedrofabian
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2022, 09:43:36 am
content: OKSo no the bug didn't go away, it reappeared after restart. It's easy enough to circumvent with the factory test mode but annoying since it's the only tiny flaw. I'm going to try to re-flash firmware. Maybe something went wrong when I entered the wrong model number during the 3021 -> 3031A conversion.Yes, everything is as you'd expect from the 3031A, 6A/60A ranges, 155 V-Limit, 70A C-LimitI decided to be thorough and conducted a last test @60A. I scrounged up every last power supply and 5V power adapter and threw them in parallel. Managed to just scrape 60A @ 5V = 300W, though its pretty sketchy, had to actively cool my banana <-> spade converters.Before I tested with the cover off, but this time taped my thermistor inside and ran the wires out of the cover, just to be extra thorough, so its completely nominal conditions. I ran the test for 60 minutes.It rose to 63C pretty quickly, in around 15 minutes, and then stayed there. Well within the operating range of anything inside.I'm going to call this good. Congrats to all 3021 owners, and my apologies for those who payed $1000 for the 3031.

author: Pedrofabian
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2022, 10:24:07 am
content: About the bug I mentioned.The bug is this specifically: the unit starts up in CC mode with a current limit of 40A in the 60A range. Then you cant change the current limit, only if you switch to the 6A range. Normally when you start the unit you start with a 0A limit in the 6A range.So I reflashed the firmware, which fixed it after 1 reset, but further resets presented the same problem. Somethings the issue would go away after fiddling with the range and 6A range current limit.I then went into utilities and reset the configuration which seems to have fixed the issue. 10 resets and counting.

author: idolclub
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2022, 12:03:28 pm
content: After change to DL3031A, just do a Reset to defaults in Utiltity Menu once and Power Off, that's all.

author: electr_peter
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 14, 2022, 03:55:37 pm
content: Successful conversion to DL3031A. Model number is shown as DL3031A, no bugs were noticed (did system reset before & after mod). Tested with 350W and 60A loads, all is fine. Thanks to @Pedrofabianfor confirmation that hardware is the same for all DL3000 rangeTo anyone interested in how to do the mod between RIGOL DL3021/3021A/3031/3031A models:turn on DL3000 load, make a system reset via menu, stick inprepared USB stickconnect to DL3000 and open SCPI/serial terminal: via USB (Rigol Ultra Sigma or serial terminal) or via RS232(Rigol Ultra Sigma or serial terminal) or via LXI LAN (telnet orRigolBildschirmkopie)enter command "*IDN?" (without quotes, should show current model number - if not, something went wrong in step #2)enter command ":PROJ:SET MODEL,DL3031A" (without quotes, model number is from a set {DL3021/DL3021A/DL3031/DL3031A})enter command "*IDN?" (without quotes, should show new model number - if not, something went wrong with step #1 or #4)restart device, make a system resetenjoy

author: tv84
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2022, 09:35:29 pm
content: What about DL3051?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2022, 11:15:42 pm
content: Quote from: tv84 on February 14, 2022, 09:35:29 pmYeah someone please test.There are 10 FETs installed, and then 6 empty positions available. So this would imply original spec of 300W, with all 16 FETs = 480W, close enough.IRFP250 is easy enough to purchase, not sure about the opamp and other passive components. and if a recal is necessary. Or if they simply operate all these FET drive circuits in parallel, then maybe installing more has no effect on the software, its just a simply watt limit.

author: electr_peter
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 15, 2022, 03:34:18 pm
content: Quote from: tv84 on February 14, 2022, 09:35:29 pmTested DL3051A option. Model number changes (*IDN? -> RIGOL TECHNOLOGIES,DL3051A,DL...........,00.01.05.00.01)On boot it shows error "Self-test error for OCP reference voltag" (after canceling error doesn't reappear until next boot).Current ranges changed to9/90A(compared to 4/40A or 6/60A), but max current limit remains unchanged at 70A (same as for DL3021/3031).Max power setting increases to500W(compared to 200 or 350W).Other than that, seems to work, accuracy and functions remain unchanged.So full mod to 150V/90A/500W DL3051A would require some work with FW (OCP reference?, max current limit) and HW (MOSFETs and driving circuitry).

author: Wintel
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2022, 04:46:56 pm
content: Quote from: electr_peter on February 15, 2022, 03:34:18 pmCan you get over 200W in CR mode with flashed DL3021 to DL3031A?

author: Pedrofabian
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2022, 05:06:52 pm
content: Installing the missing MOSFETs and control circuitry seems pretty involved but fairly easy.Now if only we had calibration documentation for these loads.

author: Pedrofabian
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2022, 05:08:23 pm
content: Quote from: electr_peter on February 15, 2022, 03:34:18 pmDid you try resetting the settings again after changing the model? Maybe that would fix the max current limit issue

author: tv84
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2022, 05:17:48 pm
content: Quote from: electr_peter on February 15, 2022, 03:34:18 pmThanks for testing!

author: electr_peter
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 15, 2022, 05:56:17 pm
content: Quote from: Wintel on February 15, 2022, 04:46:56 pmModded DL3031A can get over 200W in CR mode. Keep in mind that in lower 0.08 Ohm ~ 15 Ohm range voltage is limited to 8V (beeps and stops otherwise). Higher range (2 Ohm ~ 15 kOhm) does not have voltage limit.

author: electr_peter
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 15, 2022, 05:59:25 pm
content: Quote from: Pedrofabian on February 15, 2022, 05:08:23 pmReset did not help, limit seems to be hardcoded in FW. Same 70A limit was available for 40/60A versions (i.e. no overlimit under normal conditions).

author: electr_peter
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 15, 2022, 06:42:52 pm
content: Comment fromEEVblog #1023 - Rigol DL3021 Electronic Load Teardownconfirming same HW in DL3021/DL3031.Quote from: Convolvulaceae 12

author: ben_r_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 30, 2022, 03:13:36 pm
content: This is great news! Saved me $700USD by not having to buy the DL3031A! Thank you all for your fearless testing!

author: probe
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 23, 2022, 06:35:42 pm
content: Another successful conversion from a DL3021 to a DL3031A! Embarrassingly enough I wasn't able to connect to it through USB on a Linux machine, neither Kali on a RPi4 or Ubuntu in a VM (MacOS Ventura as a host), all I got was "access denied". I had to install UltraSigma on a Windows 10 machine and the moment I sent the SCPI command the screen on the load turned to the color interface. No issues after a reboot and it is recognised in LXI-tools when connected via LAN. Unfortunately no print screen function available in LXI-tools for this device but all in all happy days.

author: Mouse69
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2023, 04:49:39 pm
content: Thanks so much guys, another successful conversion from a DL3021 to a DL3031A.I used to install UltraSigma on a Windows11(please don't judge me) machine, the moment I sent the SCPI command the screen on the load turned to the colour interface

author: ben_r_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 08, 2023, 06:31:23 pm
content: Quote from: Mouse69 on January 06, 2023, 04:49:39 pmJust double checking, what firmware version were you running? It looks like the latest is: 00.01.05.00.01

author: ToThePub
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2023, 10:18:39 am
content: I also just did a DL3021 to a DL3031A "upgrade" via the USB method.This was running 00.01.05.00.01. (shipped with this version)

author: Mouse69
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2023, 11:55:43 am
content: It's a new unit, here in the UK. Came with the latest firmware already installed (00.01.05.00.01)

author: electr_peter
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 09, 2023, 04:57:22 pm
content: Firmware update for DL3000 is overdue, v00.01.05.00.01 is from ~2020-12-01. There are bugs in battery app mode, multiple UI improvements can be made as well. DC load is OK otherwise.Did Rigol forget DL3000?

author: ben_r_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2023, 12:07:59 am
content: Quote from: electr_peter on January 09, 2023, 04:57:22 pmProbably won't come out with another firmware update until they figure out how to lock out this firmware hack! Then use the improvements to battery app mode and UI to tempt us to upgrade!

author: rfspezi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 23, 2023, 02:40:30 pm
content: When using Rigol's Ultra Load app with my "upgraded" DL3021, i get the "Parameter exceeds Limit!" error when trying to e.g. set the CC current to 1A.Can it be that Ultra Load is not usable anymore with a hacked device?UPDATE:=====Found the fix for the issue here:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/rigol-ultra-sigma-has-stopped-working/msg999147/#msg999147Seems to be related to the language of the installed Windows.At least for German, i need to follow the instructions above to get it working.

author: idcipher106
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 29, 2023, 10:36:34 pm
content: Quote from: electr_peter on February 14, 2022, 03:55:37 pmThis didn't really work for me. I have a Rigol DL-3021 that I just bought. It has the following firmware versioning shown on the front panel:Software Version: 00.01.05FPGA Version: 02.03Boot Version: 01.011Hardware Version: 01.00I attached an RS-232 cable with a DB9 cable from my computer to the DL-3021. After connecting, I could successfully send the "*IDN?" command, and the device returned an appropriate response. So I know the serial communication is working and I have the right baud rate, etc.Then I tried sending the command ":PROJ:SET MODEL,DL3031A". And the device just hangs with no response.I tried the same thing using the Rigol's Ultra Sigma software and a USB cable (instead of the RS-232 serial cable). The same thing happened: after sending the "PROJ:SET MODEL,DL3031A" command the devices hangs with no response.After the device hangs, if I try to type "*IDN?" again, there is no response any more.The DL-3021 must be power cycled to get the RS-232 port (or USB port) to become responsive again.I must admit that I don't know what is meant in the above instructions by this: "stick in a prepared USB stick". And there is a link to some topic that is talking about a completely different device (the DP832). Surely I don't want to follow advice for a DP832 on a DL3021? Is there something that needs to be on a USB stick when I run the ":PROJ SET MODEL" command? If so, what?Is there any other documented way of doing this? This is really the only detailed instructions I could find for doing the upgrade.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 29, 2023, 11:58:08 pm
content: Yes you need the prepared USB stick or it won't work.Follow the link electr_peter provided and the instructions are in the first few lines of the post:Quote

author: idcipher106
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 30, 2023, 12:12:49 am
content: Quote from: thm_w on March 29, 2023, 11:58:08 pmOk, so do in fact use an image file from a thread on the DP832 (a power supply) to upgrade the DL3021 (A DC load). Not what I would have guessed, but ok I'll do it.Thanks!

author: Micro
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 20, 2023, 07:24:02 am
content: Quote from: electr_peter on January 09, 2023, 04:57:22 pmThis battery test bug is really giving me some grief, I wish I’d read this post before I just went ahead and upgraded trusting that RIGOL knows what regression testing is!I’d now really like to roll back to the previous version without going all the way back to 00.01.02, but have been unable to find it anywhere. Does anyone have a late version in between that you could share with me to get rid of the battery test bug please?

author: elex_enthusiast
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 20, 2023, 04:39:17 pm
content: Hands down to all folks who made this hack so easy. Just recently had a good deal for a DL3021a in prestine condition . Did the hack and it worked. Mine has 00.01.04 FW

author: NE666
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2023, 12:38:49 pm
content: I would also like to express my gratitude to member Pedrofabian (and member Vaiti from the DP832 hacking thread) for sharing their work and findings.DL3021 -> DL3031A with FW rev. 00.01.04, HW rev. 01.00

author: Mat_J
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 09, 2024, 01:23:28 am
content: Quote from: electr_peter on February 15, 2022, 03:34:18 pmThanks for testing this,I cant find any mention of a DL3051 outside of this forum and a Russian site; do these exist in the wild?I would be interested in purchasing one to see what is required to upgrade my DL3021's from DL3031A's to DL3051A'sHas anyone had luck running these at 500w as is for extended periods of time with just the rigol-key? (>10 hours)I'm using them to match 5kw Li-ion battery's, and being able to test capacity faster would be really nice

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2024, 01:53:16 am
content: Quote from: Mat_J on January 09, 2024, 01:23:28 amNo you can't purchase one, they don't exist. Rigol often enters a bunch of model numbers and some may or may not work out. In this case they probably tested 500W and it wasn't reliable or they didn't see the market demand.It would be up to you to test it with a thermal camera. Since the design appears it intended additional FETs to be populated:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/dl3021-to-dl3031-conversion-discussion/msg4007887/#msg4007887you would be taking a risk.Probably make more sense in this case to purchase a higher wattage load (1kW+).

author: xjordanx
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2024, 12:45:51 am
content: I just bought a DL3021 and it will not show up in Ultra Sigma or Ultra Load software, even though it does show up successfully in Device Manager in Windows. Any ideas what makes Ultra Sigma / Ultra Load not able to see the load box?

author: xjordanx
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2024, 09:59:57 pm
content: Solved:Quote from: xjordanx on August 30, 2024, 12:45:51 amFor those who may have the same issue: The Rigol DL3021 was using a driver that had been installed previously in Windows 10 Pro however I had since "upgraded" the OS to Windows 11. Checking theEventstab in the devicePropertiesdialog from inDevice Managerrevealed:Code:Device settings for USB\VID_1AB1&PID_0E11\DL3A261400311 were not migrated from previous OS installation due to partial or ambiguous device match.Last Device Instance Id: USB\VID_058F&PID_6387\29D7899EClass Guid: {36fc9e60-c465-11cf-8056-444553540000}Location Path: PCIROOT(0)#PCI(1400)#USBROOT(0)#USB(2)Migration Rank: 0xF000FFFFFFFF0023Present: falseStatus: 0xC0000719With that hint I "Uninstalled" the device and checked the box to "Attempt to remove Device Driver". After which I unplugged and re-plugged the USB cable - now the device shows up again as "USB Test and Measurement Device (IVI)" whereas before it appeared as "DL3000 Serials".Now Ultra-Sigma can find the device!!

author: mmame
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 10, 2024, 11:36:17 am
content: I also successfully changed my model to a DL3031AIMPORTANT: It'snot possibleto perform the model changeby using USB in Combination with "Bildschirmkopie"- it will just hang when sending the model change command. Finally, I tried with a USB to Serial converter and Putty (9600 8N1, no flow control, enable "Implicit CR in every LF" and "Implicit LF in every CR") .... success!

author: moelski
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 12, 2025, 07:50:21 pm
content: Hi !I was just to buy a 3031a and then I found this thread.So maybe someone can answer me this question before I buy something ...1) This "enhancement" still works with actual devices?2) I buy a 1mV/1mA 3021 device for ~500$ /€ and after the "conversion" I have a 3031a with 0.1mv/0.1mA and 350W (and a wrong lable at the front cover) ?And answer would be much appreciated because it would save hundereds of $ ... Thx !

author: J-R
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2025, 06:45:46 am
content: Quote from: moelski on March 12, 2025, 07:50:21 pmYes, it still works.

author: Songhua
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: July 25, 2025, 08:00:00 pm
content: Great to hear that you made this progress.Does anyone find the method about how to calibrate the DL3000?Normally people need to calibrate the full range of the instrument. E.g. DL3031A (Max voltage 150V, Max Current 60A), DL3021 (Max voltage 150V, Max current 40A)I haven't found any public information abouthow to calibrate the electronic load DL3000 which was released 8 years ago.No one can be sure that after 8 years the electronic load is not drifting. Neither can Rigol.