Bricked Hantek DSO2D15 Oscilloscope - Fix or Return?

Join David as he addresses his locked-up Hantek DSO2D15 Oscilloscope; should he fix it or return it? The DSO2D15 is a dual trace, 150 mHz oscilloscope with an arbitrary waveform generator. It seized up after only an hour’s use; can it or should it be fixed?
Resources:
EEVBlog - Over 900 posts regarding the Hantek DSO2000 series scopes::
www.eevblog.com/forum/testgea...
EEVBlog - Updates and best practices for the DSO2000 series scopes including DavidAlfa’s FAQs
www.eevblog.com/forum/testgea...
DavidAlfa's latest updates best practices, and useful programs: www.eevblog.com/forum/testgea...
The latest Hantek firmware for the DSO2000 series scopes:
hantek.com/download?key=zxgj&s...
00:00 - Introduction
01:41 - Unboxing
02:30 - Locked-up Scope!
02:51 - Scope History or Should it be fixed?
04:29 - Getting the firmware package
06:23 - Installing the firmware
09:00 - Updating the software
10:35 - Restoring the system information
12:10 - Correcting a USB bug
12:25 - Creating a backup
13:49 - Closing
Music:
(Pinnacle 25 royalty-free music):
Pulsing Dance
House Fever
Reaction Time
City Night Groove

[@LitAlexV]

despite the bugs in the firmware, the manufacturer is trying to fix them. And in general, the characteristics of this device are amazing for the money they ask for.

[@LifewithDavid1]

I agree. A good prosumer unit.

[@danburch9989]

You should send Hantek a $100 invoice for fixing their 'scope.

[@LifewithDavid1]

The real heros are DavidAlfa and the members of the Hantek EEVblog thread.

[@Minimaster84]

Hi David, thank you for spending your time in creating this video. Scope will be shipped within next days. Was a little concerned about bugs and issues but now feeling prepared in case update is needed to hit the goal. Regards Mirco

[@LifewithDavid1]

Good luck! After the update I've been very happy with the scope. The people at Hantek were very responsive.

[@HitAndMissLab]

This is great and very useful. Thanks for going into details. I particularly appreciate demonstration of firmware update. That's always tricky.

[@LifewithDavid1]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@nixxonnor]

Wow, that was a cumbersome process. Well done!

[@LifewithDavid1]

Yes it was! But at least it worked.

[@ervhowe1316]

I'm expecting my own Hantek DS0-2D15 this afternoon from Amazon. After all I've watched and read, this is allot of bang-for-the-buck scope. Been an EE for 45yrs and I'm like a kid in the candy store to with a new toy to play with, not to mention I've been wanting to put one on the bench.🤗

[@LifewithDavid1]

It will be fun. I'm still learning about features that were not even thought of 15 years ago.

[@docmonty5859]

Erv, I too ordered one of these scopes and it should be delivered tomorrow. Just curious when you received yours, did you have to do any updates to the firmware software or was everything working fine right out of the box?

[@Andrew-ry7iw]

Excellent video. Very helpful, thanks for posting

[@LifewithDavid1]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TechCornerTV]

Hey David, thank you for this video. I will try your advices on my unit to see if it solves the offset hang/freeze problem.

[@LifewithDavid1]

Hope it works and thanks for the reviews of the scope on your channel! It gave me the knowledge that I wasn't alone with my issues. Good luck!

[@peterforster7093]

Hi David Thank you so much for creating this video. Very clear instructions and easy to understand. I was about to send my DSO2D10 to the scrap heap in frustration, but this video helped me a lot to restore the functions of the scope.

[@LifewithDavid1]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching!

[@ebaystars]

they build them from recycled Tektronix D75 scopes

[@philipnelson8909]

Brilliant Info as thinking of purchasing hope get a good one!

[@LifewithDavid1]

I think you should. The comments for this video have been good recently. Mine has worked fine since the fix. Good luck!

[@user-ry5xf8vy9f]

Спасибо за полезную информацию, особенно за сохранение заводских данных самого осциллографа. Желаю Вам удачи в труде и крепкого здоровья!!!

[@LifewithDavid1]

добро пожаловать.

[@m80116]

Hello there... it's amazing to know you can find competent kind people like you on the Internet, willing to help others ford the river and guide them hand in hand to the other side. But it's also a big warning to anybody hovering near the Hantek: it's really disturbing to notice this product can create far more problem than it can solve... and it seems to not even get the basic updates right up to a point where users step in to make up for the manufacturer's flaws.

[@LifewithDavid1]

Thank you. It was crazy times when I got my scope; with COVID and lockdowns. It was really bad in China. I'm sure that that contributed to the lack of customer support. It's been quite a while since I've done this video and I've not had any other problems with the scope; so I have no idea if Hantek still has customer service problems or not.

[@wirotsow1861]

Hi David thank you very much for your video. I decide to buy one by today, but the model is DSO2D10. Hope it's settled the firmware already.

[@LifewithDavid1]

That's great. I know that the update I have has worked well for me, so I hope it works well for you.

[@billbates7810]

Just ordered one of these, I’m not computer savvy so I hope I don’t have to update the firmware or software. Great video Dave, God bless, Bill.

[@LifewithDavid1]

I'm thinking it should be OK. My scope has been working fine since I updated it and that was almost a year ago. Good luck!

[@JovanKineas]

Hi, i bought the model DSO2D10 and fortunely for me it works perfect after unbox it but i save your video as a guide if sometime i need to restore the firmware, good video, thanks

[@LifewithDavid1]

Glad it's working for you. Make sure you record the firmware, hardware and software versions as I suggest while it is working in case you need to reset the machine later.

[@B.E.H.]

Amazing video, thanks!!!

[@LifewithDavid1]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@theovannieuwenhuizen5756]

Hi David, new to your 'life' and enjoyed the wavegen video. Now watching your new DSO adventure. Haven't seen the end yet but had to speak up. Always, always check for issues on the internet! Even reputable companies have devices with bugs or issues. Very pleased with my Keysight DSOX 1204G. Yes more expensive but I feel worth every Euro. Not so much with my Keysight power supply. It's full of little bugs and although performs 'within specs' is underperforming for it's price. Hope to see more videos on your Wavegen adventure. Somehow I get the feeling all owners of this Hantek scope are Beta testers 😂. Best regards Theo.

[@LifewithDavid1]

Thanks for watching. I agree regarding reviews. I had looked at a lot of reviews, but the scope was pretty new at the time so most of the reviews were glowing about the number of features and how poorly other similarly priced units were performing. This was near the top of my budget and was the best one for the price at the time. I'm pretty happy with it now; but then I've always done things the hard way.

[@GeorgeFoot]

Interesting. I have a Hantek DSO4254C, which has various reported freezing-up issues - and I ran into them a few times. I did upgrade the firmware, which might have helped, and have thankfully been pretty lucky with it recently.

[@LifewithDavid1]

It's amazing when you think that it samples at 1G per second. There is nothing inside the case; just a power supply. a board with an FPGA, a CPU, and a couple "glue" chips, and an i/o and display board. Everything is done in firmware/software.

[@valentingheorghe1693]

Although Hantek made efforts to release firmware and software updates for the DSO 2000 series oscilloscopes, they should provide also the software tools needed to perform backup and restore operations. Furthermore, I wonder how can a company that manufactures oscilloscopes can release a product on the market without heatsinks installed on the processors and without a good silent fan to aid the cooling process of the device wile running?

[@LifewithDavid1]

You're right. I'm sure that the pandemic really hurt them (Chinese lockdowns). Remember, they are not really a free enterprise company; what they are doing is "good enough". Keep costs low and stuff will sell. Thanks for watching!

[@valentingheorghe1693]

@@LifewithDavid1 "Make it good enough, keep costs low and they will sell".... Well, maybe, the first time, but take into account how many are returned by the customers for failing to satisfy their requirements. I understand that I have to pay money for features, but I don't want to waste money on products that lack the basic safety features that ensures reliability and good life span. Any electric / electronic device must have a way to dissipate heat. Withoit heat management that device is doom to fail prematurely. In the case of Hantek 2000 series, the manufacturer strived to pack it full of feature and, provide performance updates. Why don't make an effort to ensure a good heat dissipation that could turn the product into a real success? This is strange, because the other two popular models from Hantek, DSO4102C and DSO5102P, both have heatsinks and fans fited straight from the factory.

[@LifewithDavid1]

@@valentingheorghe1693 I agree, however mine doesn't run hot at all. It runs all day and the case is only a few degrees above room temperature.

[@jstro-hobbytech]

Cool video. I had a prior generation hantek scope and could never get a waveform that was as noisy as all get out. I even used two isolation transformers for both linear and switching supply sources along with the scope and 2 different function generators. I bought a nice siglent for 1k and happened to get a tektronix on a trade a short time after I could've returned the siglent haha. Great video. The new hanteks came out about 5 months after I bought mine so maybe things would've been different. The new hantek even has fft, decode functions.

[@LifewithDavid1]

Thank you. The specs are really good, and it has been good for what I use it for. I've only just scratched the surface of it's capabilities. But after running a 5MHz analog scope for 45 years, having signal capture at 150 MHZ is mind blowing. Thanks for watching!

[@jstro-hobbytech]

@@LifewithDavid1 sorry man I was talking to someone else who had the same issue as you with that scope on another channel haha

[@2pist]

I bricked mine too. Got it fixed using Phoenix. Im happy David spent the time snd shAred his results.

[@LifewithDavid1]

I'm glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@2pist]

@@LifewithDavid1 I suppose there's a hack somewhere to unlock the frequency? Is it In the firmware?

[@Leonid_Abel]

thanks you, my friend

[@LifewithDavid1]

Thanks for the visit

[@karlmartell9279]

Old guy still bright and active in the head with no fear of new technologies. Very impressive! Most sit around on the couch and rust away.

[@LifewithDavid1]

Thank you. I may be old on the outside; but in my mind, I still think I'm 35. LOL

[@MS7.7]

@@LifewithDavid1 I'm only 28 and I already realized how crazy age can be misunderstood. It doesn't really matter how old. It's all about your soul that what makes you young, our bodies are disposable. I enjoyed your video, thanks. 🙏🙏

[@mcorrive12]

This video is awesome! Thank you for sharing! Ive had the older model DSO5072P for years, and recently picked up the pc based 6254BD. Im considering picking up the DSO2D15 for the Serial Decode functionality. Of course i could always just use my Bus Pirate Logic Analyzer, but then i wouldn't get to pick up a new piece of tech. One might say im becoming a test equipment pack rat.

[@LifewithDavid1]

I understand about collecting test equipment. I often wonder what it would be like to be Curious Marc or Mr Carlson. Oh well; I can dream. I used the serial decoding in my RP2040 MIDI episode 17 (kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIDVZK2kg6uao7M). It worked very well. Thanks for watching!

[@mcorrive12]

@@LifewithDavid1 I've watched a number of your RP2040 videos. Really great content. Super helpful to us jr-mid level engineers. Thanks again!

[@kjrchannel1480]

I scored one that was returned. It turned out it had the 3200 firmware that would lock up with minor offset adjustment. I got it working. Reading that read me file just after driver install actually made the boot hang. I then bypassed that after reinstalling the driver and did the final cmd script and it worked. Those forums really do get filled with junk to weed through.

[@LifewithDavid1]

Glad it worked! You're right about the forums, you have to do a lot of digging to get to the gold!

[@Hudsonkem]

excellent tutorial :)

[@LifewithDavid1]

Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!

[@briandonaldson612stringgui8]

Thanks for the video. Have a 2C10 on the way and the very first thing I will do is a S/F backup, JIC! LOL. Thanks again,

[@LifewithDavid1]

You're welcome. Good luck!

[@briandonaldson612stringgui8]

@@LifewithDavid1 One more question sir, do you know how to perform a "dot test" on the oscilloscope? Thanks

[@uni-byte]

I have 4 scopes as it is, but this scope seems like a bargain of interesting proportions. If I had known about this before I bought my Siglent SDS1204 I may have ended up with this .. however, it so tempting to get one just to play around with. Just look at the specs! If they added a PSU it would be nearly an entire lab!

[@LifewithDavid1]

You're right. I do like the simplicity of my analog scope, but its speed doesn't hold a candle to the Hantek.

[@jonaszwojcik]

The Siglent SDS1204 is a great 2x ADC 2x1GS/s scope. But you could have saved some money with the SDS1104X-E and unlocked it to 200MHz....and got a decent AWG (like the FY6900 - 60MHz) and a logic analyzer for the price difference. Siglent options for AWG and LA for this scopes are too expensive for hobbyists. Having all-in-one has some advantages, but if it breaks you're left with nothing.

[@m80116]

Unfortunately the power of integration would make the entire lab black out for a software glitch. Something to really ponder about...

[@kippie80]

The end of an era. I was amazed and wasn't sure if I should believe the scopes you were using were your 'contemporary' scopes. Indeed they were. :) Fyi, I've found with my 200Mhz scopes, I only get accurate waveforms up to 33Mhz. Maybe my probes could be a little bit better. In such cases, when measuring, i just slow down the device. So far, that has worked.

[@kippie80]

One set of probes i have are good quality. I'd got the set along with a 20Ghz counter from an auction of Raytheon equipment. Still though, above is the experiance with the gear

[@LifewithDavid1]

Thanks for watching. The scopes I was using were not the best that were out there, but the best I could afford. My dad bought the Heathkit OM scope in the 50's during a brief stint when he was into electronics. However, he never assembled it, so I did when I was about 12 years old (btw, I got hooked!). My 5mHz Heathkit scope was a fantastic Christmas present in 78. There were 15mHz scopes out there, but they was way above my means; since electronics was a hobby, not a career. The Tektronix scopes in college were awesome (30mHz) but there were probably only about 5 storage scopes across the entire Ohio State campus (analog with a persistent phosphor screen).

[@kippie80]

@@LifewithDavid1 Cool! Oh, I suppose it was the late 70's early 80's my dad was bringing home surplus equipment from the telephone company, this is how I'd gotten my first dual-trace oscilloscope,. I don't recall the speed of it though and it was specialized uncommon brand. Nice scope you got there anyhow! For now, my Tektronix TDS360 and BK2542 are good enough to endure without upgrade.

[@peterkrause7700]

Hi David. Very useful and excellent video. I have just got my scope and hope not to experience your delima! But if i do, i ll have a step by step. 🙂 Since the updates, how have you found the scope in general?

[@LifewithDavid1]

Thanks for watching! My scope has worked perfectly since the updates.

[@neo256mb]

I gave you thumbs up for your detailed work. I'm trying to decide between getting hantek 2D15 with waveform versus the Rigol 1202Z-E which ($259.99 versus Rigol $299) . I can't decide on which for hobby use. this will be my first scope. any advice? I do like the idea of hooking up to a PC which I think both can do?

[@LifewithDavid1]

I've seen a lot of people use the Rigol; but I really like the GUI with the Hantek. I would go with a more expensive scope if I was using it for heavy duty troubleshooting; but for my use; the Hantek give a lot of bang for the buck.

[@neo256mb]

@@LifewithDavid1 I am not going to use it much either just for hobby , and I like that Hantek has everything. My hesitation is , is the Firmware now mature enough ? and do I just need to add Alum heat sinks inside and add another FAN? Also now talking and reading the eevblog people, it is between Hantel 2D15 + hacks, or a Sigilent 1104X-E. but I will not use it that much so I am torn.

[@LifewithDavid1]

@@neo256mb Just my two cents here, but unless you are using FFT heavily, I don't think you need to add more heat sinks. I've run mine continuously for days doing normal dual trace stuff and it has never gotten warm. And it hasn't locked up since I upgraded the firmware. Hope that helps.

[@LibertyWarrior68]

I just bought a DSO2C10, I hope they fixed up all the buggs.

[@LifewithDavid1]

Mine has worked great since this video was published, over 1 year ago; so I think it should be good.

[@tigheklory]

Thanks! My scope is working fine, but I saved this video.

[@LifewithDavid1]

Good to hear! Thanks for watching.

[@neo256mb]

I read also there were many people getting Freezing and lock up issues with this hantek. and others wrote that using a heat sink on IC helped prevent this. Do you know about this or have advice? on amazon reviews I think they said add a "radiator" to the IC, but I think they mean an aluminum heatsink.

[@LifewithDavid1]

I've also heard that. I haven't tried it since my lock-up issues stopped with the new software; but I'll keep that in mind if I have a problem. In my use, the scope has only gotten slightly warm; but I'm not working it hard either.

[@OLDSCHOOLNEVERDIES]

Thanks a lot for this video. My DSO2D15 has a serious issue with signals lower than 1Vpp. For instance, a 1KHz/1Vpp sine wave is not stable on the screen and despite several attempts to keep it steady with the trigger level potentiometer, it moves to the left or right. I installed the latest firmware to see if the situation could improve but I had no success. The oscilloscope works OK with signals with amplitudes over 4V, but with those between 50mV and 2V, forget it, the waveform shifts from side to side of the screen...

[@LifewithDavid1]

I found that enabling the BW 20MHz in the channel menu really stabilized low frequency waveforms. Also, changing the probe multiplier sometimes helps. You also might check the EEVBlog forum I linked to in the description. Good luck!

[@mal6232]

My D10 only starts dancing below ~50mV, while that is not exactly ideal it is not an unreasonable performance for an entry level scope. Have you calibrated your scope recently?

[@OLDSCHOOLNEVERDIES]

@@LifewithDavid1 Still not triggering with the latest firmware update dso3kb_20220517 they sent me today, July 14th '22. The DSO2D15 is just a toy for hobbysts, Hantek's after sale is a joke and offensive for the customer who has issue with one of their product. Buying this oscilloscope was more than frustrating. It will be more than a month since the Hantek after sale goes on with firmware updates that do not solve the situation of this machine at all. I would never have imagined such a poor product, I definitely do not recommend it to anyone and rather invest in a Rigol, Tektronix and other brands that have been in the field for more than thirty years, not these chinoiseries.

[@LifewithDavid1]

@@OLDSCHOOLNEVERDIES I'm sorry that you are having problems with the scope. The issues that you are having are frustrating. I would have loved to have gotten a Tektronix, but it didn't fit into my budget. Reviews seem to be hot and cold; after the software and firmware upgrades mine worked very well. However I don't use a scope for a living, if I did, I might think differently.

[@m80116]

Right in the Audio department... I was correct in thinking that an old beaten Tektronix from 40 years ago is still 10 times batter than this for working with audio components.

[@icollided]

I got mine in July 2022. Software and firmware work great. Its never locked up on me. Lots of features in a small space. Replaces 3 pieces of equipment.

[@LifewithDavid1]

That's great! Since I got my software upgraded it has worked really well for me, also. My workbench is a lot less cluttered now because I was able to stash my analog scope, VTVM, signal generator, and frequency counter. However, I'm not going to give up my 15,000 volt probe for the VTVM quite yet. LOL Thanks for watching!

[@rahmatollahkeykhaei4574]

well done

[@LifewithDavid1]

Thank you; and thanks for watching!

[@luisalonso9987]

MUY BUEN VIDEO, BIEN EXPLICADO Y VA AYUDAR A MUCHAS PERSONAS, UD. ES EXCELENTE COMUNICADOR Y LO EXPLICA TODO CON DETALLES., MIS FELICITACIONES. UN ABRAZO DESDE CUBA , YA ESTOY DESDE AHORA SUSCRITO A SU CANAL.

[@LifewithDavid1]

Gracias por tus amables comentarios. Visité su país hace unos 5 años. ¡Gracias por ver!

[@luisalonso9987]

@@LifewithDavid1 si, pero mi país hace 5 años era otra cosa, ya ahora, es un país que qué lo tienen en las más triste pobres para los Cubano, an emigrados miles buscando mejor vida, ya esto es un país de ancianos, pero aún así, estoy Orgulloso de Se Cubano.. Esto no tiene nada que ver con el Gobierno.. Que mejor no te digo Nada. Gracias por escribirme. Un abrazo grande.

[@LifewithDavid1]

@@luisalonso9987 Entiendo. Cuba era hermosa cuando estuve allí y la gente era amigable. Espero que las cosas mejoren. ¡Buena suerte!

[@luisalonso9987]

@@LifewithDavid1 Seguimos siendo los mismos, somos muy Amigable.. Y Compartimos todo, tener un Amigo Cubano es un Privilegio, para Muchos.. Damos lo que tenemos, no lo que nos Sobra o moleste.. Seguimos siendo Cubanos 🇨🇺, y Muy Orgullosos de ser así.. Un abrazo Grande de este Cubano que tiene 72 Años Ya. Dios lo Bendiga Siempre.

[@lucianvaduva3827]

Hi David. Mine 2D15 scope radiates harmonics in front to 0.5 m and in back to 5 cm. I tested with a fm radio which i wanted to test for if alignment. If I put radio near a tv set then there is no noise. Also tested near a Tektronix 1000 series: no noise. I wonder if all these cheap scopes radiates like this.

[@LifewithDavid1]

I would think so. There are a lot of higher frequency clocks in digital scopes. And sharp digital transitions trigger even more harmonics. Analog scopes are probably better for alignment work , but that's just my humble opinion.

[@danedewaard8215]

You should get a $50 refund from Hantek for your trouble!!! BTW, you don't need to apologize for using your middle finger to push the buttons on the scope!!! We all understand and applaud you for your effort!!!!

[@LifewithDavid1]

Thanks for the comment. I only just now realized I was "flipping off" the scope. LOL Actually, ever since I got my HP-35 in 1973, I've had a callus on my middle finger from pushing buttons (and I guess telling others that "they are number one"!

[@danedewaard8215]

Thanks for understanding my humor! I use the middle finger also since the middle finger is easiest for button pressing. Using the pointer requires folding the middle and ring fingers underneath. My humor is not understood or appreciated by my family, so I unleash it on KZbin, hoping that at least someone will laugh!!! Thanks for your comeback and thanks for your videos!!!

[@roneyalvesdarocha5750]

Excellent video! But I have a doubt. Please, can you check for me if it is possible to measure the phase angle between two sinusoidals with this equipment? That is, what is the phase angle between channels 1 and 2 when both channels have a sine wave, but the frequencies of channels 1 and 2 are different? Does it do this measurement automatically? Thanks.

[@LifewithDavid1]

I don't think that value is defined. That is similar to a Synchroscope when trying to synchronize a generator to the grid. If the frequency is not exactly the same, the phase angle keeps varying and the dial keeps spinning. If the 2 frequencies are too far apart, the whole thing just quits and vibrates since the you can't measure it.

[@TheFleetz]

Starting looking at a scope for my grandson for Christmas. Thanks for posting this…..as a electronics engineer looking at all the issues and necessity to get it to the stage you have I will be giving it wide birth.

[@LifewithDavid1]

Check out the latest info on EEVBlog. I think the issues are getting resolved with newer versions of the firmware. Mine has worked fine since I updated the firmware. But I understand not wanting to frustrate budding engineers with flaky equipment.

[@evjow]

What about if really meets the specifications? When does it start attenuating the signal? By how much? Is the attenuation linear througout all the band? Does it really detect 150MHz? What are the min and max voltages detected?

[@LifewithDavid1]

All good questions. All I know is that it works well for my needs. Thanks for watching!

[@BlondieSL]

And due to the possibility of bricking or introducing more bugs, THIS IS WHY I no longer update my Scope. Mine is a Hantek MSO 5202D, which I bought back in 2016. WOW! as I typed that, I realized just how fast time flies. WOW! When I got it, I did do an update, but I haven't done one since, because it's working just fine and as a Tech, I know that sometimes (perhaps often) updates can cause more problems than they fix. This goes for any equipment and especially MS Windows!!! I liked this video. I suspect that it has helped many people who bought the model in this video, only to have it brick or work horribly. Frankly, I was surprised that Hantek would even put out a scope with so many OBVIOUS issues right from the factory. At least, they finally came through... but at what cost? How many people paid good $$$ for this scope, not knowing or realizing to follow forums and updating, only to literally toss the units into the trash or otherwise push to the back of the closet.... sigh.

[@LifewithDavid1]

You're right! I suppose there is tremendous pressure to get competitive products out quickly. COVID-19 hit China hard, so it sounded like support was pretty crappy in early 2021. Also, in my visits to various Communist countries, I've noticed that customer service is not a priority. Thanks for watching!

[@m80116]

Same thought on my side... I feel like these Chinese companies are scamming us as it's not that they didn't produce sufficiently decent products in the past... they DON'T CARE. They take our money luring us with bells and whistles and use us up as debugging tools. Absolutely abhorred this practice.

[@Galova]

Sir I would recommend also to open the device and put 2 ceramic heatsinks on two lagre chips located on the pcb. They tend to get HOT. I do not recommend metallic heatsink because I've read also that they can cause some electromagnetic interference introducing noise etc. Also some of the electrolytics need to be replaced with a high quality ones, because those on the pcb and PSU also tend to get HOT. They must have high ESR or something and heat should kill them fast.

[@LifewithDavid1]

That is a good idea; I'll look into it. Thanks!

[@Galova]

@@LifewithDavid1 oh, I forgot to tell that there is an empty place for 5V fan inside and there are corresponding wire pads on PSU board. Manufacturer hasn't mounted it for some reason, probably to force device degradation. Some people say that most problems are solved with fan installation. It has to be there, but it's not mounted.

[@kurtboginski507]

David, I been having one heck of a time trying to get a hold of Hanteck for the same problem on my DSO2D15 with level 3202. After following your instructions, I noticed that the updates they provide on their normal download site do not incluce everytihing needed to get the scope back on line. I like the scope, but this problem as me a bit stumped. It's like their support is non-existent.

[@LifewithDavid1]

I'm sorry to hear that. They responded very quickly to me; but that was almost 2 years ago. Go to the sites listed in the description. All downloads are there along with a bunch of information; some of it that is newer than this video. The eevblog sites have a lot of members that can also provide assistance. It's a great resource. Good luck!

[@kurtboginski507]

Thanks for the reply, I will do that. Really liked the scope up until it bricked. Once again, thanks.@@LifewithDavid1

[@steveosteen]

"I just give a thumb down, but ..." Thank you very much. Great video

[@LifewithDavid1]

Glad you liked it!

[@TheArtofEngineering]

I'm about to pull the trigger on one of these too! 73 de VK2AOE

[@LifewithDavid1]

Great! I hope you have fun with it. It has met my needs; but I only had a 5 mhz scope before.

[@fickfehler3866]

In 1984, an IBM XT with CGA 14" monitor 3.5" floppy 20 MB hard drive - costed $8500 USD

[@LifewithDavid1]

That’s right. Moore’s law is still applicable today. Thanks for watching!

[@hobbyrob313]

Glad I saw this video, I'm looking for an Oscilloscope my self. you will only have bought such a thing and immediately have to repair it yourself, so this Oscilloscope will not be it! thanks for the video! Friendly greetings from The Netherlands! Rob

[@LifewithDavid1]

It depends what your budget is. Most features for the price. That was a while ago, I would think that that issues have been resolved. BTW, love your country. We were in The Hague, Amsterdam, and Kinderdijk about 6 weeks ago and it was great!

[@hobbyrob313]

@@LifewithDavid1 I'd save up for something else BUT, indeed you can't look into someone else's wallet. . The Hague = Den Haag, and Kinderdijk, HOOWWWwww then was you close to me. Rotterdam is also VERY nice! for next time maybe! Kind regards from Vlaardingen Rob

[@DAHBADHDTHINGS]

had issues with mine too. buttons randomly froze. the new software update fixed the issue. as of 2022-11-14 update

[@LifewithDavid1]

That's good to hear. I should check to see if the new software will give me any more capabilities. Right now my scope is working fine.

[@user-ie4td2mq8x]

David! The link to the GoogleDrive folder is not working. What is the problem?

[@LifewithDavid1]

David Alfa updated eevblog with all of the information from his Google Drive and deleted the drive today; I've updated the description with the new link; here it is: www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/new-hantek-dso2x1x-models/msg3559217/#msg3559217

[@MrPenguin098]

OMG. I think I'll go with a Rigol or Siglent. 😃

[@LifewithDavid1]

After using the Hantek for several weeks; I've been happy with it. It all depends on how much money you have in your budget for a new scope. I definitely think I got the most scope for the money with the Hantek; but it took a bit of work on my part to get there.

[@TheShowdown16]

@@LifewithDavid1 I have to agree there. I used to just tinker a bit with an arduino and do simple stuff. However I was interested in going more indepth and get a bit into analog electronics and I decided I'd need an oscilloscope to understand what I was doing. But I was just a student and didn't know how much I would actually use an oscilloscope. As such I couldn't justify a 500$+ oscilloscope. I looked at the used market but where I'm at its a joke. Decent old oscilloscopes still go for hundreds of dollars. Even absolutely ancient, heavily worn pieces that are still up for unreasonable prices. So I was very happy when I got a C10 for about 200$ (shipping included). I have never had a problem with mine. If not for the hantek scope I might not even be in the hobby right now.

[@tech29X]

She's a keeper alright, but I wish it could be powered by a 12 Volt DC power supply and converting from AC to DC seems a bit tricky on this scope as it requires +8V +5 volts separately.

[@LifewithDavid1]

That would be handy; especially for mobile troubleshooting.

[@gooseneckful]

I've been checking scopes for a while, and those Hantek series don't impress me. I am an electronic technician and the last thing i want is to fix the equipment needed to fix other equipment's. Yes they are pretty cheap but also pretty crap. I would go more on Rigol, or Siglent for scopes. Not much more expensive but seems better built. I've seen lots of video on Hantek freezing, and crap that i wouldn't like on a test equipment.

[@LifewithDavid1]

I understand. I've been using the scope for over a year now and it has been very reliable. But then, I don''t make a living using the scope.

[@dr.frankenstrat2076]

Can you tell me difference between d10&d15--- bandwidth?

[@LifewithDavid1]

Yes, the DSO10 is a 100mHz scope and the DSO15 is a 150MmHz scope. However, there have been some people on EEVBlog that have performed a hack to turn a DSO10 into a DSO15...CAUTION some hacks have turned out well and some have had a lot of problems.

[@braaitongs]

How does this one differ to the HANTEK DSO5102P?

[@LifewithDavid1]

The Hantek DSO2D15 has an Arbitrary Waveform Generator, 150MHz bandwidth, 14 different trigger modes, an ASCII decode mode, more advanced math functions and some other goodies. Although I haven't done any research, it looks like the DSO5102P might also make a nice scope for the hobbyist.

[@jennyminskey4086]

Hello, There is a high pitched frequency noise in my home. I believe it is a "mosquito" device. What can I use to find it? Thank you!!

[@LifewithDavid1]

If you can hear it, you should be able to use a good directional microphone and a scope to track it down. If the frequency is too high, then an ultrasonic receiver could help. I guess I would simply wander around with the receiver attached to a scope (I think it can be a cheap scope) and look for the highest amplitude. Good luck!

[@jennyminskey4086]

Thank you! What kind of scope?

[@jennyminskey4086]

@@LifewithDavid1 I live in Tallahassee. Who could I reach out to to help me with the equipment? Would a frequency counter help?

[@jennyminskey4086]

Meaning an electrician? Engineer? Is there somewhere to buy the equipment besides internet?

[@jennyminskey4086]

@@LifewithDavid1 Thank you!! I will try!!

[@a.asperga2036]

Anyone here encountered the function generator is not working? Same model on the video

[@LifewithDavid1]

Mine worked OK. You might try searching on EEVBLOG. Good luck.

[@paulcohen1555]

You are kidding about the thumbs down. NO way! ❤

[@LifewithDavid1]

Thanks for the kind words and for watching!

[@last280]

Hello, could you update the link to the cloud again

[@LifewithDavid1]

David Alfa updated eevblog with all of the information from his Google Drive and deleted the drive today; I've updated the description with the new link; here it is: www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/new-hantek-dso2x1x-models/msg3559217/#msg3559217

[@last280]

@@LifewithDavid1 Thank you very much for your hard work.

[@phonecitimx8170]

please help me!! how to download phoenix suit?

[@LifewithDavid1]

First try to get it from Hantek. If that doesn't work, click on the link to DavidAlfa's Google drive in the description. Then navigate to "Firmware/ Platform tools". Read readme.txt and then download the appropriate platform tool. Hope that helps.

[@bagamut]

This model has no fan. Just tear down it and install radiators on both main ICs. It stops overheating and freezing. Also some capacitors are hot, may require replacing in 2 years. Or install fan additionally, this solves overheating completely.

[@LifewithDavid1]

Thanks for the tip! I've thought about that a little. It would be interesting to check the temperature. I've heard from others that for most functions the unit runs nice and cool. I imagine that if FFT is being used continuously; it would get hot.

[@bagamut]

@@LifewithDavid1 at least ADC IC is very hot all the time, may be they fixed other overheating or freezing issues in latest firmware, but radiators still can improve IC working conditions

[@LifewithDavid1]

@@bagamut Thanks, I'll check that out.

[@m80116]

So we learn that measurements have a high noise floor, can't trigger under a certain (low) threshold, are unreadable in XY mode or jittery in 1Vpp, you open the box, play with the unit and 10 minutes later it bricks by itself. Now it comes out, rather predictably I'd say, that they've even skimped on power supply, beyond the usual two dollar fan. Is it really NECESSARY to spend this little bit less to gain all this MUCH trouble? I do believe we should really favor manufacturers that design their products properly and don't require user debugging and alpha tests.

[@vivektodmal1]

Is this the best scope in the price range or i can do better ?

[@LifewithDavid1]

It was the best scope in the price range when I got mine. I think there are some other entries into the market now; but this has served me well since I updated the firmware/ software.

[@ebaystars]

on my channel i had problems with a new HANTEK 2D15 see the SCREEN SMUDGE problem, yeah I got another new one and the faults gone but the Hantek crappers didn't respond when I couldnt figure it out having not seen the screen colors before. , so no support when I needed it - , AFTER the scope went back their audacious support department sent me a jpg asking me to pull it all apart and reseat the LCD, no way Jose (in both cases I had a 7 day return period here in Thailand) they lost a 20 off government sale as a result. I couldnt recommend HANTEK the clips stay until I pass away NOTE firmware 3205 - SWare 10300 230327,00) so only one resettable lockup thus far in FFT mode long timebase DATE 18th July here.2023

[@LifewithDavid1]

Sounds like you had a few more issues than I did. I'm glad it's working better now. Thanks for watching.

[@mistersniffer6838]

Jeeziz kryst, do I have to hand solder all the components again also!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

[@LifewithDavid1]

LOL. I can assure you that the instructions are not as clear as for my Heathkit oscilloscope.

[@mistersniffer6838]

@@LifewithDavid1 - It seems so!! Thanks for the video though. Cheers!!!

[@phonecitimx8170]

my oscilloscope was froze and then bricked

[@LifewithDavid1]

Mine too. Hantek was very responsive and should send you a link to their platform tools (Phoenix suit).

[@zayarnaing8477]

SAME ERROR , PLEASE GIVE ME .BIN FILE .FILE SIZE IS 132MB

[@LifewithDavid1]

Check out David Alfa's FAQs. Links for all resources are in the description. Or contact Hantek support. Good luck!

[@Leonid_Abel]

hello, my dear friend! today huntek tech support gave me my link to the instruction 243.7MB))) Did you do exactly as it describes?

[@LifewithDavid1]

I did; but getting the file was a little tricky for me. I discuss how I had to download the file in my video.. I'm assuming the instructions they gave you are the sane as they gave me. Good luck!

[@Leonid_Abel]

​@@LifewithDavid1 Thank you, David! Yes, they gave me exactly the same instructions as they gave you. And I downloaded this file immediately, without asking for account registration. I just wanted to clarify that in the end you did exactly according to this instruction from Huntek, and not according to the instructions from David Alpha. ) I will do everything according to your video instructions, it is done VERY efficiently and in detail! Thank you so much for this! I translated your video through Yandex browser. So if it wasn't for your video efforts, it would be VERY hard for me to deal with all this! I thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!

[@2pist]

I'm thinking they all brick when using auto set. I'd like to know if anyone experienced something different.

[@LifewithDavid1]

After I updated mine, the auto-set works OK.

[@2pist]

@@LifewithDavid1 That's good news! I still need to update mine to the latest firmware.

[@rhythmstic]

I'll wait until they fix these issues b4 buying. The £ is tanking just now so maybe I'll be forced to go ahead anyway.

[@LifewithDavid1]

It's a tough decision. Mine's been working fine; but I've only use it for simpler functions so far.

[@intheshell35ify]

Not only should you return it, I'm gonna return the $1000 worth of hantek garbage I just got. Not sure if that was the intention of this video, if so well played.

[@LifewithDavid1]

Nope, that wasn't my intention. I just wanted to show people how to fix their scopes so they would have a budget friendly option. Make your own decisions on what to do; I decided to update mine. BTW it's been working fine since I made the updates about a year ago.

[@bones007able]

Most people brick them by trying to upgrade the software to a higher grade scope and it backfires...

[@LifewithDavid1]

I saw that in my review until the elimination of firmware incompatibilities with different versions of hardware near the end of 2021. Then there was a period (like I experienced) where a use of certain controls within functions would cause the lock-up. I still think that could be a problem, I think the most recent firmware has greatly reduced the issue.

[@bones007able]

@@LifewithDavid1 I myself got the 2C model as I already have 2 function generators already on the bench

[@TechCornerTV]

True, but I bought mine only for review and got'it freezed just by the long hours it took to record both videos (en & pt) and latelly with last official fw upgrade from Hantek (the video will be released today) I got it hanged just by changing the offset, it is pretty mint condition without any "upgrades" other the official fw, so I agree with you, but it's not only that.

[@mal6232]

You can't brick it. the flash can always be accessed and re-flashed using the tools freely available on www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hantek-dso2x1x-firmware-updates-and-best-use-practices/#msg3590160

[@MrEksol]

Это то девид из испании?

[@LifewithDavid1]

I believe David Alfa is from Spain, I'm from Cleveland, Ohio.

[@dshmechanic]

Glad you got it all sorted, but there's no way I would (nor should I have to!) go through all those complex steps just to 'fix' a brand new scope that should already work perfectly right out of the box. But then, too, I am nowhere near as computer savvy as you are, and that whole process would have taken years off my life in terms of frustration and stress! I would have just tossed that brick back in its box and ordered a Rigol. My trusty Rigol has never left me stranded along the road, LOL.

[@LifewithDavid1]

I can certainly understand that. If, at the time, Rigol had a comparable scope (at the same price), I might have returned it. But I really liked the features, and similar scopes were $100 more; so I tried to fix it. Thanks for the comment!

[@mnoxman]

"a scope like this would have cost 10s of thousands of dollars 30 years ago". Pretty sure the QA process of a Tektronix or HP would have been better than what you experienced.

[@LifewithDavid1]

You're right, however I only paid about 3% of what the Techtronix would have cost. For my needs it's a great deal. And I got to make a video; even better! LOL

[@BlondieSL]

Oh scopes where stupid expensive all those years ago. I can't remember the exact model, but back in the early 80s, I bought an HP either it was a dual trace or quad (I just can't remember now), but it cost then, around $1,800 (or so, if memory serves). It was the most expensive piece of equipment I ever bought at that time. To get a scope now that does so much more for a third of the price, is amazing.

[@buddynscooter]

Oooof! I would have returned the unit before installing a bunch of random Chinese software on my computer.

[@LifewithDavid1]

I thought about that. Trouble was, I really liked the scope and it looked like my other choices were limited (at that time there was a lot of saber rattling that the US was going to stop Chinese imports). A lot of people had used the software and they didn't have any problems.

[@Parveenkumar-mz3hp]

i am india user dont not file download in the qq mail other options

[@LifewithDavid1]

www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hantek-dso2x1x-firmware-updates-and-best-use-practices/ See David Alfa's post (about 3/4 of the way down) and click on "drive" in his signature. That should take you to an independent source of files. "faq" will also provide a lot of good info. Good luck!

[@SpeccyMan]

It isn't the job of customers to beta test hardware! Hantek needs to up its game.

[@LifewithDavid1]

I agree, but I can understand how it happened. COVID locked China down limiting help. Everything was messed, including the rollout of this model.

[@urnoob5528]

only 30 years ago literally someones lifetime

[@LifewithDavid1]

I guess you're right. For me, 30 years seems like yesterday. In my mind; I'm only 35 years old. Unfortunately, the body reminds me that I'm not.

[@OndrejPopp]

Good and informative video. However, your scope was not really bricked... The definition of a bricked device is that you can not do anything with it anymore, including firmware upgrades and so it behaves just like a brick would... Although real bricks are a bit cheaper! Anyway tx for the video. For my own needs I think I will order the little Zeeweii dso2512g! See for example here : kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5mXpGdjd7loY5o

[@LifewithDavid1]

Thanks. At the time, it was fubar. Absolutely no response to any button pushes. I truly thought it was dead. It was basically a doorstop; which is why the "repair" was so complicated.

[@OndrejPopp]

@@LifewithDavid1 Ok, well you did it David! Congrats!

[@bacamor5255]

Sad to say Hantek software team is terrible. KZbin is full of bad reviews on it (but not by famous youtubers, paid to say well about products). Hantek is a brand to avoid like Covid

[@LifewithDavid1]

Ever since I fixed it, it has worked well. I guess the DSO2D15 is kinda like IKEA furniture; low price, but some assembly required. Thanks for watching.

[@James_Bowie]

Unbelievable! Clearly, someone at Hantek needs to learn what system testing and QC means. Meanwhile, no way I'm buying this junk.

[@LifewithDavid1]

I agree. I'm not sure what the inside story was; a lot of this occurred during the pandemic. Did people leave the company, get sick, or die? What pressure did the Chinese government put on the company to make sales numbers? It worked out for me; but buyer beware.

[@Eoerta]

Theres something wrong here. I tried to give your video a thumbs up and it wouldn't work. I refreshed the page, still no luck. I pressed the thumbs down and it worked! I think your video was excellent, sorry about the thumbs down.

[@LifewithDavid1]

Thanks for the comment. Those things happen.

[@ahbushnell1]

i agree with Hantek. It's all firmware.

[@LifewithDavid1]

You're right; however, firmware and software are the designations that DavidAlfa and the the rest of the Hantek community are using so I used that to maintain consistency with their troubleshooting efforts.

[@ahbushnell1]

@@LifewithDavid1 A microprocessor has every thing it needs to run on the chip. A microprocessor has external RAM as in a PC. They are both computers. Sorry Hantek is confused.

[@pibbles-a-plenty1105]

You convinced me to NOT buy a Hantek scope. The truth will set you free to do what you buy a scope for - buy a Rigol...

[@LifewithDavid1]

Thanks for the comment. I was wondering about a Rigol; but at the time it was more expensive with lower specs. The Hantek has served me well; but I'm not a power user.

[@ivansperanza]

Too many problems and takes too much time to fix it, why would i want to waste all that time on a brand new scope??....i'd send it back.

[@LifewithDavid1]

I understand. This scope wasn't just a tool for me, but a way to dip my toe into computerized test equipment. The challenge of fixing it called to me; and I thought I would learn by fire. But that certainly isn't the case for everyone. Thanks for watching!

[@FelinoAnticomunista]

filename date ever december 1979 (save to usb capture).... this is a fkng crap toy

[@LifewithDavid1]

Remember; it doesn't know the date if you don't tell it. It may not be the top of the line; but it's worked very well for me since the video. Thanks for watching!

[@FelinoAnticomunista]

@@LifewithDavid1 I have the same oscilloscope and there is no menu to set the time and date

[@FelinoAnticomunista]

@@LifewithDavid1 there is no internal battery to keep t time in case of power unplugging. This toy HAS NO TIME OR DATE... therefore if you make many captures, when you see them on the computer, you do not know which one was captured first and which one after final

[@LifewithDavid1]

@@FelinoAnticomunista Good point. I remember that my 5 MHz analog scope cost 4 times more money (in 2022 $) and I had to build it. This one has 50 times the capability and costs 4 times less. I guess it's all from your point of reference.