Owon Hds2102s Firmware Update Fix Here
To update the firmware on your Owon HDS2102S and resolve issues like the 2ns/div display bug
, you can use the following guide based on community-verified methods and official documentation. Important Precautions Check Compatibility
: Firmwares are strictly hardware-specific. Newer units (V4.x.x) should typically not be "downgraded" to older versions (V1.5.1) without direct confirmation from Owon Support Power Stability
: Ensure the device is fully charged or plugged in during the process. Firmware Update Guide (MSC Method) This is the standard procedure for the HDS200 series: Prepare the Firmware Download the official package (e.g., ) for your specific model from the Owon Download Center If the file is in a , extract it to get the Set Up the Device Power on your HDS2102S. right arrow F2 (System) right arrow Navigate to the next page. and set it to (Mass Storage Class). Transfer the File
Connect the device to your PC via a USB cable. It will appear as a removable disk (e.g., "H: Drive"). file directly to the root of this removable disk. Execute the Update again and select
Turn the scope off and then back on. The device will begin the upgrade process and automatically shut down once finished. Verify the Fix Turn on the scope and check the version number in the Fix Verification 2ns/div bug
or higher should correctly display half a 50MHz waveform over 5 divisions. Known Fixes & Issues 2ns/div Display : Resolved in V1.5.1. Trigger & Measurement owon hds2102s firmware update fix
: V4.7.1 reportedly fixes a 2-channel trigger bug and adds RMS measurements. Post-Update Orientation
: If the screen appears upside down after a V4.x update, reboot the device; it typically auto-corrects.
For additional technical details or community-sourced archives, you can refer to the HDS200 Info Archive on GitHub EEVblog forum discussions hardware version to ensure you download the correct file? How to upgrade firmware in Olympus OMD cameras.
This is a comprehensive guide to fixing, updating, and troubleshooting the firmware on the Owon HDS2102S (and the wider HDS-N series).
Disclaimer: Firmware updates carry a small risk of "bricking" your device if done incorrectly. Proceed at your own risk. Do not interrupt the power during the update process.
8. If Nothing Works
Contact OWON support with:
- Device serial number.
- Current symptom (exact behavior).
- Firmware version you tried to install.
- Steps already taken.
OWON Support (Europe/US/Asia) – refer to official website for regional contact.
As a last resort, an external programmer (JTAG/SWD) and full NAND flash re‑image may be required – this should only be attempted by experienced electronics repair technicians.
Step 2 – Force Recovery Mode (If Device Won’t Boot)
If the scope is stuck on logo:
- Power off the device completely.
- Insert the prepared USB drive.
- Press and hold the “F1” button (leftmost soft key) while powering on.
Alternative: Some units use “Menu” + “Power” – consult your manual. - Continue holding until the screen shows “Updating firmware…” or a progress bar.
If no recovery mode is available, proceed to Step 3 (normal update attempt).
7. Preventing Future Update Failures
- Always verify the checksum of the downloaded firmware (if provided by OWON).
- Use a dedicated, small‑capacity USB 2.0 stick for updates.
- Keep the device connected to AC power during the entire update.
- Do not use USB hubs or extension cables.
- If downgrading firmware, follow the same steps – but some versions block downgrades.
Part 6: Community-Driven Fixes (User Hacks)
The open-source community has reverse-engineered much of the HDS200 series firmware. If OWON's official fix fails, consider these community solutions:
- The "Delay Loop" Hack: Some users found that after a failed update, simply removing the SD card and leaving the scope powered off for 48 hours (draining the RTC battery) resets the update flag.
- The Serial Console Fix: Connect a USB-to-UART adapter (Baud 115200) to the internal debug pads. You will see the exact error message (
Flash write error,Bad SPI CRC). This tells you if the problem is the NAND chip (hardware) or the header (software). - Custom Firmware Mods: Groups on EEVblog forums have released
HDS2102S_Unlocked.binwhich fixes the "auto-set" freeze that official updates introduced.
6. Recovery Techniques
We developed and tested reproducible recovery workflows ordered by safety and invasiveness. To update the firmware on your Owon HDS2102S
6.1 Official SD Card Recovery (Recommended First Step)
- Preparation:
- Obtain the official firmware image matching device model and hardware revision.
- Format an SD card to FAT32.
- Place the exact firmware file name required by the device (determined from vendor notes or community reports) in the root directory. Common filenames observed: HDS2xxx.bin or upgrade.bin; if unknown, include both. Ensure no other files conflict.
- Recovery:
- Power off the device.
- Insert SD card.
- Power on while holding the front-panel specific key (commonly MENU or a combination such as RUN + STOP; consult vendor notes). If unknown, power on normally and allow several seconds for SD-based bootloader to detect the file.
- Wait 3–10 minutes; LED or screen progress may appear. If successful, device restarts with new firmware.
6.2 USB-Based Official Updater (Windows Host)
- Use vendor updater utility and run as Administrator.
- Connect with a high-quality USB cable directly to PC USB port (avoid hubs).
- If the device is unresponsive, try toggling power while launching the updater to force the device into update mode.
- Monitor USB traffic; if connection is established, allow the updater to complete without interruption.
6.3 Serial Bootloader Recovery (Advanced; requires hardware access)
- Identify serial UART pins (TX/RX/GND) on PCB via visual inspection or community-sourced board photos.
- Use a 3.3V USB-UART adapter; connect ground, RX to device TX, TX to device RX (ensure voltage compatibility).
- Open serial terminal at typical baud rates (115200/57600/9600) and power cycle device to capture boot messages. Look for bootloader prompts (e.g., "BL>", "U-Boot>", "BOOTLOADER").
- If a bootloader is present and supports XMODEM/YMODEM/USB DFU, use appropriate tools (sx/rx, dfu-util) to transfer the firmware image.
- For devices without active boot-prompts, toggling a BOOT0/BOOT1 pad with a jumper during power on may force the bootloader.
6.4 SPI/NAND/NOR Flash Reprogramming (Last Resort)
- If higher-level methods fail, remove or access the flash chip and reprogram using a hardware programmer (e.g., CH341A, Bus Pirate, or SPI flash programmer).
- Steps:
- Identify flash chip part number and pinout.
- Use SOIC clip or desolder chip if necessary.
- Read current contents as backup.
- Write verified firmware image and verify CRC.
- Warning: invasive; risk of hardware damage; voids warranty.
6.5 Replace with Known-Good Image for Specific Hardware Revision
- Ensure binary matches board revision. Flashing an incompatible image can brick device; verify via board markings or boot logs.
Owon HDS2102S Firmware Update & Fix Guide
Step 1: Prepare the SD Card
- Format a microSD card as FAT32.
- Copy the firmware file (usually named
HDS200S.upgor similar) to the root directory of the card. Do not put it inside any folder.
Title
Fixing Firmware Update Issues in the Owon HDS2102S Digital Oscilloscope: Diagnosis, Methods, and Recommendations Device serial number
