If you bought a rebranded unit (e.g., "Velleman HPS2102S" or "SeeSii"), do not use OWON firmware. You must get the update from your specific vendor. Using the wrong vendor’s firmware will corrupt the display controller.
The HDS2102S supports I2C, SPI, UART, and CAN decoding. However, older firmware had a glitch where the decode lines would desynchronize after 30 seconds of runtime. Firmware v1.3.0 and above resolved this.
The OWON HDS2102S is a precision instrument that degrades in accuracy if left on outdated firmware. Glitchy triggers, incorrect RMS readings, and frozen UART decodes are not hardware failures—they are software entropy.
By following this guide, you can safely perform the OWON HDS2102S firmware update in under 15 minutes. Remember the golden rules:
Final Pro Tip: Subscribe to the OWON RSS feed or check the EEVblog forums monthly. Firmware updates for the HDS2000 series are released silently—often without email alerts. The difference between a frustrating scope and a lab-grade tool is often just one .upg file.
Have you encountered a unique issue after updating your HDS2102S? Visit the OWON User Group at [forum.owon.com] or comment below.
Disclaimer: This article is an independent guide. Always refer to the official documentation included with your specific hardware revision. The author is not responsible for bricked devices.
The workshop was quiet, save for the hum of a power supply, but Leo wasn't satisfied. He stared at his Owon HDS2102S, noticing that the 2ns/div setting was acting strangely—misreading a 100 MHz signal as 125 MHz. It was a classic firmware bug, and today was the day he'd fix it.
Leo began his mission by visiting the Owon Download Center, navigating to the HDS200 Series to find the latest firmware, version 1.51. The Transformation Process
With the file downloaded, Leo followed a careful sequence to bridge the gap between his PC and the handheld scope:
USB Mode Switch: He dove into the scope's system settings, switching the USB mode from HID (Human Interface Device) to MSC (Mass Storage Class).
The Digital Handshake: He connected the scope to his computer via USB. Suddenly, the HDS2102S appeared on his desktop as if it were a simple thumb drive.
The Transfer: He dragged the new firmware file onto the scope's internal storage and safely ejected the device.
The Power Cycle: Holding his breath, Leo turned the unit off and back on. The scope recognized the update and began the "burn" process. A Brief Moment of Panic
When the progress bar finished, the scope rebooted, but the menus were entirely in Chinese. For a second, Leo worried he’d bricked his favorite tool. However, he quickly navigated back to the language settings, toggled it to English, and verified his success: Firmware v1.51 was live.
The 2ns/div glitch was gone, and the built-in signal generator was now running smoother than ever. Leo went back to work, his Owon now as precise as the day he bought it.
The Owon HDS2102S
is a handheld 3-in-1 test instrument featuring a 100MHz oscilloscope, 20,000-count multimeter, and a 25MHz waveform generator. Updating its firmware is a sensitive process because the device has undergone multiple hardware revisions, and flashing incompatible firmware can brick the display.
Below is a detailed guide on the firmware update process and current manufacturer recommendations. ⚠️ Critical Pre-Update Warnings
Version Compatibility: Firmware is strictly tied to the hardware version (e.g., V1.x.x, V3.x.x, V4.x.x). You cannot update a V1.x unit to V4.x or V5.x.
Manufacturer Advice: Owon has explicitly stated to some users that they should not upgrade firmware if the device is functioning normally, as official updates are often not hosted publicly to prevent bricking. owon hds2102s firmware update
Hardware Check: To find your current version, press System -> System -> Page 2 -> About. Update Procedure
If you have obtained the correct .upp file from Owon Support or an official representative, follow these steps: Prepare the Device: Power on the . Enable Mass Storage (MSC): Press System.
Navigate to the next page and select USB as MSC (Mass Storage Class).
Connect to PC: Connect the scope to your computer via USB-C. It should appear as a removable disk (e.g., "H: drive").
Transfer Firmware: Copy the firmware file (typically named Scope.upp) directly to the root of the removable disk. Initiate Update: Power off the scope.
Power it back on. The device will detect the file, perform the upgrade, and shut down automatically once finished.
Verify: Turn the device on and re-check the version in the System menu to confirm the change. Firmware History & Fixes
V1.5.1: This version was notable for fixing a significant display error in the 2ns/div horizontal range where timing graticules were incorrectly spaced.
Recent Versions: Newer hardware shipments have been seen with V4.x and V5.x firmware, which often include better unit support (like Amperes for clamp meters). Important Note on Rebadges: Devices like the Victor 2102S
are nearly identical but may use different internal IDs, making Owon-branded firmware potentially incompatible.
Updating the firmware on your Owon HDS2102S is a straightforward process that can resolve critical display bugs and enhance measurement accuracy. Essential Pre-Update Checklist
Before proceeding, you must verify your hardware compatibility. Firmware versions for the HDS200 series are strictly tied to specific hardware revisions and serial number ranges. Hardware Revisions
: Some older units used "Gigadevice" flash chips with read-only SecureRom that cannot be upgraded. Version Mismatch
: Avoid "downgrading" if your device shipped with a higher version (e.g., v4.3.0) than what is on the official site (e.g., v1.5.1), as it may cause system instability. Check Current Version : Navigate to the
menu on your device to view the current firmware and serial number. Step-by-Step Update Procedure Download Firmware : Obtain the correct file for your specific model and serial number from the Owon Download Center Prepare the Device Turn on the scope. button and select F2 (System) Navigate to the next page and select Connect to PC Connect the HDS2102S to your computer via USB cable. On the scope, ensure the USB mode is set to (Mass Storage Class). A removable disk should appear on your computer. Transfer File
file into the root or "SYSTEM" folder of the removable disk. Finalize Update Turn the scope off and then back on.
The device will automatically begin the upgrade and power off once finished. Restart the device and verify the new version in the Key Benefits of Updating Correction of Display Issues : Older versions had a graticule spacing error at the
horizontal range, causing incorrect frequency readings for high-speed signals. Versions like fixed this, ensuring a signal displays correctly. Enhanced Measurement Options
: Updates have added support for vertical units in Amperes for users with clamp meters. Improved Stability
: Bug fixes resolve intermittent system hangs and improve the performance of the built-in AWG (Arbitrary Waveform Generator). serial number range your specific unit falls into for the correct download? If you bought a rebranded unit (e
Updating the OWON HDS2102S Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
firmware is a specialized process that requires careful matching with your device's specific hardware version. Unlike many consumer electronics, OWON frequently releases hardware revisions that are only compatible with specific firmware branches. Critical Pre-Update Warning
Hardware Compatibility: Firmware versions are typically tied to your serial number and hardware version. Installing a version intended for a different hardware revision (e.g., trying to flash V1.x firmware onto a V4.x device) can brick your unit or cause the display to appear upside down.
Official Recommendation: If your device is functioning correctly, OWON generally advises against updating unless a specific issue needs fixing. How to Update Your Firmware
If you have confirmed you have the correct update file for your specific hardware, follow these general steps: Preparation:
Find your current firmware version by pressing System > F2 (System) and navigating to the version info page.
Download the appropriate firmware file (usually named Scope.upp) from the OWON Download Center or by contacting OWON Support with your serial number. Enable MSC Mode: Turn on the scope and press the System button.
Select USB and change it to MSC (Mass Storage Class). This allows your PC to recognize the scope as a removable drive. Transfer the File: Connect the scope to your PC via a USB-C cable.
Open the removable disk that appears on your computer and copy the Scope.upp file directly to the root directory. Execute the Update: Turn the scope off, then turn it back on.
Navigate back to System > System and select the Upgrade option.
The device will perform the update and typically turn itself off once finished. Verification:
Power the device back on and check the "System" menu to confirm the version number has changed to the intended version. Troubleshooting Tips
USB Connection: If your PC doesn't see the device, ensure you are using a data-capable USB-A to USB-C cable. Some USB-C to USB-C cables may not work correctly due to non-standard PD implementation on some hardware versions.
Support Requests: If your specific hardware version (e.g., V4.x or V8.x) isn't listed on the website, emailing OWON with your serial number is the most reliable way to get the correct firmware.
A significant feature addressed in a recent firmware update (v1.51) for the Owon HDS2102S correction of a horizontal scale display issue at the 2ns/div range Key Feature: Horizontal Timing Accuracy Problem Fixed:
In earlier versions, there was a discrepancy where the screen graticules were not spaced correctly for the 2ns/div timebase. For example, a 50 MHz signal (which has a 20ns period) would incorrectly appear to take up 8 divisions instead of the correct 10 divisions. The Solution:
The v1.51 update ensures that waveforms are accurately mapped to the horizontal grid at high speeds, allowing for precise manual measurements using the on-screen divisions. How to Update Owon typically provides firmware based on the device's serial number range
, as different hardware revisions (like the change from Gigadevice to Macronix flash chips) require specific files. You can check for official downloads or contact support via the Owon Download Center for your specific device version?
To update the firmware on your Owon HDS2102S , you must use a PC to transfer a firmware file (
) to the device while it is in Mass Storage Class (MSC) mode. Important Warning: The HDS2102S supports I2C, SPI, UART, and CAN decoding
Before proceeding, verify your current hardware version. Newer models (V3 and V4) often do not have downloadable updates available on the website, and installing the wrong version can cause malfunctions. Some hardware revisions use "Gigadevice" chips with read-only SecureRom that are not upgradable Step-by-Step Update Process Check Current Version: Turn on your device, press
again (F2), and navigate to the next page to view your current version (e.g., V1.5.1). Download Firmware: Owon Download Center and select the HDS200 Series and your specific If the file is not listed, you may need to contact Owon Support
with your serial number to request the correct file for your hardware revision. Prepare the Device: and navigate to the second page.
Connect the device to your PC using a USB-C cable. A removable disk should pop up on your computer. Transfer the File: Copy the firmware file (typically named ) directly to the root of the removable disk. Initiate Flash: Turn off the oscilloscope.
Turn it back on. The device will automatically detect the file, begin the upgrade, and then power itself off.
Turn the device on and re-check the system menu to confirm the version number has changed. Why Update? Firmware updates for the have historically addressed critical issues, such as: Display Bug Fixes:
Version 1.51 fixed a horizontal scaling issue at 2ns/div where waveform periods were displayed incorrectly. Enhanced Functionality:
Updates can add support for new signal types and improve user interface responsiveness. Owon Support to request a specific firmware file for your serial number Owon Hds2102s Firmware Update [work]
The OWON HDS2102S is a handheld 2-channel 100 MHz oscilloscope with a built-in multimeter (DMM). Firmware updates for this model are not distributed through an automatic online updater; you must manually download and install them via USB.
Below is the full feature set and process for the HDS2102S firmware update, including prerequisites, step-by-step instructions, and what the update typically improves.
By carefully following these steps, you should be able to successfully update the firmware on your Owon HDS2102S, enhancing its performance and capabilities.
A valid firmware package looks like this:
HDS2102S_V1.3.2_HW4.0.upg
Never rename the file. The bootloader checks the checksum inside the header.
Title: Heads up: New Firmware Available for the Owon HDS2102S (Performance Boost & Fixes!)
Just a quick heads-up for anyone rocking the Owon HDS2102S handheld scope. I noticed a new firmware version dropped recently, and if you haven't updated yet, it’s worth doing.
🚀 What’s New? While Owon’s changelogs can sometimes be a bit vague, user reports and the official release notes highlight a few key improvements:
📥 How to Update:
⚠️ Important Note: This update might reset your custom settings (time/date, preferences), so make sure you note down any specific configurations you had.
Has anyone else noticed a difference in the noise levels or trigger stability after updating? Let me know in the comments!
#Owon #HDS2102S #Electronics #FirmwareUpdate #Oscilloscope #Engineering #TechTools