The Owon HDS2102S had a notorious "glitch" where signals at the 2ns/div setting appeared stretched or incorrectly scaled, effectively lying to the user about their frequency. This was finally resolved with the release of Firmware v1.51. The Core Fix: Accuracy at 2ns/div
Before the fix, a 50 MHz signal displayed at the fastest horizontal scale (2ns/div) showed one full cycle taking up eight divisions—an incorrect 16ns period.
The Update: After flashing v1.51, the same signal correctly shows half a cycle taking up five divisions, confirming the accurate 10ns duration for a 50 MHz waveform.
Why it mattered: Without this fix, the device's highest-speed captures were mathematically unreliable for high-frequency measurements. How to Apply the Update
The update process for the HDS200 series uses a "Mass Storage Class" (MSC) method rather than a dedicated flash tool:
Preparation: Download the correct firmware file (typically named Scope.upp) from the Lilliput (OWON) Download Center.
Enable Upgrade Mode: On the scope, press System, navigate to the second page of the System menu (usually F2), and select Upgrade.
USB Connection: Connect the scope to your PC. Change the USB setting to MSC. A removable disk drive will appear on your computer.
Transfer & Reboot: Copy the Scope.upp file directly onto the removable disk. Power the scope off and then back on.
Completion: The scope will automatically run the upgrade and shut down when finished. Troubleshooting & Version Confusion
"Unupgradable" Units: Some early hardware versions (identifiable by serial numbers) used Gigadevice flash chips with OTP SecureRom, which may prevent firmware updates entirely.
The Version Gap: Users have reported receiving new units with versions like v4.3.0. If your device has a version higher than v1.5.1, you likely already have the fix and should not "downgrade" to older v1.x firmware files. owon hds2102s firmware update fix
DMM Performance: Note that switching to DMM or Function Generator mode can sometimes slow down data acquisition speeds; a full restart usually restores performance. To see the before-and-after comparison of the display fix:
Firmware version 1.5.1 and later resolves a critical 2ns/div horizontal scaling error on the Owon HDS2102S, ensuring accurate waveform display. The update, which requires specific versions based on hardware revisions, is applied by transferring a
file to the device in MSC mode. For a detailed walkthrough of the update process, visit AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
Updating the Owon HDS2102S Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
firmware is a critical fix for a known bug where the 2ns/div horizontal setting incorrectly displays waveforms (effectively acting as 2.5ns/div). 🛠️ Update Process
Follow these steps to apply the fix using the Mass Storage Class (MSC) method: Check Hardware Compatibility
Navigate to System > F2 (System) > Next Page to view your current version.
Warning: Firmware is serial-number specific. Do not attempt to flash if your device uses a read-only Gigadevice flash chip (often identified by "NOT upgradable" status in community archives). Download Firmware
Visit the Owon Download Center to find the correct .upp file for your model and serial range. Prepare the Device Connect the scope to your PC via USB. Go to System > Next Page and set USB to MSC.
The device will appear as a removable disk on your computer. Flash the Fix Copy the Scope.upp file to the root of the removable disk. Power the scope OFF and then ON.
The device will automatically upgrade and shut down when finished. ⚠️ Important Fixes & Risks The Owon HDS2102S had a notorious "glitch" where
2ns/div Accuracy: Updating to v1.5.1 or later specifically resolves the graticule spacing error for high-frequency signals.
Inversion Bug: Some users report the screen appearing upside down after certain updates; ensure you match your exact hardware revision to avoid this.
Stability: If the update hangs, try using a shorter USB cable to ensure a stable data connection. If you'd like, let me know: Your current firmware version (e.g., V1.x, V4.x) The first four digits of your serial number If you are experiencing the screen orientation issue
To update your Owon HDS2102S and fix common issues like the horizontal graticule spacing error, follow this guide based on community consensus and official documentation. Key Fixes in Recent Firmware Updating to a version such as
is highly recommended if your unit still has the original factory firmware. One of the most significant documented fixes is for the 2ns/div display issue
, where a 50 MHz signal would incorrectly occupy eight divisions instead of five. Firmware Update Instructions
There are two primary methods depending on the update package you receive from the Owon Download Center or official support. Method A: MSC (Mass Storage Class) Update This is often used for files and doesn't require specialized flasher software. Enter Upgrade Mode : Power on the scope, press F2 (System) , go to the next page, and select Mount as Drive
: Connect the scope to your PC via USB. In the system menu, set the USB mode to . Your PC should recognize it as a removable drive. Transfer File : Copy the firmware file (e.g., ) directly to the root of the scope's removable drive.
: Turn the scope off and then back on. The device will automatically begin the upgrade and shut down once finished. : Turn the scope on and check the version number in the menu to ensure it has changed. Method B: Launcher Software Update For updates using a launcher tool: Launch Tool : Open the Launcher.exe file on your PC and select your language.
: Connect the device via USB and ensure drivers are installed. Initialize "Click then turn on machine to update" in the software. Bootloader Mode
: Turn the scope off and then back on. The software will detect the boot mode and begin transmitting data. : Once the reboot is finished, press on the scope to confirm the update. Important Troubleshooting Tips What is the latest FW version for OWON HDS2102s? - EEVblog Owon HDS2102S Firmware Update & Fix Guide 2
This assumes the device is stuck, fails to boot, or shows erratic behavior after an update attempt, and provides a structured fix procedure.
Step 1: Prepare the SD Card
Step 2: Obtain and Rename the Firmware
HDS2102S_FW_V3.2.5.bin or similar.hds200s.upg (lowercase sensitive on some older units).Step 3: Power Cycle the Scope
Step 4: The Forced Flash
What you should see: The screen will remain black for 15 seconds, then a white text prompt will appear: "Update found. Erasing..." followed by "Writing MCU..." – If you see this, you are saved. Do not touch the device for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Post-Fix Calibration
Utility -> Touch Calibration.Fixing Firmware Update Issues in the Owon HDS2102S Digital Oscilloscope: Diagnosis, Methods, and Recommendations
The OWON HDS2102S is a 2‑channel, 100 MHz handheld digital oscilloscope with multimeter functions.
Like many embedded instruments, its firmware can be updated via USB (using a .upg file on a FAT32‑formatted USB drive).
However, users occasionally experience:
This guide provides a step‑by‑step fix for common firmware update failures.