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.
Updating the Owon HDS2102S firmware requires matching the software to your device's specific hardware version, as newer units may ship with versions (e.g., V4.3.0) that appear "newer" than those available on official download portals (e.g., V1.5.1). Latest Firmware Status Official Version : V1.5.1 is the most widely documented stable update on the Owon Download Center
: Version 1.51 reportedly fixes a display discrepancy at the horizontal range where graticules were incorrectly spaced. Hardware Conflicts : Users have reported receiving new units with ; experts advise against downgrading
these to V1.5.1, as different hardware revisions (specifically flash chip changes) may be incompatible. Update Procedures
There are two primary methods depending on the firmware file type provided by Owon Support Method 1: USB Drive (Using .upp files) Preparation : Format a USB drive and copy the file into a folder named (if required by your version). Device Setup : Turn on the scope, press F2 (System) Connection : Set USB mode to owon hds2102s firmware update
(Mass Storage Class) to connect to a PC, or insert the drive directly if using an adapter.
: Power cycle the device. The scope should detect the file, perform the upgrade, and shut down automatically. Method 2: PC Launcher (Using .exe tools) Connection : Connect the scope to a PC via USB cable. Launcher.exe update tool and select your language. Bootloader Mode
: Click the update button in the software, then turn the scope off and back on to enter bootloader mode for flashing. Verification : Once finished, check the version number in the Important Precautions Check Serial Number
: Firmware updates for the HDS series are often tied to specific serial number ranges (e.g., 2152xxx for HW 3.1). : Installing incompatible firmware can lead to an upside-down screen or a bricked device. Official Advice
: Owon support has sometimes advised users not to upgrade if a newer version is not explicitly listed for their specific serial on the website. current hardware version to see if an update is recommended for your specific unit?
Updating the firmware on the OWON HDS2102S Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
is a delicate process because OWON generally does not publish public firmware links for this specific model . Firmware is typically tied to specific hardware/serial number revisions, and using the wrong "piece" (firmware file) can brick the device . Critical Warning
Official advice from OWON support is to not upgrade unless you are experiencing a specific bug, as there is no universal "latest" version for the
on their website . If you proceed, ensure the firmware you use matches your hardware revision exactly . Firmware Update Steps
If you have obtained the correct .upp file from OWON Support or an authorized source, follow these steps : Prepare the Device: Turn on the and navigate to System > System > (Next Page) > Upgrade.
Connect to PC: Connect the oscilloscope to your computer using a USB-C cable.
Enable MSC Mode: In the System menu, select USB and set it to MSC (Mass Storage Class). The scope will appear as a removable disk on your computer. The workshop was quiet, save for the hum
Transfer the File: Copy the firmware file (typically named Scope.upp) to the root directory of the removable disk.
Reboot and Flash: Safely eject the device, turn the scope off, and then turn it back on. The device will automatically detect the file, perform the upgrade, and shut down once finished.
Verify: Turn the device on and check the System menu to confirm the version number has updated. Common Firmware Versions & Fixes
Version 1.5.1: Known to fix a specific display discrepancy where graticules were incorrectly spaced at the 2ns/div time base .
Version 2.0.4: A newer update reported by some users, though specific changelogs are often not provided by the manufacturer . Troubleshooting & Support Official Downloads: You can check the OWON Download Center for any newly released software or manuals, though specific firmware is rarely listed there.
Contact Support: To get the correct firmware "piece" for your specific serial number, email OWON Support with your model name, serial number, and a photo of your current "System Info" screen.
To update the firmware on your Owon HDS2102S, follow the steps below. Note that firmware updates for this series are strictly hardware-specific; using the wrong version can cause your device to malfunction or become unusable. 1. Verify Your Current Version
Before downloading any files, check your existing firmware to ensure compatibility. Power on the oscilloscope. Navigate to the System or Utility menu.
Look for System Info or Version to find your current firmware (e.g., V1.5.1, V4.1.0, etc.).
Important: You can generally only update within your current major version number (e.g., V4.x.x to V4.y.y). Do not attempt to jump between major versions like V1 to V4 unless explicitly instructed by Owon support. 2. Download the Firmware
The most reliable source for firmware is the Owon Download Center. Select Digital Oscilloscope -> HDS200 Series -> HDS2102S. Enter your version number if prompted.
If no update is listed for your specific version, Owon recommends not attempting to upgrade. Format the drive on a PC: Right-click >
Community-sourced archives, like the HDS200 Info Archive on GitHub, often contain specific versions (like V1.5.1) that fixed known display issues at 2ns/div. 3. Update Procedure Prepare a USB Drive: Ensure it is formatted to FAT32.
Copy Files: Place the firmware update file (typically a .bin or .upk file) into the root directory of the USB drive. Connect and Update:
Ensure the battery is fully charged or the device is plugged into power.
Connect the USB drive to the oscilloscope using the provided adapter. Navigate back to the System/Utility menu and select Update.
Follow the on-screen prompts. Do not power off the device during the process. Known Fixes in Recent Updates
Horizontal Accuracy: Version 1.5.1 fixed a major "2ns/div" display bug where graticules were incorrectly spaced.
Measurement Units: Some versions (V4.7.1+) added support for Ampere units, making the device more compatible with clamp meters. If you'd like, tell me: What is your current firmware version?
What serial number or hardware version is listed in your system info?
Are you trying to fix a specific bug (like the display issue)? fuho/owon_hds200: HDS200 Info Archive (HDS242 ... - GitHub
.upg file to the root. Do not put it inside any folder.Do not attempt an update without verifying your starting point. Here is how:
Warning: A mismatch between the hardware version in your unit and the firmware file can permanently brick the device. Always read the release notes.
IMPORTANT: