Category: Knowledge Base DP800 Series

The table below lists the versions of Rigol PC software applications that are currently available for download from this Rigol-UK website.

To find a download for your instrument…
Go to the webpage for your instrument > Click on the ‘DOCUMENTS, SOFTWARE & VIDEOS’ tab (beneath the images).
The downloads will be found in the ‘PC Software’ section.

Running the DSA815 from a battery (see also comment about other instruments)

Although the size and weight of the DSA800’s make it attractive for use in locations where there is no power, it suffers from the lack of an internal battery. A Google search uncovers a raft of battery backed up power supplies but the recommendation is that the DSA800’s run from a supply that has a sine output. For this report, a DSA800 was connected to such a supply, the ac plug was pulled, and the Spectrum Analyser’s performance measured. For comparison, the instrument’s performance was also monitored as it was running from an ac plug in the lab. The test results are at the end of this report.

The first group of test parameters were:

• Start Freq 50 Mhz
• Stop Freq 51 Mhz
• Resolution Bandwidth 100 Hz
• Reference Level -56 dBm
• Preamplifier ON
• The second group of test parameters were:
• Center Freq 750 MHz
• Span 1 Mhz
• Resolution Bandwidth 100 Hz
• Reference Level -56 dBm
• Preamplifier ON

A Rigol DG4162 Function Generator was programmed to output a 50 MHz 0dBm signal and connected to the DSA800 input. The DSA800 was then configured to measure the function generators phase noise.

Before removing the power to the Battery Backed Up supply, the DSA800’s tracking generator was turned on. After running for about 90 minutes, the DSA Stopped Running.

Summary:

The images below document that it would be very hard to differentiate the power source option used with the DSA800 by looking at the performance curves. It should be noted again that the Battery Backed Up Power Supply (CyperPower 100PFCLCD) has been designed to output a sine wave.

Although not tested, it’s likely the Power Supply could be used with other Rigol Equipment. The Data Sheet for the Power Supply is at the end of this document.

We have found many instruments to be fussy about USB sticks (more common on instruments of slightly longer-standing design).

Like PictBridge standard, USB memory specs can be quite open to interpretation and may vary between manufacturers. Please try the following guidelines if you are having difficulty – it is especially important you can rely on the stick you have chosen, if you decide to do any firmware updates on your machine*.

1) Smaller sticks are generally better –
– if you can, on older instruments steer clear of sticks above 4GB
– N.B. For saving DATA only: Newer models may happily accept some much larger sticks for saving data, but RIGOL says avoid larger sticks for critical use.
2) Use newly formatted FAT32 sticks only
3) Check your stick reliably connects to your particular instrument before relying on it for operational use
4) If you decide to do firmware updates* you should use a new blank stick ROOT and ALWAYS check the stick is reliable in normal save/recall operation before proceeding*.

*firmware updates are at your own risk –
Telonic does not recommend this unless you decide it’s essential. (Ask for more details of our policy before proceeding so you know how this affects your RIGOL-UK warranty from Telonic).

Yes. With Telonic Ltd., Berkshire, for post-sales service you can always speak to someone UK-based first.

If you wish to use UltraSigma (PC driver set) you may be invited to install the National Instruments VISA/IVI drivers FIRST (industry-wide driver architecture for instrument). If you wish to proceed…
First of all, please install the NI-VISA runtime engine from this website: ni.com

Please note: Telonic is not responsible for the content of 3rd party websites. It is generally best to stick with one common Instrument Architecture (e.g. NI-VISA). If you decide to install NI-VISA IVI, you should be aware that other existing Instrument Architectures you may already use for other instruments may not be compatible. Future ones you add may also not be compatible. We use this successfully on Win7 machines here – however, we can not advise what is suitable for individual customers and you install NI-VISA IVI at your own risk.