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End of support looming on 54832B/D, 54855A, XP load?

Question asked by mciholas on Nov 10, 2011
Latest reply on Feb 28, 2014 by algoss

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I have a number of scopes, 54832B, 54832D, 54855A, etc, where the Agilent web site lists end of support on Dec 1st, 2011.

Is there anything I should be doing between now and then to be sure I'm up to date on everything? That is, what turns into a pumpkin on 12/1/2001?

Related question: We have one or two 54832B/D scopes that had their hard drives replaced. We installed XP Pro ourselves and loaded the scope app on top of it. It "mostly" works right on these system but a few things do not, like VNC and some odd little cosmetic things. Is there a way to get the "official" XP Pro OS load for these scopes so that they work perfectly right? That is, a more reasonable way than spending ~$700 for the hard disk replacement kit for every scope?

Thanks.

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mkawasaki Nov 13, 2011 6:57 PM
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Mike, quick note from someone at Agilent.

The "end of support" signifies the end of parts availability guarantee and commitment to update firmware/software. The parts may be available but we don't stock specifically to guarantee a repairs.

The latest firmware/software will always be available from our web site, even after 1 December 2011.

Parts can often be found on the used/broker market, but it does become a "buyer beware" situation (as we have all learned buying things on craigslist or ebay).

If you have a large number of units, and want to lower your risk of not being able to repair, it is an option to buy parts from Agilent before 1 December. It is a personal risk management decision. We like to think our products never fail but know even great products have occasional problems .

I was involved in the original Infiniium Scope introductions in 1997 (we did the 54810/15/20/25/45). It was a special time and truly believed we improved the scope world!

Hope this helps,
Mike Kawasaki
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JayW Nov 18, 2011 3:22 AM
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"
Mike, quick note from someone at Agilent.

The "end of support" signifies the end of parts availability guarantee and commitment to update firmware/software. The parts may be available but we don't stock specifically to guarantee a repairs.

The latest firmware/software will always be available from our web site, even after 1 December 2011.

Parts can often be found on the used/broker market, but it does become a "buyer beware" situation (as we have all learned buying things on craigslist or ebay).

If you have a large number of units, and want to lower your risk of not being able to repair, it is an option to buy parts from Agilent before 1 December. It is a personal risk management decision. We like to think our products never fail but know even great products have occasional problems .

I was involved in the original Infiniium Scope introductions in 1997 (we did the 54810/15/20/25/45). It was a special time and truly believed we improved the scope world!

Hope this helps,
Mike Kawasaki
"

Hi Mike,

Will Agilent still sell the memory upgrade after support ends? If so, for how long?
http://www.home.agilent.com/agilent/pro ... ageMode=OP

Thanks.
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mkawasaki Nov 19, 2011 3:51 AM
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Jay, yes, you can still get a memory upgrade.

Here's the Scope Support Engineer's comments to me:

"
We can still upgrade memory and other options too we just need the option ID# of each scope to issue the licenses.
"

I have another note to him to understand the actual process, but the weekend has already started. I'll post more information when available.

The nice thing about these architectures, the upgrade is just a software key!

Mike
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JayW Nov 21, 2011 5:39 AM
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"
Jay, yes, you can still get a memory upgrade.

Here's the Scope Support Engineer's comments to me:

"
We can still upgrade memory and other options too we just need the option ID# of each scope to issue the licenses.
"

I have another note to him to understand the actual process, but the weekend has already started. I'll post more information when available.

The nice thing about these architectures, the upgrade is just a software key!

Mike
"

Thanks Mike, I'd appreciate any more info. Interesting that the web page I posted states "This product is no longer available "
Also, my scope is serial SG43001550. The upgrade info states:

"*After-purchase acquisition memory upgrade option only available on all Infiniium 8000 Series models and Infiniium 54830B/31B/32B models with serial number MY41003601 or greater, 54830D/31D/32D models with MY42001901 or greater, or 54833A/33D models with MY43000801 or greater."

Would mine be upgradeable?
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mkawasaki Nov 21, 2011 5:52 AM
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"
Also, my scope is serial SG43001550. The upgrade info states:

"*After-purchase acquisition memory upgrade option only available on all Infiniium 8000 Series models and Infiniium 54830B/31B/32B models with serial number MY41003601 or greater, 54830D/31D/32D models with MY42001901 or greater, or 54833A/33D models with MY43000801 or greater."

Would mine be upgradeable?
Jay W
"

Jay, will look into it -- just need to find someone working this Thanksgiving week .

Two quick responses on your serial number.

1. I am confused by the 'SG'. This signifies Singapore (where I am living right now on overseas assignment) but can tell you that we don't do final manufacturing here. I'll need to verify this information and why we are using this notation. I am used to the 'MY' because our major manufacturing site is in Penang, Malaysia.

2. I am confident that your unit can be upgraded. The "decoder ring" clue is that your serial number begins with a 43 -- this signifies it is a version more updated than the cut off. In other words, 43001550 was made after 41003601 or 42001901 or 43000801.

I'll post once more information is available.

Mike
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algoss Nov 21, 2011 12:25 PM
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Mike, et al,

We do some final assembly in Singapore for some products for some customers. Malaysia is not one of the US Government's best friends. As a result, some government and contractor customers can't buy products manufactured in Malaysia. For that reason, if a product is going to one of those customers, the product has its final build and test in Singapore, and gets a Singapore serial number.

Al
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mkawasaki Nov 21, 2011 8:01 PM
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Al, thanks!

That does make sense. I do know Singapore is an official manufacturing site for Government orders.

Appreciate the detailed knowledge.

Mike
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mkawasaki Nov 21, 2011 8:11 PM
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Jay, there is a way to do a memory upgrade. It is NOT through the normal Agilent channels, ie. you can't place a formal order. However, talked to the Scope Team and they will help you.

To not share any confidential information, will send you a private message.

Bottom Line: It is still possible to do an upgrade.

Mike K.
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mkawasaki Nov 28, 2011 7:03 PM
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"
I have a number of scopes, 54832B, 54832D, 54855A, etc, where the Agilent web site lists end of support on Dec 1st, 2011.

Is there anything I should be doing between now and then to be sure I'm up to date on everything? That is, what turns into a pumpkin on 12/1/2001?

Related question: We have one or two 54832B/D scopes that had their hard drives replaced. We installed XP Pro ourselves and loaded the scope app on top of it. It "mostly" works right on these system but a few things do not, like VNC and some odd little cosmetic things. Is there a way to get the "official" XP Pro OS load for these scopes so that they work perfectly right? That is, a more reasonable way than spending ~$700 for the hard disk replacement kit for every scope?

Thanks.
"

Mike, I sent you a personal email but wanted to post information so everyone can reference this information.

In regards to the XP it is best to get a recovery disk. Here's information from a scope support engineer.

"You can order the recovery and upgrade CDs directly from Agilent.com. The link is below.

http://software.cos.agilent.com/infiniium/5483x-98.stm

Order the 2.30 recovery CD and 2.41 upgrade CD.
Recovery to 2.30, upgrade to 2.41, then perform the user self cal."
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free_electron Jan 9, 2012 2:28 PM
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The windows XP upgrade for these machines can only be done by buying the Agilent harddisk. Installing XP on a blank drive andt rying to load the recovery will fail. There are key device drivers missing form the recovery disks.

This said, i have upgraded succesfully mine to XP . there are 2 caveats :
1) BEFORE you remove the win98 drive : copy the licence file. ( this is an ascii file that holds the option locks )
2) REBOOT machine and enter the bios. ( DEL key on bootup)
3) Go find the ACPI menu and turn it ON ( it is off for win98 machines )
4) save bios and power down machine.
5) install new harddisk
6) power up. windows will finish installing the drivers. At this point you have NO scope software.
7) istall the recovery cd 5.3 and then upgrade to 5.71.

all finsihed. works like a charm
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mkawasaki Jan 10, 2012 8:29 AM
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"
The windows XP upgrade for these machines can only be done by buying the Agilent harddisk. Installing XP on a blank drive andt rying to load the recovery will fail. There are key device drivers missing form the recovery disks.

This said, i have upgraded succesfully mine to XP . there are 2 caveats :
1) BEFORE you remove the win98 drive : copy the licence file. ( this is an ascii file that holds the option locks )
2) REBOOT machine and enter the bios. ( DEL key on bootup)
3) Go find the ACPI menu and turn it ON ( it is off for win98 machines )
4) save bios and power down machine.
5) install new harddisk
6) power up. windows will finish installing the drivers. At this point you have NO scope software.
7) istall the recovery cd 5.3 and then upgrade to 5.71.

all finsihed. works like a charm
"

Thanks for the detailed explanation. Hope this helps other people keep their scope updated.
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swperk Jan 25, 2012 9:16 PM
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Hello,

I hope I'm not too late to the discussion! I have a 54832B on which I'd like to install a memory upgrade. Is it still possible to do this?

Thanks,
Stan
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mkawasaki Jan 26, 2012 8:32 AM
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Stan, I will send a personal email to get your instrument information, so can verify if upgrade is possible.

Mike

"
Hello,

I hope I'm not too late to the discussion! I have a 54832B on which I'd like to install a memory upgrade. Is it still possible to do this?

Thanks,
Stan
"
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- ericgarner @ mkawasaki on Feb 26, 2014 7:47 PM
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  I'm even later to the party, is it still possible to buy memory upgrades or SW options for my 54832B?
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  - algoss @ ericgarner on Feb 28, 2014 4:40 AM
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    The 54832B went off the price list in 2006, and the end of support was 2011. No upgrades of any sort are available.
    
    Al
    
    Disclaimer: For more reliable response, you should consider calling your local Agilent Technical Call Center. The Agilent Forums are monitored on an "as available" basis, and aren't necessarily the fastest way to get technical questions answered.
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End of support looming on 54832B/D, 54855A, XP load?

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