Unless you need the beta features, stick with V1.5.2 or the latest stable release available after 2024. Part 8: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: Will updating firmware increase the 40MHz bandwidth to 70MHz? A: No. The bandwidth is hardware-limited by the analog front-end. The HDS242 can never become an HDS272 via firmware, but some users have hacked the firmware to unlock software features.
| Version | Release Date | Key Improvements | Known Issues | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | 2022 (initial) | Base functionality. 40MHz bandwidth, 8kpts memory. | Auto-set often fails. Slow FFT. | | V1.2.1 | Early 2023 | Improved trigger stability. Added “Run/Stop” button hold function. | Battery percentage jumps erratically. | | V1.4.0 | Late 2023 | Major: Added Waveform Record/Playback (up to 100 frames). Fixed USB charge detection. | SD card save bug for screenshots. | | V1.5.2 | Mid 2024 | Critical: Fixed capacitance measurement drift. Improved 1kHz square wave calibration. | None reported (most stable). | | V1.6.0 Beta | Early 2025 | Experimental: Added serial decoding (UART, I2C). Increased memory to 64kpts. | Beta only – unstable BLE connection. | owon hds242 firmware
A: Officially, no. Downgrading is blocked by most update scripts to prevent bootloader mismatches. Unofficially, you can downgrade by using the recovery mode with an older .upg file, but this may corrupt the calibration coefficients. Unless you need the beta features, stick with V1
A: Yes. Backup any important waveforms or screenshots to your computer via USB or SD card before updating. The bandwidth is hardware-limited by the analog front-end
Whether you are debugging a switching power supply, analyzing automotive CAN bus signals, or teaching electronics fundamentals, a well-maintained HDS242 with the latest firmware is a tool you can trust. Bookmark this guide, join the OWON users group on EEVblog, and keep your scope’s brain as sharp as its probes.