VCDS or OBDEleven for Skoda / VAG's

[its]

Hey guys

been reading a lot.. and seems very conflicting readings between choosing VCDS or OBDEleven.. What do you guys recommend?

For OBDEleven AutoInstruct is the one to go for locally I guess for $99 with Pro Version and delivery

Ross Tech HEX-V2 is the one for VCDS (About $368 AUD Delivered)? https://store.ross-tech.com/shop/vchv2_ent/


Any cheap local / online sellers for that? or some other model of Ross Tech?

Basically trying to figure out what is better to get? huge difference between the two... Can see a lot of tweaks online for VCDS cables but I understand you can do the same with OBDEleven but not straight forward

[AdamD]

They're aimed at very different markets. You need to work out what your requirements are and select the appropriate tool for the job.

OBDEleven is aimed at the casual enthusiast market, with a more friendly UI and a credit-based system for applying certain changes. Good for occasional use on a vehicle that's well supported (e.g. Mk7 Golf etc).

VCDS is a more flexible and powerful tool, that can do a lot more than just coding (e.g. data logging etc etc), and works with a larger range of vehicles. Up until recently was the only option so a lot of coding advice out there is geared towards it. The more expensive models allow you to use the interface on an unlimited number of vehicles, and many workshops use these.

[DV52]

Hey guys

been reading a lot.. and seems very conflicting readings between choosing VCDS or OBDEleven.. What do you guys recommend?

For OBDEleven AutoInstruct is the one to go for locally I guess for $99 with Pro Version and delivery

Ross Tech HEX-V2 is the one for VCDS (About $368 AUD Delivered)? https://store.ross-tech.com/shop/vchv2_ent/


Any cheap local / online sellers for that? or some other model of Ross Tech?

Basically trying to figure out what is better to get? huge difference between the two... Can see a lot of tweaks online for VCDS cables but I understand you can do the same with OBDEleven but not straight forward

its: If I may add to Adam's excellent advice - it's ostensibly a "value" decision IMHO.

Basically, it's a matter of making a decision about what aspect of these diagnostic devices that you value most (based on your understanding of your present needs - so there also an element of judgement regarding what your needs will be in the medium to long term)

As Adam says - there is absolutely no doubt that Ross Tech's product is the industry standard - and it has been the industry standard for some time. This is a professional tool, but don't let that label sway your decision - Uwe Ross has indicated that more of his sales are from enthusiasts (like you, and me), than from commercial workshops. But it's not inexpensive (albeit IMO, it's worth the extra expense) - so if you choose a VCDS product, you will be investing in a very, very good piece-of-kit! I've got both the older style HEX+CAN (not available now) and the newest HEX-NET and they both operate flawlessly (the HEX-NET speed is fantastic - it runs like a cut cat!). You can buy HEX -V2 as well which is basically the HEX-NET architecture without cable-less function (HEX-NET can use a WIFI link) and some other smarts - a good alternate for reducing cost. You can also buy unlimited VIN, or limited VIN versions of the HEX series cables to suit your future needs (and you can change these limitations later).

OBD11 is an entirely different way of using a diagnostic cable! Whereas the VCDS software has the complete database for your car's CAN network resident on your laptop - OBD11 downloads this database from a central website based on what the dongle reports about your car. This means that you MUST have a good ISP connection at the point of use - and the speed of this connection determines the quality of the experience! OBD11 also uses bluetooth, so there is a pairing process when first using the product. Another limitation of OBD11 is that it currently ONLY works on Android devices (which aren't expensive to buy- if you don't own a Tablet/mobile phone). BUT - OBD11 is a very inexpensive tool - even if you need to buy a new tablet/mobile phone. I've had an OBD11 dongle for some time and it's also quite good. It does stuff differently to VCDS (some better, some worse) and it also has one-click Apps which implement tweaks easily for new users - these cost "credits". Almost ALL VCDS instructions can be translated into OBD11 speak -so it's newer structure isn't a problem.


So- I guess that my suggestion would be to think about how you might use a diagnostic cable (both now and into the immediate future). If you are the type of person that might get-hooked onto CAN network stuff (as am I), then my advice is to take-the-plunge and invest in a HEX-V2 with limited VIN (you can update this later - if you need more VINs).

On the other hand, if you just want to dabble - then go the OBD11 route initially. Consider the additional cost if you eventually buy a VCDS tool as a training expense, but make sure that you have a good internet connection in your garage/workshop.

BUT - REGARDLESS OF WHAT DEVICE YOU BUY - DON'T UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE BUY A CLONE DEVICE. Those that do purchase fake cables are as complicit in IP theft as are the sellers of these devices!

Don

PS: I see that you live in Melbourne - if you want to see both devices in action , PM and we can arrange an introductory training class (I seem to do many of these -these days). I can sit you in front of my CAN-BUS test-bench. It's my "virtual" car - a type of "simulator" (see picture below). You can try both devices and you can attempt to make whatever changes that you like - without the fear of breaking anything .

[metulmykul]

I have both for my MY11 Skoda Superb.
I find the VCDS interface more intuitive than OBD11 and the Ross Tech support is great also.
I don't do anything major at this stage but still think that the Hex Net was well worth the extra $$$

[its]

Thanks guys.. All valid points..

@DV52 Will take your offer but going out of country for a month so maybe later..

I guess the price difference is huge.. $100 for OBDEleven v/s $850 for HEX-NET..

I don't even know the capabilities if HEX-NET.. I heard about all is that by these devices I can turn on some cool stuff in car.. I guess I need to understand what should compel me to pay that amount

[AdamD]

I guess the price difference is huge.. $100 for OBDEleven v/s $850 for HEX-NET..

Why would you need a HEX-NET? Would the (substantially cheaper) HEX-V2 not do the job? As DV52 pointed out, it's effectively the same interface except you connect it to a laptop via USB.

[its]

Sorry.. yes.. HEX-V2 which is $658.. question still remains I guess on what can more can u get out of the $658 cable v/s $100 dongle and what more it can do better?

[BoraBora]

I personally struggle with the obd11 for coding applications and general user friendliness. Bear in mind I don't have a mk7 golf, which I gather the obd11 is much more complete for. I do like the wireless ability of it though.

I haven't used vcds much.. but it always looks so much simpler to use and doesn't require a second reference or website to work with as it's all built in into the menus.

I wish I had splurged for the vcds as i think the learning curve is much smaller and shows all options without having to go through random unlabeled channels as with the obd11.

[V5] ProBoards - Free Forums & Free Message Boards
Probably worth checking out theirs boards too.

Also I thought vcds was closer to $300.. well $199 US for 3 vin access anyway.

[AdamD]

Sorry.. yes.. HEX-V2 which is $658

Also I thought vcds was closer to $300.. well $199 US for 3 vin access anyway.

Exactly, HEX-V2 is USD199 plus shipping. And plenty of people sell VCDS cables secondhand on these forums too, for around the $250 mark. Where did you get $658 from?

[its]

Exactly, HEX-V2 is USD199 plus shipping. And plenty of people sell VCDS cables secondhand on these forums too, for around the $250 mark. Where did you get $658 from?

Sorry my bad.. I had seen the wrong listing.. this price is for unlimited VIN.. $350 for 3 VIN

Search - hex-v2

So basically HEX-v2 is easier to use but VCDS can do mostly all the basic long coding which hex cables can

What is this? VAGCOM 17.1 USB Cable & VCDS 17.1 Original VAG-COM Software (Audi, Seat, Skoda, Volkswagen Cars)

Can it do what the above mentioned do? Long coding etc?

[AdamD]

You should be able to buy from Ross-Tech direct and get them to ship it to you; may well be cheaper than $350 delivered, although you'd want to inquire.

VCDS is the software. HEX-V2 is one type of cable made by Ross-Tech that works with VCDS. Any genuine Ross-Tech cable (and there are several new and older versions out there, with different capabilities aimed at different types of user) will work with the latest official versions of VCDS.

The link you've got there is for a clone cable, with a hacked (old) version of VCDS that will work with the clone cable. Buying one supports IP theft and locks you in to a specific version of the software that can't be updated. Obviously I can't tell you not to buy it, but I'd strongly advise you against it for all those reasons.

[its]

Thanks AdamD

Understand that now.. So basically even for a very basic new person like me (who is new to VAG world and don't understand the capabilities of either device) you would recommend $350 HEX-V2 3 VIN cable over $100 ODBEleven device?

[Eaglehawk]

Thanks AdamD

Understand that now.. So basically even for a very basic new person like me (who is new to VAG world and don't understand the capabilities of either device) you would recommend $350 HEX-V2 3 VIN cable over $100 ODBEleven device?

He's talking about the clone cable link you posted before (VAGCOM 17.1 USB Cable & VCDS 17.1 Original VAG-COM Software (Audi, Seat, Skoda, Volkswagen Cars)). The $100 OBDEleven device (which I have) is legit, and good enough for the average joe to do basic stuff. Anything more, and invest in the real deal and not the fakes.

[its]

He's talking about the clone cable link you posted before (VAGCOM 17.1 USB Cable & VCDS 17.1 Original VAG-COM Software (Audi, Seat, Skoda, Volkswagen Cars)). The $100 OBDEleven device (which I have) is legit, and good enough for the average joe to do basic stuff. Anything more, and invest in the real deal and not the fakes.

Yes.. that is why i am asking for the recommendation between the $350 cable v/s $100 dongle

[AdamD]

Understand that now.. So basically even for a very basic new person like me (who is new to VAG world and don't understand the capabilities of either device) you would recommend $350 HEX-V2 3 VIN cable over $100 ODBEleven device?

The devices are broadly similar. VCDS supports more vehicles and gives you greater control over advanced coding and logging. OBDEleven is fine if you just want to make simple changes that you know are possible and well-supported by the tool, for your car in question. If you want to make complex coding changes that are not well-supported by the OBDEleven, then VCDS may well be easier for you to use. VCDS has a bigger existing user base and a lot of the instructions on the net apply to VCDS (and trying to work out how to do something complex with OBDEleven based on instructions for VCDS may be non-trivial).

I bought an older VAG-COM cable and use it with lots of cars and have made a wide range of config changes to those cars. It's the right tool for me. If I had a Mk7 Golf and just wanted to make a couple of quick changes that I know are supported by OBDEleven, I'd save the coin and get that.

If you're still not sure, don't buy anything until you've done your research and can make an informed decision.