VAG cables - look what I found

[coastie]

One problem with this is that the cable is an illegal clone and Ross-Tech will not allow you to buy the license for $99 to run an illegal clone. The registration/ license number that comes with the cable is known to Ross Tech. They advise buying the $349 version. Mine runs the software on the CD however it is shareware only and 805 version. Also on my MkVI it does not recognise the CAN system only the K lines.

[logger]

Coastie I am happy to stand corrected, but that flies in the face of what their web site says about acitivation.

"VAG-COM generates a unique software Serial Number on each computer where it is installed. In order to to Activate VAG-COM, you must provide the Serial Number that VAG-COM shows on the computer on which you intend to use it!. You will find the serial number on the "About" screen of the program."

The way I understand it, you can buy their cable with the dongle and inbuilt registration capabilities or use any 3rd party Interfaces or dumb cable. If you had the right electronics know how you could even make your own.

If Brad can get his copy of the software to display a serial number once it is connected to his car then I would expect he can quote that serial and buy a licence to activate it.

As I have yet to receive my genuine dongle, when I open VCDS and go to "about" I see the message "please test on car to see serial number". I expect if I connect it to a car with any dumb cable that actaully works I should be able to see the serial number. Does yours show a serial number at this point?

I could easily be wrong here, but I don't think Brads dumb cable is illegal. What I imagine is illegal is pirating the software or using a cable that clones the activation capabilities of their Dongle.

[brad]

I could easily be wrong here, but I don't think Brads dumb cable is illegal. What I imagine is illegal is pirating the software or using a cable that clones the activation capabilities of their Dongle.

Interesting info logger. Thanks.

I'm sure coastie meant "not Ross-Tech approved" when he said "illegal".

[coastie]

I will print the response I got from Ross Tech when I went to buy the license below:


Santos Vega <Santos@ross-tech.com> to ##############, Helen O'Neill <Orders@ross-tech.com>
9 Sep

Peter,

We are unable to complete your order at this time. The serial number you provided is one to an illegal clone of our hardware/software. We are very sorry but we cannot process your order. We do not sell activations for cloned hex+can interfaces. Your order has been canceled.

A legitimate HEX-USB+CAN can be purchased for $349.00 plus shipping. This includes free updates and one year warranty.

Best Regards,
Santos

[logger]

Coastie, your email from then cetainly clarifies their position. So, I do indeed stand corrected. Seemingly their software can detect that the cable/interface you blokes have is knocking off some of their proprietry stuff.

There are probably other interface cables out there that do not do this, that they will sell activations for. No doubt the price point of the genuine (but 3rd party articles) will negate any benefit of going down that path. But good on them for protecting their intellectual rights and having software clever enough to spot the knock offs.

Would also be handy is Ross-tech placed a rider to make this clearer on their web site. As I expect quite a few people have unknowingly gone down 3rd party cable path only to be refused a licence.

I have actually ordered their Micro-CAN Interface although I am now querying with them if I should have gone for the more expensive HEX-USB+CAN Interface to take advantage of its higher polling rate. Hopefuly the $100 cheaper Micro-Can will meet my basic needs and save a few bucks.

[brad]

We are unable to complete your order at this time. The serial number you provided is one to an illegal clone of our hardware/software.

Thanks Coastie

Answers every question I had.

Guess I'll just have to buy the real deal.

[coastie]

Yeah reading into the email what you will, the lesser dumb interfaces may be able to have an activated license, also the lower versions of the software may be possible to use with this cable. However anything that seems to have the CAN capabilities seems to be associated with the dongle type interface and as such I think they have the right to withhold their technology.

Full purchase seems to be the best option for the latest and supported cable and software.

It is very interesting that DX will not reply to my emails any more either. Once I asked for my money back as the cable they sold me is not in fact a VAGCOM cable. A few dollars of experience seen here. Learn from the mistake.

[brad]

It is very interesting that DX will not reply to my emails any more either. Once I asked for my money back as the cable they sold me is not in fact a VAGCOM cable. A few dollars of experience seen here. Learn from the mistake.

Did you request an RMA?
I've just submitted an RMA & have asked a question on the DX forum. There's a guy there - Sperminator - that appears to represent the company that makes the cables.

I had problems with a bad batch of Acecards in the past & they were replaced without an issue.

[coastie]

Yes I sent an RMA and they replied that my request was on the wrong form and suggested I try another form which also was incorrect. Will wait and see what the new week brings.

On the DX forum I think Sperminator is just another customer who has used several cables for some reason. Seeing as he is trying to buy a cable earlier this month.

http://www.dealextreme.com/forums/Forums.dx/Forum.-100~threadid.416747

Also the U tube link is good but the Japanese is a little hard to read.

Good luck getting your money back.

[83_SUS]

who in brisbane has one and would like to show me wat it can do on my golf and set it up for me with some new stuff?

[h100vw]

Try Jmac in Runcorn. He has a Ross-Tech cable but knows them pretty much inside out.

Gavin

[McDub]

i'm looking for someone in Sydney who will make my windows auto up/close on hold down of the FOB key lock/unlock buttons. will pay $40 if that sounds reasonable.

[benough]

i'm looking for someone in Sydney who will make my windows auto up/close on hold down of the FOB key lock/unlock buttons. will pay $40 if that sounds reasonable.

I could help you out. Not sure if I could take your money though.

[Gravey]

i'm looking for someone in Sydney who will make my windows auto up/close on hold down of the FOB key lock/unlock buttons. will pay $40 if that sounds reasonable.

I'm looking for the same for anyone in SA - Also would like the distance until empty mod done.

Anyone know if you can utilise a OBDII cable somehow, like is there an adapter you can purchase or something?

[gambl0r]

Anyone able to do this in Melbourne? Would be great to have distance to emtpy and the lit needles. Happy to pay for your time too.