Which VAG COM to buy?

[Jetz01]

Hi all,

I am looking at purchasing a VAG COM and wondering what the difference is between a VCDS License with Micro-CAN Interface and a VCDS License with HEX-USB+CAN Interface. Do they share the same functions and provide the same amount of information?...

Cheers,

Victor

[Maverick]

Hi all,

I am looking at purchasing a VAG COM and wondering what the difference is between a VCDS License with Micro-CAN Interface and a VCDS License with HEX-USB+CAN Interface. Do they share the same functions and provide the same amount of information?...

Cheers,

Victor

Other than compatibility the only real difference is lack of turbo mode (see further down).

From the links you provided

VCDS (VAG-COM Diagnostic System) License with Micro-CAN Interface

Low-cost interface designed exclusively for use on cars based on Mk.5 Golf technology. This interface is not backwards compatible with older cars using K-lines for diagnostics, and it is not compatible with some Audi models. See the Micro-CAN technical page for a list of compatible models.

Compatibility:

This interface is compatible only with cars based on Mk.5 Golf technology.

*

All Golf platform cars (A5/A6 platform) including:
<snip>

If your car's chassis type isn't on this list, it's not compatible with this interface! All of these chassis-types are the latest generation of that model. Previous generations of the same model are not compatible and should use a KEY- or HEX- series interface instead. If you're not certain, please check your car's VIN. The 7th and 8th digit have the chassis code. For example: WAUMF78P06A0NNNNN is an 8P-chassis Audi A3.

http://www.ross-tech.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=VCHUC&Category_Code=VAGCOM

VCDS (VAG-COM Diagnostic System) License with HEX-USB+CAN Interface

The professional's interface you need to turn any PC with an available USB Port into a powerful diagnostic tool for VW, Audi, Seat or Skoda automobiles.

Works with all diagnostic-capable VW/Audi cars in model years 1990 through the current model year, even the latest models which require a direct CAN connection for diagnostics

# Compatible with all the latest cars which require a direct CAN connection for diagnostics.
# Fully backwards compatible with older cars using a single K-line or
K plus L.
# Protocol timing indistinguishable from a real VAG/VAS tool. Works reliably even with "difficult" control modules such as the 1991-1994 1Z Audi TDIs and the 1993-1994 Audi 2.6L with Hella ECU.
# Built-In VAG-Saver functionality -- instantly alerts the user if either the K/K1 line or the L/K2 line is shorted to Ground or Vbatt.
# Full support for dual-K lines found in "new" (B6/8E chassis Audi A4 and 2002+ Audi A6 -- no VAS-6017 required -- no manual switches!

And this gives an over-view.

http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/interfaces.html

The main difference if you're using it on a Mark V/VI platform only is you don't get turbo mode if you go for the Micro CAN. This is handy for logging data but not essential. I've been thinking of upgrading mine so I can get that feature.

http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/tour/m-blocks.html#turbo

Sample Rate: We can get just over 4.0 samples per second from our '97 VR6 ECU (single group) with the the most aggressive protocol-timing settings. This ECU runs at 9600 baud. Most newer ECU's run at 10400 and should give proportionately more. Naturally, if two groups are being displayed simultaneously, the sample rate drops to around 2.0, and 3 groups simultaneously runs at around 1.3. Sample Rate will vary from controller to controller and the PC used will also have some effect.

Some controllers (particularly AG4 transmissions and Digifant-III ECU's) use a "hybrid" data-type that requires reading a long header when changing group numbers. Viewing multiple groups still works with these data types, but the sample rate becomes extremely slow. If you see "Reading Header" all the time under the Sample Rate display, you'll know you've got one of these.

In Engine controllers using KWP-2000, there is a [Turbo] button in Measuring Blocks screen. Pressing this button can significantly speed up sampling, for example over 30 samples per second when logging a single group in our Touareg. Once you have pressed [Turbo] you will remain in this High-Speed mode until you exit the Measuring Blocks screen. This function is only available when using a HEX Interface.

[Tim]

Interface choice depends on what you are trying to do.

If you just want to change settings and log a little bit of data then the micro-can would be fine for your car.

The main difference is that the hex+can supports faster sample rate on some ECUs. So better data logging capability.
It is also compatible with older cars as well as some of the newer generation cars which a CAN only interface will not work on.
Its getting quite difficult

So yeah basically the hex+can should work on just about any car. THe micro-can will work on CAN only cars like the mk5 generation just fine though.

Shameless plug:
If you werent aware these cables are now available locally for $319 inc GST which isnt much different on the shipped price direct from ross-tech. You can also have it shipped overnight.

http://www.dubaddiction.com.au/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=vcds

[Tim]

doh! beated by mav!

[Jetz01]

Thanks for the information guys. I am going to check the prices and see the $ difference getting it from the US vs. here...

[Tim]

After checking out the price of bringing in a single unit would you be able to let me know the total cost in USD?
Information like that helps me to try and keep prices competitive. Its always a challenge though because GST is included locally.

[ren922]

I want to buy the vagcom cable and software and understand not all are rosstech original. So far only totaldiagnostics seems decent vag/vcds kit, even though not original. Wondering if anyone has any experience with their cable over original? Yes, already tried VCDS-Lite, which is basically a teaser to get original.

I want to use it to activate paddle shifting (from my new steering wheel with paddle shifter; originally the car didn't come with paddle shifter) on vcds long coding and I don't have any prior experience so I am curious if this will help me do it.

[CrookWatercooled]

All same

[Guest001]

I want to buy the vagcom cable and software and understand not all are rosstech original. So far only totaldiagnostics seems decent vag/vcds kit, even though not original. Wondering if anyone has any experience with their cable over original? Yes, already tried VCDS-Lite, which is basically a teaser to get original.

I want to use it to activate paddle shifting (from my new steering wheel with paddle shifter; originally the car didn't come with paddle shifter) on vcds long coding and I don't have any prior experience so I am curious if this will help me do it.

Seeing as your link is using V12.2 and Rosstech are on 19.6 there will be large differences in capabilities

you could try this as there is a lot of info on coding stuff available OBDeleven V2 Pro Pack – Audi, Skoda & Volkswagen Diagnostics – AutoInstruct

Might even pick up a V1 version for less on Gumtree or somewhere

[Lucas_R]

I want to buy the vagcom cable and software and understand not all are rosstech original. So far only totaldiagnostics seems decent vag/vcds kit, even though not original. Wondering if anyone has any experience with their cable over original? Yes, already tried VCDS-Lite, which is basically a teaser to get original.

I want to use it to activate paddle shifting (from my new steering wheel with paddle shifter; originally the car didn't come with paddle shifter) on vcds long coding and I don't have any prior experience so I am curious if this will help me do it.

Seeing as your link is using V12.2 and Rosstech are on 19.6 there will be large differences in capabilities

you could try this as there is a lot of info on coding stuff available OBDeleven V2 Pro Pack – Audi, Skoda & Volkswagen Diagnostics – AutoInstruct

Might even pick up a V1 version for less on Gumtree or somewhere

I have one of the cables from Total Car Diagnostics as linked here: Ross-Tech VCDS Software (VAG-COM Diagnostics for Audi & Volkswagen Cars): V18.9 and it has software version 18.9 on it. Works fine for my 2015 Audi SQ5 and allowed me to reset all my DPF parameters recently after i had some issues with the car, and allows me to do basic logging, read error codes etc.

I would buy this one over the cheaper one linked above which is running considerably older software version.

[The_Hawk]

If you're going to buy a VCDS cable, you're best off getting it direct from RossTech.

For US$199 you get the USB version VCDS HEX-V2 Enthusiast which is limited to 3 VINs, great in theory but chances are you end up plugging it into a couple of mates cars and you're out of licences when you get a new car for yourself.
It's then US$169 to go from 3 -> 10 and another $169 to go from 10 -> Unlimited.
You can start with 10 VINs for $299 which would be a better price if you're likely to go over 3 cars.

I bought mine a long time ago now (before they had a 3/10 VIN limit option) and have plugged it into waaaay more than 10 cars over the years.

OBDEleven is a great choice if you have an Android device, just rememeber they make their money by charging you for credits to do stuff. That said, I understand that there are plenty of ways to get credits for free.

[Guest001]

If you're going to buy a VCDS cable, you're best off getting it direct from RossTech.

For US$199 you get the USB version VCDS HEX-V2 Enthusiast which is limited to 3 VINs, great in theory but chances are you end up plugging it into a couple of mates cars and you're out of licences when you get a new car for yourself.
It's then US$169 to go from 3 -> 10 and another $169 to go from 10 -> Unlimited.
You can start with 10 VINs for $299 which would be a better price if you're likely to go over 3 cars.

I bought mine a long time ago now (before they had a 3/10 VIN limit option) and have plugged it into waaaay more than 10 cars over the years.

OBDEleven is a great choice if you have an Android device, just rememeber they make their money by charging you for credits to do stuff. That said, I understand that there are plenty of ways to get credits for free.

With OBDEleven thare are plenty of ways to do direct coding like VCDS and you dont need credits I have 739 credits and cant find a way to use them as I do the coding which is much more reliable and you can see what actually happening whereas you havent got a clue what an APP is doing. Aslo if it doesnt work (and some dont) you have to use more credits to reverse it

You get 6 credits a day by opening the program and watching 5 ads (or simplu turning them on and waiting) plus one for opening the program. I dont bother any more as cant use what I have