View Full Version : VAGCOM Options
Ok, as I'm about to start experimenting with a new front mount intercooler, and then water sprays etc I thought it was about time that I finally got around to buying VAGCOM so that I can read and compare the charge temps etc with the different setups.
Anyway, there are loads of different VAGCOM packages available. The only real difference is the leads. I only want a lead that works with my Ibiza, so I'm not worried about K-line overvoltage protection options etc.
So... the main question is, which lead do I go for? Simple dumb Serial or USB? Or the HEX-COM or HEX-USB?
I've heard that VAGCOM will support fast mode sampling in the future and that this feature will require a USB lead... has anyone else heard this?
Also, I think only the Serial leads work with other OBD-II apps? (Do other apps work with HEX-COM?).
Also, is there any speed advantage of using a USB lead over a serial lead on the current version of VAGCOM?
Cheers
Ben
I'd suggest talking to Rob or Nilesh at vag-com.co.uk their phone number is on the website.
I got mine from nelish (of cister)
I've heard the same thing about the hispeed sampling needing the USB lead too.... so I'll have to upgrade :(
If you can get another group buy together they will also discount. Few takers last time round I organised.
Well, I just went onto www.vag-com.co.uk and I couldn't find a phone number anywhere! In the end I went to the companys main website and found a phone number.... the problem is that number doesn't work, Number not in use!!!
Are they a bit dodgy?
Does anyone else sell VAGCOM in the uk?
Ben
Dodgy? Don't think so. After all Nilseh and Rob gave us a vag-comkit as a compo prize a few months ago and offered us the group buy discount;) I have a number for you.
EDIT:
Can't find the number but rob@vag-com.co.uk
ibizacupra
14-10-2003, 14:18
Originally posted by BenS1
Ok, as I'm about to start experimenting with a new front mount intercooler, and then water sprays etc I thought it was about time that I finally got around to buying VAGCOM so that I can read and compare the charge temps etc with the different setups.
Anyway, there are loads of different VAGCOM packages available. The only real difference is the leads. I only want a lead that works with my Ibiza, so I'm not worried about K-line overvoltage protection options etc.
So... the main question is, which lead do I go for? Simple dumb Serial or USB? Or the HEX-COM or HEX-USB?
I've heard that VAGCOM will support fast mode sampling in the future and that this feature will require a USB lead... has anyone else heard this?
Also, I think only the Serial leads work with other OBD-II apps? (Do other apps work with HEX-COM?).
Also, is there any speed advantage of using a USB lead over a serial lead on the current version of VAGCOM?
Cheers
Ben
I went HEX-COM when I upgraded after a laptop failure lost me VAG-COM. My ISO-COM cable did'nt work on my new laptop!
HEX-COM has a benefit of acting like a dongle so all future upgrades will "just work" without the need to re register etc.
Works for me
Bill
Hmmm, I hate doing business over email. Most companies take days tp replay if they even both to reply at all!
I have their phone number 01993 775557, but it doesn't work!
Ben
ibizacupra
14-10-2003, 14:21
No number?
Que?
Yeah, I've seen the HEX-COM cable but it costs a LOT more and all it saves you is the hastle of registration (Note that you can move the standard cable to anotehr laptop but you have to go through the hastle of getting a new activation code.).
There is now a HEX-USB, which like HEX-COM doesn't require activation but this one uses USB.
The advantage of the COM port versions is that they are cheaper and work on other OBD-2 software.
The advantage of the USB version is that in future there is (I believe) a planned version of VAGCOM that communicates with the car at a much much higher baud rate (Like APRs ECU Explorer). This higher rate allows you to record and graph more things at once and at a higher rate.
So, do I go COM or USB? Do I want a standard ISO cable or the autoactivate HEX versions?
Ben
Yes, no phone number is listed on www.vag-com.co.uk at all.
The number on www.cister.co.uk doesn't work (You get a number not in use message on your mobile).
In the end I found their number on the Ross-Tech website... it says 'temporary' next to it.
Anyway, I got through... turns out that they are an online only company. I get the feeling its not their main job (It sounded like I called him at work.).
Still, that said he was polite and helpful, and I'm gonna order it now.
I'm just going to go for the cheapest package for now, as I want a cable that is compatable with other apps. If a new faster version of VAGCOM comes out at a later date that only works at high speed on the USB cable then I'll upgrade then.
Cheers
Ben