[LiQuOrIcE]

Right, ive got the laptop, software, cables (cheers milkfloat) so i think im ready to go. O yea, got the car aswell.

Think i understand how to navigate round the VAG-COM system as ive browsed ross-tech etc and recently see the instructions for the stuff im gonna want to do have been posted (7th july).

Question is;

Do i need the ignition turned on but car not running when using VAG-COM ?

cheers

 

[spanner]

AFAIK it need to be on. At least that's how i've been using mine. Just need to think about purchasing the full version now so I can actually set and change values.

(cheers for the cable Milkfloat also [])

 

[dik]

dont forget to check the k line - radio power issue.. dont want u blowing up that piece of kit...

 

[LiQuOrIcE]

now you have me worried!!! how do i go about that?

 

[Milkfloat]

You have nothing to worry about on your Golf (unless you have chnaged your headunit and messed around with the power cables). Only the newer Audi's have the K-Line. The Ross-Tech site tells you all about it

 

[LiQuOrIcE]

phew []

 

[Toff]

Apparently, the K-line issue is only a problem if you have an aftermarket radio.. if it's a OEM unit (such as the Gamma) then you should be ok.

But don't take my word for it, read-up on it here:

http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/aftermarket-radio.html

By the way, does anybody know what cables are required to use the Pocket PC version of the Vag-Com software?

Regards - Toff.

 

[dik]

thanks for clearing that up milkfloat! i wasnt sure myself, best be safe... than sorry

 

[rfsteel]

You do need the ignition on to read any on the modules, you also need the engine on if you wish to read any of the measuring blocks.

 

[Toff]

Do you make-up the cables Milkfloat? Can I buy one off you?

Cheers - Toff.

 

[Milkfloat]

I organised a group buy from obotool.com I may organise another one in a couple of months if the interest is there. We did not get a huge discount from the guy because the order was for only 8 units. However, the fact I was able to bring them back from the US in my luggage saved a lot of cash. I was able to get them out for £45 for the Version 1 and £52 for the Version 2 (has K line protection). If people are interested I will setup another group buy mid August, ready for my next trip across the pond.

 

[Gti Jazz Blue]

quote:

Originally posted by Milkfloat

You have nothing to worry about on your Golf (unless you have chnaged your headunit and messed around with the power cables). Only the newer Audi's have the K-Line. The Ross-Tech site tells you all about it

Sorry wrong all have the K-Line that is the actual line that the comms is carried on, the newer Audi's have twin K-Lines. This way that can increase the number of modules in the car. I went for the Ross-Tech Twin Comm for future proof, afterall you never know when I may need to work on a newer Audi.

The other advantage of the Twin-Comm is that it has K-Line protection.

 

[Milkfloat]

GTI You are correct, what I should have said was that only the Audi's have the K-Line Problem as a default. I.E. You will have a problem using the Version 1 of the cable on all new Audi's with or without an aftermarket radio. The version 2 cables have a switch to cope with the dual k-lines. It would not suprise me if the MK5 Golf has dual-k's too.

[/quote]

Sorry wrong all have the K-Line that is the actual line that the comms is carried on, the newer Audi's have twin K-Lines. This way that can increase the number of modules in the car. I went for the Ross-Tech Twin Comm for future proof, afterall you never know when I may need to work on a newer Audi.

The other advantage of the Twin-Comm is that it has K-Line protection.

[/quote]

 

[Stevie P]

quote:

Originally posted by Toff

By the way, does anybody know what cables are required to use the Pocket PC version of the Vag-Com software?

I assume you're referring to Vag-check. First of all, I think I should clarify the fact that in no way is Vag-check related to Vag-Com. Without wishing to be too critical, as I have found it quite useful, it is not a finished product. Having said that, all you need is a crossover serial cable to put between the RS232 sync connector and your RS232 to ISO adapter. Alternatively, you could do what I did and get a denull cable from Expansys and use that between your PocketPC and your RS232 to ISO adapter.

With Vag-check, beware of the following.

1. The engine load percentage in measuring block 2 is incorrectly calculated.

2. I cannot get it to connect to the central convenience module.

3. Logging and graph functionality is only available to registered users.

4. It is not possible to register the software (thus you will never be able to log data). This is a shame as I would be only too happy to pay for extra functionality, or even for bug fixes, but I guess the author doesn't want to commit himself to supporting his program, and I can fully understand this.

5. Lambda probe voltages and air mass measurements are displayed as integers, rather than floating point values, which ain't a lot of use.

I have reported most of these faults to the author. However, I'm not holding my breath for them to be fixed. It will happen if and when he has both the time and inclination.

As I have several years of software development experience, as well as a freebie download of Embedded Tools for PocketPC from Micro$oft, I was considering writing my own version that just did logging, but I just don't have the time or, I suspect, enough of the relevant information.

 

[Toff]

Thanks for the info Stevie,

Did you miss-type or is it actually called a "denull" cable? I use expansys a lot, I'll try and find it.

It's a shame, but working in IT, I too understand exactly why the developer wished to share the tool, but doesen't wish to be at the beck & call of moaning customers!! hehe!

- Toff.

 

[Stevie P]

http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=IPAQ38_NULL

 

[Toff]

Excellent, cheers mate.

Bit boring for non iPAQ owners: I got a Targus fold-out keyboard for my first Compaq and loved it.

When i got my new Ipaq, the connector wouldn't fit [V] but Targus kindly sent me an adaptor. Whilst this adaptor is silly because it makes the iPAQ sit too far up in the keyboard, it does have a connection for power!

This means I can get away with just buying the de-null adapter for about £3 (instead of the adapter and cable) and I can power my iPAQ whilst using the VAG-Check software, sweet!

Cheers - Toff.