VAG-COM
Frequently Asked Questions
Page 3
Q:
Do I need an Interface Adapter?
A: Yes. The ISO9141 port
in your car is not directly compatible with any standard PC port.
The ISO9141 port in your car is somewhat RS-232 like, but you can't just
wire up a cable -- you must put electronics in between to allow a PC to
communicate with the car. I offer a complete package
consisting of my ISO-COM Interface Adapter,
Software Registration/Activation, free updates and unlimited tech support
for $199.
Q:
Can I use an Interface adapter that came with another software package?
Yes.
Any interface adapter that came with VWTool or VDS-PRO
should work. In addition, the ISO-only interface adapter that Alex
Peper ships with his Vehicle Explorer OBD-II
software package will work. Alex's "combination"
adapters will not work with VAG-COM. Most other "OBD-II"
adapters will not work. Lastly, the interface
adapters supplied with the German Posicon
software that many VW and Audi OTS's have access to will work.
If you have some other adapter, simply try it!
Q:
Can I buy an Interface adapter somewhere else?
Yes. In
Europe, you can buy MFT's Interface
Adapter. This is a very nice unit with status LED's
and fully protected outputs, but in all likelihood, buying this adapter
and then registering my software will cost more than my complete
hardware/software combo. There are also some companies in
eastern Europe offering interface adapters, but their prices are not competitive.
I do not know of anyone in North America offering a suitable stand-alone
interface adapter. If that were to change, I would happily
post a link here. There are days when I wish I didn't have to make
and ship so much hardware!
Q:
Can I build my own Interface Adapter?
Yes. There
are a number of websites with plans and schematics. However, I
will not provide links to them, nor will I sell connectors or
kits. I do not have the time or inclination to help
people debug their home-built interface adapters via e-mail or over the
telephone. If you choose to build your own adapter,
that's fine -- I have no problem with that whatsoever.
Just don't expect any assistance from me until you have VAG-COM talking to
your car in shareware mode. Once you've got it working, you
can register the software for $99 and get the full support for the
software as well as free updates. If you're looking for OBD-II
connectors, you can buy them from Multiplex
Engineering or Pioneer/Packard.
More
Questions?
mailto:Uwe.Ross@pobox.com