VAGCOM / VCDS Help - List of users willing to help here !

[IchBautAuto]

HEX-USB+CAN is unlimited in terms of VINs.

I really am not sure where you got that info from. A few extracts from Forums various in 2017............. I have some correspondence from Ross Tech at home (where I am not at the moment) saying the same thing. It's an older version but totally suitable for the older cars. The buyer still needs to confirm that the cable is serviceable and or useable.

wow, it looks like the VINs are limited. I wonder why they're limiting them to just 3 and 10.

You can upgrade to unlimited for $169

This interface works with all diagnostic-capable VW, Audi, Seat, and Skoda models from 1990 through 2015.
It does NOT fully support the following vehicles:
2016+ Audi Q7 (Rest-of-World) Chassis 4M (2017+ North American Region chassis F7)
2016+ Audi A4 B9 (Rest-of-World) chassis 8W (2017+ North American Region chassis F4).

Here is some info I just got back from Ross Tech

The V2 is based on the HEX-NET design. At the heart of both is the same 32 bit microcontroller.
Both the V2 and HEX-NET provide a substantial increase in speed on CAN based cars. On K Line cars, the speed is still limited by the control module and there is not much difference in performance.

The HEX+CAN unit you have is limited now in that it cannot communicate with all modules in 2016 cars and even fewer in 2017 cars. We had to respond to that need. If you do not at present have a 2016 or 2017, then there is no pressing to upgrade at this time.

The HEX+CAN and all previous generation products will at some point in the future not receive further support. That is, we likely will leave a legacy version of VCDS on our web site and those that choose to keep the older designs will be able to continue using them with the legacy software. To enjoy new things, users will have to upgrade. Time line on this is not set and has been stated to be at least 1 year away and likely longer.

The difference between the V2 and the HEX-NET is the WiFI and local onboard storage. The HEX-NET also includes VCDS-Mobile allowing the user to do diagnostics on any device that has WiFi and a web browser. This would include smart phones, Apple products, Android devices and so on.

HEX-USB+CAN
Intelligent Dual-K plus CAN <-> USB Interface
(Out of production -- no longer available)

[Alister]

I really am not sure where you got that info from. A few extracts from Forums various in 2017............. I have some correspondence from Ross Tech at home (where I am not at the moment) saying the same thing. It's an older version but totally suitable for the older cars. The buyer still needs to confirm that the cable is serviceable and or useable.

wow, it looks like the VINs are limited. I wonder why they're limiting them to just 3 and 10.

Not sure I understand what you are saying IchBautAuto.

I have a genuine Ross-Tech HEX-USB+CAN cable and can definitely use it on unlimited VINs/cars (have had the cable for many years and used it on lots of cars in that time).

[jnrdavo]

I was in the same boat.

had an original hex/can/usb cable for many years. Worked on old B6 for ages and many friends cars.

Then I started to scan the new Skoda Kodiaq RS, it would come up with some messages that couldn't get 'extended' information (or something similar) unless I had a later cable.

So I bit the bullet and 'traded in' my old cable for the new module (that is bluetooth, but you can also plug in a cable).. For this new cable, you have to select either 3 or 10 (or unlimited?) VIN numbers....

[IchBautAuto]

Not sure I understand what you are saying IchBautAuto.

I have a genuine Ross-Tech HEX-USB+CAN cable and can definitely use it on unlimited VINs/cars (have had the cable for many years and used it on lots of cars in that time).

I'm saying that I bought my VCDS cable in 2014 and it was a 3 VIN limit (for adaptions, not scans and that is the critical point) It was also available in 10 VIN and unlimited VIN at extra cost. I have all the paperwork from Ross Tech to support that position and it is readily mentioned in Audi Forums all over the world. Are you talking of scans or adaptions? If your cable purchase many years ago has an unlimited VIN count then you may have purchased that option or you have some unique version that us common folk did not get. I'm not in the mind to have a head banging competition here, just supplying factual information that I can back up for the information of newer members who might be a wee bit confused.

It's a bit like these tune cables that are offered for sale here from time to time but the reality is that they are locked to the original purchaser / car and are just so much junk wire and plugs unless you pay through the nose to change ownership details. There are some caveats that aren't always obvious.

[Alister]

Is your cable a HEX-USB+CAN IchBautAuto? I don't think they were ever VIN limited (for adaptions or otherwise) but happy to be proven wrong.

All I know is that my cable has no limits around VINs for any aspect of using VCDS, but am aware this is the case with the current gen of Ross-Tech interfaces.

[IchBautAuto]

Is your cable a HEX-USB+CAN IchBautAuto? I don't think they were ever VIN limited (for adaptions or otherwise) but happy to be proven wrong.

All I know is that my cable has no limits around VINs for any aspect of using VCDS, but am aware this is the case with the current gen of Ross-Tech interfaces.

Yes, photo attached.

I have just arrived back home so haven't yet got to finding out my purchase docs but categorically the base cable was a 3 VIN limit with upgrade options for the high level amateur (10) and commercial (unlimited) user.

When the later model cables were released to cater for the post 2016-7 cars, I believe that I got a message from Ross-Tech that the old Hex-Can cable would no longer be VIN limited as it was not able to be used on the newer vehicles so in effect was no longer a commercial use proposition. I have absolutely no idea what this might mean if a cable was maxed out on VIN prior to that date.

[oxblood8]

Gonna bit the bullet and finally get myself one of these cables. So obviously I have the B7 RS4, however, is there a unit from Ross-Tech that will scan newer cars (say when I upgrade in future) yet still scans pre-2017 cars? Or do you have to buy two different units if you want to do that?

[jnrdavo]

I upgraded my old 'original' cable for the 'new' one at the beginning of the year.

It works on my 2008 S5, 2009 S3 and 2021 Skoda Kodiaq RS, so should cover you as well.

It's interesting, as it comes with a cable plugged in, but can be removed and used with bluetooth (which I think I tried first time, then just resorted to cable and a laptop)..

If in doubt, reach out to rosstech, they answered my query quite quickly.

Just also note with the 'new' cable, you have the option to purchase a particular amount of unique VIN's.... So you can't just lend/scan others cars without locking in their VIN in your 'count'... You can buy unlimited, but it's expensive..

[IchBautAuto]

As far as I am aware, the new cables are backward compatible. I'm not in business and all my cars are of the same vintage so the original cable I bought is still fine for me. On the old cables at least, a VIN was only recorded if adaptions were made. An auto scan for example wasn't recorded against the number of VIN allowed. You won't regret the purchase. One visit to the dealer will probably cover the purchase cost.

[oxblood8]

On the old cables at least, a VIN was only recorded if adaptions were made.

Yeah that was another question I had. So does that mean that you could scan a friends car and that wouldn't add to your VIN limit if it was just a scan?

I'm tossing up whether to get the 3 or 10 VIN limit.