[s-cars] VAG tools.

[Tom Green]

Looks like you have plenty of VW/Audi iron to diagnose, Tom.
I am sure that tech support discussed the finicky nature of some serial 
ports also.  I have a Compaq presairo that will connect about 25% of 
the time.  The old IBM works every time.
    My concern with the serial connection is you may have to use an 
obsolete machine that you won't use for any other purpose since most 
new machines won't have a serial port.  Both of mine are for 
diagnostics using the Hex-Com serial connector.  They do occasional 
e-mail and GPS map functions on the road, but neither can run windows 
XP or the graphics for the internet home page news.  A ethernet 
connection will download the video files passed around this list, but 
the graphics will only let it play in a tiny 3X4 screen.  The speed of 
data transfer is not a big deal unless you are real time graphing 
performance data, even then the difference is miniscule because the 
amount of data is tiny compared to what is processed for 10 seconds of 
video.  Did I mention the old machines weigh about 8 pounds ?
    So, I am skeptical that the serial is more practical, not whether it 
performs better.  A long cord is nice, even with a laptop, since there 
is no place under the hood to set it down securely, but I find the 
supplied serial cord ok, and certainly not longer than the USB maximum.
I also had a PDA that was underutilized (stuck away in a desk drawer 
with the battery run down) so I purchased the Pro-Diag software from 
<www.shadetreesoftware.com> that I have used on two different PDAs and 
think it is superior for diagnostics but like the full size laptop for 
data logging and graphing.  I get nothing from Steve Eiche except the 
opportunity to purchase his great products for the same price you pay, 
even though he does read and contribute to this list.  I read he does 
chip tuning also, but I have no experience there.
Ewe Ross was the trailblazer in breaking the code and his software and 
support are great.   I suspect that Igor laid on the first generation 
immigrant accent to establish rapport with Ewe.  I had not found him 
eager to engage in conversation more than 60 seconds, and only if the 
other party refrained from asking stupid questions.   He has modified 
his approach to product support now that it is apparent that his income 
is mostly generated from idiots ( like me ) who would never learn to 
use many functions of VAG-COM if he didn't write an instruction manual. 
  And, he has done a masterful job of that.
Either product would be a great gift from Santa.   Put in for a Bentley 
manual if you don't have one.   You will find the diagnostic software 
is just another tool, not the solver of all problems Audi.

Tom '95 S6
          '03 A4 1.8T Avant

On Dec 3, 2004, at 9:28 AM, Tom Pollock  wrote:

> fellow s-dudes...
>
> Santa has graciously offered to place some VAG tools under the tree 
> this
> year.
> I've pretty much made up my mind it'll be something from ross-tech. 
> I'll
> probably
> get the cables from them also including the 2x2.
>
> Anyone on the list whos using it. Are you happy ? Wished you had gone 
> with
> something else ? Anything to watch out for ?
>
> The weird thing when I was talking to the tech support was that they
> recommend
> the serial port versus usb. Claims it's slightly faster and can run a
> greater distance.
> I believe the distance part but would have normally thought the usb 
> would be
> a
> faster channel.
>
> any and all info appreciated !
>
> tom.
>
> 94 100csq (winter beater)
> 01 s4 (the wife "still" thinks it's hers)
> 94 s4 (my baby)
> 95 jetta III (my 19 year old is trashing)