Which Vag-Com?
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Which Vag-Com?
My wife has a '97 VW Cabrio, and my son has a '98 Audi A4.
The Cabrio needs a scan- and I'm thinking it is a good time to get
the cables and software and learn to do it myself.
I have a laptop with USB.
But now I see there are a few choices- Cables on Ebay for $20- Ross
Tech for $99. . . downloadable software from several vendors.
How different are the various cables or software? Is there a set
that is considered better in some way than all the rest? How?
Is there a Vag-com FAQ someplace that will answer all those questions?
Thanks,
Jim
The Cabrio needs a scan- and I'm thinking it is a good time to get
the cables and software and learn to do it myself.
I have a laptop with USB.
But now I see there are a few choices- Cables on Ebay for $20- Ross
Tech for $99. . . downloadable software from several vendors.
How different are the various cables or software? Is there a set
that is considered better in some way than all the rest? How?
Is there a Vag-com FAQ someplace that will answer all those questions?
Thanks,
Jim
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Which Vag-Com?
"Jim Elbrecht" <elbrecht@email.com> wrote in message
news:godva3pvjdb44ocfoial9r43gccvf3vv7n@4ax.com...
> My wife has a '97 VW Cabrio, and my son has a '98 Audi A4.
>
> The Cabrio needs a scan- and I'm thinking it is a good time to get
> the cables and software and learn to do it myself.
>
> I have a laptop with USB.
>
> But now I see there are a few choices- Cables on Ebay for $20- Ross
> Tech for $99. . . downloadable software from several vendors.
>
> How different are the various cables or software? Is there a set
> that is considered better in some way than all the rest? How?
>
> Is there a Vag-com FAQ someplace that will answer all those questions?
>
> Thanks,
> Jim
http://www.ross-tech.com/
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Which Vag-Com?
"Jim Elbrecht" <elbrecht@email.com> wrote in message
news:godva3pvjdb44ocfoial9r43gccvf3vv7n@4ax.com...
> My wife has a '97 VW Cabrio, and my son has a '98 Audi A4.
>
> The Cabrio needs a scan- and I'm thinking it is a good time to get
> the cables and software and learn to do it myself.
>
> I have a laptop with USB.
>
> But now I see there are a few choices- Cables on Ebay for $20- Ross
> Tech for $99. . . downloadable software from several vendors.
>
> How different are the various cables or software? Is there a set
> that is considered better in some way than all the rest? How?
>
> Is there a Vag-com FAQ someplace that will answer all those questions?
>
> Thanks,
> Jim
http://www.ross-tech.com/
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Which Vag-Com?
"Jim Elbrecht" <elbrecht@email.com> wrote in message
news:godva3pvjdb44ocfoial9r43gccvf3vv7n@4ax.com...
> My wife has a '97 VW Cabrio, and my son has a '98 Audi A4.
>
> The Cabrio needs a scan- and I'm thinking it is a good time to get
> the cables and software and learn to do it myself.
>
> I have a laptop with USB.
>
> But now I see there are a few choices- Cables on Ebay for $20- Ross
> Tech for $99. . . downloadable software from several vendors.
>
> How different are the various cables or software? Is there a set
> that is considered better in some way than all the rest? How?
>
> Is there a Vag-com FAQ someplace that will answer all those questions?
>
> Thanks,
> Jim
http://www.ross-tech.com/
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Which Vag-Com?
"Jim Elbrecht" <elbrecht@email.com> wrote in message
news:godva3pvjdb44ocfoial9r43gccvf3vv7n@4ax.com...
> My wife has a '97 VW Cabrio, and my son has a '98 Audi A4.
>
> The Cabrio needs a scan- and I'm thinking it is a good time to get
> the cables and software and learn to do it myself.
>
> I have a laptop with USB.
>
> But now I see there are a few choices- Cables on Ebay for $20- Ross
> Tech for $99. . . downloadable software from several vendors.
>
> How different are the various cables or software? Is there a set
> that is considered better in some way than all the rest? How?
>
> Is there a Vag-com FAQ someplace that will answer all those questions?
>
> Thanks,
> Jim
http://www.ross-tech.com/
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Which Vag-Com?
The "cloned" cables/adapter will not be able to do the latest version of the
ross-tech.com software. Also that software will be LOCKED to one computer.
If you purchase the adapter from ross-tech.com, you will be able to use any
computer with the software installed on it.
Yes you could save some $$ purchasing a clone adapter, but if you purchase
the real thing and don't need it anymore you can always sell it over $100
recouping some of the purchase price. It usually pays for itself on the
first 1-2 repairs when you use it. A true investment!
Or buy a clone first for $20 to try out the software limited version free!
If you activate the software for $99 then you can apply that software
purchase to the purchase of the real adapter later!
If my answer seems vague............I vote you purchase the real adapter
from ross-tech.com, I have 2 of them.
JMHO
--
later,
dave
(One out of many daves)
"Yes Baby" <2468@never2latebtinternet.com> wrote in message
news:GPCdnWoRE-czky3bnZ2dnUVZ8v-dnZ2d@bt.com...
>
> "Jim Elbrecht" <elbrecht@email.com> wrote in message
> news:godva3pvjdb44ocfoial9r43gccvf3vv7n@4ax.com...
>> My wife has a '97 VW Cabrio, and my son has a '98 Audi A4.
>>
>> The Cabrio needs a scan- and I'm thinking it is a good time to get
>> the cables and software and learn to do it myself.
>>
>> I have a laptop with USB.
>>
>> But now I see there are a few choices- Cables on Ebay for $20- Ross
>> Tech for $99. . . downloadable software from several vendors.
>>
>> How different are the various cables or software? Is there a set
>> that is considered better in some way than all the rest? How?
>>
>> Is there a Vag-com FAQ someplace that will answer all those questions?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Jim
>
> http://www.ross-tech.com/
>
ross-tech.com software. Also that software will be LOCKED to one computer.
If you purchase the adapter from ross-tech.com, you will be able to use any
computer with the software installed on it.
Yes you could save some $$ purchasing a clone adapter, but if you purchase
the real thing and don't need it anymore you can always sell it over $100
recouping some of the purchase price. It usually pays for itself on the
first 1-2 repairs when you use it. A true investment!
Or buy a clone first for $20 to try out the software limited version free!
If you activate the software for $99 then you can apply that software
purchase to the purchase of the real adapter later!
If my answer seems vague............I vote you purchase the real adapter
from ross-tech.com, I have 2 of them.
JMHO
--
later,
dave
(One out of many daves)
"Yes Baby" <2468@never2latebtinternet.com> wrote in message
news:GPCdnWoRE-czky3bnZ2dnUVZ8v-dnZ2d@bt.com...
>
> "Jim Elbrecht" <elbrecht@email.com> wrote in message
> news:godva3pvjdb44ocfoial9r43gccvf3vv7n@4ax.com...
>> My wife has a '97 VW Cabrio, and my son has a '98 Audi A4.
>>
>> The Cabrio needs a scan- and I'm thinking it is a good time to get
>> the cables and software and learn to do it myself.
>>
>> I have a laptop with USB.
>>
>> But now I see there are a few choices- Cables on Ebay for $20- Ross
>> Tech for $99. . . downloadable software from several vendors.
>>
>> How different are the various cables or software? Is there a set
>> that is considered better in some way than all the rest? How?
>>
>> Is there a Vag-com FAQ someplace that will answer all those questions?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Jim
>
> http://www.ross-tech.com/
>
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Which Vag-Com?
The "cloned" cables/adapter will not be able to do the latest version of the
ross-tech.com software. Also that software will be LOCKED to one computer.
If you purchase the adapter from ross-tech.com, you will be able to use any
computer with the software installed on it.
Yes you could save some $$ purchasing a clone adapter, but if you purchase
the real thing and don't need it anymore you can always sell it over $100
recouping some of the purchase price. It usually pays for itself on the
first 1-2 repairs when you use it. A true investment!
Or buy a clone first for $20 to try out the software limited version free!
If you activate the software for $99 then you can apply that software
purchase to the purchase of the real adapter later!
If my answer seems vague............I vote you purchase the real adapter
from ross-tech.com, I have 2 of them.
JMHO
--
later,
dave
(One out of many daves)
"Yes Baby" <2468@never2latebtinternet.com> wrote in message
news:GPCdnWoRE-czky3bnZ2dnUVZ8v-dnZ2d@bt.com...
>
> "Jim Elbrecht" <elbrecht@email.com> wrote in message
> news:godva3pvjdb44ocfoial9r43gccvf3vv7n@4ax.com...
>> My wife has a '97 VW Cabrio, and my son has a '98 Audi A4.
>>
>> The Cabrio needs a scan- and I'm thinking it is a good time to get
>> the cables and software and learn to do it myself.
>>
>> I have a laptop with USB.
>>
>> But now I see there are a few choices- Cables on Ebay for $20- Ross
>> Tech for $99. . . downloadable software from several vendors.
>>
>> How different are the various cables or software? Is there a set
>> that is considered better in some way than all the rest? How?
>>
>> Is there a Vag-com FAQ someplace that will answer all those questions?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Jim
>
> http://www.ross-tech.com/
>
ross-tech.com software. Also that software will be LOCKED to one computer.
If you purchase the adapter from ross-tech.com, you will be able to use any
computer with the software installed on it.
Yes you could save some $$ purchasing a clone adapter, but if you purchase
the real thing and don't need it anymore you can always sell it over $100
recouping some of the purchase price. It usually pays for itself on the
first 1-2 repairs when you use it. A true investment!
Or buy a clone first for $20 to try out the software limited version free!
If you activate the software for $99 then you can apply that software
purchase to the purchase of the real adapter later!
If my answer seems vague............I vote you purchase the real adapter
from ross-tech.com, I have 2 of them.
JMHO
--
later,
dave
(One out of many daves)
"Yes Baby" <2468@never2latebtinternet.com> wrote in message
news:GPCdnWoRE-czky3bnZ2dnUVZ8v-dnZ2d@bt.com...
>
> "Jim Elbrecht" <elbrecht@email.com> wrote in message
> news:godva3pvjdb44ocfoial9r43gccvf3vv7n@4ax.com...
>> My wife has a '97 VW Cabrio, and my son has a '98 Audi A4.
>>
>> The Cabrio needs a scan- and I'm thinking it is a good time to get
>> the cables and software and learn to do it myself.
>>
>> I have a laptop with USB.
>>
>> But now I see there are a few choices- Cables on Ebay for $20- Ross
>> Tech for $99. . . downloadable software from several vendors.
>>
>> How different are the various cables or software? Is there a set
>> that is considered better in some way than all the rest? How?
>>
>> Is there a Vag-com FAQ someplace that will answer all those questions?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Jim
>
> http://www.ross-tech.com/
>
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Which Vag-Com?
The "cloned" cables/adapter will not be able to do the latest version of the
ross-tech.com software. Also that software will be LOCKED to one computer.
If you purchase the adapter from ross-tech.com, you will be able to use any
computer with the software installed on it.
Yes you could save some $$ purchasing a clone adapter, but if you purchase
the real thing and don't need it anymore you can always sell it over $100
recouping some of the purchase price. It usually pays for itself on the
first 1-2 repairs when you use it. A true investment!
Or buy a clone first for $20 to try out the software limited version free!
If you activate the software for $99 then you can apply that software
purchase to the purchase of the real adapter later!
If my answer seems vague............I vote you purchase the real adapter
from ross-tech.com, I have 2 of them.
JMHO
--
later,
dave
(One out of many daves)
"Yes Baby" <2468@never2latebtinternet.com> wrote in message
news:GPCdnWoRE-czky3bnZ2dnUVZ8v-dnZ2d@bt.com...
>
> "Jim Elbrecht" <elbrecht@email.com> wrote in message
> news:godva3pvjdb44ocfoial9r43gccvf3vv7n@4ax.com...
>> My wife has a '97 VW Cabrio, and my son has a '98 Audi A4.
>>
>> The Cabrio needs a scan- and I'm thinking it is a good time to get
>> the cables and software and learn to do it myself.
>>
>> I have a laptop with USB.
>>
>> But now I see there are a few choices- Cables on Ebay for $20- Ross
>> Tech for $99. . . downloadable software from several vendors.
>>
>> How different are the various cables or software? Is there a set
>> that is considered better in some way than all the rest? How?
>>
>> Is there a Vag-com FAQ someplace that will answer all those questions?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Jim
>
> http://www.ross-tech.com/
>
ross-tech.com software. Also that software will be LOCKED to one computer.
If you purchase the adapter from ross-tech.com, you will be able to use any
computer with the software installed on it.
Yes you could save some $$ purchasing a clone adapter, but if you purchase
the real thing and don't need it anymore you can always sell it over $100
recouping some of the purchase price. It usually pays for itself on the
first 1-2 repairs when you use it. A true investment!
Or buy a clone first for $20 to try out the software limited version free!
If you activate the software for $99 then you can apply that software
purchase to the purchase of the real adapter later!
If my answer seems vague............I vote you purchase the real adapter
from ross-tech.com, I have 2 of them.
JMHO
--
later,
dave
(One out of many daves)
"Yes Baby" <2468@never2latebtinternet.com> wrote in message
news:GPCdnWoRE-czky3bnZ2dnUVZ8v-dnZ2d@bt.com...
>
> "Jim Elbrecht" <elbrecht@email.com> wrote in message
> news:godva3pvjdb44ocfoial9r43gccvf3vv7n@4ax.com...
>> My wife has a '97 VW Cabrio, and my son has a '98 Audi A4.
>>
>> The Cabrio needs a scan- and I'm thinking it is a good time to get
>> the cables and software and learn to do it myself.
>>
>> I have a laptop with USB.
>>
>> But now I see there are a few choices- Cables on Ebay for $20- Ross
>> Tech for $99. . . downloadable software from several vendors.
>>
>> How different are the various cables or software? Is there a set
>> that is considered better in some way than all the rest? How?
>>
>> Is there a Vag-com FAQ someplace that will answer all those questions?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Jim
>
> http://www.ross-tech.com/
>
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Which Vag-Com?
The "cloned" cables/adapter will not be able to do the latest version of the
ross-tech.com software. Also that software will be LOCKED to one computer.
If you purchase the adapter from ross-tech.com, you will be able to use any
computer with the software installed on it.
Yes you could save some $$ purchasing a clone adapter, but if you purchase
the real thing and don't need it anymore you can always sell it over $100
recouping some of the purchase price. It usually pays for itself on the
first 1-2 repairs when you use it. A true investment!
Or buy a clone first for $20 to try out the software limited version free!
If you activate the software for $99 then you can apply that software
purchase to the purchase of the real adapter later!
If my answer seems vague............I vote you purchase the real adapter
from ross-tech.com, I have 2 of them.
JMHO
--
later,
dave
(One out of many daves)
"Yes Baby" <2468@never2latebtinternet.com> wrote in message
news:GPCdnWoRE-czky3bnZ2dnUVZ8v-dnZ2d@bt.com...
>
> "Jim Elbrecht" <elbrecht@email.com> wrote in message
> news:godva3pvjdb44ocfoial9r43gccvf3vv7n@4ax.com...
>> My wife has a '97 VW Cabrio, and my son has a '98 Audi A4.
>>
>> The Cabrio needs a scan- and I'm thinking it is a good time to get
>> the cables and software and learn to do it myself.
>>
>> I have a laptop with USB.
>>
>> But now I see there are a few choices- Cables on Ebay for $20- Ross
>> Tech for $99. . . downloadable software from several vendors.
>>
>> How different are the various cables or software? Is there a set
>> that is considered better in some way than all the rest? How?
>>
>> Is there a Vag-com FAQ someplace that will answer all those questions?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Jim
>
> http://www.ross-tech.com/
>
ross-tech.com software. Also that software will be LOCKED to one computer.
If you purchase the adapter from ross-tech.com, you will be able to use any
computer with the software installed on it.
Yes you could save some $$ purchasing a clone adapter, but if you purchase
the real thing and don't need it anymore you can always sell it over $100
recouping some of the purchase price. It usually pays for itself on the
first 1-2 repairs when you use it. A true investment!
Or buy a clone first for $20 to try out the software limited version free!
If you activate the software for $99 then you can apply that software
purchase to the purchase of the real adapter later!
If my answer seems vague............I vote you purchase the real adapter
from ross-tech.com, I have 2 of them.
JMHO
--
later,
dave
(One out of many daves)
"Yes Baby" <2468@never2latebtinternet.com> wrote in message
news:GPCdnWoRE-czky3bnZ2dnUVZ8v-dnZ2d@bt.com...
>
> "Jim Elbrecht" <elbrecht@email.com> wrote in message
> news:godva3pvjdb44ocfoial9r43gccvf3vv7n@4ax.com...
>> My wife has a '97 VW Cabrio, and my son has a '98 Audi A4.
>>
>> The Cabrio needs a scan- and I'm thinking it is a good time to get
>> the cables and software and learn to do it myself.
>>
>> I have a laptop with USB.
>>
>> But now I see there are a few choices- Cables on Ebay for $20- Ross
>> Tech for $99. . . downloadable software from several vendors.
>>
>> How different are the various cables or software? Is there a set
>> that is considered better in some way than all the rest? How?
>>
>> Is there a Vag-com FAQ someplace that will answer all those questions?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Jim
>
> http://www.ross-tech.com/
>
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Which Vag-Com?
"Yes Baby" <2468@never2latebtinternet.com> wrote:
>
>"Jim Elbrecht" <elbrecht@email.com> wrote in message
>news:godva3pvjdb44ocfoial9r43gccvf3vv7n@4ax.com.. .
-snip-
>> How different are the various cables or software? Is there a set
>> that is considered better in some way than all the rest? How?
>>
>> Is there a Vag-com FAQ someplace that will answer all those questions?
-snip-
>
>http://www.ross-tech.com/
>
I'd found Ross-Tech's FAQ- but that just answers questions about
*their* software/cables. [And even at that I'm not sure if I'd be
happy with their shareware/freeware, or if I'd feel the need to shell
out "$299-$599" for their newest, registered software.]
http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/vag-functions.html
When they say their shareware software has "limited" ability to "Read
fault codes" - is it so limited that I'll curse it every time a light
comes on the dash [like the ABS light that is now on on the 97 Cabrio]
or will it just not have some exotic stuff that I'd end up going to
the dealer for anyway?
[If I go with the Ross-Tech software I've obviously got to read some
more on that site as yesterday I saw a page where I could buy the
cable for $99 and download the software for free-- today I just see
the "buy the cable and software for $229". .. and another where I
could download "registered shareware" for use with 3d party cables for
$99.]
Is the Ross-tech's software as good or better than some other vendors
like Lemmiwinks or Vag PC Diagnoses?
I know *good* is often in the eye of the beholder, but I'm looking for
simple, but thorough nuts and bolts software. I won't be super tuning
either car, but I like to avoid trips to the dealer for things I can
fix myself.
Thanks,
Jim
>
>"Jim Elbrecht" <elbrecht@email.com> wrote in message
>news:godva3pvjdb44ocfoial9r43gccvf3vv7n@4ax.com.. .
-snip-
>> How different are the various cables or software? Is there a set
>> that is considered better in some way than all the rest? How?
>>
>> Is there a Vag-com FAQ someplace that will answer all those questions?
-snip-
>
>http://www.ross-tech.com/
>
I'd found Ross-Tech's FAQ- but that just answers questions about
*their* software/cables. [And even at that I'm not sure if I'd be
happy with their shareware/freeware, or if I'd feel the need to shell
out "$299-$599" for their newest, registered software.]
http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/vag-functions.html
When they say their shareware software has "limited" ability to "Read
fault codes" - is it so limited that I'll curse it every time a light
comes on the dash [like the ABS light that is now on on the 97 Cabrio]
or will it just not have some exotic stuff that I'd end up going to
the dealer for anyway?
[If I go with the Ross-Tech software I've obviously got to read some
more on that site as yesterday I saw a page where I could buy the
cable for $99 and download the software for free-- today I just see
the "buy the cable and software for $229". .. and another where I
could download "registered shareware" for use with 3d party cables for
$99.]
Is the Ross-tech's software as good or better than some other vendors
like Lemmiwinks or Vag PC Diagnoses?
I know *good* is often in the eye of the beholder, but I'm looking for
simple, but thorough nuts and bolts software. I won't be super tuning
either car, but I like to avoid trips to the dealer for things I can
fix myself.
Thanks,
Jim