Vag Com -HEX-USB+CAN -VW, Audi, Seat, and Skoda models from 1990 through 2012.

Vag Com -HEX-USB+CAN -VW, Audi, Seat, and Skoda models from 1990 through 2012.

Price: $349.00
This item is in stock
Quantity:
Detailed Description
Specifications
HEX-USB+CAN

Intelligent Dual-K plus CAN <-> USB Interface

Features:

USB connector plugs into most modern laptops! (USB 1.1 or 2.0)

A Serial Port version is also available;

Compatible with all the latest cars which require a direct CAN connection for diagnostics.

Fully backwards compatible with older cars using a single K-line or K plus L.

Protocol timing indistinguishable from a real VAG/VAS tool.

Works reliably even with "difficult" control modules such as the 1991-1994 1Z Audi TDIs and the 1993-1994 Audi 2.6L with Hella ECU.

Built-In VAG-Saver functionality -- instantly alerts the user if either the K/K1 line or the L/K2 line is shorted to Ground or Vbatt.

Full support for dual-K lines found in "new" (B6/8E chassis Audi A4 and 2002+ Audi A6 -- no VAS-6017 required -- no manual switches! Bi-Color (red/green) status/activity LED 12 month guarantee against defects.

This interface comes with an OBD-II type connector which plugs right in to most 1994 and newer VW's and 1996 and newer Audis. Most 1990-1995 Audis and 1990-1993 VW's have the "2x2" data link connector, click here for more info.

Compatibility:

This interface works with all diagnostic-capable VW, Audi, Seat, and Skoda models from 1990 through 2007.

Computer Requirements:

A 500 Mhz or faster PC running Windows 98 or newer with an available USB port. Windows XP on a 1 GHz or faster PC is preferred. If you're using an PC that isn't running Windows XP or has a CPU speed less than 1 GHz, you should consider the Serial HEX-COM+CAN instead.

Extending this Interface:

The cable on this interface is about 6 feet long -- just right for most laptops. The USB standards do not allow for passive extension cords! We have tested many Active USB extensions and have found one that works. You can order the 16-ft Active USB Extension from our Store. We do not sell or support any other brands or models of USB extensions, if you have problems when using one, the first thing we're going to tell you is to eliminate the extension.

If you plan to use a desktop PC, we recommend you buy a serial HEX-COM+CAN Interface instead.

Resale:

This interface acts as a "dongle" for VAG-COM, so the software should be fully functional on any PC you use with the HEX-USB+CAN. However, product support is provided only to the original purchaser. If you buy a second-hand HEX-USB+CAN from someone and want support, you'll still need to pay $99 to register.

Upgrade Offer:

HEX-USB+CAN Interfaces are available as an upgrade to existing registered VAG-COM users. Contact us for more details about Interface Upgrades.

Software:

The HEX-USB+CAN should be used with the latest version of VAG-COM software.

Known Issues:

This interface performs best with Windows-XP. It can be used with Windows 98, ME, or 2000, but performance may be somewhat degraded by using an OS other than Windows XP and compatibility with "difficult" control modules may be reduced.

Notes:

This interface requires a special driver to be installed on your PC. It does not emulate a COM port. That means this interface will not work with any other software besides VAG-COM.

We do not sell any interface adapters as a "Stand-Alone" products. We only sell them with our VAG-COM software.

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Communications Interfaces

Ross-Tech can supply several different Interfaces (the hardware needed to connect a PC to your car).   One end of the interface plugs into the a Serial (RS232) or USB port on your PC.   See our  Computer Requirements.     The other end plugs directly into the OBD-II port present in all 1996 and newer VW/Audi passenger vehicles.   VCDS also works with many 1990-1995 (OBD-I) cars, but these may require the optional "2x2"cabling adapter.

All of our Interfaces offer the following advantages over others on the market:

  • Act as a dongle for the full-function version of VCDS.  No "Software Activation" required!

  • Precision-molded diagnostic connector made to our own specifications that fits all VW/Audi vehicles, even those with "tight" trim around diagnostic socket.

  • Work with "Lame Port" Laptops including Compaq and Acer models.

  • Built-in, Electronic Protection from the "Aftermarket Radio Problem".

  • Fully automatic support for 2002+ Audi models with dual K-lines without kludgy switches (KEY- and HEX-series).

How to choose the interface that's right for you:

First, decide how you're going to use VCDS:

  • If you're a professional mechanic who needs compatibility with all diagnostic-capable models from 1990 through 2009, or you're an enthusiast who demands the best, get a HEX+CAN. These Interfaces are also available in a Pro-Kit. See our Pro-Kit Page.

  • If you're a budget-conscious hobby-user just working on your own car, our KEY-series or Micro-CAN interfaces may be for you.  The KEY-series is compatible with most cars from 1990-2002, as well as all newer ones which do not require CAN for diagnostics.   The Micro-CAN is designed exclusively for use with the latest cars based on Mk.5 technology which require CAN for diagnostics.   However, the Micro-CAN is not compatible with the latest Audi A4, A6, A8, or Q7 models; these models require a HEX+CAN.

  • Check the Application Chart for your vehicle to see which Interfaces can be used with it.

Second, consider the PC you're planning to use:

  • If you're using a modern laptop running Windows XP, you should get a USB interface.   Although USB interfaces are no faster than the serial versions, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find new PCs with serial ports and a USB interface is more future-proof.

  • If your PC has a CPU speed of less than 1 GHz or is running an older version of Windows, we recommend using a serial interface -- but please check that your PC has a serial port with 9 male pins.

The following Comparison Chart may also help:  

  Enthusiast Interfaces
K-line or CAN (but not both).  Work great with the
cars they are compatible with, but not as fast,
or as compatible with "difficult" control modules
as our Professional-Grade Interfaces		 Professional Interfaces
 Universal K-line plus CAN.  
Instant Connection Speed,
 Fastest Sample Rates,
Greatest Compatibility
with "Difficult" Control Modules
Also available in a Pro-Kit
  KII-USB Micro-CAN HEX+CAN Series
 
Recommended for Professional Use No No YES
Supports latest cars which require a direct CAN connection No YES
  Cars based on Mk.5
technology only		 YES
Compatible with older cars that don't use CAN YES No YES
Enhanced protocol timing, compatible with 1991-1994 Audi 1Z TDIs and 1993-1994 2.6L V6. YES N/A YES
(when used with Windows XP)
Field Upgradeable Firmware in Interface No YES YES
"Turbo" Mode for Measuring Blocks on newer KWP-2000 ECU's No No YES
Use with dual K-Line  (2002+ Audi A4, A6 models) YES No YES
Acts as a "dongle" for VCDS,
No "Software Activation"
 required.		 YES YES YES
Protection from the "Aftermarket Radio Problem" YES, Electronic YES, Electronic YES, Electronic
Status/Activity LED YES, Red/Green YES, Red/Green YES, Red/Green
Price including
built-in
VCDS
License		 USB Only: $249 USB Only: $249 Serial: $329
USB: $349

Availability

Normally in Stock!

  Check Stock !

USB normally in Stock!

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What is CAN and why is it important? 

CAN stands for Controller Area Network. CAN is a new means of communicating with the car for diagnostics used by the latest generations of VW, Audi, SEAT, and Skoda vehicles. Unlike the older ISO9141 system which used a single K-line for diagnostic communications, the new CAN-Bus system uses a twisted pair of wires with differential signaling.   CAN is considerably faster than ISO-9141 (500 kbps vs. 10.4 kbps).   Both new hardware and new software are required in order to communicate with cars using CAN for diagnostics.

What Cars Use CAN for Diagnostics?   (Click on the links of info on each vehicle)

 Does VCDS work with cars that require direct CAN access for diagnostics?

Yes!  We have integrated CAN compatibility since the Release 404.0 version of our software, but obviously, an interface capable of communicating via CAN is required.   The professional HEX+CAN series as well as our our new Micro-CAN interfaces have are capable of communicating via CAN.

Do the CAN-Bus Interfaces also work with older vehicles that use the k-line?

Yes!  The professional HEX+CAN series interfaces are fully backwards compatible with older vehicles that use either single or dual K-lines as well, so they work with all VW/Audi/SEAT/Skoda from 1996-2008.    

However, our low-cost Micro-CAN interfaces are not backwards compatible with older cars.

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