V-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. VAG-COM also works with many 1990-1995 (pre 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 VAG-COM. 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.
Fully automatic support for 2002+ Audi models with dual K-lines without kludgy switches.
How to choose the interface that's right for you:
First, decide how you're going to use VAG-COM:
If you need compatibility with the latest cars which require a direct CAN connection for diagnostics, or you're a professional mechanic or an enthusiast who demands the best, get a HEX-COM+CAN or HEX-USB+CAN. These Interfaces are also available in a Pro-Kit. See our Pro-Kit Page.
If you're a budget-conscious hobby-user with a car which doesn't require CAN, get at KEY-COM or KEY-USB.
Second, see if your PC has a Serial Port with 9 male pins.
If the PC you're planning to use has a Serial Port, then we suggest you get a Serial Interface. Serial interfaces are less expensive and have slightly more precise protocol timing. They are also completely compatible with older versions of Windows (Windows 95, 98, ME, NT4 and 2000). Serial Interfaces can also be used with Desktop PC's since they are compatible with standard RS232 extension cords (which we stock in 15', 25' and 50' lengths).
If you have a newer laptop which doesn't have a Serial Port, then you must get a USB interface. Add-on USB<->Serial Converters are not supported! USB interfaces require Windows 98, ME, 2000 or XP. They will not work with Windows 95 or NT4! USB interfaces work best with Windows XP.
Enthusiast Interfaces
ISO-9141 only (KKL)
Work fine with most cars, but not as fast, or as compatible with "difficult" control modules as our Professional-Grade Interfaces
Professional Interfaces
ISO-9141 (KKL) plus CAN
Instant Connection Speed,
Fastest Sample Rates,
Greatest Compatibility
with "Difficult" Control Modules
Supports latest cars which require a direct CAN connection
No
No
Yes
Yes
Enhanced protocol timing, compatible with 1991-1994 Audi 1Z TDIs and 1993-1994 2.6L V6.
No
No
Yes
Yes with Winows Xp
Field Upgradeable Firmware in Interface
No
No
Yes
Yes
"Turbo" Mode for Measuring Blocks on newer KWP-2000 ECU's
No
No
Yes
Yes
Use with dual
K-Line (2002+ Audi A4, A6 models)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Acts as a "dongle" for VAG-COM, No "Software Activation"
required.
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Protection from the "Aftermarket Radio Problem"
Yes, Electronic
Yes, Electronic
Yes, Electronic
Yes, Electronic
Status/Activity LED
Yes, Red/Green
Yes, Red/Green
Yes, Red/Green
Yes, Red/Green
If you don't know which one is best for you, tell us what kind of car(s) you'll be working on, and what Brand And Model of PC you'll be using, contact us and we'll recommend one for you.
Cars that require a direct CAN connection : CAN stands for Controller Area Network and is a different diagnostic hardware/software method from the system used on older vehicles. All Golf-5 platform cars (including Golf-5, VW Touran, new VW Caddy, Seat Altea, new Skoda Octavia, new Audi A3) as well as the 2004+ Audi A8L and new Audi A6. See our CAN-Bus Page for more information.
Audis that require Dual K-Lines: All B6/8E chassis A4's with Xenon headlights. All 2002 and newer A6 models, including the Allroad.
"Difficult" older cars include those with 1991-1994 Audi TDI engines which run the diagnostic protocols at 240 (yes, two hundred forty) bits per second, 1993-1994 Audi 2.6L engines with Hella ECU's, as well as any older car that has the "Check Engine" light connected to the L-Line (check wiring diagrams -- we don't have an exact list).
"Lame Port" laptops include many Compaq Presario Laptops, some Acer models, and some ultra-portable Dell models which have the serial port on a separate port expander. All of our current Interfaces (shown above) work fine with these PC's. Our older ISO-COM (no longer in production) and many third-party interfaces based on opto-couplers do not work with these PC's.
"Tight diagnostic sockets" Some models have very tight trim around the diagnostic sockets. The gap between the trim and the socket itself is so small it is in violation of the SAE J1962 specifications. All of our current Interfaces (shown above) fit fine in these these vehicles. Some of our older interfaces as well as many third party interfaces use OBD-II connectors that do not fit these vehicles well.
US Models: 1996 Audi A4. 1996 and 1997 Audi A6 Sedan, all 1996 and newer C4/4A Chassis Audi A6 (includes 1996 and 1997 Audi A6 Sedan and 1996 - 1998 Audi A6 Avant).
European Models: All B5/8D Chassis Audi A4/S4/RS4. All 1997-2001 B5/3B VW Passat (before facelift). All 1996 and newer C4/4A Chassis Audi A6/S6/RS6.
