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Page: 16-ft Active USB Extension

The document discusses using VCDS software on a PC without internet access. It can be transferred via USB drive or CD and updates transferred the same way after. It also discusses using VCDS on a desktop PC with an extension cable if needed and confirms VCDS works on Macs with Windows via Boot Camp but no native Mac or Linux versions. It introduces VCDS-Mobile as a platform-independent version that can be used on smartphones and tablets. Finally, it contrasts VCDS with OBD-II scan tools, noting VCDS is designed specifically for VW/Audi while scan tools only communicate with engines, not other vehicle systems, in those brands.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
82 views

Page: 16-ft Active USB Extension

The document discusses using VCDS software on a PC without internet access. It can be transferred via USB drive or CD and updates transferred the same way after. It also discusses using VCDS on a desktop PC with an extension cable if needed and confirms VCDS works on Macs with Windows via Boot Camp but no native Mac or Linux versions. It introduces VCDS-Mobile as a platform-independent version that can be used on smartphones and tablets. Finally, it contrasts VCDS with OBD-II scan tools, noting VCDS is designed specifically for VW/Audi while scan tools only communicate with engines, not other vehicle systems, in those brands.

Uploaded by

vali_nedelea
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as ODT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1.6  What if the PC I wish to use with VCDS doesn't have Internet access?

Except for the Pro-Kit, our software is provided to you via our download page, rather than a
disk, so you will need a way to transfer the Self-Installing EXE file to the PC that you will be
using with VCDS. The file fits easily on a removable USB drive and can also be burned onto a
CD-R or CD-RW. Make sure that you do not run the EXE file until you have copied it onto the
PC where you would like VCDS to be installed.  Since software updates are provided only
through our website, you should plan on repeating this transfer process to keep current. You do
not need to be connected to the Internet while using VCDS.

1.7  Can I use VCDS on a desktop computer?

Yes,  but you will probably need an extension cable for your interface if the PC is more than 6
feet from the car's diagnostic port..  

We stock Serial extension cables 15' (3m) length.    You can extend a Serial interface up to
50'.    See the Accessories section of our Store for pricing.

We stock a 16-ft Active USB Extension.   You can extend a USB interface up to 32' with two of
these.   We do not sell or support any other brands or models of USB extensions. If you have
problems with a different brand of USB extension, the first thing we're going to tell you is to
eliminate the extension.

1.8  Will there be a Mac or Linux version?

There will be no "native" Mac or Linux versions.  The time and effort required to "port" VCDS to
these platforms would never be worthwhile.     VCDS works fine on Apple Mac computers that
have Intel processors (all modern Macs) when Windows is installed on them using Boot
Camp.    Most computers that are used to run Linux can also boot Windows.     If you do not
wish to install Windows, we now offer a platform-independent version of VCDS called " VCDS-
Mobile". 

1.9  Will there be a version for iPhone/iPad, Android, Blackberry, or Windows Phone?

We have no plans to make a native "Application" for any of these platforms.   Instead, we are
have created a platform-indendent version of VCDS called "VCDS-Mobile".   It can be used
on modern versions of any of the above smart-phones and tablets.

1.10  What's the difference between VCDS and an OBD-II Scan-Tool?

OBD-II is a government mandated diagnostic protocol that is primarily aimed at diagnosing


emissions-related problems.   An OBD-II scan tool will work in many different brands of cars. 
VCDS uses VW's proprietary diagnostic protocol and is only designed and supported for use in
VW/Audi vehicles.  Although you can use an OBD-II Scan Tool in an OBD-II compliant (1996 or
newer) VW or Audi, an OBD-II Scan Tool can only talk to the engine, not the numerous other
"intelligent" systems in the car.   Want to reprogram your central locks or your Radio?  Diagnose
a problem with your ABS, Airbags, or Automatic Transmission?  Re-align your Immobilizer after
swapping ECU's?  Reset your Service Reminder Indicators?   Communicate with a pre-1996
model (not OBD-II compliant) car?  An OBD-II Scan-Tool can't do any of these things. Please
see our OBD-II Page for information on using the Generic OBD-II function in VCDS. Want
some reasons to choose VCDS over a generic OBD-II scan tool? See this Real World
Comparison.  

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