All Things Mk5 > Mk5 General Area
EML after long drives/Fault code reader recommendations
rich83:
Laptop. That's the missing link. I have a MacBook which I know I can run VCDS on it's just a faff. I could buy a cheap laptop but that also extra faff.
Will further investing the NET version. Thanks for the heads up.
pudding:
I bought a cheap second hand Thinkpad off ebay years ago for car stuff.
Don't get me wrong, HEX-NET is OK if you just want to check something quickly on your phone on a road trip. Just trying to set your expectation levels as it's nothing like as good as a dedicated app from rival scan tools :grin:
JoshB:
--- Quote from: Pudding on June 08, 2022, 09:16:48 am ---I bought the Hex-Net (the WiFi one for those unfamiliar) 5-6 years ago, but had the USB cable version before that.
Personally I don't think HEX-NET is worth the extra over the cabled one, for the following reasons:
- The VCDS Mobile 'app' (it's far from an app, it just opens a browser :grin: ) is utterly abysmal, buggy, slow and pretty much useless.
- Updating the Hex-Net's firmware can be a pain in the backside.
- Some of the Hex-Net's functions are cloud based, so you'll need 4G and Wi-fi at the same time. Some phones can be faffy to enable that.
- Standard Hex-Net has a 10 VIN limit. You'll need to pay an extra $100 for unlimited VINs. Most enthusiasts will only need 10 though.
- Data speeds from the Hex-Net over wi-fi aren't as fast as USB (but it does also have a USB port).
If you want a polished app for phone or tablet, I would get OBD11 because VCDSs mobile 'app' has been sh1t for years and they seem to have zero interest in updating it to compete with OBD11. Typical American complacency.
That said, you could just run the full Windows VCDS on a Surface Pro or clone Windows tablet, wire free.
But if like me, you're old school and prefer good old fashioned, honest god, corn fed laptop goodness.......then VCDS is the king of kings. Nothing comes close.
So in summary:
Laptop/Tablet (with usb) - Get the regular cabled VCDS.
Phone/tablet only and wireless - Get OBD11, but suffer their stupid pricing. I think they are also moving to a subscription service like everyone else, so double annoying.
I would say VCDS is the best for data logging and also fault code translation. All fault codes have to be OBD compliant, i.e. P0112 etc, but each manufacturer translates those Pxxxx codes slightly differently. VCDS gets the VAG (and German!) translations spot on for quicker diagnosis.
Neither tool is perfect, but VCDS is probably the more reliable and trustworthy one, and it's a one off purchase with no hidden or 'in app' fees.
--- End quote ---
And when you’ve finished with it you get 60-70% of the cost back when you sell it on eBay. You’ll get zilch for an OBD11 app.
pudding:
That's true. VCDS does have a good resale value.
I do beat on VCDS a lot but I wouldn't be without it. It's brilliant for regular maintenance like throttle adaptation (for when it gets sticky from carbon build up), clearing learned values, checking calculated MAF air flow matches actual MAF etc. Just general health checks and keeping it running as tip top as possible :happy2:
JoshB:
Although this does look interesting.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175102416596?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=F5pOu6W8Rgi&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=sPhjfwVQROm&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
[*] Previous page
Go to full version