VCI

[Gibbo2286]

Is this 'full chip'?

[GiveMeABreak]

That looks good to me Gibbo, all the octocouplers look to be there, if you can do a shot of the reverse sides of the PCBs, I can check for the 10k resistor.

[Gibbo2286]

Here we are:

[GiveMeABreak]

Ok, that's fine Gibbo - 10k resistor present - if this was missing it causes communication issues - especially on CAN systems.

10k Resistor Present

[Gibbo2286]

Thanks Marc, as I said before I never managed to get any use out of it, maybe the Dell laptop wasn't up to the job. (Or I lack the necessary skill.)

If the new gadget from Easydiagnostics works out this one might be for sale to anyone who wants it at a knock down price.

[GiveMeABreak]

That's a shame you never got it talking - but it can be down to the laptop specs Gibbo - plus - having Windows Update service running is a HUGE drain on a low-resourced system when it is updating - (just stopping the update service and process can make a huge difference).

Let us know how you get on with the PSACOM Bluetooth interface (I assume that's what you have ordered).

From what I've seen so far it is an 'Autoscan' product, so not Diagbox.

[Gibbo2286]

The Easydiagnostics order is taking a long time to arrive Marc, no sign of it yet.

The old Dell laptop was cleared of everything and reinstalled with XP Windows update turned off but still no joy. Maybe I'll give it another go..........I'm a year older now.

[GiveMeABreak]

I have XP service Pack 3 Gibbo if you want that - it will at least patch it to that level, despite there being no more official updates. Let me know and I'll send you the link in a PM.

[Paul-R]

Ok, that's fine Gibbo - 10k resistor present - if this was missing it causes communication issues - especially on CAN systems.

So, are you saying that some so-called full chip VCIs don't have this resistor Marc? Is this the only example of a full-chip VCI that has another gotcha?

... this one might be for sale to anyone who wants it at a knock down price.

Me, me please!

[Gibbo2286]

I have XP service Pack 3 Gibbo if you want that - it will at least patch it to that level, despite there being no more official updates. Let me know and I'll send you the link in a PM.

Got that already on a disk Marc thanks.

[GiveMeABreak]

The lack of the 10k resistor is known to cause communication issues with CAN systems (depending on model), but there are a stack of chips, relays and Optocouplers that are not found in the full kits - something the Chinese makers did to reduce costs - which is often why they are much cheaper that the full kits. It becomes more of a problem on later vehicles and full CAN systems - so one has to consider whether it is worth the additional investment in a full chip kit.

I have to say, this is really model - dependent - as you have VAN, VAN-CAN and CAN-CAN systems and of course those with no multiplexing at all, So you pays your money and makes your choice.

Then whole VCI clone thing is a minefield TBH, as once you have overcome the hardware, then there is the matter of getting the right combination of software and VCI firmware for the vehicle (s) you need to work with.

I'm pretty lucky with Diagbox switching to Lexia for the Xsara Picasso & C3 and Diagbox for the X7 and I have a good combination. If I was to use if for a 2016 vehicle, then I'd probably need to go to a much higher version to recognise the newer ECUs, that's why reverting back using the firmware changer is very useful as it can resolve some of the incompatibilities.