Quick question folks! Can I get my serial interface Chinese Vag Com cable working?

moltuae · #1 28th February 2020, 03:24 PM

I haven't specifically tried VAG-Com with a USB/Serial adaptor, so I can't comment on whether it will work (although I see no reason why it shouldn't) but in my experience with customer (IT) equipment, adaptors with the Prolific chipset are the ones to look for (such as this). Some USB/serial adaptors don't work well with certain equipment (generally due to timing/delay issues). Prolific-based adaptors seem to play well with everything.

MikkiJayne · #2 28th February 2020, 04:08 PM

The FTDI chipset-based devices are an utter nightmare to get the drivers working. I would rather change a fuel pump and crank sensor than try and install one of these abominations.

C4R 100N · #3 29th February 2020, 02:58 AM

Before I go and buy that adapter I think that I will knock on the door acroos the road and see if they will let me use their power for a little while. At least I know I can scan the car with my old laptop as I have already done so to reset the service intervals on the S8 and clear some old codes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by moltuae

I haven't specifically tried VAG-Com with a USB/Serial adaptor, so I can't comment on whether it will work (although I see no reason why it shouldn't) but in my experience with customer (IT) equipment, adaptors with the Prolific chipset are the ones to look for (such as this). Some USB/serial adaptors don't work well with certain equipment (generally due to timing/delay issues). Prolific-based adaptors seem to play well with everything.

Thank you very much for that useful information. I hope that the ones that I have available to buy use that chipset.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikkiJayne

The FTDI chipset-based devices are an utter nightmare to get the drivers working. I would rather change a fuel pump and crank sensor than try and install one of these abominations.

Are you referring to the USB interfaced cables?

I have been using this cheap serial interface cable for years with good results. Admittedly, I have only really used it for basic things like resetting service intervals, scanning modules, output tests and basic readings. I use vwtool mostly, but have also got vagcom 409.1 and VCDS working with it.

MikkiJayne · #4 29th February 2020, 08:22 AM

I'm thinking specifically of a USB to Serial adapter that I tried to use with an eprom programmer. Trying to get the virtual com ports to work with the FTDI drivers on Windows 7 was not an experience I plan to repeat!

Definitely sounds like Prolific adapters are less vexing

johnny_quattro · #5 29th February 2020, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moltuae

...Some USB/serial adaptors don't work well with certain equipment (generally due to timing/delay issues). Prolific-based adaptors seem to play well with everything.

I'll second that about Prolific USB-Serial adapters. I only use these nowadays for old skool serial console access from my server to the SparcStation 20. Works perfectly in Devuan/Debian/Linux and Windows.

My example:
Bus 004 Device 003: ID 067b:2303 Prolific Technology, Inc. PL2303 Serial Port