Differences between the versions of VCDS??

Jonny88 · 03-02-2011,01:35 PM

Hi all,

Was just wondering is someone would be able to clarify for me the exact differences between all the versions of VCDS??

As far as I understand, there is VCDS Lite (the free version from Ross-Tech with limited capabilities), VCDS that costs $99 ish and the full version for $500 ish?

Is that right? I understand that the full version is the all encompassing, does it all, flashing lights etc etc. But what are the differences between the free version and the $99 version?

Any help much appreciated.

Cheers.

J.

**Eshrules** · 03-02-2011,02:05 PM

http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/vag-functions.html

Jonny88 · 03-02-2011,02:26 PM

Thanks for that.

Where it mentions "Registered Version Only", is that referring to the version you have for paying $99 to register it i.e. shareware?

**Eshrules** · 03-02-2011,03:01 PM

Yep.

Jonny88 · 08-02-2011,07:44 PM

Thanks Esh.

Quick question, what kind of lead do I need to run versions above 409.1???

Thanks.

**Dana@Ross-Tech** · 09-02-2011,05:52 PM

409 is not supported anymore. VCDS-Lite has replaced it and the SW is available for DL here:

http://www.ross-tech.com/vcds-lite/download/index.html

Any version higher than the old 409 and VCDS-Lite requires a genuine intelligent interface. Users of our genuine intelligent interfaces can update using this page:

http://www.ross-tech.com/vcds/download/current.html

What cars do you plan on scanning so we can make the proper recommendation?

Jonny88 · 09-02-2011,10:48 PM

Originally Posted by Dana@Ross-Tech

409 is not supported anymore. VCDS-Lite has replaced it and the SW is available for DL here:

http://www.ross-tech.com/vcds-lite/download/index.html

Any version higher than the old 409 and VCDS-Lite requires a genuine intelligent interface. Users of our genuine intelligent interfaces can update using this page:

http://www.ross-tech.com/vcds/download/current.html

What cars do you plan on scanning so we can make the proper recommendation?

Thanks for explaining that Dana.

I'm planning to scan a VW Mk4 ('02) Golf GT TDi (150BHP). So as I understand it, version 409.1 has been replaced by VCDS- Lite right?

I may be being serisouly dim but from what I can see the cable itself costs $249???? That's a seriously expensive bit of wire! What are the software costs on top of that?

Which cable would I need to scan my Golf???

Thanks.

J.

**NickPicks** · 09-02-2011,10:58 PM

The cable contains the hardware key (dongle) that lets the software run. The software is "free" although support is included in the cost of the cable for the original owner only, so if you buy a used dongle cable, you won't get support unless you pay $99 for it (so if you buy a used cable, make sure it's at least $99 less than a new one.

**Dana@Ross-Tech** · 10-02-2011,05:46 AM

Originally Posted by Jonny88

Thanks for explaining that Dana.

I'm planning to scan a VW Mk4 ('02) Golf GT TDi (150BHP). So as I understand it, version 409.1 has been replaced by VCDS- Lite right?

I may be being serisouly dim but from what I can see the cable itself costs $249???? That's a seriously expensive bit of wire! What are the software costs on top of that?

Which cable would I need to scan my Golf???

Thanks.

J.

For a MK4 your options would be:

1) The third party cable and VCDS-Lite. You will need to see the vendor (of the 3rd party cable) for support if you have any connectivity issues. The SWL can be purchased from us if it works for you. The license is tied to one PC.

2) The KII-USB. That isn't a "wire"... rather an intelligent interface with built in activation and dongle/software license as Nick mentioned. Once you own it, you can put VCDS on as many PCs as you like without any activation codes and so on.

We can provide you with start-up support as well, providing you purchase new from us or any of our authorized distributors -or- pay to register for support if you purchase a system second hand.