Anyone know how well this stacks up? Seems a little more friendly and they mention being able to run various diagnostic tests (flap position test?). Not to mention, it’s less expensive.
It seems pretty user friendly on the Foxwell site. Depends how much you really want to do with it. I think VCDS definitely has the edge in terms of logging capability, but it’s certainly also handy to have a standalone device that doesn’t require a laptop.
The biggest advantage of VCDS is the very extensive wiki on the Ross-Tech site which has pretty much everything covered in a simple enough explanation. I can’t immediately find how good the documentation with this scanner is.
If all you want to do is read/delete codes and do some output tests I’m not sure there would be much benefit in paying an extra $150 for VCDS so it could be worth a go.
If you want to make sure you can do everything and anything and never be stuck for functionality…that’s where you pay the extra.
It’s gonna be hard to justify going with anything other than VCDS. VCDS already has the user base set in place, not to mention all of the log comparisons that people do.
Now with the VCDS wifi, which I have, but haven’t had the time to explore test…something like this is even less interesting to me.
Can you re-code modules with this?
I just wanted to be spoon fed answers…I’m not really interested in the device unless it was AMAZING compared to VCDS since I already have the newest Rosstech WIFI dongle.
Might be useful to the OP, as ECS isn’t giving much info on the device.
Only advantage of the cheaper unit, aside from being cheaper, is being compact and self contained. Could keep it in the car all the time “just in case”.
Thus is kinda like the snap on tool. It’s nice just for basic use. Of you really want to mess around and be able to dig deeper vagcom is the answer
I dig it.
This is the wifi dongle by Ross-tech. Perfect for the glovebox and I can access it with my phone if my car throws a code or something. I take it on long trips in hot the Q5 and RS4. Like I said I need to start using it more to test some things, but it can also be plugged into a computer directly and works just like the cabled version.
I haven’t seen one benefit for going with this Fox device yet, besides price…but if price is your worry and all you want to see is a code, I can do that with my generic scanner from autozone.
Go with the Ross Tech. It’s use is well documented. Tech support is second to none. I bought my cable in the UK but they still gave me some support over here, including discount codes for the Bentley even having purchased overseas.
I’ve used Ross-tech now and I do like it - pretty detailed and the support from Ross-tech is a plus.
I’m still attracted to this unit though for it’s price and the fact that I don’t need an old Windows VM to run it. It looks like it does a lot of functions but there is a * at a couple of spots -re:"*Certain functions may be limited from the vehicle manufacturer due to the requirement of a special access code.". Aren’t these codes available online? I think I’ve seen Ross-tech tutorials where it says what code to put in and where.
Input?
http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B7_RS4--V8/Tools/Scan_Tools/ES2827082/
Do you have a Rosstech cable? If so this would kind of be pointless. You also might want to look into the new Rosstech wifi dongle. I sold my cable and bought that because you can use it on any device with an Internet explorer. They also have an app created for smart phones.
How well would you say this works in comparison to the old school wired version + software? I bought the wired cable a few months ago and am curious if I messed up by not buying the wifi dongle. It’s not that big for me to hook up the laptop but opening an app on my iPhone which is already mounted in my car when I’m driving would definitely be way easier.
It works well and you can use it as wifi or as the cable version…so it’s basically a win win.
I don’t have one yet - I had a friend scan it for me and then I did borrow a “fake” cable from another friend but it only did basic functions, as the software recognized it as unlicensed.
http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/Functions
Is the Mobile device the Wifi one you have or are they referring to something different? There are a few functions that they have not confirmed working according to this matrix.
How are you comparing this new thing to them then?
I still don’t understand the big draw. Is it to save 100 dollars? I’m sure we’ve discussed it but vagcom cables hold their value incredibly well. Buyback used one and sell it a couple of years layer for 75% of what you paid for it, at worst.
I’m comparing the features list what I know about VCDS so far (fraction of what there is to know, I’m sure). That’s the reason for this thread, to see if anyone has actual experience with both to help me make an educated decision.
The draw is -$200 and it’s easy transported and kept in the car. Mine would likely stay with the car, so resale value doesn’t mean anything to me. I certainly don’t do everything on the cheap as a habit - I like to buy the best but I’m also a practical and curious hobbyist. If a new device has come out that seems to do everything the old one does at a fraction of the cost, it seems like a good idea to consider it.
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/67/7c/87/677c87c278856b1452349d70cb622f00.jpg
I wondering if it’s worth to upgrade as well, like you did. I have RossTech cable now. Does wifi/cable version have any new functions or is it just the easy of use that’s new here - wifi?
The wifi dongle can also be used as a cable version with the original VCDS windows program.
Nothing new really, just the option to have it laying in your glove box and if needed in an emergency you could do a scan with your smart phone app.
Jeff I think you should just buy the new device and compare everything for us. It seems like we give you the answer that Rosstech has been around since 1999, I’ve personally had a cable since 2004, and it works great. You will not find a device or system that is more “known” in the VW/Audi scene. There are tons of DIYs, FAQs…forums and Rosstech support. What does this new device offer? $200 savings and a 16 year learning curve…
Sometimes you have to realize that you aren’t just saving some money. You’re pretty much loosing out on all of the information that is in place for VCDS and the Rosstech cable.
But if you want to attempt to blaze a trail, then good luck. It’s ignorant to think we just shoot down new products on AR without putting any thought into our responses.