VAG-COM via USB-RS232 Adapter: How-to

Hello,

Has anyone ever managed to get Ulf's device working by connecting it to a computer via a USB-to-RS232 adapter?
I have one of those adapters, and I just can't get it to work.
Neither the basic version nor the 2.2 version!
When I go to 'Options' in VAG-COM and then click on 'Test,' I always see the following message: 'COM Port Status OK; Adapter Status 0 – Found, Ready; Fast-Synch Compatible: NO.'
What is supposed to be here now?
The entire circuit seems to be working, but I apparently can't receive any data.
Anyway, I can faintly hear a 'ticking' sound coming from the dashboard. The control units aren't responding either. I've also tried different baud rates, but unfortunately, without success.
The USB-to-RS232 adapter has worked with all devices so far (mouse, modem) and even with an optical adapter for a digital multimeter.
Does anyone have a solution to my problem? Unfortunately, I don't have a way to test it on another computer with a 'real' COM port.
Best regards,
Kalle

Vento TDI, manufactured in March 1995, engine code 1Z, 66 kW.

kalle wrote:

When I go to "Options" and then "Test" in VAG-COM, I always get the following message: "COM Port Status OK; Adapter Status 0 - Found, Ready; Fast-Synch Compatible: NO." What is supposed to be here now? The entire circuit seems to be working, but I apparently can't receive any data. Anyway, you can faintly hear a "ticking" sound coming from the dashboard. The control units are also not responding. I've also tried different baud rates, but unfortunately, without success.

Hi Kalle,

The test response "Found, Ready" seems fundamentally correct to me, and "Fast Snch . . . No" is not critical.
The positive adapter message, by the way, is not a guarantee of actual communication with the vehicle...

I also constantly hear a ticking sound coming from the dashboard, regardless of whether the communication is working or not (e.g., when the adapter is incorrectly configured).

A possible explanation for the failure when using the USB port (compared to a normal COM port) is that the USB/COM adapter introduces some latency or signal delays that are not tolerated by VAGCOM or the vehicle's onboard electronics.

Hi,

The ticking sound in the dashboard is normal during data transfer.

There are different types of USB-to-serial adapters. Some only interact with the software level in Windows, while others are recognized by the computer as "true" hardware. The ones that only appear in Windows are the cheapest, but unfortunately also the worst – they definitely won't work with VAG-COM!

Unfortunately, there's no general information available about what each adapter does or how to distinguish between them – it's best to learn by trying.

Hello.
First of all, thank you for your efforts. What I'm wondering is, should the 'Adapter Status' field actually display a 0 or a 1?
Kalle.

Hi,
I just wanted to let you know that I've solved my problem!
With a USB adapter featuring an FTDI chipset.
'Works perfectly with Ulf's adapter! (Version 2.2)'
It looks a little different than in the picture, and it also includes drivers for Windows XP.
However, I have only tested it on Windows 98 and 2000! And it only costs €23.85.
Merry Christmas, Kalle.

kalle wrote:

Hi, I just wanted to let you know that I have solved my problem!

Hi Kalle,

Thank you for your problem-solving information .

So it seems that "Adapter" and "adapter" are not the same thing .

Merry Christmas to you and everyone else here!


@Rainer:
The problem of missing RS-232 interfaces will likely affect even more people in the future, as this connection type is probably going to become obsolete...??
What do you think about including a note about the FTDI adapter as a "potential as-is" option in the diagnostic technical article?

Hello Ulf,

Sure, it's better to choose one that you know has worked in the past.
I would need the exact type of part for that.

Best regards, Rainer.

Hello,
There is no manufacturer's label to be found anywhere.
Neither in the driver nor in the manual!
It looks like this one, but the cable is longer.
The manufacturer is 99% likely to be this one.
http://www.qvs.com/

Anyway, the naming convention is the same, and the drivers are very similar!
http://www.prolific.com.tw/fr_pl2303.htm

As I said, it has no resemblance to the picture on Reichelt's website!
Best regards,
Kalle

Hi Brösel,

Ulfs Adapter 2.2 (version number, I don't know the current one) uses optocouplers.
To be found in the diagnostic journal article.
I'm sorry, but I cannot access external websites or specific files online. Therefore, I am unable to translate the text from the provided URL.

The adapter/kit in the online store is based on the MAX232 and offers a number of other advantages, which can be found in the product description.

Using a USB-to-RS232 adapter before the actual diagnostic adapter can make it work, but it doesn't necessarily have to.
Of course, re-implementing something will inevitably lead to further delays in the corresponding signals/protocols. The specific hardware of the converter will then determine which USB driver it uses, which USB transfer modes it supports, etc.

Since newer PCs are almost exclusively equipped with USB interfaces, I'm currently working on a diagnostic adapter for USB.
Unfortunately, due to apartment renovations involving tiling, painting, and plastering, I haven't made much progress yet, and it will likely take at least 2-3 more weeks.
http://shop.dieselschrauber.de/product_info.php/products_id/46
http://shop.dieselschrauber.de/product_info.php/products_id/329

Best regards, Rainer.

Since newer PCs are almost exclusively equipped with USB interfaces, I'm currently working on a diagnostic adapter for USB.
Unfortunately, due to apartment renovations involving tiling, painting, and plastering, I haven't made much progress yet, and it will likely take at least 2-3 more weeks.
http://shop.dieselschrauber.de/product_info.php/products_id/46

Greetings, Rainer


Can I be a beta tester?

Sure .

Great! Let me know when you're ready!

Yes

Hi.

I bought a USB-to-serial adapter for 10 euros from e***.
The adapter works with VAG-COM on WinXP in my car, but it doesn't work for my friend.
On the e*** platform, the adapter is listed as "USB Serial Converter Adapter Cable 9-pin" and is offered by the seller "play_it". The manufacturer of the adapter is INLINE.

Best regards, harix84.

'That's great for you! But, as mentioned several times, there's no guarantee that it will work for everyone! So many factors come into play, including laptop hardware, adapter hardware, etc.'

Hmm...
I saw that diagnostic device with the USB connection in the shop the other day.
Was it taken out again?

I would actually like to have one, and I would also be happy to offer myself as a tester!