USB Diagnostic Adapter

It has been reported several times that the conventional adapter can be operated via the USB port.
In one of the recent Elektor magazines, I saw a construction proposal for a USB-to-RS232 interface. It would be interesting to combine this with an OBD interface. By combining them, you can save on some components, such as potentiometers, for example.
The biggest advantage is that you no longer have to perform any configuration, and the software runs perfectly on every computer right out of the box.
For those who want to use their old RS232 interface with a USB connection, there are already ready-made adapters available from companies like Reichelt for a low price.

Do you think we should investigate this further and build a USB-to-OBD2 interface?

golf-vw wrote:

. . .I saw a construction proposal for a USB-RS232 interface, and it should be combined with the OBD interface. By combining them, you can save some components, such as the potentiometers and so on. Do you think we should perhaps investigate this further and build a USB-to-OBD2 interface?

Hi Johannes,

I think the idea makes sense, especially considering that COM ports are becoming obsolete.
"However, in my opinion, you would then need a VAGCOM version that is compatible with USB... or software that emulates a USB port as an RS232 port."

But whether the software, the USB-to-RS232 converter, and the rest of the adapter will ultimately produce a digital dialect that the car can understand, or whether a dialogue is even possible, I wouldn't guarantee beforehand .

Nevertheless: Practice makes perfect -> if you have the opportunity, I'm sure not only I would be curious about your findings .

Hi,

The Elektor adapter uses this chip:
http://www.ftdichip.com/
The 'tartnt' chip appears as a COM port, but it sets the highest possible baud rate. Therefore, if the timing is not correct when communicating with the ECU via RS232, it will no longer work.
It should definitely have its own microcontroller in the adapter to handle the timing.
I don't think it will work (reliably) any other way.
Has anyone ever tested a USB-to-RS232 adapter with VAG-COM?

Regards,

P.S. I ordered a few of those items before, and I'll let you know if it works out.

Hello,

Yesterday, I tested the USB-RS232 adapter from Reichelt with version 2.4 of Ulf's adapter. When all the trimmers are set to their exact center position, the adapter works perfectly.


Georg.

Georg_G wrote:

Yesterday, I tested the USB-RS232 adapter from Reichelt with version 2.4 of Ulf's adapter. When all trimmers are set to the exact center position, the adapter works perfectly.

Hi Georg,

good news

What PC hardware, operating system, and VAGCOM version did you use?

Could you also try this on other PCs/laptops to see if it works, and hopefully it's not just a fluke?

Sometimes electronics retailers exchange products for newer models, so my question is: which specific adapter are you referring to?