Tacho Software: Erfahrungen & Reviews

Hello,

'I jokingly bought some software for speedometer adjustment via OBD from *bay. The program is called alfa8.exe and, of course, it doesn't work. The program claims to be examining the instrument cluster and then closes itself. However, you can hear the relay clicking in the dashboard, just like with VAGCOM, which works perfectly with my interface. What's strange is that after a while after the program starts, a printer error message appears. It's almost as if the program is trying to access the parallel port, like some EEPROM programmers do for direct instrument cluster adjustment.'

Does anyone have experience with this?

Regards,
T M

Okay, let's start by seeing what kind of data it's sending to the interface...

Hello Kenny,

Do you know of any tools or tricks that can be used to monitor or intercept data on Windows/DOS? I might be able to think of something for Unix...

Regards,

T M

I'm also familiar with alfa8. However, I don't have it from that platform. When I connect it, it correctly reads the version of the instrument cluster, and that's it. Then, depending on what's being displayed, it shows 'Please wait a moment...' for hours! Well, either something isn't compatible, or my speedometer is too new, or this program is simply useless!

Hello Jörgs,

What kind of vehicle do you have?

Regards,
TM

Passat 3BG, year of manufacture 2001, engine code AWX.

Hmmm...

Quote:

I, just for fun, obtained some software for speedometer adjustment via OBD from *bay. The program is called alfa8.exe and, of course, it doesn't work. The program claims to be examining the instrument cluster and then closes itself.

I'm going to ask a really dumb question: how did you start the program?? under Windows??? try running it under DOS .
then it definitely won't shut down immediately! it should recognize your combination instrument + immobilizer. then it should say "enter new value:" - then you enter something and press enter, it ticks a bit, well, and only then does the program crash with a squeaking system speaker!
Sure, here's the translation:

"Hello, Mozz."

PS: If you want, send me yours, I'll send you mine, and let's see what symptoms appear. I suspect it might also be important which notebook model is being used!

Hello Mozz,

Of course, I also tried it under DOS. I booted from DOS 6.2 and DOS 7.0 from floppy disk. Starting Alfa8 results in the same effect as under Windows, except that the window cannot be closed. Instead, you get a blank screen with a c:\ prompt.

TM

SORRY! But sometimes things happen to me, and when you say it might close again, I assume the worst!

Sure, here's the translation:

"gruzz" is a German slang term that can be translated as "greetings" or "regards." It is often used in informal settings, such as text messages or social media posts.

Hi,

Did you already run a virus scanner on the program before?

Best regards, Rainer.

hi rainer,

This is the first thing that runs for me with unfamiliar software!

You don't even need a virus if you can get people to run a foreign program. Then you can already do whatever you want! So, antivirus software isn't very helpful in that case...

Hey everyone!

Is there anyone among you who has had success with alpha8??? Or does anyone know of an alternative???

Since I'm still driving around with a speedometer that has an incorrect mileage reading, it will soon be time for me to find a solution .

Has anyone had success with "removing the memory battery from the instrument cluster"?

Greetings to you all.

Peter.

What is the purpose of expanding the battery? The data is stored in an EEPROM or Flash memory. You can disconnect the battery for weeks or even years, and nothing will happen!

Hey joergs!

Okay, good argument, I understand. But how do I approach this problem now? Vau Weh told me that they read the old odometer data from the original instrument and "write" it back into the new one. But how do they do that? So, there must be something at Vau Weh that allows changing the odometer reading via OBD II. I don't want to do anything illegal; I just want to increase the odometer reading to the correct value.

Thank you for your information.

Peter.

Hello Peter,

Why are you so sure that VW can change the mileage reading via ODB-II? I would guess that they have no interest in doing that; they would rather sell a new one, where the mileage can be easily changed...

As far as I know, a kilometer correction on used speedometers is only possible when the speedometer is removed and accessed through the socket on the back. I tend to believe everything only when I've seen it or tried it myself. After all, a lot is claimed on eBay & Co., especially when the day is long.

Regards,
Private.