Yup I finally got myself a full spec VAG COM lead from RossTech. Excellent service and communication from them in the USA.

The software is a work of art being very easy to use, I used the workshop equipment day to day and dare I say it VAG COM is a lot quicker to use for some jobs.

Well worth the outlay in my case, excellent stuff.

Welcome to the club

Ross, how long is the wait to actually getting the equipment through and is yours a USB or Serial version.

I'm thinking of getting a USB one myself.

Ta

Good going mate - I was just at the point of ordering the same full setup, after admittedly trying out an older version with a pirated cable, until I got an insulting PM from one of their people. Someone who I had made the mistake of treating like a gentleman on this forum, actually defusing public arguments.

A little bit of power/popularity goes to the head too quickly in this world unfortunately. Didn't bother to answer the PM, as I have no time to waste educating childish people in proper manners.....

"a drop of honey will attract more flies than a pint of gall" is an excellent business attitude, btw.

Cheers

Bas

We got it at work about 6 months ago. The OBDII mode is very good and you can get alot information off OBDII compliant cars, I have tested it on some Japanese cars - it will even tell you how far the car has been driven with the engine management light on.

I have got the USB version and glad to say it works fine with Vista.

It takes 2 - 3 days from the US. Also budget for a follow up letter asking you for around

I am tempted to get the "budget" Micro-CAN version.

I appreciate that this model has limited vehicle applications but that would not be an issue for me.

Are there any other reasons why I should not go for this one?

Do you have a MK1 or MKII Octavia?

If you have a MK1 then the best reason not to buy one is that it won't work. If you have a MKII then it's ideal, although you should be aware that it is limited to cars with CANBUS diagnostics.

If you have a MK1 or want to use it on another K line vehicle then the Key USB is fine. VAG-COM License with KEY-USB Interface: Ross-Tech Store

Full functionality comes with the HEx&CAN. VAG-COM License with HEX-USB+CAN Interface: Ross-Tech Store

What about for someone who just wants a Read-Only version for use with a Mk2 octavia?

Which of the multiple cables on Ebay (or elsewhere) is the one to go for?

I don't think you'll get an eBay cable to work with an Octy II Alex unless you get a counterfeit one.

Basic cable with Octy II functionality is the Micro Can.

Thanks.

I knew my old cheapie cable that I used on the Mk1 wouldn't work which was why I sold it , but I hoped there would have been a suitable one available by now

If you have a MKII then it's ideal, although you should be aware that it is limited to cars with CANBUS diagnostics.

Thanks Stu

I have a MkII, and I am aware of the limitations of Micro-CAN.

Got the full HEX/CAN version myself, and it has worked well so far

What about for someone who just wants a Read-Only version for use with a Mk2 octavia?

Which of the multiple cables on Ebay (or elsewhere) is the one to go for?

Have you had a look at this :- Fault Code Reader for Volkswagen / Audi / Seat / Skoda (1996-2007) :: Gendan Automotive Products

Its just a code reader and is not bad for just over

which one do you all recommend:

VAG-COM for VW, Audi, Seat, Skoda cars - KEY-USB - USB car diagnostics interface package :: Gendan Automotive Products

or

http://www.ross-tech.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=VCHUC&Category_Code=VAGCOM

Im looking at getting one but would like advice on which is better and what experience people have had of them and the companies concerned?

Direct from Ross Tech in the US should be cheaper given the $ to

cheers stu, i will have another look at it tomorrow and will probably look at ordering it then!!

Lemme know if you need to scan it though, I'm so near you I could pop over and I've got a full lead etc. My laptop is at the office but if you have one you can download the latest release and the cable is licensed

cheers will bare that in mind, will have to save up i think bit short at mo.. but plenty i want to look at and change ;-)