USB vs Serial Vag Com Cable?
04-11-2007, 05:19 AM
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One plugs into the Serial Port, the other plugs into the USB Port.
USB is good at sending large packets of data very quickly. Serial is good at sending small packets of data with very precise protocol timing. The communication in the vehicle is much closer to Serial than it is to USB.
If you have both a Serial and USB port on your laptop, we recommend you get a Serial Interface. The protocol timing of Serial is ever-so-slightly better than USB. Serial Interfaces can be extended up to 50-ft with standard straight-through Serial cable, whereas extending a USB Interface requires a specific Active USB extension, which we can supply. Our USB Interfaces require you to install a driver whereas our Serial Interfaces do not. Finally, our Serial Interfaces are a little less expensive than our USB Interfaces. Since most new laptops do not have Serial ports, then you should choose USB if you plan to get a new laptop in the near future.
If your PC has ONLY a Serial port or ONLY a USB port, then your choice has been made for you. Remember that Serial<->USB USB<->RS-232 converters are often unable to handle the baud rate and timing requirements that are demanded by many control modules using the VAG protocol.. We have had very poor results with most available USB<->RS-232 converters, therefore USB<->RS232 converters are "Not Supported." Please do not ask us for technical assistance if you are using one of these converters.
If you have both a Serial and USB port on your laptop, we recommend you get a Serial Interface. The protocol timing of Serial is ever-so-slightly better than USB. Serial Interfaces can be extended up to 50-ft with standard straight-through Serial cable, whereas extending a USB Interface requires a specific Active USB extension, which we can supply. Our USB Interfaces require you to install a driver whereas our Serial Interfaces do not. Finally, our Serial Interfaces are a little less expensive than our USB Interfaces. Since most new laptops do not have Serial ports, then you should choose USB if you plan to get a new laptop in the near future.
If your PC has ONLY a Serial port or ONLY a USB port, then your choice has been made for you. Remember that Serial<->USB USB<->RS-232 converters are often unable to handle the baud rate and timing requirements that are demanded by many control modules using the VAG protocol.. We have had very poor results with most available USB<->RS-232 converters, therefore USB<->RS232 converters are "Not Supported." Please do not ask us for technical assistance if you are using one of these converters.
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Andy
Andy
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