The Ross-Tech VCDS USB interface utilizes specific USB drivers that don’t inherently support COM-port emulation. This limitation prevents software relying on COM-port communication from functioning with these interfaces. To address this, a dedicated Vcds Usb Serial Port Driver is available, enabling compatibility with third-party diagnostic applications. This driver emulates a serial COM-port, bridging the communication gap between the VCDS hardware and software designed for serial connections.
Understanding the VCDS USB Serial Port Driver
This driver provides a crucial link for users who require the flexibility of using various diagnostic software with their Ross-Tech hardware. However, it’s essential to understand the following before proceeding:
Important Considerations
- Experimental Nature: The VCDS USB serial port driver is experimental. Thorough testing and potential troubleshooting may be necessary.
- Limited Support: Ross-Tech provides no official technical support for this driver or any third-party software used with it. Users should possess sufficient technical expertise for driver installation and problem resolution.
- No Functionality Guarantee: Compatibility with all third-party software isn’t guaranteed. Functionality may vary depending on the specific application.
Installing the VCDS USB Serial Port Driver
The VCDS USB serial port driver is compatible with Windows 2000 and newer operating systems, including 64-bit versions. Windows 98 is not supported. Follow these steps for installation:
-
Download and Extract: Download the driver package (a .zip file) from the official Ross-Tech website and extract its contents to a new folder.
-
Connect and Update: Connect the VCDS interface to your computer. Open the Device Manager, locate the interface, right-click on its entry, and select “Update Driver.”
-
Manual Installation: Choose the option for manual driver installation and specify the folder containing the extracted driver files as the source.
-
Verify VCP Loading: On some systems, the COM-port might not install automatically. If this occurs, open the interface entry “with VCP” in the Device Manager, navigate to Properties -> Expanded, and ensure the VCP option is checked. If not, check the box, disconnect and reconnect the interface.
Configuring the VCDS USB Serial Port Driver
-
COM-Port Number: The assigned COM-port number might need adjustment. This can be done through the Device Manager by selecting the USB serial port and modifying the COM-port number in the advanced options. Note that the COM-port number might change if the interface is used with a different USB port. Consistency in using the same USB port is recommended.
-
VCDS Compatibility: The installed VCDS USB serial port drivers don’t affect VCDS functionality. VCDS can continue operating with its default USB setting.
-
Disabling Intelligent Boot-Mode: Crucially, before using third-party software, deactivate the “intelligent boot-mode” in VCDS under Settings -> Connection / protocol settings. Press the “Test” button, confirm the message, and save the changes. Remember to re-enable this setting if you intend to use VCDS again afterward.
Conclusion
The VCDS USB serial port driver offers expanded functionality by enabling compatibility with third-party diagnostic software. However, its experimental nature and limited support require users to proceed with caution and possess adequate technical knowledge. Careful adherence to the installation and configuration instructions is crucial for successful implementation. Remember to always refer to the official Ross-Tech documentation for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
