New Ross Tech cable: HEX-V2

**DV52** · 02-01-2017, 08:58 AM

Seems like Ross Tech has released a new product -designed specifically for the "enthusiast" market - like many here (including me).

Here's an extract from the "Benevolent Dictator" (Uwe Ross), himself:
It's 2017 now and we're unveiling or new generation wired product line, the HEX-V2.
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This new, universal wired interface replaces our previous KII-USB, Micro-CAN, and HEX-USB+CAN interfaces. Those interfaces served us well for many years (in some cases more than a decade!) but their older architectures were inflexible and left us no room to grow.

The HEX-V2 works on all diagnostic-capable VW-Audi Group passenger cars. That means you no longer have to ask, "Which interface will work on my car(s)"? The only question will be, "How many cars do you intend to use it on?" Yes, there are VIN limits (just like in the 10-VIN HEX-NET). There will be a separate post discussing VIN Limits in detail, but the bottom line with them is: They allow us to offer this product to enthusiast/hobby users at a very attractive price; as low as $199 for the 3-VIN version. That's the same price we charged for our very first systems almost 17 years ago, and considerably less if you take inflation into account.

Improvements over previous generation interfaces:

Modern, 32-bit processor architecture with plenty of room for expansion.
Much faster in most operations on modern, CAN-based cars.
Does not need to be plugged into a car to load firmware updates.
Tri-color status LEDs with greatly improved visibility from almost any angle.
Improved OBD-II connector nose (small design changes plus improved plastic materials)
Enumerates as an HID device, meaning no device-specific driver is required.
Detachable USB cable, easily replaceable with a ubiquitous standard cable if it becomes damaged. This also improves flexibility as the days of standard "type A" USB sockets on computers seem to be numbered. There are already plenty of Windows tablets that can run VCDS that only have Micro-USB sockets, and it looks like USB-C might the up-and-coming standard for sockets.

Some of our distributors have been actively testing this product since September, but they weren't allowed to talk about it until now. Pretty much everyone who has had access to one has been impressed with it, especially its speed when scanning modern, CAN-based cars (meaning almost any car made in about the last 10 years).

Anyone who wants to ask a question can do so - HERE

Don

**Mitchh** · 17-02-2017, 05:39 PM

This is really cool, the only reason as to why i haven't bought VCDS yet is the cost. This is much more reasonable for someone who just wants to service their own car.