Diagnostic tool for Volvo

[NorthantsPete]

sorry to bounce such an old thread but I was looking at one of these for £60 as it seems already ,the gremlins are in force with the new v70. Luckily its in warranty atm but once it goes out im on my own
Im IT technical, so no issues here - what is:

a) the deal with Vida Dice? is there a setup guide/ info? Ive seen software on ebay but also you'll need some connectors?
b) will the DS100 read ALL my codes?
c) chinese - they done one that reads apparently everyhting, is this any good?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/iCarsoft-...752.m1982#rwid

Not looking to control much just read ALL codes, like airbags, sensors etc. so i can point mechanic int he right direction or DIY if easy

[LizardOfBodom]

Hi

To use Vida (software) you need DiCE unit. Thats the ultimate combo that will allow you to do literally anything from the laptop, from reading/clearing the codes to program some functions in and run tests that no other reader will allow you to do. Ebay units are usually ok, those come with software+instruction, I am using one myself, but installing them on laptop is a bit of a challenge if you are not good with computers. Other option is to get a ready-to-go package from one of the users here (check "for sale" section) where you will get tablet and Dice configured together and pre-checked.
Any other option (external reader) will only show you codes and you will still have no 100% confirmation its showing everything. Also it may show some generic codes that can be misdiagnosed. But is the cheapest and plug&play option.

[NorthantsPete]

Originally Posted by LizardOfBodom

Hi

To use Vida (software) you need DiCE unit. Thats the ultimate combo that will allow you to do literally anything from the laptop, from reading/clearing the codes to program some functions in and run tests that no other reader will allow you to do. Ebay units are usually ok, those come with software+instruction, I am using one myself, but installing them on laptop is a bit of a challenge if you are not good with computers. Other option is to get a ready-to-go package from one of the users here (check "for sale" section) where you will get tablet and Dice configured together and pre-checked.
Any other option (external reader) will only show you codes and you will still have no 100% confirmation its showing everything. Also it may show some generic codes that can be misdiagnosed. But is the cheapest and plug&play option.

Thanks for the info, thanks for filling in my ignorance

So ive looked and theres a vida DiCE 2014 for £55 on ebay for windows 7 - might try and get it working in a windows 7 virtual machine on my laptop, give it 3gb ram and access to the usb socket.

sounds good? are these copies/fakes?

[cheshired5]

Originally Posted by NorthantsPete

sounds good? are these copies/fakes?

Dice as used in a main dealer are upwards of £1000 even when second hand so if you're only paying £50-100, make of it what you will.

[LizardOfBodom]

Originally Posted by NorthantsPete

Thanks for the info, thanks for filling in my ignorance

So ive looked and theres a vida DiCE 2014 for £55 on ebay for windows 7 - might try and get it working in a windows 7 virtual machine on my laptop, give it 3gb ram and access to the usb socket.

sounds good? are these copies/fakes?

As said by cheshired5 it is ofcourse a chinese clone, but most of them works just as OEM one, including when flashing tune map for ECU etc so unless you get a botched version you should be fine. From what you are saying it seem that you are computer literate so its defo worth a shot. I had spare laptop laying around so used it and configured whole OS for that purpose only, but VM should work as well. Just follow instructions that you should be given with software and see few tutorials on YT when it trouble.
defo worth it, once you get it running its a great tool (and you will also giggle when activating sprinklers or horn using laptop&mouse

[NorthantsPete]

Originally Posted by LizardOfBodom

defo worth it, once you get it running its a great tool (and you will also giggle when activating sprinklers or horn using laptop&mouse

You see that gets me excited, geeky pleasures eh.

Yes, Im a third line senior engineer so the IT bit isnt really an issue

Thanks all for help, Ill take a look as im keen on reading the logs already

[w068720]

Apologies for jumping in here, but just a quick question about costs, does it cost anything to use the software and keep it up to date and are some of the functions chargable, I read somewhere that there was a cost of you wanted to update a module software? I was looking at an autel mk808bt, but not sure it would do all the things that Vida/Dice would do, there is also an annual charge to keep the 808 up to date..

Thanks

[daniel84uk]

£60 for an adaptor and the VIDA software is "free" and will run on a cheapo laptop. It can do everything and more than the generic devices can. Some functions are still dealer only though, that applies to both.

[Bashy]

Be careful, some sellers of Vida on eBay come with SQL issues and cannot use the parts directory as intended, my 2014 wont browse the parts, it may work when searching and may not, depends how it feels.

My 2011 version works for the most part but can also popup with SQL issues.

Both using Win 7 on a virtual machine, using the max allowed memory at 11gb, and 4 cpus.

Oh and neither seem to copy and paste from VM to main lappy or vice versa but obviously that's not a Vida issue...

[daniel84uk]

No doubt quiet a few have issues

For reference. Im using 2014d flawlessly. Twice.

Once as a VM, installed from scratch.
Windows 7 32bit(iirc) VM oracle, Below minimum ram too, single line of text in a config file to do this.

And natively on an old i3 lappy Windows 7 32bit(iirc). Again below minimum ram

Its very easy to setup, but bare in mind im a software developer geek. I realise even small things are hard if you are not computer literate.