Working VIDA/DICE kits?

[Electronix12]

Hi Guys,

I've searched the forum for the last half hour but not found a good answer.

I want to buy something to read codes, I have VIDA 2012D (Jan 2013) installed on my laptop but I'd like to be able to plug the car in.

Do these Chinese DICE copies for VIDA actually work?

Example: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volvo-Vida...-/270588926909

Anyone bought anything *recently* that works?

Cheers!!

[mikealder]

They are fine although running a newer version of VIDA on the PC than the version supplied with the unit otherwise you might have to upgrade the firware on the DiCE to get it to work with the software - Mike

[Electronix12]

Originally Posted by mikealder

They are fine although running a newer version of VIDA on the PC than the version supplied with the unit otherwise you might have to upgrade the firware on the DiCE to get it to work with the software - Mike

How far do these devices go, integration wise?

Is it literally a case of plug it in, start the software, connect to the car and VIDA shows everything?

[mikealder]

You can do pretty much anything a main dealer can do with the exception of updating software to the car as this requires a subscription to access the servers at Volvo, you can certainly get at ABS, Engine, autobox, climate control, SRS and quite a few other bits, it also lets you view data on the fly graphed on the screen when driving or with the engine running - Mike

[Electronix12]

Awesome.

I'm a bit weary of the cheap versions off ebay, do you own a DICE kit yourself?

[mikealder]

I use one owned by Thanatos when I need to as he is local, we both spend time working on each others cars when needed - Mike

[reggit]

Originally Posted by Concorde Rules

Awesome.

I'm a bit weary of the cheap versions off ebay, do you own a DICE kit yourself?

Mine came off ebay, about a year ago, paid £150ish. It's saved me a mint to be honest, although it galls having to still go to volvo for software.

The only issues are the slightly fussy computer requirements.

[gmartinms]

Hi guys,

Is there someone who used both? an original DiCE and the chineese version? that can tell us the real difference? I understood this scanner is really usefull for a volvo car. Is it? for example i use a s60 2.5t fwd 2009, so why do i need a Vida 2013 version?

Thanks,

MM

[SonyVaio]

The newer software contains updated part numbers, drawings and illustrations, updated recall information, updated tech bulletins, revised and updated procedures where applicable and then there is the stuff you don't see the updated connection information and protocols along with updated firmware for the DICE unit too.

As there is so many helpful people on here who are willing to help each other out then you can get hold of updated software pretty easy. So I would raise the question - WHY WOULDN'T YOU UPDATE??

[gmartinms]

Originally Posted by SonyVaio

The newer software contains updated part numbers, drawings and illustrations, updated recall information, updated tech bulletins, revised and updated procedures where applicable and then there is the stuff you don't see the updated connection information and protocols along with updated firmware for the DICE unit too.

As there is so many helpful people on here who are willing to help each other out then you can get hold of updated software pretty easy. So I would raise the question - WHY WOULDN'T YOU UPDATE??

Hi SonyVaio, thanks for your answer, now i know why i need the lastest version of VIDA. Today i download an old version a 2010D from the web and try to understand how it works, i don't buy any DiCE yet. I saw it use a SQL database. I found too some basic lessons about it too on volvo website.