Customer question:
I’m using an SM2 Pro with several diagnostic solutions (CAN Clip 222v, Techstream, Honda HDS, FORScan), all working well. I’m planning to expand my diagnostic tool setup and need some advice before buying.
Now, I’m considering getting a VXDIAG VCX SE, but I have a few questions:
1. Software Compatibility: Can the VCX devices run the same range of software as the SM2 Pro (ODIS, Xentry, Techstream, CAN Clip, etc.) without requiring additional car licenses? Or do they still need online activation/credits?
2. Offline Use: For those who own a VCX, do most diagnostic solutions work fully offline, or are there restrictions?
3. Recommendation: Should I stick with the SM2 Pro (after firmware update) or invest in a VCX for better coverage?
4. Mercedes: Specifically for Xentry, does the VCX work better than SM2?
Here are our customers’ working experiences:
First of all, any VCX SE instead of VCX NANO because NANO only gets one license.
1. On base VCX SE you get J2534 capabilities, so you should be able to run ODIS, Xentry, Techstream, but the real advantages of the device are in the licenses, where you get the access to the drivers, that allow to use the VCX as VAS in ODIS, as DOIP C6 in XENTRY, as a normal sonde for CAN CLIP. They need online activation, and you need to get the licenses from VXDIAG. It is great because you get a lot from one tool, if you would be open to get multiple. SM2 only works as J2534 device, it does not work as emulator.
2. You need one time internet connection to get licenses you bought from VCX server via the Manager, then you can work mostly offline.
3. SM2 Pro (even the clone) is a great tool, but not every software supports passthru fully, for example Nissan Consult or GM GDS.
4. VXDIAG and SM2 both not work very well on -2005 older K-line Mercedes. VCX is compatible with both Xentry XDOS and Xentry Passthru. SM2 pro only works with Xentry passthru version.
Here comes a comparison:
If you don’t want to invest in many tools, then VCX SE is a good choice.