kw1281test: A Free VDS-Pro / VagTacho Alternative

[Mhughes216]

You seem a bit unfamiliar with using a command line. "cannot find path specified" means you typed something wrong to execute the program, meaning, it's not located in the path you typed.

.Yeah, I'm just learning about this, so I'm not very good. I was looking for some guidance on what to type and if the file will even work on a 2008 beetle.There is no clear information on what works to pull the skc on a 2008 beetle. I could just go have a locksmith do it, but I like to learn how do this stuff. It's like a hobby of sorts.

 

[Mhughes216]

You seem a bit unfamiliar with using a command line. "cannot find path specified" means you typed something wrong to execute the program, meaning, it's not located in the path you typed.

Yeah I am.

 

[turbodieseldyke]

Not being at your computer, i don't know where you saved/installed the program. From the looks of it, maybe it's in your Desktop folder, and you need to eliminate the "CD\" from what you typed above. So,

Desktop\kw1281test etc etc

Something like that.


Or 2 separate lines:

CD Desktop
kw1281test etc etc

 

[Mhughes216]

Not being at your computer, i don't know where you saved/installed the program. From the looks of it, maybe it's in your Desktop folder, and you need to eliminate the "CD\" from what you typed above. So,

Desktop\kw1281test etc etc

Something like that.


Or 2 separate lines:

CD Desktop
kw1281test etc etc

Okay I will give that a try. Thank you. I appreciate your help.

 

[Mhughes216]

Okay I will give that a try. Thank you. I appreciate your help.
[/QUOTE
This is what I am going to put in the command prompt.
c:\Users\Matthew J Hughes>Desktop\kw1281test COM4 9600 17 GetSKC

Does that look correct?

 

[turbodieseldyke]

it depends what path (directory) you installed the program. i can't say for certain since i'm not at your computer. If that doesn't work, use your file explorer to search for kw1281test to see where it's located.

 

[Mhughes216]

it depends what path (directory) you installed the program. i can't say for certain since i'm not at your computer. If that doesn't work, use your file explorer to search for kw1281test to see where it's located.

This is what I did - file explorer- clicked on documents- typed in file name kw1281test and it opened up as .>This PC> Documents > kw1281test-0.85-beta. I did have it on the desktop, but deleted the short cut.

 

[Mhughes216]

Does this look like the right path from command promt if file is in my documents
C:\Users\Matthew J Hughes>Documents\kw1281test\0.85-beta\COM4 9600 17 Get SKC

 

[BobnOH]

yes, though it might be easier to cd c:\Users\Matthew J Hughes|Documents\kw128test then execute, maybe 0.85-beta\COM4 9600 17 Get SKC
BUT- I took at quick look at the OP and don't think your car is supported.

 

[Mhughes216]

yes, though it might be easier to cd c:\Users\Matthew J Hughes|Documents\kw128test then execute, maybe 0.85-beta\COM4 9600 17 Get SKC
BUT- I took at quick look at the OP and don't think your car is supported.

Thank you. I did get it to work, but it told me what you just said..... not supported. I guess it uses k line , but also has a CAN for OBD2 generic diagnostics. I guess my only option at this point is the dealer or locksmith.

 

[pkhoury]

Found it, don't completely understand it.
* The New Beetle continued to use the older k-line diagnostics only incorporating CAN for Generic OBD-2 in 2008 as mandated by the EPA. Other holdover models such as the 7V Seat Alhambra, 6L Seat Ibiza/Cordoba, 6Y/5J Skoda Fabia, 1U Skoda Octavia, 5J Skoda Roomster, 3U Skoda Superb and others may have continued to use the older k-line diagnostics into and past 2008. In doubt, contact Ross-Tech via email

That actually doesn't surprised me; I know the Beetle up until like 2011 or so still used a lot of Mk4 parts, like the brakes and suspension. I've pulled a newer New Beetle rear axle to put on a Golf after I hydroplanned and destroyed the one that came with the car.

 

[pkhoury]

Found it, don't completely understand it.
* The New Beetle continued to use the older k-line diagnostics only incorporating CAN for Generic OBD-2 in 2008 as mandated by the EPA. Other holdover models such as the 7V Seat Alhambra, 6L Seat Ibiza/Cordoba, 6Y/5J Skoda Fabia, 1U Skoda Octavia, 5J Skoda Roomster, 3U Skoda Superb and others may have continued to use the older k-line diagnostics into and past 2008. In doubt, contact Ross-Tech via email

That actually doesn't surprised me; I know the Beetle up until like 2011 or so still used a lot of Mk4 parts, like the brakes and suspension. I've pulled a newer New Beetle rear axle to put on a Golf after I hydroplanned and destroyed the one that came with the car.

Thank you. I did get it to work, but it told me what you just said..... not supported. I guess it uses k line , but also has a CAN for OBD2 generic diagnostics. I guess my only option at this point is the dealer or locksmith.

Bummer. It was worth a shot, anyways.

 

[Mhughes216]

That actually doesn't surprised me; I know the Beetle up until like 2011 or so still used a lot of Mk4 parts, like the brakes and suspension. I've pulled a newer New Beetle rear axle to put on a Golf after I hydroplanned and destroyed the one that came with the car.

That's good to know, in case I ever need to swap a part out. Thanks

 

[pkhoury]

That's good to know, in case I ever need to swap a part out. Thanks

You're welcome.

 

[ukOctaviamk1ALH1.9TDI]

I am using windows10 up to date version. I bought cheap KKL cable on aliexpress for £3, installed ch340/341 driver, using the correct COM port in the device manager, this program and vag eeprom both works for me, some say the vag eeprom cannot run on windows10, but i can get SKC from both program without issues. The important thing is to run it as admininstrator mode and in windows7 compatibility mode.

This morning i used VCDS to programmed 2 sets of 3 button flip style keys that i bought on aliexpress for total of £10, included immobilizer chip and remote control circuit board and battery. Sent it to ebay shop, cut both blank blades for £12, the part number is 1J0959753AH for my skoda octavia mk1 1.9tdi ALH 66kW. The original key is a old school 2 button non flip key (part number: 008548). Now all 3 key works flawlessly.

Thank you gmenounos, you saved us a ton of money.

 

[AtticMan]

New to this discussion...have read the previous posts, but still having time-out issues. Using a Ross-Tech "HEX+CAN" usb HC811015 Rev. B....also have a Ross-Tech KII-USB...both give same results. Is it the cable or would the generic cable work better? Run the program several times on Windows 10 and Windows 11 laptops. Thanks!

Version 0.85-beta (https://github.com/gmenounos/kw1281test/releases)
Args: COM3 10400 17 GetSKC
OSVersion: Microsoft Windows NT 10.0.19045.0
.NET Version: 7.0.11
Culture: en-US
Opening serial port COM3
Sending wakeup message
Wakeup duration: 2 seconds
Reading sync byte
Retrying wakeup message...
Wakeup duration: 2 seconds
Reading sync byte
Retrying wakeup message...
Wakeup duration: 2 seconds
Reading sync byte
Caught: System.InvalidOperationException Controller did not wake up.
Unhandled exception: System.InvalidOperationException: Controller did not wake up.
at BitFab.KW1281Test.KwpCommon.WakeUp(Byte, Boolean) in C:\Users\gmeno\src\kw1281test\KwpCommon.cs:line 64
at BitFab.KW1281Test.Tester.Kwp1281Wakeup(Boolean ) in C:\Users\gmeno\src\kw1281test\Tester.cs:line 32
at BitFab.KW1281Test.Tester.GetSkc() in C:\Users\gmeno\src\kw1281test\Tester.cs:line 518
at BitFab.KW1281Test.Program.Run(String[]) in C:\Users\gmeno\src\kw1281test\Program.cs:line 253
at BitFab.KW1281Test.Program.Main(String[]) in C:\Users\gmeno\src\kw1281test\Program.cs:line 29

 

[Mozambiquer]

New to this discussion...have read the previous posts, but still having time-out issues. Using a Ross-Tech "HEX+CAN" usb HC811015 Rev. B....also have a Ross-Tech KII-USB...both give same results. Is it the cable or would the generic cable work better? Run the program several times on Windows 10 and Windows 11 laptops. Thanks!

Version 0.85-beta (https://github.com/gmenounos/kw1281test/releases)
Args: COM3 10400 17 GetSKC
OSVersion: Microsoft Windows NT 10.0.19045.0
.NET Version: 7.0.11
Culture: en-US
Opening serial port COM3
Sending wakeup message
Wakeup duration: 2 seconds
Reading sync byte
Retrying wakeup message...
Wakeup duration: 2 seconds
Reading sync byte
Retrying wakeup message...
Wakeup duration: 2 seconds
Reading sync byte
Caught: System.InvalidOperationException Controller did not wake up.
Unhandled exception: System.InvalidOperationException: Controller did not wake up.
at BitFab.KW1281Test.KwpCommon.WakeUp(Byte, Boolean) in C:\Users\gmeno\src\kw1281test\KwpCommon.cs:line 64
at BitFab.KW1281Test.Tester.Kwp1281Wakeup(Boolean ) in C:\Users\gmeno\src\kw1281test\Tester.cs:line 32
at BitFab.KW1281Test.Tester.GetSkc() in C:\Users\gmeno\src\kw1281test\Tester.cs:line 518
at BitFab.KW1281Test.Program.Run(String[]) in C:\Users\gmeno\src\kw1281test\Program.cs:line 253
at BitFab.KW1281Test.Program.Main(String[]) in C:\Users\gmeno\src\kw1281test\Program.cs:line 29

Do you have it set up with the vcp drivers? Thats what you'll need for those to work. You'll have to Uninstall the original drivers and install the vcp drivers instead.

 

[gmenounos]

New to this discussion...have read the previous posts, but still having time-out issues. Using a Ross-Tech "HEX+CAN" usb HC811015 Rev. B....also have a Ross-Tech KII-USB...both give same results. Is it the cable or would the generic cable work better? Run the program several times on Windows 10 and Windows 11 laptops. Thanks!

Version 0.85-beta (https://github.com/gmenounos/kw1281test/releases)
Args: COM3 10400 17 GetSKC

What model/year car?

 

[AtticMan]

2004 VW Passat TDI

In response to Mozambiquer....yes, I am using to VCP drivers. However, I did not go through the uninstall process for the old drivers.

Thanks to both you and gmenounos for your quick response!

 

[gmenounos]

In response to Mozambiquer....yes, I am using to VCP drivers. However, I did not go through the uninstall process for the old drivers.

If you're still having issues, make sure to uncheck the "Boot in Intelligent Mode" setting in VCDS then unplug the cable from the laptop and plug it back in: https://forums.tdiclub.com/index.ph...pro-vagtacho-alternative.509151/#post-5607552

 

[Rogrdat]

@gmenounos I loved this , could get both of SKC from old and “new” cluster .

my only question is if there’s a way to write or send the modified eeprom.bin to the cluster directly via command line ?

 

[gmenounos]

@gmenounos I loved this , could get both of SKC from old and “new” cluster .

my only question is if there’s a way to write or send the modified eeprom.bin to the cluster directly via command line ?

There's a LoadEeprom command. Make sure you have a backup copy of your EEPROM (from using the DumpEeprom command) before you try to load a modified dump back into the cluster. I'm not responsible if LoadEeprom bricks your cluster.

 

[Rogrdat]

There's a LoadEeprom command. Make sure you have a backup copy of your EEPROM (from using the DumpEeprom command) before you try to load a modified dump back into the cluster. I'm not responsible if LoadEeprom bricks your cluster.

do you have the command line ? I’m not as good as you guys using the tool lol , and yes I have like 3 backups in case I screw things up .

 

[gmenounos]

do you have the command line ? I’m not as good as you guys using the tool lol , and yes I have like 3 backups in case I screw things up .

See this post:
https://forums.tdiclub.com/index.ph...tacho-alternative.509151/page-19#post-5661594

 

[Rogrdat]

See this post:
https://forums.tdiclub.com/index.ph...tacho-alternative.509151/page-19#post-5661594

Thanks a lot , I was reading the whole morning and couldn’t find the answer that’s why I asked .

Thanks so much for such a great tool.

 

[JonnyBoyRocker]

Good morning, I am trying to grab my SKC code, but am running into a few problems:

1) I have a VCDS HEX V2 cable and I believe I am supposed to have it operate it in "dumb mode" and I am to uncheckmark "boot in intelligent mode" on VCDS options. However, I cannot find "boot in intelligent mode" on VCDS options. Am I off track or do I need to buy a different cable?
2) I have downloaded and tried to install the VCP drivers via my device manager on Windows 10, but each time I try, Windows says "The best drivers for your device are already installed" - am I doing something wrong?

Thanks very much!

 

[gmenounos]

Good morning, I am trying to grab my SKC code, but am running into a few problems:

1) I have a VCDS HEX V2 cable and I believe I am supposed to have it operate it in "dumb mode" and I am to uncheckmark "boot in intelligent mode" on VCDS options. However, I cannot find "boot in intelligent mode" on VCDS options. Am I off track or do I need to buy a different cable?
2) I have downloaded and tried to install the VCP drivers via my device manager on Windows 10, but each time I try, Windows says "The best drivers for your device are already installed" - am I doing something wrong?

Thanks very much!

HEX V2 is not supported. See the VCP mode link in post #1:

"Q: What do I need to buy?
A: You need a KKL cable like this one. Drivers for that cable can be found here. You can also use older VCDS cables if they support VCP mode."

 

[AtticMan]

Your suggestion to uncheck "Boot in Intelligent Mode" in VCDS did the trick and after a few attempts I was able to recover the SKC. Thanks for your help!!

 

[benmarks]

I apologize if this was previously answered.

Would it be possible to use this tool to read the skc/pin off of a replacement ECU instead of just re-reading the skc from the cluster?

I might need to swap my original EDC16 with an EDC15P as part of an ARL engine swap, but we don't have the skc for the used EDC15P ECU.

I saw a video that shows VagTacho doing this via a separate option in one of the pulldown menus, but my TDI guru doesn't have a VagTacho.

 

[gmenounos]

I apologize if this was previously answered.

Would it be possible to use this tool to read the skc/pin off of a replacement ECU instead of just re-reading the skc from the cluster?

I might need to swap my original EDC16 with an EDC15P as part of an ARL engine swap, but we don't have the skc for the used EDC15P ECU.

I saw a video that shows VagTacho doing this via a separate option in one of the pulldown menus, but my TDI guru doesn't have a VagTacho.

You can try the GetSKC command with the ECU (address 1, speed either 9600 or 10400) instead of the cluster (address 17) and see if it works. I know it will work with some EDC15 ECUs (2003 Golf/Jetta for example), but not sure about the EDC15P.