I am putting together a SDD setup at the recommendation of this list.

Running in 32 bit XP mode. This is a virtual machine installed on a win7 64 bit laptop. Will have no internet access on the virtual machine and already have v1.30 SDD software. Will only use SDD on the virtual machine and am working on the install now.

Also will set the time to 2012.

I also have the Drew Tech. drivers for 32 and 64 bit. V1.1.16 for the usb cable.

What is the current recommendation for the cable?
I see the Drew Tech cable and software are over $500!
It also looks like the same cable is used for all cars and the only difference is the software supplied.

Since I have the software does the cable matter as much?

Here is one with over voltage protection. Is that needed?
This comes with a later version of SDD that requires an internet connection and also will not program modules.


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That is a Mangoose (copy or clone). Drew Technologies sells the Mongoose and that is accepted by Jaguar for use in the Dealer Shops. Drew-Tech does not offer Jaguar software. The have some driver software for the cable but I forget exactly what.
I had a Drew-Tech Mongoose Pro for a while (I sold it to a forum member) but I have 2 Rotunda VCMs and run IDS now.

Many opinions on the clones.

bob

 

I've used mine now on both my '99 XK8 and '04 XJ8 and it has never failed to cooperate. I use it in combination with British Diagnostics JLR SDD V130.9 and there support has been pretty solid.

 

VCM

 

Support for the British Diagnostics I bought from them a few years ago is non-existant.

Unfortunately the software they sent me on CD did not work. They emailed me a few links to download other versions. Once I got one of them to work, that was it for service.

I needed them because when I lost my laptop, I was unable to create a viable backup for the IDS version they let me download. Numerous attempts to contact them through multiple different links went unanswered. Had they mailed me a CD version of the software, I don't know if I would ever have needed them again.

Their initial service was great, but that was the last I ever heard from them.

 

My personal opinion is that the critical elements are: an independent DC power supply to keep the battery voltage in range and real Jaguar software--I have SSD CD130.07 v113 and data disc, and the pass thru device---I have an early clone ,looks like your picture, a later clone Mangoose Pro. I use Drew drivers.

I also have a VCM and use IDS CD 118.5 as supplied by Cambo(the software only).

I have 3 cheap old laptops,2 with XP Pro and 1 with Windows7. The only problem I have is with the silly old guy who uses them!

I would try the $45 clone.

 

Anyone using or considering using a Mangoose or other clone diagnostic tool should have a look at these pictures first...











What are the odds of something going wrong? 1 in 10, 1 in 100? 1 in 1000?

The 2012 Range Rover that was damaged by the one in the first pic was a $20k repair bill to replace all the modules on the HS-CAN network...

 

After I retired from real work, I worked in the shops of 2 Mazda dealers while the dealer versions of WDS and the later devices were being introduced. The lack of adequate training programs by the car companies was amazing, based on my previous experience in the nuclear industry. You will not find the screw ups in dealerships posted on these pages, but many of them did happen. It is easier to blame the tool than its operator.

 

Well Cambo that is my dilemma?

The copy-cat cables seem to work BUT not all the time. The factory cable or Drew cable is $500+.

Still trying to decide if I feel lucky or not to use the knock-off cable.

Is the VCM interface the same as the Mongoose set up?
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If you can avoid heavy reflashing (e.g. avoid PCM, TCM) or better yet avoid all reflashing then grab a cheap one.

You probably want a power supply in any case but in the simple case a charger may be enough.

 

Some INFO for you.

bob

 

Thank you for the documents and they high light my confusion?

I have the right SDD software but I don't understand if it requires a certain interface or can you use a VCM or IDS hardware with the SDD software?

I think I need the interface between the SDD software and the car which should be any J2534 pass thru device?

Yes I have a good battery charger that I always hook up before I do ANY scanning. Currently using ScanXL but can't get any deeper than the normal power train error codes.
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Past some version (118? 130? - edit: 125 I think), IDS/SDD uses J2534 but before that did not. Once it's J2534 you can connect any of a few devices, incl. risky clones.

 

SDD 125 is the first version that can use the J2534 'pass-through'.

The Rotunda VCM can be used from IDS 42 (same as the WDS 42 but with a laptop) though SDD130 something (maybe 140?).

I like legacy IDS or WDS because I used that daily from 1998 to 2006 when I worked at the Jaguar dealer.

Can't help you with SDD. (Don't know it..... don't care).

bob

 

Hey guys,

I could use some help. this is the first time i'm working or dealing with a Mongoose (clone) SDD. My cars seats need to be recalibrated, and my dealer is charging $250. I'm in a tough spot right now so I decided to purchase a clone.
I have a 2011 Jaguar XK Convertible.

I have installed the software that came with the SDD version 154.01 v.299

it's supposed to work offline.

1.The question I have is, what is a VCM? Do i need a VCM to get this Mongoose to work ? I just want to recalibrate my seats.

When I hook it up to the vehicle it's shows me this screen. and I have a ctek 5.0 battery charger hooked up. But i'm still seeing the screen telling me to connect to approved battery support unit.

2. What battery support unit do i need to hook up? I can go and buy a small battery charger, but what Amps would be sufficient? 30amps?

Also when I hook up the Mongoose to the car and laptop, it's states that the VCM is disconnected, and communication Device Status: NOT OK.

I'm not familiar with most terminology so layman's terms please.

Any help is greatly appreciated.