VCM blue vs red label
 

Hi all,

Im using Genuine VCM to diagnose and programming modules.
I was thinking for a second vcm just in case the one im using fail.
Does anyone know the differences with the blue label vcm (the one i use) with the red label im finding at several sites ?

Regards,
Kostas

The only difference between genuine, non-clone junk VCM's of blue label or red label, is the serial number....

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jag...d9664b4fc1.jpg

So the only difference between blue label and red label vms
(im not talking about the cheap Chinese ones) is their serial numbers.
And so they both doing the same things , programmings , diagnoses .....
And how to determine the clone vcms from the genuines (blue or reds) from the serial numbers ?

Never seen a clone VCM with the blue label, so you can be quite sure a blue label one is genuine, unless someone swapped clone PCB's into an original case (this happened to me once!)

Only genuine VCM's have the PCMCIA socket in the upper PCB, you can see the black button to release the card through the clear cover.

Clones usually have flat-slot screws holding the black clips for the clear cover in place, genuine have small allen head screws.

The label on clone VCM's is often reversed, so the VCM points the wrong way.

On a genuine VCM the serial number is printed on the label afterward, different font, badly aligned, slighty faded.

The genuine serial number is in a format of four numbers, a letter, then five numbers, sometimes with an additional letter at the end of R1, R2, and spaces between them, .. e.g. 1234 A 56789 R1

This is a clone label


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jag...42bf827356.jpg

This is a genuine label

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jag...c74528faa3.jpg

Of course there are variations, not all will look like this, but it is pretty common...

Thanks for info Cambo....:icon_toast:

Cambo is the authority on VCM's!

One other thing spotted on the clone is a code under the statement "Listed AM74(F) Garage Equipment" VL E154184 - This should be UL E154184 for Underwriters Laboratory. On the real vcm's I've seen the UL code appears to be printed on the label when the serial number is printed as they appear to be a more grey print.