[quote=Cambo351;530344]Yes!

After a lot of messing around, I finally got my hands on an IDS.
quote]

Really, I thought the IDS system was proprietry software bundled with a computer, large like most shop equipment. Besides the interface cable can you define what you have and what is needed?

From what I am seeing you need a subscription to TOPIX to get to the software. I have google IDS and have found many places that say we have the free down load but I'm not buy it. Free!!! Really!! LOL

This quite interesting @ least to me anyway.

 

Nothing comes for free mate! Forget those free download sites or "hacked" versions, more trouble than it's worth.

It seems there are two paths for activating the IDS software.

First is the Topix Programming Subscription, as you mentioned, this appears to be aimed at official JLR dealers only.

Second, it appears that independant workshops (i.e. not JLR dealers) can buy a license for a software version that gives you unlimited use of that version only. Don't ask me how though, cause I honestly don't know, it seems this must be the way though...

i.e. you can buy a username & password for V127, but that doesn't work anymore if you update to V128, and so on.

When a new version comes out, those workshops sell on the license for the old version, because they've updated & bought a license for a new version. It's a way to recover some costs.

There are Diagnostic companies in the UK selling "new IDS kits" already activated, I can only assume they are selling the same thing, a username & password. I asked several to explain how the software was activated, but they wouldn't elaborate.

I got mine from a guy who upgraded to V130 & so I got his V128 credentials, for a fee of course....

There is a seller on ebay right now offering the same thing for V127; software plus username & password.

The Mongoose came with all the necessary drivers, I just installed everything on a cheap re-furbished laptop and away we went.