Seeking opinions about favorite versions of SDD with respect to use for the XK/R.

V125 and the V120's are a distant memory for me. V131 and V135 were progressive improvements.
V138 VDF appears to be dated 6/9/14, so that would be post-production.
The 140's appear to have been issued about every three months. The UI got incrementally better.
V150 was the most informative UI to date and the last to include VDFs.
Also, the version of SDD may present differently for VMM use, I don't know. Do you?

Thanks in advance for your comments.

 

V131 seems to do everything I need on my '10 XKR, so that is my go to but there are some definite performance improvements in later versions, especially around the initial scan and fault code read.

 

164 with a crack downloads cals from the server to this day. if it’s not for software updates i never touch sdd

 

I certainly would agree with that if you own or work on new or newish Jaguars. If you use SDD for your X150 exclusively, I can guarantee you that there will be ZERO updates from now until the end of time.

 

Xalty, do you use alternative software tools to work on your Jaguar or are you fortunate and not require diagnostics or module reprogramming?

 

Cee Jay, the heart of my question: If we were advising the next generation of XK owners, would we advise using an earlier version because we like the user interface, a version that is post our vehicle production or the latest version that we can manage?

 

U102768, I appreciate the practical approach: V131 works. should have been released about mid 2012, so postproduction for those of us with 2010-11 XK/Rs.

 

The XK is a great hobby, made practical and more interesting by having access to SDD.
Many of us have added backup cameras (thanks Cambo), diagnosed problems and reprogrammed/calibrated modules using SDD.
With JLR "Reimagining" the business model, closing dealerships and some dealers shunning "older vehicles", access to SDD will likely be a factor in the viability of XK/R ownership.
As Cee Jay said, "the likely hood of further XK software upgrades is nil", so the choice of SDD may boil down to which version has the latest XK specific VDF and which version has "the best" user interface.
So, if we are making a recommendation to a competent XK/R newbie and assume that off-line SDD is appropriate, which version do we recommend and why?

 

I think I have the newest build of V-1.48. Off-line and it's worked great for me so far. I can't rightly remember if I upgraded once or twice. I started with 1.39 so I could turn on the rear camera. Oh, and that stupid Chinesium camera died some months back. Now I'll have to spend another seven dollars for a new one.

 

SDD was replaced by Pathfinder some time ago. The only reason to have SDD is for older Jaguars such as the X150, early X250, early X351, and some Land Rovers...pre-Pathfinder gen...

 

I think they're $11 now.
wj

 

$13...... DAMMIT!

 

Better hurry, they’re going up everyday!

 

At least I assume it's the cheap camera. All I have on-screen in reverse is blue. Guess I could check it, run it through the Android Box I use for the OBD2 gauges. It lasted five years, so about a buck per each. Now that'll more than double.

 

Thanks Jahummer,
My assumption is that the natural progression of 2007-15 XK/Rs will be to a few affluent Jaguar fans, salvage yards and a new generation of do-it-your-self enthusiasts.
SDD V150 and earlier has been a fun and practical way for me to DIY. Without it, reverse camera retrofit would not have happened.
Is it in the interest of JLR and/or the forum XK/R community to encourage the use of V150/earlier (offline) by new enthusiasts or is the on-line version (currently V164) the right/best/practical enough, way to go?

 

164 with a crack. you don’t have to download like 90 gb of calibrations you won’t be using

 

SDD was and continues to be a free software download from the JLR/Topix Diagnostics Delivery website. The installation process acknowledges the JLR copyright.
Versions 150 and earlier are self-sufficient, capable of operation offline. What happens on my computer, non-commercial, privately, offline, I consider my business.
Maybe it's hypocritical but using cracked JLR software to interact with their website crosses the line for me. If I want to access information from their computer, beyond any free download, I'll purchase a day of access.

 

Not hypocritical.
Being very tightly involved in the software industry for 3+ decades, I appreciate the recognition that those who maintain software and delivery systems are in fact doing work and do deserve to be paid.
Frankly, I use an earlier version as well. Which I did download originally from topix, when it wasn’t free. It is an ‘07, after-all…