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Ross-Tech VCDS HEX-NET Package (Unlimited VIN)

Ross-Tech VCDS HEX-NET WiFi / USB package for VW, Audi, Seat, Skoda cars (1996 on, Unlimited VIN)


Product Code: VCHNU

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£ 625.00
Includes VAT! - FREE delivery!
Availability: In stock In Stock!
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£ 625.00
Availability: In Stock! Shipped same working day.

Product details

VAG-COM VCDS screenshot

VAG-COM VCDS screenshot

Please check the
product comparison chart
to select the required version

The power of VCDS® in a wireless interface!

Serious car diagnostics interfaces for Volkswagen, Audi, Seat and Skoda models!

The Ross-Tech VCDS package (previously known as VAG-COM or VAGCOM) turns your PC into a sophisticated VW/Audi diagnostic tool, that performs the functions of a factory VAG scan tools for VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda cars.

Until now, VCDS has always required a Windows PC and a cabled connection to function. The new HEX-NET® interface changes that.

The HEX-NET has been completely re-designed from the ground up to be faster, more secure and more versatile. The HEX-NET is the fastest interface Ross-Tech have ever sold. It can perform AutoScans on 2005 and later models up to 3 times faster than the HEX-USB+CAN interface.

The HEX-NET interface supports USB and Wi-Fi connection so it can be used in several different ways:
  • All functions via USB connection to a Windows PC with desktop VCDS software
  • All functions via Wi-Fi connection to a Windows PC with desktop VCDS software
  • Basic functions via Wi-Fi "Access Point" connection to any computer or smart device using the web-based VCDS Mobile software
  • All functions via Wi-Fi "Infrastructure" and cloud connection to any computer or smart device using the web-based VCDS Mobile software (an existing Wi-Fi network with internet access is required for infrastructure mode)
For more details, please see this video:


The HEX-NET is available in 2 versions - an "enthusiast" version, with which use of advanced functions is limited to connection to 10 unique vehicles (10 VINs), and a "professional" unlimited version, which may be used on as many cars as you wish.

This product is the professional version and may be used on an unlimited number of cars.
For enthusiast use, please see the 10-VIN package.

General Information

Official VCDS HEX-NET Professional interfaces from Ross Tech LLC, that work with:
  • VW/Audi/Seat/Skoda cars with the 16-pin diagnostic socket including models using CAN and UDS/ODX protocols (i.e. almost all from 1995 to Current Model Year - see coverage notes below)
  • Lamborghini Gallardo (LP models), Aventador, Huracan
  • VW MAN TGE Vans & Trucks 2017 onwards
  • Bentley Continental (3W) 2003+
  • Pre-1995 VW/Audi cars, when used with an additional 2x2 adapter (not included)

VCDS Windows Desktop Software

Using VCDS on a Windows PC, you can:
  • read and clear fault codes from all systems within the car, e.g. engine, airbag, ABS, instruments, parking sensors etc.
  • view live data from the sensors within the car
  • reset service lights (both fixed and variable service intervals)
  • read stored and intermittent fault codes
  • graph and log live data with the car running
  • automatically read fault codes from all car systems in a single search
  • perform basic setting functions, adaptations and soft coding
  • activate service functions, such as Electronic Park Brake (EPB) to allow brake pad changes
  • supports bi-directional output test and component actuation
VCDS software features:
  • over 25,000 fault code definitions
  • free software updates

VCDS-Mobile Software

Using VCDS-Mobile you can use your HEX-NET from most Wi-Fi enabled smart devices - (laptops, tablets, smartphones etc.), no matter what operating system is running on the device
  • In Access Point mode the HEX-NET appears as a Wi-Fi network that can be connected to by any smart device.
    In this mode you can use the more basic functions of VCDS-Mobile (e.g. auto-scan, fault codes, live data) with no need for an internet connection.
  • In Infrastructure mode, the HEX-NET connects to your existing Wi-Fi network, so it can use your internet connection.
    This allows VCDS-Mobile to connect to the cloud and enables the full suite of VCDS features, such as soft coding, basic settings, output tests, security access etc.
Please note: VCDS-Mobile is currently still considered a "beta" release and so should not be relied upon on its own. If performing an essential task on a vehicle we would recommend having a Windows laptop available as a backup.
Technical support for VCDS-Mobile is only available through the Ross-Tech Forums.

Important Coverage Notes:

  • Many 2020 and newer model year VAG vehicles are fitted with an SFD diagnostic firewall, which prevents full function coverage without a security token obtained from VW.
    For more details see our SFD help page.

  • Coverage for the Mk1 Volkswagen Crafter / LT3 (2006-2017 model, 2E/2F chassis) is not as comprehensive as other VAG models, as the diagnostics systems are based on the Mercedes Sprinter.
    Ross-Tech have some function information on this page, but if you require coverage for a specific function we would recommend posting a question on the Ross-Tech forums (including the VIN of the vehicle) before purchasing to check support.

Package contents

Packages include:
  • Genuine Ross-Tech VCDS HEX-NET PC-to-car USB / Wi-Fi interface cable
  • USB link cable
  • VCDS HEX-NET 'Quick Start' Guide
  • VCDS Software updates at no additional charge
  • Foam lined plastic carry case
Please note that the HEX-NET interface does not ship with software on CD - the full, licensed version of the software can be downloaded on receipt of the interface (full details provided with interface)

Buy with confidence - Gendan Ltd are an official VCDS UK distributor

PC requirements


The minimum system requirements for the VCDS software are:
  • Desktop, laptop or notebook PC
  • 1 GHz dual-core processor
  • 1 GB RAM
  • Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 (32 and 64 bit editions)
  • Approx. 200MB of hard disk space
  • USB port
Slower computers or Windows 2000, XP, Vista and 7 may work but are not officially supported.

More information

To visit the Ross Tech website for more information, please select an option below:
"Ross-Tech", "HEX-NET", "VCDS", "VCDS-Mobile" and the VCDS logo are registered trademarks of Ross-Tech, LLC in the USA, used with permission.
Gendan Limited are an authorised distributor of Ross-Tech products in the United Kingdom.
Our VCDS interfaces are supplied to us direct by Ross-Tech LLC in Lansdale, PA, USA.

Product comparison

Below is a comparison of the VCDS packages we offer.

Please click a product link to view more information on the required product.

Package Name HEX-USB+CAN HEX-V2® USB HEX-V2® USB Power Bundle HEX-NET®
Price including fully-registered VCDS software
(inc VAT and delivery)
£369.00
Discontinued
3-VIN limit £225.00
Click here
10-VIN limit £299.00
Click here
Unlimited VINs £499.00
Click here
£530.00
Click here
10-VIN limit £430.00
Click here
Unlimited VINs £625.00
Click here
Connection to PC USB USB USB USB/Wi-Fi
Coverage Years 1996-2015 1996-Current date 1992-Current date 1996-Current date
Recommended for Professional Use No YES
(Unlimited VIN version)
YES YES
(Unlimited VIN version)
VCDS-Mobile included No No No YES
Compatible platforms Windows Windows Windows VCDS: Windows
VCDS-Mobile: Platform independent
Supports dual
K-Line (2002+ Audi A4, A6 models)
YES YES YES YES
Supports VW Crafter Mk1 (2006-2017) Partial support Partial support Partial support Partial support
Supports VW Crafter Mk2 (2017-on) No YES YES YES
Supports Lamborghini models No No No YES
(Unlimited version only)
Acts as a "dongle" for VAG-COM, No "Software Activation" required YES YES
(Registration required)
YES
(Registration required)
YES
(Registration required)
Protection from the "Aftermarket Radio Problem" YES
Electronic
YES
Electronic
YES
Electronic
YES
Electronic
Status/Activity LED YES
2 colour
YES
4 colour
YES
4 colour
YES
Multiple LEDs
Supports cars which require a direct CAN connection YES YES YES YES
Supports Diagnostic Over IP (DOIP) connection No No No YES
(Blue 'HN2' interfaces)
Field Upgradeable Firmware in Interface YES YES YES YES
"Turbo" Mode for Measuring Blocks on newer KWP-2000 ECUs YES YES YES YES
Adaptor leads for earlier VW, Audi and VW LT van included No No YES No
3 metre USB extension lead included No No YES No
Hard plastic carry case included No YES YES YES
Product link Discontinued 3-VIN
10-VIN
Unlimited-VIN
Click here 10-VIN
Unlimited-VIN

Frequently asked questions

Our most frequently asked questions about VCDS are answered below:

Will it work on MacOS / Linux / iOS / Android?

Yes and no! The VCDS desktop program is Windows software, for Windows 7 or newer.
However the HEX-NET® interfaces can be used wirelessly through the VCDS-Mobile® software with any modern Wi-Fi enabled computer, tablet or smartphone. See the "Introduction to HEX-NET" video on the product details tab for more specifics on this.

What happened to the HEX-USB / Micro-CAN interfaces?

The HEX-USB interface had been in use by Ross-Tech since 2004, updating to support new vehicles and protocols via firmware updates. In 2016 Audi introduced some new systems which for the first time Ross-Tech were unable to support with the hardware in that cable. The new generation HEX-NET and HEX-V2® interfaces are able to support these models and are firmware upgradeable to support future changes.

Why are the new cables VIN limited?

Ross-Tech have always wanted to offer the same level of coverage to home users and garage owners alike, but don't think it's fair for a home user working on one car in their spare time to have to pay the same as a garage who are using the product every day on customer cars and making money from its use. The advent of cars offering their VIN (chassis number) electronically has given them a way of tailoring the cost to the way the product is used. Uwe from Ross-Tech has explained it more fully in the VIN limit FAQ here.

What is restricted by VIN limits?

You can still run an Auto Scan, read & clear fault codes and view live sensor data from as many cars as you like.
(If you directly connect to a control module (e.g. Select > 01. Engine), or use the 'Clear All DTCs' function, VCDS will ask if you wish to store the VIN, but selecting Cancel will still allow the connection to continue).
It is only when you try to use any more advanced functions that VCDS will ask if you wish to store the car's VIN (and it will always ask you first, before using one of your VIN allocations).
Again, for more details see the VIN limit FAQ here.

What happens if I need more VINs?

When you store a VIN it is added permanently and cannot be removed. You can however upgrade your interface's license from 3-VIN to 10-VIN and from 10-VIN to unlimited.
The upgrades are £169 each (including VAT) and are available here.

Can I upgrade my HEX-USB+CAN to a new generation interface?

If you have registered your HEX-USB+CAN interface with Ross-Tech and are "in good standing" with them, Ross-Tech do offer upgrade paths to the HEX-V2 unlimited or HEX-NET unlimited packages, which we can usually offer on their behalf.
This is only available on interfaces assembled by Ross-Tech in the USA (some resellers build their own interfaces under license and are not eligible for the upgrade scheme).
If you would like to upgrade your interface, please contact us, with the serial number (HCxxxxxx) of your interface.

Software updates

As with previous Ross-Tech products, software updates are free for the life of the cable with HEX-NET interfaces.
However, the HEX-NET interface may only be used a limited number of times before you must register it (for free) with Ross-Tech.
A "use" is a connection to any control module, so you may need to register it after running your first Auto-Scan.

To register your interface simply follow the instructions in this video from Ross-Tech:


The VCDS software installed on your PC will automatically inform you when software updates are available, and will offer to install the update itself.

You will also need to update the "firmware" of the interface cable though - this is the operating software stored inside the interface itself.
Ross-Tech recommend checking for firmware updates at least once a month, and after any VCDS software update.
To check for firmware updates, follow the instructions in this video:


Product reviews

If you've already purchased this product, you can submit a review here.

1 customer has reviewed this product so far, with an average score of 5/5
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Review submitted on 09/05/2022 by Manor Garage
Fantastic service as always from Gendan. The new lead is a massive upgrade from our previous Hex + Can interface. The new version is so much faster and can access systems and control units on newer vehicles. Thanks for the amazing service.


  Displaying reviews 1 to 1 of 1  

 

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