TXT file.
Then copy and past... :grin
Plz Read Post 1!! Laptop & Desktop Technical Thread, NO POSTS ABOUT CAR PROBS !
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Then copy and past... :grin
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Hi,
Because my SDS's .......... or is it "SDSii" :grin , are always on different Cars / Vans I don't use VIN box, however, IIRC once the VIN has been entered manually it is saved in the s/w so next time, if ya click on VIN box up it comes in a list of VIN's you have used ................
Definitely works on EPC / WIS, I used that this morning already
HTH Dave
Because my SDS's .......... or is it "SDSii" :grin , are always on different Cars / Vans I don't use VIN box, however, IIRC once the VIN has been entered manually it is saved in the s/w so next time, if ya click on VIN box up it comes in a list of VIN's you have used ................
Definitely works on EPC / WIS, I used that this morning already
HTH Dave
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Question-can version coding be performed without paying for the subscription to STAR?
Depends on the year of the car and what version of SDS you have.
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Hi @JAGastrock ,
Older Cars like W220 use "Version Coding" which yes offline.
The newer the Car, the less there is "Version Coding" of Modules, they are now "SCN Coded" , which means "Software Calibration Number" , for which you need OnLine right now, but I have been discussing some new tech recently which will enable us non subscribers to generate the SCN Number without accessing MB Server ?
An SCN is basically a string of numbers which you flash into an ECU, (like VW / Audi Group) so like each number in the string of numbers tells the relevant Module what option is present or not present
SCN is often locked in modern Modules, so one has to also virgin these as well before fitting a used module !!
DIY and small Indies "Rowed Out" by Motor Mfrs ...............
Hell Yeah
Cheers
Older Cars like W220 use "Version Coding" which yes offline.
The newer the Car, the less there is "Version Coding" of Modules, they are now "SCN Coded" , which means "Software Calibration Number" , for which you need OnLine right now, but I have been discussing some new tech recently which will enable us non subscribers to generate the SCN Number without accessing MB Server ?
An SCN is basically a string of numbers which you flash into an ECU, (like VW / Audi Group) so like each number in the string of numbers tells the relevant Module what option is present or not present
SCN is often locked in modern Modules, so one has to also virgin these as well before fitting a used module !!
DIY and small Indies "Rowed Out" by Motor Mfrs ...............
Hell Yeah
Cheers
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Hi,
I'm not recommending these guys, I have had good purchases and service in UK, some guys on here in USA say they have had bad service, but this link is a good example of what's out there and what you need :-
www.obdstore.co.uk
There are others on EBay etc if you search,for around the same price for the same Dell / C3 System with the one 16 pin lead, which will work fine on all MB's up to around 2012. If you ever need the 38 pin Lead for an older MB or the "Sprinter" Lead they can be purchased separately.
IMHO these plug and play circa £400 systems make it not worth messing around trying to build your own Dell, load S/W and buy Mux and Leads separate, that way is a lot of messing about and you won't save much
HTH, Cheers Dave
I'm not recommending these guys, I have had good purchases and service in UK, some guys on here in USA say they have had bad service, but this link is a good example of what's out there and what you need :-
MB STAR C3 MERCEDES DIAGNOSTICS System – Pro Auto Diagnostics
www.obdstore.co.uk
There are others on EBay etc if you search,for around the same price for the same Dell / C3 System with the one 16 pin lead, which will work fine on all MB's up to around 2012. If you ever need the 38 pin Lead for an older MB or the "Sprinter" Lead they can be purchased separately.
IMHO these plug and play circa £400 systems make it not worth messing around trying to build your own Dell, load S/W and buy Mux and Leads separate, that way is a lot of messing about and you won't save much
HTH, Cheers Dave
Or you could go with this one.
2019 2019 Top Mb Star Diagnostic Tool Mb Sd C4 With Ssd Soft Ware 2019.12v In Laptop X201t 8g, I7 Tablet Ready To Work For Star C4 From Autodiag_tech, $306.54 | DHgate.Com
Wholesale cheap x201t laptop brand -2019 top mb star diagnostic tool mb sd c4 with ssd soft-ware 2019.12v in laptop x201t (8g, i7) tablet ready to work for star c4 from Chinese code readers & scan tools supplier - autodiag_tech on DHgate.com.
www.dhgate.com
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Hmmm-that DHGate does have an enticing price, but something about it looks fishy.
Do you know anyone who has ordered from them?
Do you know anyone who has ordered from them?
Depends on which one you want desides the price you pay.
I bought two from people on dhgate and every thing went fine, but thats me. Im still ysing one of them as we speak. Its 5+ years old.
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Hi @JAGastrock ,
Be Careful with some very new, like 2018 up Softwares, on older Cars like W220 there is some stuff that is no longer working on some versions, I have an old and a new now, 09/2014 with C3, and a 2018 with C4, which has no HHT, No Starfinder and a few other things are a PITA, but on post 2012 Cars the 2018 absolutely flys
2016 is one of the best out there if you can get that version
Don't forget if you buy an SDS, you can also build another HDD with Earlier Software from a 3rd Party, and once the Keygens are done you can just swap HDD's or even just buy a used Dell to put the earlier HDD in, which is what I did
Once you get familiar with it you will not regret the purchase, and you will wonder why you ever bought a cheaper Diag ...............
The answer is probably the same as me many years back when ............
I simply did not realise the importance of stuff like Version Coding, and was unaware of all the cool features like Star Finder, Guided Testing, and a ton of others
Be Careful with some very new, like 2018 up Softwares, on older Cars like W220 there is some stuff that is no longer working on some versions, I have an old and a new now, 09/2014 with C3, and a 2018 with C4, which has no HHT, No Starfinder and a few other things are a PITA, but on post 2012 Cars the 2018 absolutely flys
2016 is one of the best out there if you can get that version
Don't forget if you buy an SDS, you can also build another HDD with Earlier Software from a 3rd Party, and once the Keygens are done you can just swap HDD's or even just buy a used Dell to put the earlier HDD in, which is what I did
Once you get familiar with it you will not regret the purchase, and you will wonder why you ever bought a cheaper Diag ...............
The answer is probably the same as me many years back when ............
I simply did not realise the importance of stuff like Version Coding, and was unaware of all the cool features like Star Finder, Guided Testing, and a ton of others
Dave is totally right here. I did forget to mention this fact. Also to add, the newer versions are not totally setup correctly either. They call home with all your car information and what you have been doing. The newer versions can come with the newer version activations which allow them to be used online and allow you to connect online for online SCN coding. (You must have an online account or you can buy a 1 time access and use without fear of blacklisting your SDS unit) (This really depends on who loads up the software for the HDD/SDD. Read and ask questions before purchase!)
HHTWIN does work on some newer versions of SDS, but depends on where you get it from. Mine did not have it installed, but am attempting to add it as I never used it before. (This is windows 7 64 Bit) I actually thought I needed for this EIS, but in the end I didn't.
My first version was actually older than the 5/2014 an 7/2019 that I have now. It was 2011. I still have an image of it laying around somewhere.
The laptop I'm using is a Dell Latitude E6510 with a few of these for the different programs I have.
With backlit keyboard. And never having to worry about activations when using any dell branded Windows image. Also easy upgradeable. And can run second battery.
This is for the second drive. Plug and play. You can get a few of these as well.
![]()
These are for swapping master internal drives with others ones. Once setup, also plug and play. Slide drives in and out with different operating systems.
![]()
This is the Second battery which sits under the laptop. Also helps with cooling laptop. With this and master battery and I7-940XM CPU/Dual SSD's/16GB ram/1080P Screen and Nvidia GPU, I get about 5 to 8 hours depending on what i'm doing.
![]()
HHTWIN does work on some newer versions of SDS, but depends on where you get it from. Mine did not have it installed, but am attempting to add it as I never used it before. (This is windows 7 64 Bit) I actually thought I needed for this EIS, but in the end I didn't.
My first version was actually older than the 5/2014 an 7/2019 that I have now. It was 2011. I still have an image of it laying around somewhere.
The laptop I'm using is a Dell Latitude E6510 with a few of these for the different programs I have.
With backlit keyboard. And never having to worry about activations when using any dell branded Windows image. Also easy upgradeable. And can run second battery.
This is for the second drive. Plug and play. You can get a few of these as well.
These are for swapping master internal drives with others ones. Once setup, also plug and play. Slide drives in and out with different operating systems.
This is the Second battery which sits under the laptop. Also helps with cooling laptop. With this and master battery and I7-940XM CPU/Dual SSD's/16GB ram/1080P Screen and Nvidia GPU, I get about 5 to 8 hours depending on what i'm doing.
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Hi,
C4 Mux will work fine on W220, also gives you the benefit of Wireless Connection from Mux to Lappy, (ONLY USE THAT FOR READ'S & RESET'S NOT FOR PROGRAMMING WORK), use the LAN Cable for Programming.
I simply don't know how well brand new software on the laptop will work with older Cars, some stuff may be missing ..............
As has already been said it also depends on which / who's s/w it is ?
HTH
C4 Mux will work fine on W220, also gives you the benefit of Wireless Connection from Mux to Lappy, (ONLY USE THAT FOR READ'S & RESET'S NOT FOR PROGRAMMING WORK), use the LAN Cable for Programming.
I simply don't know how well brand new software on the laptop will work with older Cars, some stuff may be missing ..............
As has already been said it also depends on which / who's s/w it is ?
HTH
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Back with another question!
If I got the latest and greatest, say a c6 unit, could I still run an older 2016 version of SDS on a secondary HDD?
If I got the latest and greatest, say a c6 unit, could I still run an older 2016 version of SDS on a secondary HDD?
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Hi,
I'm not certain about that, and one thing to remember is that there is always hassles with the newest Cloned Muxes from Chiyaneeseys ................. C5 is only just getting sorted to be as reliable as the C3's and C4's, which were same way back when they first came out
For W220 and Cars up to at least 2017 C4 is fine. C3 only goes to around 2012 Cars model dependent
Older Cars, or Cars with some older tech Modules, like fe my SLK R170 2002 need HHT Win for modules like VR, ATA, PSE etc, (HHT is part of the Software on laptop), and I'm not certain that that HHT even works with a C4 as I have never tried that.
I have 2 machines, (well 3 now when my new 2019 Toughbook one arrives lol), so I always use the C3 with 2014 s/w on that Car and the C4 with my custom 2017 s/w (has no HHT) on late stuff, will be using the Touch Screen Panasonic with my C4 most I expect when it arrives, and hoping it has HHT and hoping HHT works with C4 if so it will then be my go to machine all the time
I will test all that some time in next month when all calms down at Dave2302 world
BTW, HHT stands for Hand Held Tester which is what MB used before they developed SDS DAS.
HHT is an emulated program on SDS Windows, it is incorporated in all the early SDS and on some of the newest but not all.
If I was you I'd go for C4
HTH,
I'm not certain about that, and one thing to remember is that there is always hassles with the newest Cloned Muxes from Chiyaneeseys ................. C5 is only just getting sorted to be as reliable as the C3's and C4's, which were same way back when they first came out
For W220 and Cars up to at least 2017 C4 is fine. C3 only goes to around 2012 Cars model dependent
Older Cars, or Cars with some older tech Modules, like fe my SLK R170 2002 need HHT Win for modules like VR, ATA, PSE etc, (HHT is part of the Software on laptop), and I'm not certain that that HHT even works with a C4 as I have never tried that.
I have 2 machines, (well 3 now when my new 2019 Toughbook one arrives lol), so I always use the C3 with 2014 s/w on that Car and the C4 with my custom 2017 s/w (has no HHT) on late stuff, will be using the Touch Screen Panasonic with my C4 most I expect when it arrives, and hoping it has HHT and hoping HHT works with C4 if so it will then be my go to machine all the time
I will test all that some time in next month when all calms down at Dave2302 world
BTW, HHT stands for Hand Held Tester which is what MB used before they developed SDS DAS.
HHT is an emulated program on SDS Windows, it is incorporated in all the early SDS and on some of the newest but not all.
If I was you I'd go for C4
HTH,
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Thats what I shall do. If I get a different version of SDS loaded onto a hard drive, does it have to specifically be for C3 or C4, or is it just a matter of software release?
I found a decent deal on an HDD with "C3 2016.07". Would that work on a machine connecting through a C4 multiplexer?
Im getting close to making my purchase
I found a decent deal on an HDD with "C3 2016.07". Would that work on a machine connecting through a C4 multiplexer?
Im getting close to making my purchase
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Hi,
No I doubt it, but that does depend who set the Machine up, I suspect it could be made to by men with little round glasses ? lol
I have good and reliably working Machines and avoid the urge to [email protected] them as they earn my living as well as sort my own cars lol
Later s/w only works with C4 upwards. C3 Mux only works on Cars up to about 2012 model dependant.
You will need good knowledge of computer software, computers and the DAS software including Keygens to build your own system, and tbh it doesn't cost that much less when you factor in Memory Upgrades, decent processor Lappy (Dell D630) with Native Serial Port, decent HDD, Charger, Mux Leads and SDS s/w Cost.
Note that you can get a newer lappy without native serial port if using C4, just need LAN port and Wireless.
If price is the driver, and you have MB vehicle(s) of max up to 2012 model year or less then just buy the £400 C3 System it will do everything you will need to do on a W220 and most others up to 2012 MY
If you are familiar with all of paragraph 2 above, build 2 systems an older C3 with 2014 s/w and a newer s/w with C4, perhaps C5.
My original C3 with 2014 software inc HHT Win Emulator still gets used a lot
HTH
No I doubt it, but that does depend who set the Machine up, I suspect it could be made to by men with little round glasses ? lol
I have good and reliably working Machines and avoid the urge to [email protected] them as they earn my living as well as sort my own cars lol
Later s/w only works with C4 upwards. C3 Mux only works on Cars up to about 2012 model dependant.
You will need good knowledge of computer software, computers and the DAS software including Keygens to build your own system, and tbh it doesn't cost that much less when you factor in Memory Upgrades, decent processor Lappy (Dell D630) with Native Serial Port, decent HDD, Charger, Mux Leads and SDS s/w Cost.
Note that you can get a newer lappy without native serial port if using C4, just need LAN port and Wireless.
If price is the driver, and you have MB vehicle(s) of max up to 2012 model year or less then just buy the £400 C3 System it will do everything you will need to do on a W220 and most others up to 2012 MY
If you are familiar with all of paragraph 2 above, build 2 systems an older C3 with 2014 s/w and a newer s/w with C4, perhaps C5.
My original C3 with 2014 software inc HHT Win Emulator still gets used a lot
HTH
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Part of the reason I wanted to do the C4, is because I can use the most recent software, which means that if I have to do any of the online coding stuff (like the speed sensor takes a dump on my gen 1 722.9 tranny and I have to replace the valve body), I can get into the MB database and do it. Apparently versions prior to 2018.X have been locked out. The rest of the time I could use the 2016.X software release for if the vehicle is behaving somewhat.
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