port type; usb or serial

[oldman]

looked but couldn't find an answer.

if I bought the serial one, would it work in full mode with usb to serial adapter? or is it better to purchase one or the other?

sorry if that sounded confusing, but hope it makes sense.

 

[BeartheBruce]

Please see FAQ 1.5 on the Ross-Tech web site.

 

[J0N]

I'd have thought the USB one would be better if your computer supports it.

 

[BeartheBruce]

I'd have thought the USB one would be better if your computer supports it.

Better? The serial and USB units function about the same performance level. Most computers today do not have serial interfaces and that is what makes the difference.

Serial to USB converters - or USB to Serial converters fail to work on all modules in all cars because of the crazy timing requirements of some modules. Any latency introduced by the interface can cause comms problems. For that reason, Ross-Tech does not support the converters.

Now, you want to know why so many eBay cables fail to give reliable performance? They use converters to implement their interface.

 

[J0N]

Better? The serial and USB units function about the same performance level.

However,

Most computers today do not have serial interfaces and that is what makes the difference.

That's why I said USB.

 

[DPJ]

I have a Serial PCMCIA card lead which works better than my USB one, the trouble is I keep breaking the dongle - therefore I use USB for convenience.

 

[oldman]

will look at getting the usb one, cheers guys.

only asked as serial is cheaper, and i need a converter for work so already and always in bag.
now to convince the gf it's a worthwhile investment....

 

[J0N]

now to convince the gf it's a worthwhile investment....

She'd probably get along with my Missus, lol.