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Robert Bosch LLC 

VCI User’s Guide | Version 3.1 | April 2012

VCI User’s Guide | Version 3.1 | April 2012 

Robert Bosch LLC

The Mastertech Vehicle Communication Interface User’s 
Guide provides an overview of the tool. 

Everything contained in this manual is based on the 
latest product information available at the time of 
publication. The right is reserved to make changes at any 
time without notice. 

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored 
in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by 
any means, including but not limited to electronic, 
mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, 
without the prior written permission of Bosch 
Diagnostics. This includes all text, tables, illustrations, 
and charts.

Note
If you are reading this guide on your computer, 
note that the figures and illustrations are 
hyperlinked to the text. To view a figure, simply 
click on its reference. 

FCC Compliance

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with 
the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 
15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide 
reasonable protection against harmful interference when 
the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio 
frequency energy. If not installed and used in accordance 
with the instruction manual, it may cause harmful 
interference to radio communications. Operation of this 
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful 
interference, in which case the user will be required to 
correct the interference at his or her own expense.

VDE and CSA Certification  

(Europe and Canada)

This equipment complies with the requirements of VDE 
0871/6.78 and CSA Class No. 3631 05,DQD No.548. 
Improper use or maintenance neglect may cause 
unacceptable radio or TV interference.

Certification Specifications

Pollution Degree: 2 
Operational Altitude: 2000 m. (6,500 ft.) 
Operational Humidity: 80% 
Operational Temperature: 0°C to 50°C 
Electrical Input: 7-32 VDC at 750mA max.

Power Supply

The Mastertech VCI base kit includes an external AC to DC 
power supply with 100-240 VAC 50/60 Hz input. Output is 
12 volts at 1.25 amps.

Caution
These devices are intended for indoor 
use only.

Foreword

The Shop Foreman Pro and Mastertech Vehicle 
Communication Interface are designed for use by trained 
service personnel to diagnose and repair automotive 
electronic systems. Every attempt has been made to 
provide complete and accurate technical information 
based on factory service information available at the time 
of publication. However, the right is reserved to make 
changes at any time without notice.

To familiarize yourself with the Shop Foreman Pro 
applications and its capabilities, and how to use it, please 
read through the User’s Guides before putting the VCI  
to work.

Shop Foreman Pro provides the following capabilities:

 

u

Electronic Control Unit (ECU) Data Transfer

 

u

Shop network communications (LAN and WLAN)

 

u

Future expandability, including diagnostic applications

Location of Vehicle ECUs and 

Test Connectors

For the location of vehicle Electronic Control Units (ECUs) 
and Data Link Connectors (DLCs), refer to the Repair 
Manual and the electrical wiring diagram for the vehicle 
being tested.

Warranty and Repair

Warranty Information

The Mastertech Vehicle Communication Interface is 
warranted by Robert Bosch LLC to be free of defects 
in material and workmanship for two years. Cables, 
adapters, and accessories are warranted for a period of 
one year. This warranty period is from the date of sale 
to the original consumer. If the product is found to be 
defective during this period, the product can be returned 
to Robert Bosch repair facility and will be repaired or 
replaced free of charge at the sole discretion of Robert 
Bosch LLC. This warranty does not cover any part that 
has been abused, altered, used for a purpose other 
than that of which it was intended, or used in a manner 
inconsistent with instructions regarding its use. This 
warranty also excludes all incidental or consequential 
damages.

Repair Service

If you suspect that you have a problem with this product, 
read the operating instructions carefully to ensure that 
you are operating the product properly. If it is determined 
that a problem exists, please contact the Robert Bosch 
Repair Center.

North America: 800-321-4889 
Canada: 905-668-2664 
Japan: (045) 222-0960 
Australia: +61 (2) 98905701 
Europe: 49 (0) 607-8428 25

If the product needs to be returned for repair, please 
package the product and send it freight prepaid to 
the Robert Bosch Repair Center as instructed by the 
Technical Service representative (No C.O.D.s please).

Please enclose your telephone number, return address, 
and an explanation of the problem. If the product is 
determined to be in warranty, it will be repaired or 
replaced at no charge and returned freight prepaid. If 
determined to be non-warranty, it will be repaired for a 
nominal service fee.

Robert Bosch LLC 
2030 Alameda Padre Serra, Suite 300 
Santa Barbara, CA 93103-9903

Warnings, Cautions, Notes

In the VCI User’s Guide:

 

u

Warnings indicate there is a possibility of injury to you 
or other people.

 

u

Cautions indicate the possibility of damage to 
equipment.

 

u

Notes providing additional information are separated 
from the text but do not appear in bold.

Refer to the Repair Manual for the vehicle being tested for 
further Warnings, Cautions, and Notes.

Operating Precautions

Warning
When performing any checks with the engine 
running in an enclosed space such as a 
garage, be sure there is proper ventilation. 
Never inhale exhaust gases; they contain 
carbon monoxide—a colorless, odorless, 
extremely dangerous gas which can cause 
unconsciousness or death. 

Warning — Set Parking Brake
To help avoid personal injury, always set the 
parking brake securely and block the drive 
wheels before performing any checks or 
repairs on the vehicle.

Caution
Ensure cables and adapters are firmly 
connected before starting to use the VCI.
Always read the instructions completely 
before attempting a new procedure.

Summary of Contents for Mastertech Vehicle Communication Interface

Page 1: ...Mastertech Vehicle Communication Interface VCI User s Guide F00E900173 ...

Page 2: ...nications LAN and WLAN u u Future expandability including diagnostic applications Location of Vehicle ECUs and Test Connectors For the location of vehicle Electronic Control Units ECUs and Data Link Connectors DLCs refer to the Repair Manual and the electrical wiring diagram for the vehicle being tested Warranty and Repair Warranty Information The Mastertech Vehicle Communication Interface is warr...

Page 3: ... VCI Manager Application 5 Mastertech Vehicle Communication Interface Features 5 Data Link Connector And Cable 5 Power Source 5 Battery Operation 5 LEDs 6 Getting Started 6 Using the VCI Manager Application 6 Identifying Your VCI 6 Starting the VCI Manager Application 7 Update VCI Tester Software 8 VCI Network Communications Setup Functions 9 Clear Network Settings 9 Enable Wired Ethernet 14 Setup...

Page 4: ...ates with a host computer using three possible interfaces between the VCI and the PC u u Universal Serial Bus USB u u Local Area Network LAN and u u Wireless Local Area Network WLAN Universal Serial Bus USB Note The USB connection takes priority over an ethernet or a WLAN connection All configuration changes or software updates are only allowed using the USB connection Figure 1 5 USB is the first ...

Page 5: ...t Connect Wireless Note Although an ad hoc connection can be done from the PC s internal wireless card and the VCI Bosch recommends that the ad hoc connection between the PC and VCI be done using a wireless USB adapter connected to the PC The procedure for setting up ad hoc wireless communications requires two steps 1 Use VCI Manager to configure your VCI interface Refer to Setup the VCI for Ad Ho...

Page 6: ...te solely on the batteries the VCI must be connected to the vehicle s 12 volt power supply during testing or the 120VAC 12VDC 1A Power Supply during bench operations such as setting the VCI configuration options or updating software See Chapter 4 for battery replacement instructions LEDs Five Light Emitting Diodes LEDs one red and four green are located on the front of the VCI as shown in Figure 1...

Page 7: ...nager application you will need to update your Shop Foreman Pro software You can download the latest Shop Foreman Pro software version from the Bosch Diagnostics website www boschdiagnostics com Update VCI Tester Software After you install a new Diagnostic application software version your VCI Manager application may be more recent than your VCI Tester Software version You will need to connect eac...

Page 8: ...to a smaller network where each computer has a specific IP address you will need to assign an unused IP Address and the Subnet Mask to your VCI Refer to Setup your VCI for Static IP Address LAN Wired Ethernet Communication u u If you are connecting your VCI to your computer using a cross over ethernet cable you can choose any two IP addresses which are different only in the last group of digits Re...

Page 9: ... Setup tab 4 Select the Wired Ethernet tab 5 Select Enable Wired Ethernet Interface 4 Select Wired Ethernet 7 Click Apply 6 Select Use the following IP address 6A Enter IP address 6B Click for default subnet mask change if required 3 Select Network Setup 5 Select the Enable Wired Ethernet Interface check box in the Interface Control box to enable the interface Once you enable the interface the IP ...

Page 10: ... Internet Protocol Click Properties 5 Select Internet Protocol TCP IP 6 Then click Properties 7 Select Use the following IP address 8 Enter IP address 10 Click OK 9 Enter Subnet mask 7 Select Use the following IP address 8 Enter the IP address The IP address on your laptop must be the same as the IP address on the VCI except for the last group In the above example the VCI uses 123 for the last gro...

Page 11: ...int You must have an 802 11B G Wireless Access Point supporting multicast connected to your network close to your work area Before modifying the VCI communications interface contact your IT Administrator If you wish to setup an ad hoc wireless connection refer to Setup the VCI for Ad Hoc Wireless Communication Things you will need to know for Access Point wireless configuration u u Does your LAN a...

Page 12: ...tware 18 VCI Configuration in Process will flash during the update process Flashing 19 VCI Configuration Complete will be displayed briefly when the update process is finished 20 Select the Properties tab to verify that the VCI is configured correctly 20 Select Properties 21 Record or print your settings as they are displayed on the Properties tab for future reference Setup Your PC for Ad Hoc Comm...

Page 13: ...VER state 1 Remove power from the VCI This may require disconnecting the power cord and pressing the Power button Ensure that all the LEDs are off If the VCI Power button does not shut off the power after the power cord is removed remove the batteries Refer to Replacing the Batteries 2 Press and hold the Power button down while you apply power to the VCI When you see all the LEDs light as shown at...

Page 14: ...button The LED turns off 4 Disconnect the VCI s J1962 16 26 Pin DLC cable from the vehicle 5 Disconnect the USB or ethernet cable from the PC and the VCI 6 Inspect the cables and connectors for damage and corrosion Replace faulty components immediately 7 Store the VCI cables and other parts in a secure dry location Cleaning and Storing Your VCI If the VCI connectors or cables become dirty they may...

Page 15: ...Robert Bosch LLC VCI User s Guide Version 3 1 April 2012 VCI User s Guide Version 3 1 April 2012 Robert Bosch LLC Notes 24 23 Notes Notes Notes ...

Page 16: ...etwork is the most widespread wired LAN technology Firewall Software that prevents forbidden communications from entering your network Host ID Alphanumeric sequence used to license Shop Foreman Pro software Hz Hertz a unit of measure for frequency I F Interface I O Input Output I P Instrumentation Port IP address Internet Protocol address A numeric code that allows computers to communicate with ea...

Page 17: ...t Division Diagnostics Business Unit 2030 Alameda Padre Serra Ste 300 Santa Barbara CA 93103 Phone 800 321 4889 2012 Robert Bosch LLC USA All rights reserved BOSCH is a trademark licensed by Robert Bosch GmbH and or its affiliated entities ...

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