Robert Bosch LLC
VCI User’s Guide | Version 3.1 | April 2012
VCI User’s Guide | Version 3.1 | April 2012
Robert Bosch LLC
Product Description | Host Computer Interface | 2
1 | Product Description | Mastertech VCI Kit Components
Product Description
Mastertech Vehicle Communication
Interface Kit Components
The Mastertech Vehicle Communication Interface (VCI)
arrives in a kit which also contains a J1962 16/26 Pin
DLC Cable, 120VAC/12VDC, 1A Power Supply, USB
cable, cable keeper and the media containing diagnostic
application software (figure 1-1). A description of the
VCI hardware and software is included in the following
sections.
Figure 1-1. Mastertech Vehicle Communication Interface Kit
The VCI is used by professional technicians as an aid
in diagnosing and repairing automotive electrical and
electronic systems. The VCI is the connection between
the diagnostic software applications running on the PC
and a vehicle’s electrical and electronic systems.
For details about the diagnostics applications that are
compatible with the VCI, refer to the Bosch diagnostics
website; www.boschdiagnostics.net.
VCI Connections
For the location of the connectors for DC power and
vehicle communication on the VCI, see Figure 1-2.
For the location of the connectors for PC communication
on the VCI, see Figure 1-3.
Figure 1-2. Vehicle Connections to the VCI
Figure 1-3. PC Connections on the VCI
Figure 1-4. PC Standard Indicators (LEDs) and Power Button
For a description and location of the standard indicators
(LEDs) and the power button, see Figure 1-3.
Host Computer Interface
The VCI communicates with a host computer using three
possible interfaces between the VCI and the PC:
u
Universal Serial Bus (USB),
u
Local Area Network (LAN), and
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 connection
The VCI has a fixed USB configuration (static IP address)
which cannot be changed. This ensures that the VCI can
always be connected to a PC running diagnostic software
and the VCI Manager application regardless of changes
to LAN or WLAN configurations required by the local
network. Refer to Using the VCI Manager application for
details.
The connectors on the USB cable are slip-in connectors
that do not securely lock in place. In order to keep the
USB cable connected, secure it to the VCI using the
supplied cable keeper. The cable keeper is attached to
the VCI case with a supplied 2.5 mm hex-head screw, the
USB cable is inserted into the slot, and then plugged in as
shown in Figure 1-6.
Figure 1-6. Securing the USB Cable
Local Area Network
(LAN)
A LAN consists of a two or
more computers connected
together using ethernet
cables. The connectors on
both ends of an ethernet
cable are latched. To disconnect them you must press
down on the latch while you pull the connector out.
The VCI’s LAN communication is setup and configured
as required for the user’s local area network using a PC
running the VCI Manager application. The VCI can be
networked using a Direct Connection (crossover ethernet
cable) or a network router (straight ethernet cable). A
brief description of each of these network configurations
follows.
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