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3 | Product Description | Host Computer Interface
u Direct Connect—Cross-over Ethernet Cable
u LAN with Network Router—Straight Ethernet Cable
Figure 1-7. Direct Connect—Cross-over
Ethernet able
Figure 1-7, above, shows a computer connected to a VCI
using a cross-over ethernet cable. In this configuration the
computer can communicate directly to the VCI. Most
computers have only a single network interface
connection so in this configuration you will only have
communication to the VCI. Refer to Enable Wired Ethernet
for details on configuring your VCI for communication on a
wired ethernet using a cross-over cable.
Note
A cross-over ethernet cable is required for LAN
Direct Connection. A cross-over cable is not
provided in the Mastertech VCI kit, but can be
purchased at your local computer store.
LAN with Network Router —Straight
Ethernet Cable
Figure 1-8. Connecting to VCIs on the Local Network through a
Network Router
Robert Bosch LLC
Many offices and shops have computers connected
together using ethernet cables, network routers, and other
items such as printers and modems (internet connection
for email). Figure 1-8, shows one computer connected to
a network router which is then connected to two VCIs. In
an actual network there will typically be several computers
connected into network routers allowing any of the
computers to connect to and control one of the VCIs. Refer
to Enable Wired Ethernet for details on configuring your
VCI for communication on a wired ethernet.
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
The VCI's 802.11B/G WLAN connection is setup and
configured as required for the user's local wireless network
using a PC running the VCI Manager application. The VCI
supports both Direct Connect (ad-hoc) and Access Point
wireless configurations. A brief description of each of these
wireless communication configurations follows.
Direct Connect (ad-hoc) Wireless
The ad-hoc wireless option allows you to network your
VCI wirelessly to a computer that has a wireless card and
diagnostic software. This type of connection is also known
as peer-to-peer or Direct Connect, and does not require
a network server or router. An ad-hoc connection may be
ideal for situations where you want to take a notebook
computer into the vehicle as you work with the VCI.
Figure 1-9. VCI Direct 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.
VCI User's Guide | Version 3.1 | April 2012
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-Hoc Wireless Communication
for details.
2. Configure your wireless communications software
on your PC. Refer to Setup Your PC for Ad-Hoc
Communication for details.
Access Point Wireless—Infrastructure Mode
Note
Refer to your access point manual for network
configuration details and suggested operating
distances.
The access point wireless option allows you to connect
your VCI to a WLAN. Depending on the configuration of
your LAN, the communication through an access point can
allow you to access multiple VCIs from multiple PCs. You
must have an 802.11B/G Wireless Access Point connected
to your network within operating range of your work
area. Refer to Setup your VCI for Access Point Wireless
Communication (WLAN) for details.
Note
If you have any set up and connectivity issues
with your access point wireless configuration,
please work with your local IT to get it
resolved.
Figure 1-5. USB is the first connection
VCI Manager Application
The VCI Manager application which is part of the
diagnostics application software is used to configure PC
to VCI interfaces, update VCI software, and test the VCI
interfaces.
VCI User's Guide | Version 3.1 | April 2012
Product Description | Host Computer Interface | 4
To start the VCI Manager application, launch the
appropriate diagnostics software application. This is
either Shop Foreman Pro or ESI[tronic] 2.0.
Note
Clicking the Connect button in VCI Manager
application establishes a connection to the
VCI hardware via USB for configuring network
connectivity (wired/wireless) and for updating
the VCI software. Once VCI Manager is closed,
the connection to the VCI hardware is no longer
enabled. If VCI Manager is reopened, you
must use the Connect button to re-establish
the connection to the VCI hardware for
configuration or software update purposes..
From the M-VCI Selector screen select VCI Manager to
launch the VCI Manager application.
Click VCI Manager
The VCI Manager application provides the following
functions:
Note
If your VCI is connected via USB, the functions
on all tabs are available; if your VCI is not
connected via USB, the functions on the
Network Setup and VCI Update tabs are not
available.
u VCI Explorer - Connect/Disconnect, Interface Details,
Product Help.
u Properties - Interface configuration info.
u VCI Update - Software Updates Availability and
Initialization.
Robert Bosch LLC
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