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Praise of the "MINI VCI"

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by bobodaclown, Jan 25, 2013.

  1. bobodaclown

    bobodaclown Member

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    2009 Prius
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    Hello all,
    I've had my Prius now for about 11 months. I've always been a DIY type of guy. I've been reading the forums here for a while, and really appreciate the help everyone provides. Thank you every one.

    My question now is why isn't there a sticky dedicated to the "MINI VCI" interface cable. It is the cable/software combination that most DIYers need for this vehicle.

    Yes it's a china clone, but what isn't made in china today?

    Need access to Tire Sensors, Need to bleed brakes, Want to modify light settings in the vehicle, add a key?

    It's not perfect you need 32 bit OS. (Windows XP) I have read other getting it working on Windows 7 using a Virtual Machine.

    Other forums seem to bring praise upon this little gadget. You can get it for less than $50. But here it's only mentioned at times, it seems as it's a dirty little secret.

    I'm not wanting to get banned or cause a commotion. If this is improper please delete this post, I just wanted to get what I thought was important information out there. I've ordered a cable and software and will provide an update in a few weeks.
     
    #1 bobodaclown, Jan 25, 2013
  2. lopezjm2001

    lopezjm2001 Senior Member

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    I got my miniVCI Xhorse working on my Windows 7(32bit OS) notebook several months ago, no problem. The miniVCI driver was seperate to the Techstream software and mine was on a seperate miniCD. Lately I managed to update my Techstream software to the latest version 7.10.030, it was easy. I just did a google search for "miniVCI Techstream download" and found a link to download the latest version of Techstream software which I downloaded and installed. The Techstream software for miniVCI is free.

    I was reading how some antivirus programs stop the miniVCI program from installing/working. My notebook uses AVG antivirus software and it was ok.
     
    #2 lopezjm2001, Jan 25, 2013
  3. Aquos

    Aquos Junior Member

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    not sure either no one talks about it.. I found this today. I think I will get this
     
    #3 Aquos, Jan 29, 2013
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    is this illegal, black market or something?
     
    #4 bisco, Jan 29, 2013
  5. bobodaclown

    bobodaclown Member

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    More like gray market. They're (cable and driver) sold on Ebay and Amazon. Techstream software is older version offered as a download, possibly provided.
     
    #5 bobodaclown, Jan 29, 2013
  6. lopezjm2001

    lopezjm2001 Senior Member

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    If the Chinese company was American then Techstream could sue this company for unauthorised use of the Techstream software. But this company is Chinese and they obviously have little respect for intellectual propierty rights. I also do not think that there is some sort of international agreement on intellectual propierty rights between the USA and China.
     
    #6 lopezjm2001, Jan 30, 2013
    NortTexSalv04Prius and dave77 like this.
  7. bobodaclown

    bobodaclown Member

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    Mine came in today. Works great. No complaints.
     
    #7 bobodaclown, Feb 8, 2013
    Tbkilb01 likes this.
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