VIDA Upcoming Technology (SMB00-290)
Reference number: SMB00-290
VIDA UPCOMING TECHNOLOGY
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
| VOLVO: | All |
| GROUP: | 00 |
| NO.: | 290 |
Service Information
TO: Retailer Principal, Service Manager, General Manager
This letter is to inform you of changes in VIDA and the workshop tools which will affect the efficiency of your Service department and may require some financial consideration.
There have been some very positive and significant changes with the VIDA system. Up to now, most have been within the application. As we push the limits of vehicle technologies, VIDA and its support components must make changes to keep up.
Vehicle Communication Tool - Discontinuation of the VCT2000
As you know, back in 2007 we introduced the DiCE tool. This new tool was the planned replacement for the VCT2000. The DiCE tool enables the technician to communicate with the vehicle much faster and wirelessly. The VCT2000 can not keep up with the vehicle technology going forward and will soon be obsolete.
With the launch of VIDA 2010B (June 2010) the VCT2000 will no longer communicate with our vehicles. It will be removed from the VIDA application. The DiCE tool will be the only Volvo supported diagnostic tool for our vehicles. With the removal of the VCT2000, a replacement DiCE tool will need to be purchased.
As our vehicle technologies take another step forward, we begin to see the size of the software downloads increase. This correlates to an increase in the amount of time the vehicle must spend in the work bay. Volvo's solution to this is to adapt VIDA to enable the technician to download software to more than one vehicle at the same time. This will mean the retailer will need to have an additional DiCE tool to continue their work.
While some retailers have made a purchase of at least one additional DiCE, some still are only using one. For these stores it is critical that at a minimum a second DiCE tool is purchased.
SPX has adequate inventory to support the demand. An additional DiCE tool with Bluetooth dongle and USB cable will cost approx $1400.00
Upcoming VIDA Technologies
As mentioned above, VIDA's capabilities will soon be increased. Along with advances in vehicle technologies, the size of the vehicle software packages needed to run our vehicles will also increase dramatically. In order to maintain workshop efficiency, VIDA 2010B (June 2010) and the multiple DiCE concept will support software downloading using a Volvo specific USB Memory Stick.
- The memory stick will be sourced from SPX only. In order to maintain a stable platform, no other memory stick will be supported. A regular, 'off the shelf USB Memory stick can not be used. In order to eliminate any outside influences having to do with variances in USB read / write performance, only the Volvo Special Tool will work. VIDA will reject any other USB from being used.
This downloading concept enables the technician to bring the software package down to a memory stick, and move the car out of his / her work bay, in order to finish. This communication requires a DiCE tool to be constantly connected.
VIDA Computer Hardware
A third component to consider is the health and capabilities of the VIDA computers. Although most computers in use today meet the minimum computer hardware requirements, most will struggle to support these new routines. It is very important that you consult with your workshop personnel and IT consultants and evaluate the capabilities of your computer hardware. Some important points you should consider before making any hardware purchase are:
- How long do I anticipate my computers to be efficient and reliable tools for my technicians?
- Generally, a less expensive computer investment yields less than desirable results.
- A computer should be considered as important an investment as the lift the vehicle sits on. If the computer is down, it is the same as a lift being tied up.
A number of computer platforms have been evaluated and tested for meeting the rigors of VIDA as well as computer performance and workshop conditions and environment. Today, Panasonic Toughbooks and Hewlett-Packard dx 2000 (refurbished VADIS cart in 2005) are the only two Volvo supported VIDA computer hardware solutions.
Your option for replacing Volvo supported computer hardware and meeting the mandatory supported hardware requirements are Panasonic Toughbooks CF30 and CF52. Toughbooks can be purchased through our partner Integron. There are 3 models offered, they are fully compliant and have varying competitive price points.
Please take this opportunity to consult with your Volvo Field representatives on the points contained in this letter. Also reference:
- Special Tool Bulletin 161
- Service Manager Bulletin 00-261
- VIDA Newsletter #82
- VIDA Upcoming Technology podcast on VRC2.
Within these references you will find more detailed information on DiCE / SPX, computer hardware requirements / Integron and large software downloading.
Volvo Service Operations