Connecting your Xentry DAS to a vehicle requires a proper serial port configuration. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough for setting up the Xentry Das Serial Port using a virtual machine and a USB to serial adapter.
While many modern laptops lack a built-in hardware serial port, a USB to serial adapter with an FTDI chipset provides a reliable solution. We recommend using a reliable adapter like this one: [Amazon Link to FTDI Adapter – Replace with actual Amazon Link].
The first step involves setting up your C3 OS in a virtual machine. Create a .VHD disk image (avoid .VDHX for VirtualBox) and configure a new VirtualBox machine using this image. Ensure the OS settings in the virtual machine match those of the disk image. Install VirtualBox Guest Additions after the OS boots successfully. For Windows XP guests, enable APIC in the system settings to ensure smooth booting.
Certain systems employ copy protection mechanisms that can disrupt the DAS functionality if the hardware ID changes. For instance, on Windows XP, this might manifest as a ransomware-like “key” request replacing the DAS executable. Disable the Chinese language service and unnecessary startup items (like “ads” and “mote”) in msconfig. If the “ads” startup item is absent, your device likely lacks copy protection. If required, replace the DAS BIN folder with one from a non-copy protected machine. A 2014 version is available if needed. This step ensures a functional DAS installation while leaving Xentry/WIS unaffected.
Next, determine the required serial port settings. Launch Star Utilities and navigate to “Self Tests” followed by “DMI Self Diagnosis.” This displays the COM port number and baud rate.
Within the Device Manager, locate the corresponding COM port under “COM ports”. Modify its number to the next available value (e.g., change COM2 to COM3).
Connect the USB serial adapter to the host machine and then to the guest VM via the “Devices” menu in the guest Windows menu bar. Install the necessary drivers on the guest operating system.
Locate the newly connected FTDI COM port in the Device Manager. Configure its baud rate and COM port number to match the values obtained from Star Utilities (typically 115200 baud and COM2). Critically, adjust the latency timer in the FTDI adapter settings to 1ms.
Connect the serial cable to the multiplexer and plug it into the vehicle’s OBDII port. The status monitor should indicate a successful connection. Verify the connection by running the Star Utilities self test again. Even if the test fails, a connected status monitor often suggests functionality.
Alternatively, if directly connecting the USB adapter to the guest proves challenging, pass through the USB to serial adapter from the host. This requires adding a COM port to the VirtualBox machine configuration, using the same name as the one in Star Utilities and selecting “Guest Device.” Specify the host COM port number of the USB serial adapter in the path field. You may still need to adjust this port number within the guest OS. Ensure the COM port numbers match in both the VirtualBox settings and the guest OS. Once configured correctly, your Xentry DAS should communicate with the vehicle through the correctly configured xentry das serial port.
