Updating Firmware and Initial Setup – Vgate vLinker FS in FORScan

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Updating Firmware and Initial Setup – Vgate vLinker FS in FORScan.

NOTE: Before using your Vgate vLinker FS for the first time with FORScan, you must install the latest FTDI Virtual COM Port Drivers and update the adapter firmware to the latest version. Ensure you update using a computer with a reliable power source.

FTDI Virtual COM Port Driver Installation (vLinker firmware files v2.2.86):

  1. You will need to install the FTDI drivers before you connect the Vgate vLinker FS for the first time with your computer. Go to Download center - (vgatemall.com) for vLinker FS and download the latest available version of the firmware. (CDM21228_Setup is the current FTDI driver version included in the vLinker FS firmware package which contains Windows 7 thru 11 drivers.)
  2. Once downloaded, extract the downloaded file to its own folder.
  3. Find the CDM21228_Setup.zip file and extract the file to its own folder.
  4. Run the CDM21228_Setup.exe installation file.

FTDI Virtual COM Port Driver Installation (FTDI Chip drivers):

  1. You will need to install the FTDI drivers before you connect the Vgate vLinker FS for the first time with your computer. Go to Drivers - FTDI (ftdichip.com) to download the latest versions of the FTDI drivers. (CDM212364_Setup is the current FTDI driver version as of July 2022 which contains Windows 7 thru 11 drivers.)
  2. Once downloaded, extract the downloaded file to its own folder.
  3. Follow the instructions above to install the drivers.

Upgrading your Vgate vLinker FS (USB) to the Latest Firmware.

Firmware Update:

  1. Once the FTDI drivers are installed, download the vLinker firmware and extract the downloaded file to its own folder if you have not done so.
  2. Connect the vLinker FS adapter and open the vLinkerFwUpdater.
  3. It is advisable that no other USB devices are connected to your computer. Select the correct COM port where the vLinker FS is connected. If there are multiple usb devices connected to your pc, you will need to determine which one is correct from the Device Manager.
    a. Select the COM port.
    b. Set the baud rate to ‘115200’
    c. Select the firmware file. This is the text file identified as: vLinker_FS_v2.2.86.txt. (The firmware version will vary.)

vLinker Firmware Upgrade Settings
vLinker Firmware Upgrade Settings695×344 40.4 KB

  1. Click Update and allow the update to complete.
  2. Once complete, power cycle the adapter.
  3. Exit the vLinkerFwUpdater.

Set up the Vgate vLinker FS adapter in FORScan.

Before using your Vgate vLinker FS for the first time with FORScan, you must update the connection settings.

  1. Connect the Vgate vLinker FS to the computer.
  2. Open FORScan. FORScan will open in the Vehicle and Interface Information page.
  3. Go to the Settings page.
  4. In the General tab, ensure Demo mode is NOT checked. Leave the Debug mode checked so you can log activities.
  5. Select the Connections tab. The settings here should be exactly as shown.

vLinker FORScan Settings
vLinker FORScan Settings1465×1287 304 KB

  1. Go back to the Vehicle page.
  2. Select Connect to Vehicle at the bottom of the page.
  3. FORScan will check for the adapter and list the connection and adapter type. At this point you will not have a profile set up for the vehicle if this is the first time connecting. Make a profile at this point. FORScan will create the profile and automatically name it with the VIN included. If you work on multiple vehicles, it’s a good idea to keep the VIN included. You can make multiple profiles for different or the same vehicles.
  4. The next stop is the DTC page. Make this a habit to always check the DTC status as this can prevent you from making asbuilt or firmware changes in certain modules. Clear the DTC’s and rescan to ensure the vehicle health before you start modifying things.

See the FORScan tutorials at FORScan Tutorial Links - Ford / Information for more information on the use of FORScan.