For automotive technicians utilizing XENTRY Diagnostics Open Shell, establishing a reliable connection is paramount. While SDconnect multiplexers can operate wirelessly, a wired connection via an Xentry Cable offers a robust and often preferred alternative. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough on configuring your SDconnect hardware for XENTRY Diagnostics using an XENTRY cable, ensuring a stable and efficient diagnostic process.
Connecting your SDconnect to your system via an XENTRY cable, specifically an Ethernet crossover cable, is a straightforward process. A suitable green cable is typically included with your SDconnect package. This physical connection can be established in two primary ways: directly connecting the SDconnect to your system’s Ethernet port or utilizing a USB2LAN adapter. The LAN port on the SDconnect is located on the right side, protected by a cap. Before initiating any configuration, ensure your SDconnect is powered on, fully charged if possible, and crucially, restarted and not in sleep mode.
Configuring a Direct Ethernet Connection for Your XENTRY Cable
Setting up a direct Ethernet connection for your XENTRY cable involves configuring static TCP/IP settings. Use the following parameters for your PC’s LAN connection that will be directly linked to the SDconnect via the XENTRY cable:
- IP Address: 172.29.127.X (Replace “X” with a number between 1 and 254. Crucially, avoid using 172.29.127.129, as this IP is typically assigned to the SDconnect itself).
- Subnet Mask: 255.255.0.0 (This value should remain unchanged).
It is vital to configure your system’s firewall to allow communication with the SDconnect once the XENTRY cable connection is established. You will usually receive a prompt to adjust firewall settings upon the initial connection. Remember, when using a direct Ethernet connection with your XENTRY cable, the LAN port on your PC will be dedicated to this connection and unavailable for other network uses. For users implementing Diagnostics over IP (DoIP), additional firewall configurations specific to DoIP connections will be necessary.
Configuring a USB2LAN Connection for Your XENTRY Cable
For connections utilizing a USB2LAN adapter with your XENTRY cable, the adapter requires proper Windows configuration. This involves two key steps: driver management and network connection setup.
Driver Installation for the USB2LAN Adapter
The driver installation process for the USB2LAN adapter is managed through Windows. Whether you are installing drivers for the first time or modifying existing drivers, Windows dialogs and procedures are used. If you are unfamiliar with Windows driver management, consulting your IT administrator is recommended. Note that XENTRY Diagnostics support centers do not provide assistance with Windows driver configurations.
Automatic Driver Installation
For a first-time USB2LAN adapter connection with your XENTRY cable, automatic driver installation is typically initiated by Windows (Windows 7 and later). Ensure your computer is online with a working internet connection before plugging in the adapter (without connecting the green XENTRY cable to the SDconnect initially).
Upon connecting the USB2LAN adapter, Windows will attempt to automatically detect and install the necessary drivers. It is essential to allow this process to complete without interruption. Windows may display notifications in the system tray regarding driver installation progress.
After clicking the system tray icon, detailed information about the driver installation process will be displayed. It is crucial to ensure the driver for “USB-MAC Controller” is installed successfully. Allow Windows sufficient time to identify and download the drivers online. A successful installation will be indicated by a notification, after which you can proceed with adapter configuration for your XENTRY cable.
For subsequent installations, or if the initial automatic installation was interrupted, you may need to manually initiate the driver update. This can also be necessary if the adapter is connected to a different USB port than the one used for the initial installation. Access “Devices and Printers” in the Windows Control Panel, then locate “USB-MAC Controller” under “Other Devices” or potentially “Network Adapters.” A yellow exclamation mark usually indicates a driver issue.
Right-click on “USB-MAC Controller” and select “Update driver software.”
If your computer is online, select “Search automatically for updated driver software” to initiate the automatic installation process again.
Manual Driver Installation
If automatic driver installation fails, or if your system is offline, manual driver installation is required. The necessary USB2LAN adapter drivers are included on your XENTRY Diagnostics update DVD/BD.
First, determine your Windows operating system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) by navigating to “System” in the Windows Control Panel.
As described in the automatic installation section, access “Update driver software” for the USB2LAN adapter in Device Manager. In the dialog, choose “Browse my computer for driver software,” insert the XENTRY update DVD/BD, and browse to the appropriate driver folder based on your Windows version:
- “USB2LAN DriverWindows 764 bit” (for 64-bit Windows versions)
- “USB2LAN DriverWindows 732 bit” (for 32-bit Windows versions)
Select the folder, and Windows should automatically locate and install the drivers offline. If prompted, you may need to manually select the corresponding *.inf file within the folder (“netmosu.inf” for 32-bit, “USBMAC64.inf” for 64-bit).
Configuring the USB2LAN Adapter and SDconnect for XENTRY Cable Operation
Once the USB2LAN adapter driver installation is complete, you can proceed with configuring the connection for XENTRY cable operation. Ensure the adapter is connected to the same USB port used for driver installation, as using a different port might lead to recognition issues. Power on your SDconnect and ensure it is receiving power either from an external source or the vehicle via the OBD cable. The SDconnect must remain powered on and not enter sleep mode during the configuration process.
The configuration process involves three main stages: establishing the physical connection, assigning a manual IP address to the USB2LAN adapter, and configuring the connection within SDconnect Administration.
Establishing the Connection
Connect the green XENTRY cable to the SDconnect and then to the USB2LAN adapter. Windows will attempt to establish a network connection. This may take a moment, and the connection status might not be immediately apparent.
To verify the connection status, navigate to Windows Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network Connections. A successful connection will show the “High Speed USB-Ethernet Adapter” LAN connection as fully functional without any red “X” or yellow exclamation mark. Checking the “Status” of this adapter may show “No Network Connection,” but an IP address should be listed under “Details…” and “Auto configuration …“
Assigning a Manual IP Address
Access the connection properties for the “High Speed USB-Ethernet Adapter” in Network Connections. Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties.” Choose “Use the following IP address:” and enter the following:
- IP address: 172.29.127.X (Again, “X” is a number between 1 and 254, avoiding 172.29.127.129).
- Subnet mask: 255.255.0.0
Leave all other settings unchanged and close the dialogs by clicking “OK.” If Windows indicates an IP address conflict, select a different value for “X.”
Connection Configuration via SDconnect Administration
With the IP address configured, launch SDconnect Administration (Start > All Programs > Mercedes-Benz). Select the SDconnect entry with an unknown or unassigned number and wait for the data to load. Under “Select name,” choose a number that is not already assigned to another SDconnect in your workshop. Use the provided number clips to label your device. Save your settings by clicking “Start” and exit SDconnect Administration after confirming the data has been applied.
After successfully configuring your XENTRY cable connection to the SDconnect, status icons may appear in the Windows system tray, indicating the SDconnect status. A system restart might be required for these icons to appear. These icons typically display the SDconnect number, connection type (Wi-Fi if applicable), and a padlock icon. You may need to adjust your Windows system tray settings to ensure these icons are visible.
By following these steps, you can effectively set up your XENTRY cable connection, ensuring a reliable and efficient diagnostic experience with XENTRY Diagnostics.
