The wireless VCI is very nice, as I can move to the engine compartment and around the vehicle where I need to be and set up to observe results of bidirectional controls. Included with the VCI is the OBD2 cable, a USB cable to connect directly from the VCI to the scan tool (without Bluetooth), and a few options to connect 12v power the VCI if a different connector/adapter is being used for diagnostics. Because I will be using mostly the OBD2 cable, I now leave the DB9 to OBD2 cable on the VCI all the time and store it in the "lid" of the case. This is less secure than removing the OBD2 cable and storing the VCI in the foam cutout, but because I don't travel much with the tool it works for me.
I have included a couple pictures of the paper showing the non-16 pin adapters and their applications. Each of these adapters has the DB9 connector on it so that it can be connected to the VCI. I will not have much need for these adapters, but it's good to have them in case I come across a vehicle that does not use OBD2 for diagnostics.
On to actually using the tool. On newer vehicles, the device decodes the VIN and you only have to select the area and specific options before accessing the diagnosis menu. If the VIN can not be decoded, you will have to input vehicle and powertrain information manually to access all features. Once the vehicle information is populated, the default system selection screen shows ECU topography. If you are not familiar with all of the ECU abbreviations on a vehicle, you can switch to a system list to see and select the ECU you need to diagnose. One of my favorite features will scan the whole vehicle to detect what ECUs are responding, and will also scan each ECU for DTCs. A system will show as green if it is responding with no DTCs, red if the ECU responded with DTCs, and grey if the system is not responding. The system can also be selected to show which DTCs are present without entering advanced diagnostics, which is helpful in tracking down what DTCs may be related to other systems and choosing the best starting point.
I have gotten a chance to explore some of the service functions and bidirectional controls on a few vehicles, and so far I am impressed with what is available. I have used the Subaru rear brake maintenance mode, and performed active tests on GM body ECUs, including mirror and window activation, and horn relay commands. Equally impressive is access to Cummins ECM functions such as cylinder balance tests and injector tests. I have included some pictures of available tests on Dodge with the Cummins engine, and of some of the advanced OBD mode selections.
In conclusion, despite a few menu options that are not necessarily intuitive to understand, this tool is not one I am likely to outgrow any time soon, and will definitely help with getting precise component diagnosis on all the makes and models I work on.