USB-DLA

USB Data Link Adapter

User Manual HY33-5010-IB/US
Ed. 06/2010

UM-USBDLA-779A06-1.0-201006-02
Parker Hannifin Corporation
Electronic Controls Division
1305 Clarence Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3T 1T4 Canada
Office +1 204 452 6776
Fax +1 204 478 1749
http://www.parker.com/ecd
http://www.vansco.ca
http://www.iqan.com

Copyright 2010 Parker Hannifin Corporation. All rights reserved. No part of this work may be
reproduced, published, or distributed in any form or by any means (electronically,
mechanically, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), or stored in a database retrieval system,
without the prior written permission of Parker Hannifin Corporation in each instance.

Warning!
FAILURE OR IMPROPER SELECTION OR IMPROPER USE OF THE PRODUCTS AND/OR
SYSTEMS DESCRIBED HEREIN OR RELATED ITEMS CAN CAUSE DEATH, PERSONAL INJURY
AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.
This document and other information from Parker Hannifin Corporation, its subsidiaries and
authorized distributors provide product and/or system options for further investigation by users
having technical expertise.
The user, through its own analysis and testing, is solely responsible for making the final selection of
the system and components and assuring that all performance, endurance, maintenance, safety
and warning requirements of the application are met. The user must analyze all aspects of the
application, follow applicable industry standards, and follow the information concerning the product
in the current product catalog and in any other materials provided from Parker or its subsidiaries or
authorized distributors.
To the extent that Parker or its subsidiaries or authorized distributors provide component or system
options based upon data or specifications provided by the user, the user is responsible for
determining that such data and specifications are suitable and sufficient for all applications and
reasonably foreseeable uses of the components or systems.

Offer of Sale
The items described in this document are hereby offered for sale by Parker Hannifin Corporation, its
subsidiaries or its authorized distributors. This offer and its acceptance are governed by the provisions
stated in the "Offer of Sale" elsewhere in this document, or available at www.parker.com.
 Contents

Contents
1. Introduction 5
1.1. Safety symbols 5
2. Precautions 6
2.1. General safety regulations 6
2.1.1. Construction regulations 7
2.1.2. Safety during installation 7
2.1.3. Safety during start-up 7
2.1.4. Safety during maintenance and fault diagnosis 7
3. USB-DLA Description 8
3.1. Contents of USB-DLA kit 8
4. Software Installation 10
4.1. Installing the USB drivers 10
5. Using the USB-DLA 13
5.1. Plug in the USB cable 13
5.1.1. Load the USB drivers 14
5.2. Plug in the vehicle interface cable 16
5.3. USB-DLA LED Indicators 16
5.3.1. LED Colors and Blink codes 16
6. Software Tools for the USB-DLA 17
6.1. USB Update Tool 17
6.2. VAPI Server 19
6.2.1. Multiple client connections 21
6.3. RP1210 Chooser 21
7. Appendix A 23
7.1. USB-DLA Electrical Specifications 23
7.2. USB-DLA Environmental Specifications 23
8. Appendix B 26
8.1. Automotive Networks 26
8.1.1. J1939 26
8.1.2. J1708 26
8.2. RP1210 Compatibility 26
8.3. Software Model 27
8.4. Software Files and Locations 28
8.4.1. Files copied during software installation: 28
8.4.2. Default File locations (all versions of Windows): 28

USB Data Link Adapter 3

 Contents

9. Glossary of Terms 30
10. Index 32

USB Data Link Adapter 4

 Introduction

1. Introduction

These instructions are meant as a reference tool for the vehicle manufacturer's
design, production, and service personnel.
The user of this manual should have basic knowledge in the handling of electronic
equipment.

1.1. Safety symbols

Sections regarding safety, marked with a symbol in the left margin, must be read and
understood by everyone using the system, carrying out service work or making
changes to hardware and software.
The different safety levels used in this manual are defined below.

WARNING
Sections marked with a warning symbol in the left margin, indicate that a hazardous
situation exists. If precautions are not taken, this could result in death, serious injury
or major property damage.

CAUTION
Sections marked with a caution symbol in the left margin, indicate that a potentially
hazardous situation exists. If precautions are not taken, this could result in minor
injury or property damage.

NOTICE
Sections marked with a notice symbol in the left margin, indicate there is important
information about the product. Ignoring this could result in damage to the product.
Contact the manufacturer if there is anything you are not sure about or if you have
any questions regarding the product and its handling or maintenance.
The term "manufacturer" refers to Parker Hannifin Corporation.

USB Data Link Adapter 5

 Precautions

2. Precautions

2.1. General safety regulations

Work on the hydraulics control electronics may only be carried out by trained
personnel who are well-acquainted with the control system, the machine and its
safety regulations.

WARNING
Mounting, modification, repair and maintenance must be carried out in accordance
with the manufacturer's regulations. The manufacturer has no responsibility for any
accidents caused by incorrectly mounted or incorrectly maintained equipment. The
manufacturer does not assume any responsibility for the system being incorrectly
applied, or the system being programmed in a manner that jeopardizes safety.

WARNING
Damaged product may not be used. If the control system shows error functions or if
electronic modules, cabling or connectors are damaged, the system shall not be
used.

WARNING
Electronic control systems in an inappropriate installation and in combination with
strong electromagnetic interference fields can, in extreme cases, cause an
unintentional change of speed of the output function.

NOTICE
As much as possible of the welding work on the chassis should be done before the
installation of the system. If welding has to be done afterwards, the electrical
connections on the system must be disconnected from other equipment. The
negative cable must always be disconnected from the battery before disconnecting
the positive cable. The ground wire of the welder shall be positioned as close as
possible to the place of the welding. The cables on the welding unit shall never be
placed near the electrical wires of the control system.

USB Data Link Adapter 6

 Precautions

2.1.1. Construction regulations

CAUTION
The vehicle must be equipped with an emergency stop which disconnects the supply
voltage to the control system's electrical units. The emergency stop must be easily
accessible to the operator. The machine must be built if possible, so that the supply
voltage to the control system's electrical units is disconnected when the operator
leaves the operators station.

2.1.2. Safety during installation

CAUTION
Incorrectly positioned or mounted cabling can be influenced by radio signals which
can interfere with the functions of the system.

2.1.3. Safety during start-up

WARNING
The machine's engine must not be started before the control system is mounted and
its electrical functions have been verified.
Ensure that no one is in front, behind or nearby the machine when first starting up
the machine.
Follow the instructions for function control in the Start-up section.

2.1.4. Safety during maintenance and fault diagnosis

CAUTION
Ensure that the following requirements are fulfilled before any work is carried out on
the hydraulics control electronics.
The machine cannot start moving.
Functions are positioned safely.
The machine is turned off.
The hydraulic system is relieved from any pressure.
Supply voltage to the control electronics is disconnected.

USB Data Link Adapter 7

 USB-DLA Description

3. USB-DLA Description

The purpose of a Data Link Adapter (DLA) is implied by its name: it is an adapter
that provides a link between two different data networks or protocols. The Parker
Vansco DLA provides the link between a PC and an automotive network.
Information from the engine and transmission is converted into a format that a
laptop can understand. The DLA transfers data from computer ports (USB) to
vehicle ports (J1939, J1708).
The Data Link Adapter is sold in kit form, with all of the necessary cables and
connectors included. This manual explains the contents of the kit, and how to set up
and use the DLA for USB communication.

3.1. Contents of USB-DLA kit

The USB-DLA kit is supplied in a high density polyethylene, blow-molded case. The
kit includes the following:
Table 1: Contents of USB-DLA kit
Part No. Description Remarks
USB-DLA Data Link Adapter
75144 CBL ASSY NETWORK DLA connects vehicle to DLA
DEUTSCH
75145 CBL ASSY NETWORK DLA connects vehicle to DLA and modules
CANNON
75850 CBL ASSY DLA BATTERY CLIP power cable
76547 CBL ASSY NETWORK CANNON connects VMM to vehicle bus
DEUTSCH w/Deutsch
93373 CBL ASSY J1939 0.9M CANNON connects VMM to vehicle bus
w/Cannon
51858 DT04-3P-P007 CONN RECP Y 3M Deutsch J1939 y connector
DT
53801 130446-0000 SPLICE Y 4M AU Cannon J1939 y connector
J1939
53800 086-0068-002 PLUG TERM 4F AU 120 bus terminating plug
J1939
89248 CABLE USB 1.1 6FT MALE A-B connects USB-DLA to PC

USB Data Link Adapter 8

 USB-DLA Description

Figure 1: USB-DLA kit

USB Data Link Adapter 9

 Software Installation

4. Software Installation

The software for the USB-DLA should be installed before plugging the DLA into your
computer.

i
INFORMATION
If you plug in the DLA first, Windows will try to install its own USB drivers. You will
have to cancel this driver installation and Windows may ignore the device the next
time it is plugged in.
The software installation is done in three parts:
1. Install the USB-DLA drivers on your PC.
2. Plug in the DLA and let the PC recognize the device and load the USB drivers.
3. Install the applications.

4.1. Installing the USB drivers

You must be logged on as an administrator to install the USB-DLA drivers. The latest
drivers for the USB-DLA are available from Parker Electronic Controls Division
website: http://www.parker.com/ecd. Go to the Customer Toolbox and select Vansco
DLA and PGM Drivers. Extract the setup files and save them to a temporary directory
using WinZip. Run the setup.exe program to launch the setup.

USB Data Link Adapter 10

 Software Installation

The following example shows the installation on a computer running Windows 2000
(other Windows operating system installations are similar). Upon running
"setup.exe" the following installation screen will appear, click Next to continue:

Figure 2: Software setup screen

The next screen is a license agreement between the end user and Parker Vansco.
Once you have read and agreed to the license click on I Agree.

Figure 3: License agreement

USB Data Link Adapter 11

 Software Installation

This is followed by an installation location screen. It is recommended that the files

be installed in the default location. Click Install to continue.

Figure 4: File location

After installing the files, a final screen will indicate that the setup program is
complete. Click Close to finish the software installation of the USB-DLA.

Figure 5: Installation complete

USB Data Link Adapter 12

 Using the USB-DLA

5. Using the USB-DLA

5.1. Plug in the USB cable

Connect the DLA to your computer using the USB cable provided. Plug the A-type
receptacle into the back of your computer (1), and the B-type receptacle into the
DLA (2). You should hear a Windows alert every time the DLA is connected or
disconnected.

i
INFORMATION
The DLA is considered a high current device because it draws more than 100mA
when operating. The unit must be plugged directly into your PC, or into a powered
USB hub. It will not operate if plugged into an un-powered USB hub.

Figure 6: Connect DLA to PC

USB Data Link Adapter 13

 Using the USB-DLA

5.1.1. Load the USB drivers

The USB-DLA will be detected automatically when it is plugged into your laptop.
The first time the device appears on a USB port, Windows will launch the Found New
Hardware Wizard in order to load the USB drivers. Windows will do this every time
the device appears on a new USB port (e.g., if you attach the USB-DLA to a new hub,
Windows will want to install the driver for each port on the hub). The USB drivers are
loaded like any other USB device. The following example shows how the drivers are
loaded in Windows XP. Select Install the software automatically (Recommended)
and click Next.

Figure 7: Found New Hardware Wizard

USB Data Link Adapter 14

 Using the USB-DLA

Windows will then load the drivers for the USB-DLA.

Figure 8: DLA drivers being loaded

A final screen will indicate when the USB-DLA installation is complete. Click Finish
to close the window.

Figure 9: DLA drivers are now loaded

USB Data Link Adapter 15

 Using the USB-DLA

5.2. Plug in the vehicle interface cable

Connect the DLA to the vehicle using the vehicle interface cable provided. This cable
is typically a DB-15 (3) connected to a 9-pin Deutsch (4). Note that the vehicle
connector may change depending on the preference of the vehicle manufacturer.

Figure 10: Connect USB-DLA to vehicle

CAUTION
The USB ground is not isolated from the power ground. A computer connected to
the USB port must be electrically floating and not have any connections to the
outside world, including the AC power adapter and the serial port. Failure to
observe this may result in damage to the DLA and the computer USB port. If a
laptop battery needs to be charged, the USB port must be disconnected from the
DLA. If the DLA is to be used with a desktop computer, care must be taken to ensure
that the power supply to the DLA is isolated from any earth or vehicle ground.

5.3. USB-DLA LED Indicators

The USB-DLA has 3 LEDs for status indication. The LED indicators on the USB-DLA
fall into two categories: power status (1 LED) and network status (2 LEDs).

5.3.1. LED Colors and Blink codes

POWER ON (red) - The LED is off when no power applied. After the LED self-
test, the LED goes on steady.
J1708 (green) - The LED flashes on when the DLA detects traffic on the J1708
input terminals or when a J1708 message is sent from the DLA. During heavy
traffic, the LED may appear to be on steady. The LED stays off if no traffic is
detected and no messages are sent.
J1939/CAN (red) - The LED flashes on when the DLA detects traffic on the
J1939/CAN input terminals or when a J1939/CAN message is sent from the DLA.
During heavy traffic, the LED may appear to be on steady. The LED stays off if no
traffic detected and no messages are sent.

USB Data Link Adapter 16

 Software Tools for the USB-DLA

6. Software Tools for the USB-DLA

The following software tools are used to support the DLA on a PC.
USB update tool can be used to update the embedded firmware in the DLA.
VAPIserver starts automatically when an RP1210 application is started and
provides a link between the USB or serial hardware and the PC application.
RP1210 Chooser allows the use of different DLA hardware (such as Vansco's
serial or parallel DLA) on the same computer.
Parker Vansco also has a number of software tools that are useful for troubleshooting
vehicle networks. These are applications that have been developed over the years to
assist in developing products such as instrument clusters, transmission controllers
and DLAs.
CANsniff is a PC application that displays the amount of data on the CANbus as
well as actual traffic.
SimEngine is a powerful PC application that can simulate engine controller
messages.
SimGauges creates a virtual J1939 instrument cluster on a PC for a graphical
display of data received by the DLA.

i
INFORMATION
These softwares started as engineering tools and, as a result, are not full-featured,
professional software tools.
For further information about these software tools, please contact your Parker
Vansco representative.

6.1. USB Update Tool

NOTICE
USB update tool is a program for updating the embedded firmware in the USB-DLA.
If this is done incorrectly or the wrong firmware is loaded, the DLA can be rendered
inoperative. The unit must then be returned to Parker Vansco for reprogramming.
This tool is used to update the embedded firmware on the DLA itself.
Plug the DLA into the USB port and run the program udutool.exe. The program
should show you that the DLA is connected to the USB port. Click on the DLA to
select it for a firmware update.
Use the browse button (indicated by the ellipsis) to select an appropriate firmware
file. A valid DLA firmware file can be identified by three characteristics:

USB Data Link Adapter 17

 Software Tools for the USB-DLA

1. The filename should start with the DLA product number 779.
Never program the DLA with firmware file that does not start with 779.
2. The filename should end with the application version number.
Never program the DLA with an application code that has a lower version
number.
3. The file type should be .VSF.
The software will display an alert asking you if you are sure you want to reprogram
the DLA. Click Yes to continue. A progress bar will move across the screen. A dialog
box will inform the user if the update was successful.

Figure 11: Updating the DLA firmware with udutool

USB update tool will only allow you to update only the application code in the DLA
and not the bootcode. This means that if you interrupt the update, you should be
able to run it again and complete the update. However, it is highly recommended
that the update be run without interruptions. The DLA should only be disconnected
when USB update tool reports the update has completed successfully.

USB Data Link Adapter 18

 Software Tools for the USB-DLA

6.2. VAPI Server

A new icon appears in your system tray when you start an RP1210 application that
uses the USB-DLA. This is the VAPIserver (Vansco Application Program Interface
Server) program; it provides the interface between the applications (such as
SimGauges, SimEngine and CANsniff) and the DLA hardware.

Figure 12: VAPI Server icon

Double clicking the VAPIserver icon will bring up a window showing the status of the
VAPIserver program. The VAPIserver will search for a DLA connected to the PC once
every minute. If it finds one, the status will change to "Connected" and the
VAPIserver will use that DLA until the connection is lost. The status window shows
the number of applications that are connected to the DLA.

Figure 13: VAPI Server status window

The status window displays information on the data being sent through the DLA.
This includes counts of the bytes sent through J1939 and J1708 and also connection
status. In general, the Adapter Packets Tx count should match the Vapi Server
Packets Rx count. However, if the DLA is disconnected, the Adapter Packets TX
count will continue to increase as the PC attempts to communicate with the DLA.
Table 2: Status window messages
Description Explanation
CAN/J1939 Tx Count Number of J1939 messages transmitted by DLA
CAN/J1939 Rx Count Number of J1939 messages received by DLA

USB Data Link Adapter 19

 Software Tools for the USB-DLA

J1708/J1587 Tx Count Number of J1708 messages transmitted by DLA

J1708/J1587 Rx Count Number of J1708 messages received by DLA
Adapter Packets Tx Count Number of packets transmitted by DLA to the PC
Adapter Packets Rx Count Number of packets received by DLA from the PC
Adapter Packet Errors Number of packet errors detected by the DLA
Adapter Checksum Errors Number of packet checksum errors
Vapi Server Packets Tx Number of packets transmitted by the PC to the DLA
Count
Vapi Server Packets Rx Number of packets received by the PC from the DLA
Count
Vapi Server Packets Errors Number of packet errors detected by the PC
CAN 1 Status Status of CAN 1 port. See table below
CAN 2 Status Status of CAN 2 port. See table below
J1708 Status Status of J1708 port. See table below
Other Status Status of optional port. See table below
Client Threads Number of clients
A status byte is associated with each of the vehicle ports on the DLA. The status byte
is displayed in hex format with each of the bits representing the following table.
Table 3: Status byte
Bit 7 reserved
Bit 6 reserved
Bit 5 reserved
Bit 4 reserved
Bit 3 Set to 1 when the data link is in the BUS OFF state (if applicable).
Bit 2 Set to 1 when traffic has been detected on the data link.
Bit 1 Set to 1 when the data link is enabled.
Bit 0 Set to 1 when the data link is present.

USB Data Link Adapter 20

 Software Tools for the USB-DLA

Clicking the Settings button will display a second dialog box, which allows the user
to limit the serial ports that the VAPI Server uses. This is useful on a Bluetooth
enabled laptop which may have up to 15 virtual COM ports. The Maximum Baud
Rate setting reduces the connection speed. Older laptops, and laptops with multiple
applications running in the background may have difficulty maintaining a
connection at 115200.

Figure 14: VAPI settings window

6.2.1. Multiple client connections

The VAPIserver program allows multiple applications to be simultaneously
connected to the DLA. This is shown in the Status window as two active clients
connected to the DLA.
Therefore, you can run SimGauges and SimEngine (two applications mentioned
earlier) at the same time. This can be useful in testing a third device such as a
transmission or ABS controller. However, it can also cause some confusion in that
you may see data appear on SimGauges before you've hooked it up to the vehicle.
This is valid as SimEngine is instructing the DLA to broadcast messages, which are
then received by the DLA. In order to reduce traffic going to the DLA, the VAPI
Server will transfer this data locally between applications.

6.3. RP1210 Chooser

RP1210 was intended to reduce the number of DLA hardware devices. However, one
DLA may be USB, another wireless and another the original Vansco Electronics
parallel version. The application will not know the difference, as all will present a
standard RP1210 API. In order to select which API for the application to use,
provisions for using multiple DLAs with the same laptop have been included in the
RP1210 specification. Some applications will recognize this and present the user
with a choice of available APIs. Parker Vansco applications will use the first API on
the list. In order to make sure the DLA uses the correct API the installer includes a
small PC application called RP1210 Chooser.

USB Data Link Adapter 21

 Software Tools for the USB-DLA

Running RP1210Chooser.exe provides the screen shown below.

Figure 15: RP1210 Chooser dialog

Simply select the API required for your device, VE121032 for the USB-DLA, and
move it to the top of the list with the arrows on the right hand side of the screen. If
you subsequently need to use another RP1210 device on the same PC, run RP1210
Chooser and move the corresponding API to the top of the list, such as PCSRP32 for
a legacy serial only DLA.

USB Data Link Adapter 22

 Appendix A

7. Appendix A

7.1. USB-DLA Electrical Specifications

The USB-DLA operates using power supplied by typical automotive
battery/charging system for both 12 and 24 volt systems. The following table lists the
electrical requirements.
Table 4: General ratings (@ 25 C unless otherwise specified).
Parameter Min Nom Max Units Remarks
Operating temperature -40 +85 C
Storage temperature -55 +125 C
Operating voltage 4.4 4.75 5.0 V when powered by
USB from PC
Operating current draw 150 200 mA when powered by
(USB power pin) USB from PC

Operating voltage 5 12- 32 V when powered by

24 vehicle battery
Operating current draw 100 300 mA when powered by
vehicle battery

7.2. USB-DLA Environmental Specifications

The USB-DLA is made to operate in a typical automotive service environment. The
unit is protected to extremes of temperature and chemicals. As a handheld unit, the
unit can withstand being dropped but is not protected from vehicle stresses such as
steam cleaning or pressure washing.
The test descriptions below are based on the following Environmental
Specifications:
ANSI/ASAE EP455 JUL 91
ISO 7637 2nd edition
ISO 14982 1st edition
J1455 APR 03

USB Data Link Adapter 23

 Appendix A

Table 5: Environmental rating tests passed by USB-DLA

Test Spec. Test Description Deviation
Ref.
EP455 Operating Temperature Level
Section 5.1.1 2

EP455 Storage Temperature Level 2

Section 5.1.2
EP455 Thermal Shock
Section 5.1.3
EP455 Operating Voltage Level 1 7 VDC to 32 VDC
Section 5.10.1
J1455 Over Voltage Level 2 32 VDC
Section 4.11.1
J1455 Reverse Polarity -26VDC
Section 4.11.1
EP455 Short Circuit Protection +26 VDC
Section 5.10.4
J1455 Starting Voltage
Section 4.11.1
EP455 Power Up Operational Test from 7 VDC
Section 5.10.7
EP455 Accessory Noise 26 + 1.5 sin(2 ft)
Section 5.11.1
EP455 Batteryless Operation Level 2 6 + |26 sin(2 ft)|
Section 5.11.3
ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1 (Inductive Load Vs = -300 V
Switching)
ISO 7637-2 Pulse 2 (Mutual Coupling Vs = 200 V
Power Lines)
ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5 (Load Dump)

EP455 Alternator Field Decay Vs = 24 VDC, Ri = 10 ,

Section 5.11.2 Cycle = 50 sec.
ISO 7637-3 Mutual Coupling Signal Lines

EP455 Electrostatic Discharge

Section 5.12
EP455 Mechanical Shock Operational
Section 5.14.1
EP455 Mechanical Shock Handling
Section 5.14.2.2 Bench Level 1

USB Data Link Adapter 24

 Appendix A

EP455 Mechanical Shock Handling

Section 5.14.2.2 Bench Level 2
EP455 Random Vibration
Section 5.15.1
ISO 14982 EMC Susceptibility Level 2

ISO 14982 EMC - Emissions

USB Data Link Adapter 25

 Appendix B

8. Appendix B

8.1. Automotive Networks

Automotive information networks will not communicate with standard computer
interfaces. PCs use parallel, RS232 serial, and USB ports, while engine controllers
and instrument panels typically use J1708, J1850 and J1939. These are automotive
network standards defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). PC ports
and automotive networks use different voltage levels, data rates and check sums. An
adapter is required to connect the laptop and engine together, this is where the DLA
comes into play. The DLA supports CAN (Controller Area Network) and the J1708
and J1939 automotive networks.

8.1.1. J1939
In the 1980's Bosch developed a system called Controller Area Network (CAN). CAN
was intended to be used as a communication network for industrial controllers. It
has gained acceptance in a wide variety of markets including the automotive
industry. CAN hardware ports are now embedded in micro-controllers. J1939 is a
standard developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) that defines how
information is passed on a CAN network. J1939 is a differential pair network using
CAN Transceivers in a dominant/recessive mode. The network cable is terminated
on each end by a 120 resistor. The maximum data rate is 250Kbps. The data packet
format is <PGN><8 DATA BYTES><CRC>.

8.1.2. J1708
J1708 is an automotive network developed by SAE about the same time as CAN.
J1708 is a differential pair network using standard RS485 drivers in a
dominant/recessive mode. J1708 is terminated by 4.7K pull-up / pull-down and
47 series resistor. The data format and rate is the same as the standard computer
serial port: 9600bps, 1 start bit, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit. The data packet format is
<MID><PID><DATA><PID><DATA><CHK>.

8.2. RP1210 Compatibility

RP1210 was developed by the Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) of the
American Trucking Association (ATA) to address issues in servicing vehicles
manufactured by different vendors. Service personnel were forced to purchase an
expensive DLA to communicate with each different type of vehicle and engine.
RP1210 provides a consistent application interface so that the same DLA hardware
can be used with many different applications. If software developers follow the
RP1210 standard, then their engine diagnostic software should work a DLA from any
manufacturer. Parker Vansco's industry standard RP1210 API is ve121032.dll.
Parker has made every effort to make the USB-DLA RP1210 compliant. It should be
usable with test tools from Dearborn, Cummins, and other manufacturers. We

USB Data Link Adapter 26

 Appendix B

cannot guarantee this into the future, as the engine developers may add extensions
to RP1210 to address issues unique to their systems.
The TMC RP1210 Specification is available from ATA for a fee.
Parker Vansco developed the RP1210 drivers used with the USB-DLA. The latest
updates are available on our website: www.parker.com/ecd.

8.3. Software Model

Several levels of software are required to operate a Vansco DLA: an application, the
RP1210 interface, the VAPI server interface, the VAPIserver, and the USB driver.

i
INFORMATION
This section only compares how the USB and Legacy RS232 software models look.
However, they cannot be used at the same time.
Applications: The main purpose of the application is to present information to the
user in an organized manner. This allows the user to decide the kind of data to
transmit or receive on the automotive network. The application is the highest
software level and it does not require information on how the data was passed to the
computer. The application gets all its information from either the RP1210 API or
Parker Vansco's proprietary API.
ve121032.dll: An industry standard RP1210 API. Allows applications to
communicate with vehicle networks even when different DLA hardware is used. The
hardware interface could be USB, Serial, or even 802.11. Parker Vansco provides an
RP1210 front end which in turn makes calls to the VAPI.dll
VAPI.dll: The VAPI.dll provides a software interface for applications and for
ve121032.dll to communicate with the VAPI Server.

i
INFORMATION
Although it is possible to bypass the RP1210 interface and communicate directly
with the vapi.dll, we do not recommend this. The software model was developed to
address legacy issues. The long-term goal is to support the industry standard
interface (RP1210).
VAPIserver: The VAPIserver program communicates with the PC hardware in order
to transfer data to a DLA. The DLA may be connected to any of the PC hardware
ports. The VAPIserver searches for and maintains a connection to a DLA and makes
the DLA available to the application. The VAPIserver can support multiple clients;
more than one application can request information from the VAPIserver.
USB Drivers: VAPIserver does not communicate directly with the USB hardware,
rather it passes all requests on to the USB driver.

USB Data Link Adapter 27

 Appendix B

8.4. Software Files and Locations

If you experience difficulty installing the software or if you want to update only one
file it may be easier to manually copy the files into the proper locations.

8.4.1. Files copied during software installation:

ve121032.dll: RP1210 API. Receives RP1210 calls and hands them off to a VAPI.dll
Interface.
VE121032.h: Header file that contains the parameter, error definitions and
prototypes of the functions exported by VE121032.dll.
VAPI.dll: Vansco API that passes data from applications to the VAPIserver. Multiple
copies of the dll's can be running at any given time.
VAPIserver.exe: Provides the interface between the dll's and the DLA hardware. Only
one VAPIserver is running at any time.
dlapnp.sys: Plug and play driver for USB DLA
usbdla.sys: USB DLA driver
Readme.txt: Installation information

8.4.2. Default File locations (all versions of Windows):

C:\Program Files\Vansco\USB DLA\Driver\dlapnp.sys
C:\Program Files\Vansco\USB DLA\Driver\usbdla.inf
C:\Program Files\Vansco\USB DLA\Driver\usbdla.sys
C:\Program Files\Vansco\USB DLA\udutool.exe
C:\Program Files\Vansco\USB DLA\RP1210Chooser.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\VAPIserver.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\VE121032.dll
C:\WINDOWS\system32\VAPI.dll
Running a newer version of the setup program will install updated versions of the
USB drivers and applications. The updated version of the applications will be copied
over existing versions installed on your PC. The USB driver will also be copied onto
your PC.

USB Data Link Adapter 28

 Appendix B

i
INFORMATION
Windows will not use the new USB driver until you have updated the driver in Device
Manager.
Manually update the driver in Windows, (ie: Settings > Control Panel > System >
Hardware > Device Manager).
Right click on Vansco USB DLA and select Update Driver.

USB Data Link Adapter 29

 Glossary of Terms

9. Glossary of Terms

A
application software
A level of software that makes a product (hardware) perform desired functions for
the end user.

C
CAN
Controller Area Network

CAN High
One of the wires used in the shielded twisted-pair cable, which provides the positive
signal that, when connected with CAN Low, provides a complete CAN differential
signal.

CAN Low
One of the wires used in the shielded twisted-pair cable, which provides the negative
signal that, when connected with CAN High, provides a complete CAN differential
signal.

CAN Shield
A shielding that wraps around the CAN High and CAN Low wires (twisted-pair),
completing the shielded twisted-pair cable.

Controller Area Network

A computer network protocol designed for the heavy equipment and automotive
environment that allows microcontrollers and other devices to communicate with
each other without using a host computer; also known as CAN.

D
Data Link Adaptor (DLA)
A development tool that connects the CAN bus to a personal computer (through a
USB or RS232 port), so that programming and diagnostics can be performed on the
product before installing it in a vehicle.

driver (software)
A block of software that provides access to different hardware components.

R
RS232
An inexpensive type of serial communication used on most PC and laptop
computers that doesn't define the communication protocol, making it attractive for

USB Data Link Adapter 30

 Glossary of Terms

embedded applications. RS232 is an older technology that is slowly being phased out
of production in favor of USB.

USB Data Link Adapter 31

 Index

10. Index

A
Appendix A 23
Appendix B 26
application software 30
Automotive Networks 26

C
CAN 30
CAN High 30
CAN Low 30
CAN Shield 30
Contents of USB-DLA kit 8
Controller Area Network 30

D
Data Link Adaptor (DLA) 30
driver (software) 30

I
Installing the USB drivers 10
Introduction 5

P
Precautions 6

R
RP1210 Chooser 21
RP1210 Compatibility 26
RS232 30

S
Software Files and Locations 28
Software Installation 10
Software Model 27
Software Tools for the USB-DLA 17

U
USB Update Tool 17
USB-DLA Description 8
USB-DLA Electrical Specifications 23
USB-DLA Environmental Specifications 23
USB-DLA LED Indicators 16
Using the USB-DLA 13

V
VAPI Server 19

USB Data Link Adapter 32