VIDA DICE Questions

[MattHenning]

I am working on a 2001 V70XC (see my other post about limp mode) The OBDII reader at O'reilly's was unable to tell me anything more than that there was a code stored somewhere. I already knew that. Now that I have entered the realm of Volvos of the 21st century, I it seems as though it might be a good idea to get some equipment to read diagnostic codes. I have been reading about the VIDA DICE system and have a few questions for those of you who have used one.
Am I right to assume that the VIDA DICE will be able to retrieve codes from the transmission and other systems that the generic OBD reader is unable to get?
Does the VIDA DICE need to be hooked up to a computer when it is connected to the car, or does it store information that is later downloaded to a computer?
Can the VIDA DICE reset error codes?
Can the VIDA DICE put the transmission into the "relearning" mode?
Is my understanding correct that the VIDA software is a service manual as well as a diagnostic tool? It is concerning to me that I cannot find a comprehensive manual like the good old 240 Bentley.
I have been looking at the Chinese copies of the DICE. Clearly there are some quality issues, but, at a tenth of the price of a genuine DICE, I believe it is a gamble I am willing to take. Is the functionality of a working Chinese copy the same as a genuine DICE?
Lots of questions, but I am new. Thanks for your help and time!

[mikealder]

Vida is the software you have running on a PC, Laptop, Notebook PC but pay attention to what version of Windows is required as getting it working can only be achieved using specific Windows releases, I use Windows 7 Ultimate with Vida 2012A with no issues.
DiCE is the hardware interface between the PC and the cars OBD-II port, a genuine DiCE can stream data via Bluetooth, a copy from China cannot and requires a wired USB connection, the genuine units also sport an SD card reader slot for data storage while driving the copys from China don't have this.

As for access to the car the copy units will give you everything a main dealer can do with the exception of software updates, codes from the ABS, SRS, gearbox, chassis etc will all be readable and you will have the ability to reset them - Mike

[polartx]

I bought one of the Vida/Dice China units and so far it has been fantastic.

I had a real annoying time getting the software (2012D) to work and ended up having to repartition my HDD to install a Win7 OS with absolutely no updates to finally get it working reliably.

With the Software you can do fault tracing to find out what codes are being thrown, you can click on the code and it will tell you the faulty part, location, part #, etc. You can also delete all the codes.

You can relearn the transmission, and also reset the Transmission fluid milage counter (this was important to me because I had the Service Transmission error appearing, after I did a transmission fluid flush and reset the milage counter the error cleared)

It also enables a whole plethora of customization features (how hot do you want your seat warmers? etc), for me it was totally worth the $150

[rerobin66]

Just a reminder that Volvo will update software as often as needed at no charge for the life of the car...no matter how old car is.