MB SD C4 Plus DoIP Inside Component Review

 The reason why I purchased MB SD C4 Plus with DoIP instead of the genuine MUX?

 

A genuine unit is either unaffordable or makes no sense (outside of EU and US, where you can’t get official MB accounts or support anyway).

 

Then, I purchased MB SD C4 Plus with DoIP (calling it XC4Plus also), because I didn’t want to dick around with retrofit DoIP kits, wifi cards, incompatibility issues etc.

 

The reason I believe MB SD C4 Plus all working is that I pull it apart for inspection immediately.

 

Tested working:

1. I could do DAS on a C219

 

2. The wifi works great and there’s zero config to make it work. Its a bit of a hack but its implementation is pretty smart (and economical) compared to the other “XC4 Plus” which has an entirely new logic PCB incorporating the wifi and ethernet switch. Although the other “XC4 Plus” or whatever its called has an integrated heatsink, which is a plus on the surface, actually means diddly squat with the unit being enclosed. we need to get the heat OUT of the case. More on that later.

 

What I inspect and what I tried to retrofit:

Overview of MB SD C4 Plus

it has a PCB wifi antenna stuck to the side where the PC card slot is, my heart sank as I thought this was gonna be a hack job…. After opening her up there isn’t much to write about on the top.

The LCD PCB is pretty standard and is of the 3-screw FT design. Tho it doesn’t matter how you mount the LCD panel on the 2 sets of locating holes on the back, the LCD will never line up with the window on the C4 case.

I think I will replace this with the other 4-hole design, failing that I’ll file out the locating holes and mount the LCD so that it aligns with the window. OCD, sorry about that.

 

Up next is the back of the unit.

Here we see something new…..

 

MB SD C4 DoIP WiFi

A daughter board mounted on an empty RJ45 board. They grinded off the markings (grinding off markings on the network filter chips? really?)

What’s happening here is the manufacturer commissioned a PCB incorporating a LW-SWF303 3-port miniature 100Mb switch (realtek chip), stuck one port to the C4 PHY (the AM79C874), one port to the RJ45 and the last one into a wifi module. Compared to commissioning an entirely new logic PCB as we have seen in other onboard DoIP revisions this is very economical.

 

For wifi connectivity this module hosts a SSID of XC4-xxxx and deals out DHCP IP addresses so all you have to do is join it with the pass and your SD connect toolkit will know its there as if it was connected via the ethernet cable. Its that simple. Downside is that the C4 has no way to tell which interface is in fact active so the icon on the LCD will always show it as being on the wired connection. I haven’t tried connecting more than one device to the C4 and see how it handles contention…

 

Cons:

1, The antenna connector is way too close to the case. Its not a big deal but I’ll probably put some kapton tape there.

2, in placing the antenna where it is they hacked off one of the 2 clips of the plastic battery retainer that locks into the side plate.

 

MB SD C4 Plus I/O Board

Not too much to see on the relay side. I’m glad its got the chokes instead of the 0R resistors though the relays do look like they are salvaged parts. I will have to hand test each of the relays and probably change the 10uF cans to MLCC and the 220u to something better one of these days. Good to see all the branded LT regulators, which don’t look like fakes, then again they’re not high dollar items.

Onto the other side, the battery stuff are all there and all LT, I have had this puppy sitting on the bench charging for a few days now with some 2500mAh eneloop cells. It charges and stops the cycle as it should, it does get warm but everything works. The battery compartment does have the temp sensor. Yup I’ve got the ADG406 rather than the ADG426 mux chips which may or may not matter but I’ll probably change them out. Everything else looks good. Branded parts on everything else that mattered.

 

MB SD C4 Plus Logic PCB

 

The ethernet phy is the consumer rather than industrial grade but I’m not too fussed about that (more up next). It is using 4 pin xtals. flash for those who care, RAM and flash are all brand name and good looking.

 

MB SD C4 Plus Heat

 

Here are some FLIR pictures on the PCB after a few minutes of running. As you can see the main items of concern would be the MPC, the realtek eth switch chip and the wifi module. I will address these with some heatsink. probably use some thermal gap pad / block to conduct heat from the MPC5200 and the realtek directly to the case. A few of the inductors are also looking a little warm and perhaps they need to be sized up.

I believe, assuming the main heat producers are addressed it really doesn’t matter if the AMD NetPHY chip (AM79C874V) is a C (commercial) or inductrial (I) variant. if its gets to 85c in there you really have other issues to deal with.

 

To sum up:

All in all I’m satisfied with the purchase.

It worked out of the box, the soldering is not NASA quality but good enough.

Some more care could be used on the hand placed parts which I’ll fix when I get around to reworking it (unnecessary, just OCD). Although all components are there, some could be better but those can be addressed by simple rework.

Given the price I couldn’t really expect more.

 

MB SD C4 Plus Using Tips:

1. Be sure to disable/uninstall anti-virus software

There are available with:

MB SD C4 Plus without software and

MB SD C4 Plus with bundled software

 

For the C4 plus with bundled software, it may pop up it contains virus, actually, it is safe.

Please note, anti-virus software can flag up this product software as having a virus. This is a false positive and is due to the software containing the application file like .exe. So Before setup the device software, please disable/uninstall anti-virus software or install a more reliable virus scanner! MB SD C4 Plus with software is completely safe and virus free and all other virus scanners confirm this.

 

2. Whether DoIP works as advertised?

Yes, the DoIP is working for the new Mercedes Benz, please configure DoIP well by following this article: How to Configure MB SD Connect C4 when diagnose Benz DoIP Models?

 

One more related articles:

How to configure MB SD Connect C4 Plus DoIP Wifi Wireless Connection

 

Hope it helps!

Credit to @affa

http://blog.obdii365.com/2021/09/01/mb-sd-c4-plus-doip-all-working-by-pulling-it-apart/

MB SD C4 Xentry Online Update Connection Failed Solution

Here is the working solution to MB star diagnostic system SDConnect C4 Xentry online update Connection failed problem.

 

Problem:

I got the 06/2021 500G xentry hard drive for mb sd connect c4 doip. It failed to connect with network.

Report an error “online update Connection failed. The connection attempt has failed.”

Solution:

The error may be caused by wrong IP setting.

If connect SD C4 with WiFi, you should set IP address automatically.

If connect C4 via USB, manually set IP to

IP address: 172.29.127.1

Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0

Then connect c4 via WiFi.

Follow this way:

Go to Network Connections – Ethernet – Right-click Properties – select Internet Protocol Version 4 (ICP/IPv4) –
use the following IP address:

172.29.127.1

255.255.255.0

and save.

Related video:

MB SD C4 DoIP WiFi setting

https://youtu.be/zzini2YdxpQ

https://www.obdii365.com/service/solve-mb-sd-c4-xentry-online-update-connection.html

Super MB Pro M6 Xentry Data Incomplete Solution

Problem:

I recently got the Super MB Pro M6 with 06/2021 xentry hard drive.  Unfortunately, this error message comes when reading a Mercedes GLC253.

"XENTRY Diagnosis data areas are incomplete or incorrect", error pictures attached:

Solution and Feedback:

i found the bug.  The multiplexer must be configured to 1 in SDConnect Toolkit, otherwise it won't work and will cause an error. 

https://www.obdii365.com/wholesale/super-mb-pro-m6-full-with-software-hdd.html

Xentry Connect C5 Software, Install and Update

 Well, after buying lots of Xentry Connect and working with them, I realized, man they are slow as shit, from booting up the interface, to appearing in xentry control, to opening up xentry, lots of time, this is because it is not like china clones, or SDConnect (C4), or VCI (C6) which are normal interfaces not a whole computer like Connect, so I managed to completely disassemble the interface and see if it is possible to do something about it

So, this interface or minicomputer has the following:
OS: Windows 7 32bit Embedded
MB: HM65 Chipset
CPU: Intel Celeron B810 2 cores 2 threads 1,6Ghz 35w, 2mb L3 cache, PGA989 (2nd gen) this is the biggest issue, cheap shit processor
GPU: Integrated obviously
RAM: 4Gb Samsung DDR3 1333Mhz, can’t put 8gb because windows is 32bit so limited to 3,5Gb
SSD: Xmore quality 256GB
WiFi: Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 2,4Ghz and 5Ghz 300mbps PCIe Half MiniCard not wow but decent
it has a USB dongle into the board, it is 4Gb, no idea what this is

This device is in testing/development at least since 14/07/2011, first versions appeared in at least 2012

I encountered 2 versions of this ssd, 1 with 238GB found on XC older than 2014, 1 with 223GB found on XC newer than 2015

Upgrade: change that celeron cpu to something better, I personally changed it to i7 2640m 2 cores 4 threads 2,8Ghz 3,5Ghz 4Mb cache 35w

From starting xentry program until Data status 2020/06 appeared

Celeron: 57 Seconds
I7 2640m: 25 Seconds

From Sleep mode to No car connected

Celeron: 47 Seconds
I7 2640m: 37 Seconds

MUCH FASTER in Xentry program!!!

The reason why I choose the i7 2640m is because it is the most powerful 2nd gen processor of 35W (VERY IMPORTANT), more watts mean more heat, and the interface only has 1 small radiator and 2 small ventilators (like a laptop), i wouldn’t risk for right now putting a better processor as i’m afraid it will not cool as it should, it will overheat

Tried a 2670qm (4 cores 8 threads) and the interface shuts down, not temperature problem but watt consumption problem, motherboard can’t deliver enough power and shuts down even ventilators completely, so maximum i recommend 2 cores 4 threads

Also, it is possible to install 3rd gen processors but motherboard doesn’t support 3rd gen processors even doe it is the same socket PGA-989

Check attachment regarding Compatible processors for 2nd gen

INSTALL:
1. Take out battery
2. Take out shield from Backside of Xentry Connect, it has double side addesive
3. Unscrew the 6 screws from radiator
4. Take out radiator
5. Turn the small black protection
6. Change cpu with NEW thermal paste
7. Put all back and that’s it

SSD: You could try putting a better ssd, space is enough actually more than needed for only Xentry, it’s ok for Vediamo, WIS/EPC, Monaco etc.
Couldn’t find any data or performance stats for this ssd, never heard about this company, you can clone this ssd with another one and try

Ram: 4Gbs is max for 32bit, even more, no reason to put more than 4Gb ram, only if you somehow manage to install windows 7 embedded on 64bit

WiFi: Looked for the Intel AC-7260 but it is said it is buggy as hell, also you need to change drivers for the wifi card, which is kinda complicated, you can install driver booster on the interface’s windows (through remote desktop connection) and install driver from the wifi card you install

It supports USB 2.0, 3.0 and 3.1

SOFTWARE:

1.1. Xentry Tab (Part of Xentry Kit 2)
This is the software that you will have on your laptop

2 Options:
1. Download separately Xentry Tab from attachment you have there Setup, open and install
2. Skip to 2.1 and install from Xentry Kit 2 folder, you have there Setup, open and install

2.1 Xentry Connect (Part of Xentry Kit 2)

I highly recommend to update interface to latest Xentry, which is 2020.06 also there will not be a newer Xentry for this interface, need to buy kit 3 or 4
1. Link is in the attachment, download KIT2 06-2020 Final Edition
2. Extract with 7zip and copy the folder and put it on a minimum 32Gb USB Stick or External SSD/HDD
3. Installing the release update on the XENTRY Connect

Please note: The XENTRY Connect must be in standby mode to install the release update. You can shut down the XENTRY
Connect directly on the device via the menu (gearwheels button) or from the XENTRY Control session.

4. Connect the power supply unit to the XENTRY Connect and insert the USB data storage medium into a free USB port of
the XENTRY Connect.
5. Now start the update mode of the XENTRY Connect by simultaneously pressing the two “red cross” and “green tick”
buttons.
6. Once “Start update” appears on the display, confirm this with the green tick. The update procedure starts. This will be
indicated as follows on the XENTRY Connect display:

The USB update takes about 100 minutes. The XENTRY Connect indicates when the update is finished on the display.

7. You can complete the process by pressing the “gearwheels” button. Or, wait until the XENTRY Connect automatically
shuts down (approx. 10 minutes after the picture appears on the display).

2.2 Configuration from Xentry Control

1. Start the interface
2. Connect LAN cable to interface and laptop
3. Open Xentry Control and in the top section open configuration
4. Go step by step with lan and wifi and others bla bla

2.3 Xentry License/StartKey
In case your Xentry Connect has expired license, 99% chance because dealership started to use kit 3 from 2018/06, can check by opening StartKey Center or Xentry (No Acces authorization code), then you need to activate license
For this, i’m not publishing for free solution, contact me if needed, activation is 100 Euros

Problems/Issues/Errors:
In case you have Device is booting/Update (when not updating) for looong time, more than 3 minutes

1. Make NORMAL not embedded Windows 7 32bit NOT 64bit USB bootable drive, minimum 4Gbs

In case you have new laptop with USB 3.0 and you have no mouse in Windows 7 install setup, you need to integrate USB 3.0 Drivers into Windows 7 ISO with NTLite, check youtube

2. Take out SSD from Xentry Connect
3. Connect to laptop, or if you have older laptop install in laptop
4. Connect USB Stick with Windows Embedded 7 32bit
5. Select Language, Repair my computer
6. Select Startup Repair, let it do it’s thing
7. Insert SSD back to Xentry Connect and done
VERY IMPORTANT, PUT AT LEAST 1 SCREW to hold SSD to not move, if it moves you will corrupt BCD again (not booting, update/device is booting for long time, jump to 2)

If you have update error, doesn’t matter what error:
1. Open Support Tool
2. Go to Reset
3. Check I have spoken to the Diagnosis UHD and would like to reset the Xentry Connect
4. Click Setting up USB data media
5. Select USB stick (file that will be on USB stick is 1.6KB so insanely small)
6. Insert USB stick into XC
7. Press Tick (Green) and X (Red) at the same time (while in Sleep mode)
8. Let it to it’s Reset (x/15)
9. Perform Update with 2020/06

Only the display is lighting up but no text can be from multiple causes, internal defect, missing hardware display files, bios chip fucked etc.

If you don’t want to change cpu which would be a stupid decision, at least take off the back cover, A LOT of dust accumulated over the years can be there and it is blocking cooling very badly (see picture attached)

OPTIONALLY

DAS Standalone
Vediamo 05.01.01
WIS 2020.04 (after 2020.04 xentry connect no longer supported), i tried copying missing files from 2020.04 to 2020.10 but it doesn’t work and it’s not that simple)
DTS Monaco 8.16

Credits to @ cloud9atom

 

Reliable source of sdconnect C5:

https://www.obdii365.com/wholesale/mb-sd-connect-compact-5-diagnosis.html