The Hextag programmer, discontinued in February 2021, was a prominent ECU tuning, cloning, and BDM tool developed by Microtronik. Renowned for its speed and versatility, it offered a comprehensive solution for various car and truck brands. While no longer in production, understanding its capabilities provides valuable context for current ECU programming solutions. This article explores the HexTag’s key features, functionalities, and compares it to its successor, the HexProg.
Key Features and Functionalities of HexTag
HexTag excelled in reading ECU D-flash and P-flash with remarkable speed, surpassing many competitors. Its standout feature was enabling ECU cloning and tuning without physically opening the ECU, simplifying complex procedures. This was particularly useful for Bosch MDG1 ECUs. Furthermore, HexTag facilitated ISN extraction from BMW ECUs, a crucial process in key programming and diagnostics.
Three core principles guided HexTag’s design:
- Safety: Unlike some tools notorious for corrupting EEPROM or D-flash, HexTag prioritized safe operation. Its robust design minimized risks associated with ECU programming.
- Ease of Use: HexTag was designed for user-friendliness. Even complex tasks like module repair, mileage reset, ISN retrieval, and VIN changes were streamlined for efficient workflows.
- Competitive Pricing: HexTag offered a compelling price-performance ratio, even compared to less reliable alternatives.
Beyond core functionalities, HexTag boasted a comprehensive suite of capabilities:
- Power Monitoring: A sophisticated power monitoring system ensured safe operation by constantly monitoring current and voltage supplied to the ECU. The system would shut down power within milliseconds of detecting a shortage or overconsumption.
- Key Programming: When paired with AutoHex software, HexTag functioned as a key programmer for BMW, even in all keys lost scenarios.
- CAS Operations: HexTag safely read CAS4/4+ without component removal, repaired corrupted EEPROM in CAS3+, and edited CAS3+ and CAS4 ISN, VIN, and other parameters.
- FRM Repair: One-click FRM repair streamlined a commonly encountered issue.
- Dashboard EEPROM Reset: Quick reset capabilities for various dashboard EEPROM types (M35080, M35160, 080D0WQ, 160D0WQ).
- Key Renewal: Supported key renewal for numerous brands, including Audi, BMW, MINI, Porsche, Nissan, Toyota, Fiat, and Renault.
- Multi-Brand Support: Extended functionalities covered other brands, including Porsche BCM, JLR KVM ECU, Audi/VW BCM, and Mercedes Benz EZS.
- Dedicated Support: Microtronik provided comprehensive online support via live chat, email, phone, and Skype.
HexTag vs. HexProg: A Comparative Analysis
While functionally similar to its successor, the HexProg, HexTag differed in hardware architecture, potentially impacting performance and future expandability. Here’s a comparison:
| Feature | HexTag | HexProg |
|---|---|---|
| Microprocessor | 100 MHz | 220 MHz |
| External Memory | Not Available | Available |
| USB Speed | Full Speed (12Mbps) | High Speed (480 Mbps) |
| Power Protection | Good | Perfect |
| Key Coil | Internal | External |
| Future Support | Limited | Extensive |
Conclusion
The HexTag, though discontinued, represents a significant milestone in ECU programming. Its focus on safety, ease of use, and comprehensive functionality made it a valuable tool for professionals. While the HexProg boasts improved hardware and future-proofing, understanding the HexTag’s capabilities provides valuable insight into the evolution of ECU programming technology. For those seeking current solutions, the HexProg II is the recommended alternative.
