(Easy) Techstream on Linux with Virtual Box - Fix for "Unable to connect to VIM"

I got Techstream setup on my Linux laptop, and wanted to help any others struggling with it.

Note: this was the USB adapter I purchased, J2534 from amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/CTobd-Communication-Interface-Techstream-Diagnostic/dp/B0CZ4C3TVM/


Step 1: Install Virtual Box through the package manager in Linux

Step 2: I downloaded the TechStream 12.20.024-v2 .ova file from Step 4 of this thread:
How-To: TechStream In 5 Minutes | IH8MUD Forum

Step 3: Import the .ova file into Virtual Box.

This will setup the virtual Windows XP with Techstream and all the drivers and files needed.

It was at this point that my Linux was not communicating with Virtual Box to recognize the VIM, whereas Windows users will have no issues.

There is a simple fix for this, that many Linux users overlook.

I found the solution on this page:
webcam - Virtualbox not seeing any usb devices in the usb filters settings - Ask Ubuntu.

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This may help you access the USB devices in your guest OS hosted in Ubuntu

First install dkms to your host Ubuntu:

• sudo apt-get install dkms

Next install Gnome-System-Tools to your host Ubuntu:

• sudo apt-get install gnome-system-tools

Now launch the application - Users and Groups in host Ubuntu. If you're using Gnome you can do this by tapping the Super key and type user then click Users and Groups icon to start up the User Settings.

Click Manage Groups, find vboxusers, click properties, add your own user name and any other desired users to the vboxusers group. Click Ok. Alternative to using this GUI tool to add user to the group is to use the command sudo usermod -a -G vboxusers $USER .

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I also installed the extension pack:

sudo apt-get install virtualbox-ext-pack

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After I added my username to the "vboxusers" group, the virtual box was able to detect the vim. As soon as I started it up, it showed New Hardware, and I could detect it using the tools.

Hope this helps anyone out there struggling with Techstream.

 

I want to mention, before you Start the virtual box server, Open the Settings, and disable the Network Adapter under Network.

That way the internet is disconnected for the Virtual Box and you don't have to worry about any backdoors.