My new IM508... and my VPN experiment (Part 1)

I was excited to order my IM508... finally nearing the end of a long list of tools you need in order to do automotive keys in the present world. They say you should never update Autel tools and you should listen to them. But what if you get a tool that has been made after an update removes features? Can you get them back? Well, lets try some of "fixes" I have seen online with an assist to Nord VPN and something sneaky labelled a "travel VPN router".... one of the best proper true ways to secure your browsing in this day and age. I look forward to the promise that VPN can unlock for a nominal fee...

Many might wonder... why did I not choose the IM608 which is the newest version of the tool available. These two tools have identical real key programming value... but the IM608 provides almost zero value over the IM508 especially since the XP400 Pro can be used with either device. I have seen a handful of videos that show the IM608 providing features the IM508 does not have but its is not worth the 4 figure increase in price over the older tool. At least not yet. They say the IM608 is worth it if you have the budget but there are far better values being offered by diagnostic only tools like those from TopDon then a hybrid tool like the IM608. I will say that if you intend to use a key emulator adapter the IM608 allows for you to hook up both the XP400 Pro AND the emulator usb tool whereas I do not think the IM508 has the number of ports to be able to accomplish this...

A proper backup of my tools in their current state was all I needed to start this line of inquiry. Worst case: my tools will still be what they were when I bought them. Their original selves. So lets get into why all of this is necessary. If you buy American tools they are regulated by American laws. For instance you need to pay for gateway access for dodge, Nissan and other manufacturers that have embraced this new fangled ideology. Xhorse tools, for instance, do not require auto auth for access they... just... have... it. That being said Autel has some of the best tools for vehicle locksmithing even with the changes in regulation that remove features from them. Is there a way around these things?

Let us start with the basics... these new devices (mine was built in 2/13/25) are 64-bit devices unlike their previous versions in many ways. They have different file explorers, different ways of doing things, and require internet access in order to do anything with them... something I am waiting to do until I get my long term VPN solution set up. I was excited to purchase a GL. iNet GXL-AXT1800 travel VPN router based on a value break down I did on their products.... Routers whose sole purpose in life is to extend Wi-Fi networks you encounter when traveling with a truly ninja VPN solution.. mac address emulation. Using a phone as a mobile hotspot does not typically allow for a VPN app to cover the traffic from the hot spot which means this solution is truly optimal going forward.

More on all this in part 2 if you hit the button below!

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