Navigation & Audio New info on DICE Electronics iPod adaptor
1st Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 13
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Originally Posted by MINIGolfer1
When I upgraded from my 40gb iPod to my current 60 gb video iPod, i did just what you are asking about. My 40gb model stays in the MINI permanantly, and only take it out to update it when I get new music. I have about 6000 songs on my iPod in the MINI, and I've created 5 different playlists that I can change to, or what I have been doing most of the time is just setting the iPod to play my entire library.
I've not had any problems as of yet (knock on wood). I did learn real quickly though that if you do stick it in the cubby where the cd hookup is, make sure that you flip the switch to lock the iPod, otherwise it could get bumped and put the iPod into a state that it doesn't play anything.
I live in Texas, and it gets very hot here, and I haven't had any problems related to heat (the MINI is garaged at home and at work, so it doesn't sit out in the hot sun all the time.
I've had mine this way since March of this year. I wrapped my iPod in a cloth to help protect the screen, as well as provide some padding for the iPod itself, since the cubby that I have mine in also has my Sirius receiver, and the H/K is in the other cubby. It's a little bit of a tight fit with all the extra cable and the receiver, but it closes up fine, no rattles.
I'm hearing a little of the engine whine, so I think I need to search for the instructions on the mod aht everyone talks about for I believe the ground wire.
Even if you don't have 2 iPods, it only takes about a minute to grab it out of the boot to take it with you.
The main reason I did this was because I didn't want to have to run the long boot cable up to the front (removing the side panels and such just wasn't something that I wanted to tackle at the time). I also did so that the theives couldn't see that I have an iPod in my MINI. Nobody knows it's there unless they are in the car with me and see the text scrolling on the head unit.
I've not had any problems as of yet (knock on wood). I did learn real quickly though that if you do stick it in the cubby where the cd hookup is, make sure that you flip the switch to lock the iPod, otherwise it could get bumped and put the iPod into a state that it doesn't play anything.
I live in Texas, and it gets very hot here, and I haven't had any problems related to heat (the MINI is garaged at home and at work, so it doesn't sit out in the hot sun all the time.
I've had mine this way since March of this year. I wrapped my iPod in a cloth to help protect the screen, as well as provide some padding for the iPod itself, since the cubby that I have mine in also has my Sirius receiver, and the H/K is in the other cubby. It's a little bit of a tight fit with all the extra cable and the receiver, but it closes up fine, no rattles.
I'm hearing a little of the engine whine, so I think I need to search for the instructions on the mod aht everyone talks about for I believe the ground wire.
Even if you don't have 2 iPods, it only takes about a minute to grab it out of the boot to take it with you.
The main reason I did this was because I didn't want to have to run the long boot cable up to the front (removing the side panels and such just wasn't something that I wanted to tackle at the time). I also did so that the theives couldn't see that I have an iPod in my MINI. Nobody knows it's there unless they are in the car with me and see the text scrolling on the head unit.
Cool- thanks for the info
Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 96
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Originally Posted by RobbyD
Just wondering if there is a problem with this that I haven't thought of. If the DICE works really well at operating the ipod, could'nt I avoid having to wire the unit up to the dash by storing the ipod in the little chamber where the cd hook-up is?
Thanks
Thanks
OK, woah. I just had an issue where the ipod was not INITiating with the DICE when I plugged it in. No recognition, no charge, no nothin. So I unplugged from its CD inputs, then plugged it back in, and turned it on. It was working, but the cool thing was that it was showing info on the head unit but it left the NAV alone. Finally! I haven't turned it on again, and I don't know what to expect, but I'll keep ya posted and let you know if I figured out the magic combo.
1st Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 13
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Just thought I'd post an update for anyone thinking of just "plugging and playing". I've done so, and so far so good. There is room in the littloe compartment in the boot for the ipod, and the controller interface works fine. Very groovy.
Well, I went out for a spin and for a while the MFSW wasn't advancing tracks, so I unplugged and reattached, and it was all working fine again- I mean the total NAV control- not really great but I guess I'll live with it. Seems like still some issues in the little cube. I had the box resting above the passenger footwell behind the top of the carpet but it was getting pretty hot down there. I moved it just for good measure.
Neutral
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Wow - this thread is massive. I just tried reading through 13 pages of text. Seems like you guys have had some turbulent times with the DICE. I have 3 questions.
1. Why is this better than the ICE Link Plus?
2. I don't want to use the cradle - is there a way to just use a cable in the DICE kit?
3. I don't have a CD changer. If I purchase, do I need to look for a different type of kit?
Thanks guys!
1. Why is this better than the ICE Link Plus?
2. I don't want to use the cradle - is there a way to just use a cable in the DICE kit?
3. I don't have a CD changer. If I purchase, do I need to look for a different type of kit?
Thanks guys!
OVERDRIVE
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,233
Likes: 128
From: San Francisco
Originally Posted by vetius
1. Why is this better than the ICE Link Plus?
2. I don't want to use the cradle - is there a way to just use a cable in the DICE kit?
3. I don't have a CD changer. If I purchase, do I need to look for a different type of kit?
2. I don't want to use the cradle - is there a way to just use a cable in the DICE kit?
3. I don't have a CD changer. If I purchase, do I need to look for a different type of kit?
- Dension no longer sells ICE Link Plus in the US. It has been replaced by DICE, a different product. There is some kind of corporate reason, like DensionUSA separated from the parent company. In Europe, ICE Link Plus has been updated to a new 2006 version. DICE and ICE Link Plus seem to have nearly identical features.
- The cable is standard and the cradle is an optional extra.
- The cable for the CD changer is prewired in most MINIs (they seem to have stopped prewiring in newer cabrios). DICE also offers an optional connector for the back of the head unit.
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: Sandy, UT
A couple of simple answers
I have had my Dice unit in for a few weeks now, and while I am not an expert, here is my perspective on your questions.
1) Better only in that it is simple to install. Just plug in two connectors, route the cable to where you want your iPod, and you are done.
2) I do not have a cradle either. I just have the cable routed into the glove box and connect my iPod there.
3) You should have a CD changer cable and connectors pre-wired. Look in your boot, on the right side behind the panel. If you have the HK, you will have to look a little harder. There should be two, small connectors taped in there. Those are the CD changer connectors, and what you use to hook up the Dice.
Hope that helps.
1) Better only in that it is simple to install. Just plug in two connectors, route the cable to where you want your iPod, and you are done.
2) I do not have a cradle either. I just have the cable routed into the glove box and connect my iPod there.
3) You should have a CD changer cable and connectors pre-wired. Look in your boot, on the right side behind the panel. If you have the HK, you will have to look a little harder. There should be two, small connectors taped in there. Those are the CD changer connectors, and what you use to hook up the Dice.
Hope that helps.
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
Blown Fuse??
Well, yesterday I went to turn on my iPod via the H/K head unit and I got “NO DISC”. My iPod was charged and connected and for the drive home I couldn’t figure it out?? So being somewhat familiar with auto electronics, the first thing I checked was the 2amp inline fuse. Sure enough it was blown. My DICE unit has been working fine for over 2 months and now a blown fuse. Anyone seen this before? I know it doesn’t take much to blow a 2amp fuse, but I wonder what could have caused this? Glad to see the fused popped before my iPod did …lol
Peepers
Peepers
RHM: Just curious, why do you have a playlist that performs the same role as Shuffle direct from the root menu? That's what I use... Just curious if I'm missing out on something here... Oh, and for new readers, I was of the first batch of DICE 'early adopters' along with several others on this thread. I use it every day, any time I'm in the MINI. Very occasionally does it have some sort of issue on startup, requiring it to be unplugged and replugged in, which is basically a seoft reset. I would say that happens with the same frequency as the iPod Video locking up, itself. Very infrequently, not even remotely inconvenient, and not indicative of a fail in the design. It appears to me that it's hiccups seem related to the iPod being removed from the system while still playing, then changed/used/reconfigured, then reattached on next car restart, and the iPod is not talking with the DICE properly. But that's just speculation. It's a wonderful tool, the best MP3 interface to a vehicle I've ever had. MFSW controls, easy use, charging, MP3 tag data on the HU... I love it. And almost as important, I think it should be reiterated that Zoltan at DICE has consistently provided me with excellent customer service, actually above and beyond typical and expected warranty support (when the first batch needed to be recalled for an upgraded unit)... he's been VERY helpful and a straight shooter. I'd recommend the DICE unit to anyone and everyone (excpeting the nav thing, of which I have no experience) that has a vehicle that will play nice with it. So far, my non-MINI and BMW driving friends are very envious.
I installed the DICE in my 06 MCS with H/K no nav, about 3 months ago. The playlist I usually use has all of my collection, and I just put it on random. Periodically (once every 2-3 weeks), the system seems to hang-up with song titles displaying on the headunit but no music coming out of the stereo. I solve this by unplugging the iPod from the DICE cable and immediately re-connecting it. My iPod is in the glove compartment so I can reach it when I stop at a traffic light. That may be one advantage to not storing the iPod in the boot, but it happens infrequently enough so it probably doesn't matter that much.
So what model DICE do I need to get if I want to connect directly to the HU, not using the changer cable in the boot? I remember reading that it was possible, but can't find the post with the model number....
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
From: Northern Virginia
Sent mine for a re-flash
I'm actually very slow on getting this done, but I purchased my DICE as a pre-order several months ago, received it, plugged it in once to make sure it worked and then put it away since I was in the middle of getting married.
Put it all back together a few months later and noticed that after about a half an hour of play it would freeze up. After checking around I noticed that it seems to be a common problem so I contacted Dension. They were pretty quick to respond and told me that I would likely have to send it in for a reflash of the firmware.
I just sent it last night, so I assume that it will be a week or so before it gets there, gets processed and send back to me. I'm sure that someone else has gone thru this process (since I haven't read the entire 13+ pages of this thread) Could you tell me how it worked after the reflash?.
When it did work the thing is great, although the funny thing is that I find the song title distracting, and might turn them off, and need to actually get around to establishing a few play lists instead of an "Everything" list. I'm looking forward to getting it back and doing a more perminent install. I had the older ICELink+ in my A4 and had the craddle, which uses the same connector as the DICE cable so I have the option of using either. I suspect that I'll just wire it into the rear trunk compartment where the cable connects.
Put it all back together a few months later and noticed that after about a half an hour of play it would freeze up. After checking around I noticed that it seems to be a common problem so I contacted Dension. They were pretty quick to respond and told me that I would likely have to send it in for a reflash of the firmware.
I just sent it last night, so I assume that it will be a week or so before it gets there, gets processed and send back to me. I'm sure that someone else has gone thru this process (since I haven't read the entire 13+ pages of this thread) Could you tell me how it worked after the reflash?.
When it did work the thing is great, although the funny thing is that I find the song title distracting, and might turn them off, and need to actually get around to establishing a few play lists instead of an "Everything" list. I'm looking forward to getting it back and doing a more perminent install. I had the older ICELink+ in my A4 and had the craddle, which uses the same connector as the DICE cable so I have the option of using either. I suspect that I'll just wire it into the rear trunk compartment where the cable connects.
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
DICE box is fried!!
Well, I bought a new fuse today, put it in and the unit started working again - only no sound. So I took apart the console to gain access to the brain / black box and once I got it in my hands I could smell burnt electronics. I open the cover only to find one of the surface mount components was fired (see attached)
I wonder what could have cause this? I've had the unit working fine in my car for over 2+ months. Any ideas? or maybe I just had a defective unit???
Peepers
I wonder what could have cause this? I've had the unit working fine in my car for over 2+ months. Any ideas? or maybe I just had a defective unit???
Peepers
1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: SJC, California
So is there a consensus that the DICE hookup is ready for prime time and have they solved the problems related to the units referred to at the start of this thread? I can't tell from reading the posts. Is there a lag when using the MFSW with no nav? Easy to hook-up but doesn't work all of the time. That's what I'm interpreting.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,585
Likes: 1
From: Augusta, GA
So is there a consensus that the DICE hookup is ready for prime time and have they solved the problems related to the units referred to at the start of this thread? I can't tell from reading the posts. Is there a lag when using the MFSW with no nav? Easy to hook-up but doesn't work all of the time. That's what I'm interpreting.
And I'm happy to say that there is *no* lag when using the MFSW buttons.
And as you said, it's very easy to hook up. Difficulty happens with how **** retentive you want to be about hiding the wire. I ended up stripping the interior on the right side of my MINI to completely hide the DICE (and another unrelated XM) wire.
-Paul!
6th Gear
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,433
Likes: 1
From: Gloucester, MA, USA
Wow - just read this whole thread 
A couple questions please:
- can you select podcasts from the HU menus? If so, how?
- My GP has no CD changer wiring so I need to wire behind the HU; the DICE website only lists a "T" item which uses CD changer wiring, but this website shows an R40 item which appears to be inline HU connector.
Is this the bulky 18" wiring that Fuego mentioned?
Was it what Aminiaman was sent from Dension?
A couple questions please:
- can you select podcasts from the HU menus? If so, how?
- My GP has no CD changer wiring so I need to wire behind the HU; the DICE website only lists a "T" item which uses CD changer wiring, but this website shows an R40 item which appears to be inline HU connector.
Is this the bulky 18" wiring that Fuego mentioned?
Was it what Aminiaman was sent from Dension?
Neutral
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
does anyone know why connecting an iPOD to Dice resets current track or playing position within a song? my nano iPOD when hooked up goes through some kind of initialization cycle showing checkmarks (with stupid message "ok to disconnect") and then starts to play eigher first song in the current album or, even worse, first song in the first play list. is it normall? anybody solved it? thanks.
/max
/max
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,585
Likes: 1
From: Augusta, GA
does anyone know why connecting an iPOD to Dice resets current track or playing position within a song? my nano iPOD when hooked up goes through some kind of initialization cycle showing checkmarks (with stupid message "ok to disconnect") and then starts to play eigher first song in the current album or, even worse, first song in the first play list. is it normall? anybody solved it? thanks.
/max
/max
About the only way to 'solve' it is to leave your iPod connected.
-Paul!
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 526
Likes: 2
From: DFW Texas
Wow - just read this whole thread
A couple questions please:
- can you select podcasts from the HU menus? If so, how?
- My GP has no CD changer wiring so I need to wire behind the HU; the DICE website only lists a "T" item which uses CD changer wiring, but this website shows an R40 item which appears to be inline HU connector.
Is this the bulky 18" wiring that Fuego mentioned?
Was it what Aminiaman was sent from Dension?
A couple questions please:
- can you select podcasts from the HU menus? If so, how?
- My GP has no CD changer wiring so I need to wire behind the HU; the DICE website only lists a "T" item which uses CD changer wiring, but this website shows an R40 item which appears to be inline HU connector.
Is this the bulky 18" wiring that Fuego mentioned?
Was it what Aminiaman was sent from Dension?
As for the podcasts, there is no Podcasts option associated with the H/U buttons. And if you select from the available options: "Playlist, Album, Chapter" it just goes through whatever is on your iPod alphabetically - but does not display their names on the headunit. All in all its the best solution I've found.
Congrats on the GP!
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: S. California
Weirdness
So, its been a while since I've posted here but I have some new insights to add.
I had my DICE unit "temp" installed under the passenger seat and it tended to bounce around somewhat. After some movement, I would tend to hear a hiss come through my speakers which really annoyed me but upon a few other bumps, the hiss would disappear.
I FINALLY got around to finalizing the install hoping this would cure things and I am still having the problem. Has anybody traced a place where a loose connection or wire could be causing this hiss? I've tried DICE and their support page and opened a ticket but have received no reply in about 2 weeks.
Thanks in advance for any help.
I had my DICE unit "temp" installed under the passenger seat and it tended to bounce around somewhat. After some movement, I would tend to hear a hiss come through my speakers which really annoyed me but upon a few other bumps, the hiss would disappear.
I FINALLY got around to finalizing the install hoping this would cure things and I am still having the problem. Has anybody traced a place where a loose connection or wire could be causing this hiss? I've tried DICE and their support page and opened a ticket but have received no reply in about 2 weeks.
Thanks in advance for any help.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,585
Likes: 1
From: Augusta, GA
Be warned though, that there have been scattered reports that a few '06s were built without the cable!
-Paul!