Ok, I had reverted to using the DICE aux port so I could still use iPhone's controls, I guess I can get either iPhone controls or DICE controls, but not both. Will have to play around with the DICE controls to see if I like it well enough.

On another note, since you're being so great about answering questions. I have really bad hiss and whine most of the time, especially noticable when listening to podcasts or audiobooks because of the lack of constant noise. Going over bumps in the road will often change the loudness of the hiss/pops/whine, always on a cycle (ie, a series of bumps will increase the volume til a peak, then the next several bumps will decrease the whine until it reaches a minimum and then it starts all over again).

I think a ground loop isolator is what I need for this, and I got the unit from Radio Shack as recommended in the manual, but that has RCA plugs, and I don't see a way to connect this up directly. So my thinking is I'll need to open up the wire bundle from the DICE unit to the CD Changer harness, find a white and red wire, cut them, install RCA plugs on either end and then plug in the isolator? Does that sound about right? I'm not an electrical expert, but I did just install a swamp cooler and new circuit in my house so I'm feeling bolder about it.

-tank157

 

I guess I spoke too soon, the iphone seems to work great now in terms of interface. I dont know if it just needed a reset or if it helps to have the phone already playing when i connect it up but now the controls on both the phone and dice work. That's better than my nano cause it always lost place when I connected up which was bad for podcasts. Now if I can solve the whine I'll be real happy!

 

Tom:

I am ready to get a DICE kit for my 2006 Cooper Cabrio. I have the OEM iPod adapter installed already. I would like to remove that and sell it to offset the cost of purchasing the new DICE kit. I read in another thread that when the dealer installs the OEM adapter, wires are cut and changed. Is this true? Will I need to leave part of the OEM adapter installed for the DICE to work? I really don't want to do that because then I won't be able to sell the OEM unit. I'm ready to order, so please let me know what to do. Thanks.

 

Need help trouble shooting - I installed a DICE H/D Radio Receiver as per the instructions I found online (at DICE site). Attached both 3 and 6 prong adapter.

When I connect the iPod it flashes "OK TO DISCONNECT" between running through screens of iPod menus; and the battery charging indicator comes on. I try to initiate HD Radio on the head in the dash and get a reading of NO MAGAZINE. Then, after about 30 seconds, the iPod charging indicator turns off.

I have checked the Dip Switches, the connectors, and the cables. I even removed and re-installed just to be 100% sure. And nothing.

I have an 05 MCSC with a AM/FM/CD Radio with OEM iPod cable. (No, I did not attach the iPod to that cable expecting it to work with the DICE ).

Any suggestions?????

 

What generation iPod and iPod firmware are you using?

 

Just an update in case anyone else with the whine comes across my postings. Turns out the easier solution to installing the ground loop isolator indeed was moving the unit out of the glovebox and under the passenger's seat. I'm not as fond of this location as it means I can't keep my iPod/iPhone in the cup holder, but the whine is now all gone and I didn't have to do a crash course on soldering to get the ground loop isolator inline. I may play with some other locations in the coming weeks, but for now I'm enjoying my iPhone audio much clearer than before.

 

It is a Nano and is using 1.1.2 Also, would the iPod cause the HD Radio Receiver to not show up on the head unit? I tried disconnecting the iPod from the receiver and it still did not show on the head unit.

 

The NO MAGAZINE message would be a slow response from the iPod. Reboot the iPod and reconnect after the reboot process is completed and clickwheel control is regained.

 

I will give it a go, however I am still wondering why the HD Receiver on it's own is not showing up on the head unit?

 

Hi,

I just got a 2007 mini cooper s convertible with the H/K stereo. I ordered the DICE Radio integration kit. I will try to do the install this weekend. I whish they included detailed instructions with this kit. Hopefully you guys can help me figure things out. The black cable that connects the DICE unit has 3 plugs on it. One small one that goes to the DICE module, and 2 big ones that go to the head unit? Do both big plugs go to the radio? Or is one for something else? Where do you usually mount the DICE unit?

Also, does installing the DICE kit void your warranty?

Thanx for any help.

 

The DICE will not void your vehicle's warranty.

Which kit do you have, the trunk or radio interface kit?

 

The radio one. And I just noticed that I have the auxiliary input allready peinstalled in my car. Is that an issues?

 

No problem, now you'll have 2 AUX kits.

 

I may have to try a similar approach but I doubt it will have much effect in my situation. I have OEM Sirius in my MCS and my DICE module is connected through the Sirius tuner using the BMW CD changer cable. Although the Sirius is crystal clear, the DICE iPod interface has always had an annoying whine. In my case the H/K amp is mounted in the RR compartment and the OEM Sirius is mounted in the LR compartment. The long cable to the DICE unit is run along the left side of the interior, over the center stack and then the DICE module is mounted behind the glovebox so I can keep my iPod in the glovebox and in easy reach. I tried the EAS 15A noise filter and it didn't do a thing for me. As a test, if I totally disconnect the Sirius tuner so that the DICE interface is connected directly to the CD changer cable in the RR corner the whine is gone. So, it only happens when using the BMW cable that allows for the daisy-chain connection of the DICE <shrug>

My wife's cabrio has H/K and no Sirius so her DICE module is hooked up to the CD changer cable in the RR boot and the cable is routed along the right side of her car to the module that is also mounted behing the glovebox. Her DICE has a whine also but not nearly as pronounced as the problem in my car. Wondering if trying the headunit cable for hers might solve her problem. Her original IceLink+ had a headunit cable instead of the CD changer connection but we no longer have it.

I'm also wondering if the fact that the battery cable and a large bundle of wires running along the left side base of my MCS - alongside the DICE cable from front to rear may be adding to my 'problem'. Tom?

BTW - anyone know of someone who might be willing to trade an early '05 (Oct '04 build) headunit that plays MP3s but won't display ID3 tags from the DICE for a newer one (post March/April '05) that will? Perhaps plus a couple of $$ My wife would love to have the iPod text displayed but not willing to spend a bunch to do it.

 

So, does anybody know how those 2 big plugs on the radio cable connect to the radio? Again, I whish there was some detailed instructions for this. Where do you mount the dice unit? How do you pass the ipod cable into the glove compartment? Do you have to drill a hole? Does anybody have pictures of their instalation?

Thanx for any help.

 

This would definitely cause interference, avoid placing the wiring next to any electrical wires or devices if possible.

A 10/04 radio will not have MP3 capabilities, this became available as early as 2/05 and text was also a feature with the newer radio. To date, we have not heard of a radio that played MP3s but did not display text from the DICE. Likely, there is a configuration error and the DICE needs to be set correctly.

 

Are you referring to our R40 harness? If so, simply unplug the main harness to the radio and plug into the R40 harness - we simply tap into your existing harness for a quick and splice-free installation.

 

Text is preset from the factory for non-NAV applications. Be sure the DIP switches are all set to OFF and you are on CD1.

 

Not true. The headunits that began shipping with the '05 model year in the last quarter of 2004 introduced the MP3 capability - which is what we have and I assure you we have always been able to play MP3 CDs in that headunit. However, the headunit firmware changed in late 01/05 to early 02/05 that gave them the text capability. The Dension IceLink+ (predecessor to the DICE unit) was the first to tap into that 'new' capability.

 

tank157 -

What's the status with your iPhone? Are the on phone controls still working to select what you are playing?

I just hooked my DICE unit up today, and my iPod works perfectly - controls on both steering wheel and radio, as well as the iPod interface.

My iPhone, however, is not working. It plays music fine (and fades the music and sends the ring to my car speakers when someone calls - very cool!) and charges when plugged in, but my only way to control it is with the radio controls. The iPhone interface only gives me a screen with an iPod logo and the message "Accessory Attached". I can see the buttons to select artist, album, etc., but the are dimmed and not pressable.

The weird thing is I can press the home button and get to my email, etc., while the music is playing through the DICE. I can even go to the You Tube icon, select a movie, and watch it - when I do this the current song quits playing and the audio for the You Tube video plays through the car speakers!

The only way I can select an album to play is to unplug the iPhone, select that album and start it playing, and then plug it back in. I still get the "Accessory Attached" message but at least it is playing what I want to hear.

BTW - I've tried both "yes" and "no" to the airplane mode question and it makes no difference.

Anyone have any ideas? Thanks!

 

Does the DICE works with a MC03 with a NAV? Thanks

 

I'm trying to install my DICE unit. I had the OEM iPod interface already installed. I need to remove some wires from the wiring harness but do not have access to the special pin removal tool. Tom said something about using a small paint brush with the brush hairs removed. I don't see how that will work. If you know how to remove wires from the harness can you please post or PM? Thanks!

 

The DICE works fine with NAV, however there is a text feature we are working with on NAV-applications that should be sorted out in a later firmware. As soon as this is corrected - the module can be updated.

 

The "paintbrush mod" simply slides over the pins, depressing the barbs ans allowing the pins to be extracted to remove the MINI iPod kit from your vehicle so the DICE can be installed.

Otherwise, you'll need the $60 tool from MINI to complete this task.

 

Tom -

I love my DICE but still can't get my iPhone controls to operate while it is plugged in. Any ideas or plans for a firmware update to help with this? Thanks!