I haven't had a chance to see this beforehand - but we have a MCS w/ NAV scheduled this weekend for datalogging so we can determine the source of the problem.

I'll keep the thread updated with our findings.

 

EXCELLENT news...

I realize that integrating with the Nav fully and unobtrusively would probably require a lot of research and work to properly implement...

But I hold out hope that you guys are at least able to successfully give Nav owners an easy option to display track info on the head unit and NOT interfere with the Nav screen at all.

I suspect that option will be much easier to figure out, and it would be a godsend to those of us with Nav. I haven't installed my DICE yet but I will be very soon, and I've always been concerned about this issue.

Incidentally, make sure the customer with Nav has the latest OS for the Nav system... it's a free download and upgrade! I believe the current version is V28, which will show up as 4-1/80 from the Settings screen.

 

We have v28 - and highly modified to my likings.

 

I've been interested in DICE but holding back until I'm clear about its behavior with Nav. What I've heard about Icelink Plus is that it either displays text on both the headunit and Nav (taking over the whole screen) at the same time, or no text on either while the Nav map is displayed. I'd be satisfied with the same behavior if it is simple and easy to switch between the two modes.

 

One other thing worth mentioning, I think. The head unit has alzheimer's. It remembers nothing, short term. Make a selection, turn off the car, and when you turn i tback on, it has forgotten all. Applies to selecting Radnom mode, just as it applies to telling to display text on the DICE a certain way.

Would *LOVE* to resolve that, too.

Help us, Obi-wan -- you're our only hope.

 

This, I think, is an Alpine unit problem. I had the same issue with my Icelink where the random setting would have to be set everytime I got in the car. However, that changed when I switched to the Siemens VDO unit (OEM unit here in Europe for TMC). With this unit the setting is retained.

As for the text on the NAV, we are just out of luck. These units are using the Phone portion of the IBUS to send the text. Unfortunetly, when that happens, your NAV thinks that you have an incoming call and displays it. I have tried to see if there was a way to block the NAV from getting the signal, but it looks like it all funnels down one wire. I really don't think that there is anything that DICE or Icelink can do with the current system.

 

Well, I don't like that answer.....

 

Sorry....

 

We don't either - but keep your spirits up, we'll know more during testing.

 

Definetly something that might be able to be controlled digitally.

I really hope that you get it working as it would give me a reason to spend more money.

 

Oh, yeah -- like you need that. Hell, like any of us need that....

 

Uh-oh... I didn't realize the DICE utilized the phone portion of IBUS...

That might be a BIG problem for me. See, I have the OEM bluetooth kit. No, not the simple one. The big crazy expensive one that uses the steering wheel buttons, has a phone mount in the armrest and integrates with the factory Nav.

Since this is of course all phone-related (the way the designers intended it to be), I now am concerned that the DICE will cause additional issues with my OEM Bluetooth... I guess we'll find out soon!

 

It's not a problem - I use the DICE and Bluetooth on my M3 w/ NAV, everything works flawlessly. It's a different field of the phone system that's used.

 

We own both an '05 and '06 MCS with the standard radio and no CD changer. I recently purchased a Creative ZEN VISION:M 30GB MP3 player and was wondering if there was any way of playing this through the radio. Everything I see with the DICE mentions IPOD, IPOD, IPOD. Any hope for those of us who didn't want an IPOD? Thanks in advance for any answers.

 

I recently installed the HD DICE module in my '06 MCS. The installation was pretty straight forward. BUT, now I have a real nasty humm when the Ipod is connected. It is so loud, I can hear it over the music from the iPod. The hum only occures when the ignition is on. It does not happen with the ket switch is in the aux(accessory) position. Any one else have this problem. Any suggestions on a cure?

 

You've got a ground loop issue somewhere. Are you using the iPod connection port and cable or are you using the aux input port on the HD box?

If you're using the aux port and a seperate charger for your iPod, try disconnecting the charger to see if the hum goes away. If it does, you can get a stero signal isolator which would eliminate the ground loop or you could buy the iPod interface cable from DICE and use it to charge your iPod as well as play your tunes.

If you're already using the iPod interface cable, then I suspect that the HD unit is causing the ground loop and may need to be replaced/repaired. I'm sure Tom @ EAS can help troubleshoot this.

Phil

 

I am using the iPod interface cable from DICE. I am going to try and run a separate ground wire directly to the DICE Module. I'll just tap into the DICE harness and connect the ground wire directly to the cars fram back in the boot area where the cd changer harness is. I'll post the results in a few days. To cold here to work in the garage right now.

 

You can use the standard AUX kit for the MINI. This plugs into the back of your radio and will provide an audio input for your Zen.

 

Does sound like a open ground. Does the noise pitch change when the headlights are turned on or off?

 

Yeah, twice in a row now, I've heard one song from the iPod, and then it's locked up. Screen shows next song or next albu cover, but nothing -- no sound, not responsive to radio / nice, not responsive when disconnected. I've ended up waiting for the battery to run out.

Ideas, anyone? This really sucks.

 

What is your iPod Generation and firmware version?

 

Is your MINI equipped with NAV?

 

As stated above, no nav. I've been working with Dension since the product launched, and this change was a very new occurance. Overall, it's worked flawlessly. That said, there's a chance I'm just a fool and did it to myself. I talked to the always helpful Dension tech support team, who suggested I check to see if my lovely wife accidentally or deliberately (heh) hit CD06 a few times and disabled text. HAHAAH. We'll see in about 5 minutes...

 

Tom

I interested in your products. I am kinda getting tired of burning MP3's to CD so I can have more music in my car. I do have the H/K system. I would like to be able to use my Ipod, HD-Radio, and Sat Radio. What would be the best route for me to take? I'm not partial to either provider when it comes to Sat. XM (Would probably be my choice because my family already has 2 XM enabled Cars) Could I get everything I need for that through you?

 

It's a new iPod Nano, running 1.1.1