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Navigation & Audio [eas] Official DICE iPod integration kit Q/A thread

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Old Feb 11, 2008 | 03:09 AM
  #576  
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Some post-installation* questions

* I've installed and tested the unit in my trunk and it works. What I'd like to know is:

1) Can anyone give any protips on running cable from the trunk to the front? I'd have played around with it more today, but I just didn't have the time to fiddle with side panels and such. I am looking for a solution that keeps the cable (mostly) hidden, esp. in the back seat where the kids sit.

A buyer's remorse aside: I think I wish I would have (how's that for grammar?) gone with the HU connection, as Tom suggests. It would have meant doing the dreaded HU removal, but you wouldn't have had the cable running problem. Honestly, its probably six of one, half dozen of the other.

2) I'm having a lot of trouble using the DISC 3 "Next Album" function. It worked when I initially placed the iPod on the DICE. The second test only allowed me to manipulate my playlists and tracks via DISC 1 and DISC 2.

Otherwise, it works with the exception of some finicky text display on the Boost system.
 
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Old Feb 11, 2008 | 11:55 AM
  #577  
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Originally Posted by Itsdchz
Tom,

I know that you do not support the Navigation models yet, and probably never will, but if we do have NAV and are just content with text on the radio itself, can us NAV owner install this without any other interference to the NAV, and will the unit work like we didnt have the NAV and just ignore the display of the NAV? My wife REALLY wants ipod integration and I want the sound quality of a true connection not an AUX. What is your suggestion of which kit to buy, if this is a viable option?
As long as you are content with this, this is ok with NAV.
 
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Old Feb 11, 2008 | 11:56 AM
  #578  
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Originally Posted by Rich.Wolfson
What are the benefits of the radio kit over the boot kit? I am about to buy the boot kit and saw this post. I am assuming I can add a Bluetooth kit and keep the AUX adapter with either.

Rich
The Trunk interface version of the DICE kit allows you to make the necessary connections at the CD Changer cables in the trunk area, and allows 15 feet of cable length to allow placement of your iPod anywhere in the vehicle you like.

The Radio interface version of the DICE kit is a favorite among professional installers. This kit allows a direct connection directly at the radio, eliminating a long cable from the CD changer connectors in the trunk. This also provide a shorter cable route, reducing the possibility of engine noise. The Radio interface kit is also choice for euro models that do not have CD Changer prewiring.
 
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Old Feb 11, 2008 | 12:15 PM
  #579  
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Originally Posted by cabrown
* I've installed and tested the unit in my trunk and it works. What I'd like to know is:

1) Can anyone give any protips on running cable from the trunk to the front? I'd have played around with it more today, but I just didn't have the time to fiddle with side panels and such. I am looking for a solution that keeps the cable (mostly) hidden, esp. in the back seat where the kids sit.
Easiest way would be a direct shot from the rear of the boot to the HU, the cable can be tucked underneath body panels to conceal. If you would like to exchange for the radio harness, we can exchange the harness for you.

Originally Posted by cabrown
A buyer's remorse aside: I think I wish I would have (how's that for grammar?) gone with the HU connection, as Tom suggests. It would have meant doing the dreaded HU removal, but you wouldn't have had the cable running problem. Honestly, its probably six of one, half dozen of the other.

2) I'm having a lot of trouble using the DISC 3 "Next Album" function. It worked when I initially placed the iPod on the DICE. The second test only allowed me to manipulate my playlists and tracks via DISC 1 and DISC 2.
The ALBUM feature is more of a filter in the non-SILVERLINE units and plays ALBUMS within the Playlist you are currently on. An easy way around this would be to create 1 Playlist with your entire iPod for Album browsing. SILVERLINE units can browse by albums without need for additional Playlists.
 
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Old Feb 11, 2008 | 02:10 PM
  #580  
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Originally Posted by tom @ eas
Easiest way would be a direct shot from the rear of the boot to the HU, the cable can be tucked underneath body panels to conceal.
This I know. I'm looking for more details on how to get it done, perhaps with photos. Do you have to tear apart the rear of the car as you do to install speakers, or will the trim give and pop out and back in again? It also appears you can run the cable through the passenger side of the car from wear the rear pocket is located towards the trim near the floor. Has anyone accomplished this?

Originally Posted by tom @ eas
If you would like to exchange for the radio harness, we can exchange the harness for you.
No thanks. I was already shipped the "wrong" cable to begin with when I made my trunk kit order. I should have just kept the radio harness.

Originally Posted by tom @ eas
The ALBUM feature is more of a filter in the non-SILVERLINE units and plays ALBUMS within the Playlist you are currently on. An easy way around this would be to create 1 Playlist with your entire iPod for Album browsing. SILVERLINE units can browse by albums without need for additional Playlists.
That's funny, because I was browsing ALBUMS for which I have no playlists when I initially hooked up my iPod. It was the second and subsequent times the ALBUM feature didn't work at all. Just an observation. I have yet to repeat it.
 
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Old Feb 11, 2008 | 03:50 PM
  #581  
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Originally Posted by cabrown
This I know. I'm looking for more details on how to get it done, perhaps with photos. Do you have to tear apart the rear of the car as you do to install speakers, or will the trim give and pop out and back in again? It also appears you can run the cable through the passenger side of the car from wear the rear pocket is located towards the trim near the floor. Has anyone accomplished this?

No thanks. I was already shipped the "wrong" cable to begin with when I made my trunk kit order. I should have just kept the radio harness.

That's funny, because I was browsing ALBUMS for which I have no playlists when I initially hooked up my iPod. It was the second and subsequent times the ALBUM feature didn't work at all. Just an observation. I have yet to repeat it.
I don't have any pictures handy of the trunk interface installation as most run with the radio interface kit.
 
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Old Feb 13, 2008 | 09:29 AM
  #582  
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I recently purchased the trunk interface version. I was able to install it to the CD changer connections and run the cable under the back seat and through the side up underneath the driver's seat. So far I'm happy with my purchase, but I do have a couple of questions:

1) Per the DICE instructions:
[FONT=ArialMT][SIZE=2]
DICE Mode is best selected when controls from both the iPod and the radio are both desired. On your iPod you will see a DICE logo or checkmark followed by a series of iPod initialization screens for a few seconds before the familiar iPod user interface returns.

When I have my unit in DICE Mode I never see the Ipod user interface. It remains on the DICE logo and I'm unable to use any of the Ipod controls. Have I connected something incorrectly?

2) In Simple Ipod mode, when I turn the car off and start it again, the song I was listening to resumes playing, but I get the "shuffle" and "one-song repeat" icons on the Ipod screen. I then have to back out of the song and turn off the icons. Do I need to disconnect the Ipod from the unit when I turn the car off?

Other than the above I'm very happy. Just a little confused.

Thanks in advance for your help

mm
[/SIZE][/FONT]
 
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Old Feb 13, 2008 | 07:28 PM
  #583  
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Originally Posted by minimode
I recently purchased the trunk interface version. I was able to install it to the CD changer connections and run the cable under the back seat and through the side up underneath the driver's seat. So far I'm happy with my purchase, but I do have a couple of questions:

1) Per the DICE instructions:
[FONT=ArialMT][SIZE=2]
DICE Mode is best selected when controls from both the iPod and the radio are both desired. On your iPod you will see a DICE logo or checkmark followed by a series of iPod initialization screens for a few seconds before the familiar iPod user interface returns.

When I have my unit in DICE Mode I never see the Ipod user interface. It remains on the DICE logo and I'm unable to use any of the Ipod controls. Have I connected something incorrectly?

2) In Simple Ipod mode, when I turn the car off and start it again, the song I was listening to resumes playing, but I get the "shuffle" and "one-song repeat" icons on the Ipod screen. I then have to back out of the song and turn off the icons. Do I need to disconnect the Ipod from the unit when I turn the car off?

Other than the above I'm very happy. Just a little confused.

Thanks in advance for your help

mm
[/SIZE][/FONT]
On the SILVERLINE, you should have all switches on the UP position, can you confirm your switch settings?

Also - do you have the standard DICE or the SILVERLINE?
 
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Old Feb 14, 2008 | 08:55 AM
  #584  
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Originally Posted by tom @ eas
On the SILVERLINE, you should have all switches on the UP position, can you confirm your switch settings?

Also - do you have the standard DICE or the SILVERLINE?
All the switches are in the UP position, but the DICE logo never disappears as the instructions say.

I have the SILVERLINE
 
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Old Feb 14, 2008 | 11:00 AM
  #585  
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Originally Posted by minimode
All the switches are in the UP position, but the DICE logo never disappears as the instructions say.

I have the SILVERLINE
You're very local (we're in Santa Ana), feel free to drop by and we can take a look at your system for you.
 
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Old Feb 14, 2008 | 11:13 AM
  #586  
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Originally Posted by tom @ eas
You're very local (we're in Santa Ana), feel free to drop by and we can take a look at your system for you.
Thanks! I'll have to sneak away from work and come down sometime.
 
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Old Feb 18, 2008 | 07:14 PM
  #587  
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Tom -

I installed the DICE kit on the GP Mini and its not working out when the car is running. Here is a quick run down: The DIP switches are - Car Config; both are OFF - Ipod Config; Locked Mode (only #2 ON).

In the ACC key position, the Ipod works. All button choices work. With the car on AND the headlights on, the radio changes to FM. I can set it back on CDC (Ipod) and within 2 seconds, the it switches to FM. Sometimes it will hold on CDC, but the text is gone and the sound is gone.

Reset the battery, and it works in the ACC position once again. Turn on the car and the headlights - and the same issue surfaces.

This is for a GP Mini. Any suggestions?
 
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Old Feb 18, 2008 | 07:47 PM
  #588  
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Originally Posted by SmokinJoe
Tom -

I installed the DICE kit on the GP Mini and its not working out when the car is running. Here is a quick run down: The DIP switches are - Car Config; both are OFF - Ipod Config; Locked Mode (only #2 ON).

In the ACC key position, the Ipod works. All button choices work. With the car on AND the headlights on, the radio changes to FM. I can set it back on CDC (Ipod) and within 2 seconds, the it switches to FM. Sometimes it will hold on CDC, but the text is gone and the sound is gone.

Reset the battery, and it works in the ACC position once again. Turn on the car and the headlights - and the same issue surfaces.

This is for a GP Mini. Any suggestions?
Retest with all 4 DIP switches in the UP position. Perform the following steps:

1. Disconnect iPod from cable
2. Remove battery cables, negative first
3. Touch battery cable terminals together (away from battery) for +5 seconds, a small spark is normal as this is stored power draining from the system.
4. Allow cables to remain disconnected for about 5-7 minutes
5. Reconnect battery cables onto battery, negative last.
6. Reboot iPod by pressing on MENU and CENTER buttons for +5 seconds and then reconnecting to the DICE cable after the reboot process is completed.

Let me know if these steps correct the problem
 
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Old Feb 18, 2008 | 08:35 PM
  #589  
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Tom -

Followed your steps to the letter. All switches are off. Reset battery and rebotted the Ipod. Double checked all connections. Ensured the newest edition Ipod Nano had version 1.1 installed.

Once everything was reset as suggested the same thing happens. After a couple seconds of the car being on the radio switches to FM and no longer recognizes the DICE.

Very frustrating since I have removed / installed the radio about 6-7 times. I also get the "shuffle" and "one-song repeat" icons on the Ipod screen.
What do you suggest?
 

Last edited by SmokinJoe; Feb 18, 2008 at 08:37 PM.
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Old Feb 19, 2008 | 11:54 AM
  #590  
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Any ideas?
 
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Old Feb 20, 2008 | 06:49 PM
  #591  
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Originally Posted by SmokinJoe
Tom -

Followed your steps to the letter. All switches are off. Reset battery and rebotted the Ipod. Double checked all connections. Ensured the newest edition Ipod Nano had version 1.1 installed.

Once everything was reset as suggested the same thing happens. After a couple seconds of the car being on the radio switches to FM and no longer recognizes the DICE.

Very frustrating since I have removed / installed the radio about 6-7 times. I also get the "shuffle" and "one-song repeat" icons on the Ipod screen.
What do you suggest?
It might be a hardware related issue, please contact me via email with your full name and I'll make the necessary arrangements for an exchange.
 
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Old Feb 22, 2008 | 11:25 AM
  #592  
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Tom- Took the plunge and ordered last night for my wife's 2005 S Drop Top. I was skeptical of the radio interface, as the trunk mount seemd so much easier, so please include all documentation for me to get to the plugs at the back of the radio for installation.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by tom @ eas
As long as you are content with this, this is ok with NAV.
 
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Old Feb 23, 2008 | 10:04 PM
  #593  
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Tom,

Your answer was a little misleading.

There is NO CAPABILITY of TEXT ONLY on the radio when you have a NAV system. It is either all or nothing. I do wish you would have been more clear, as we were very content with the text on the radio, but after installing and going through all of the text options on the DICE, there is no possible way to have the text appear only on the radio. Navigation is almost impossible on the DICE if you have NAV, because all the text features have to be off. A little disappointed with my purchase, and I know my wife is kind of let down as well.

Part of my original text above:

but if we do have NAV and are just content with text on the radio itself, can us NAV owner install this without any other interference to the NAV, and will the unit work like we didnt have the NAV and just ignore the display of the NAV?
Originally Posted by tom @ eas
As long as you are content with this, this is ok with NAV.
 
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Old Feb 24, 2008 | 10:37 AM
  #594  
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Originally Posted by tom @ eas
It might be a hardware related issue, please contact me via email with your full name and I'll make the necessary arrangements for an exchange.
Tom - sent you two emails with the details on the issue.

Thx
 
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Old Feb 25, 2008 | 10:35 AM
  #595  
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Originally Posted by Itsdchz
Tom,

Your answer was a little misleading.

There is NO CAPABILITY of TEXT ONLY on the radio when you have a NAV system. It is either all or nothing. I do wish you would have been more clear, as we were very content with the text on the radio, but after installing and going through all of the text options on the DICE, there is no possible way to have the text appear only on the radio. Navigation is almost impossible on the DICE if you have NAV, because all the text features have to be off. A little disappointed with my purchase, and I know my wife is kind of let down as well.

Part of my original text above:

but if we do have NAV and are just content with text on the radio itself, can us NAV owner install this without any other interference to the NAV, and will the unit work like we didnt have the NAV and just ignore the display of the NAV?
Not misleading at all - text will need to be turned off if you wish to use NAV. DICE is looking into a way around this, but in the meantime is claiming the kits are not compatible with NAV vehicles.
 
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Old Feb 25, 2008 | 10:36 AM
  #596  
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Originally Posted by SmokinJoe
Tom - sent you two emails with the details on the issue.

Thx
Back in the office, will be replying soon.
 
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Old Feb 25, 2008 | 10:53 AM
  #597  
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You stated a response above, based upon my post that (see above):

"As long as you are content with this, this is ok with NAV. "

The above response was from my previous question:

"but if we do have NAV and are just content with text on the radio itself, can us NAV owner install this without any other interference to the NAV,"

How can we have text JUST on the radio and be content with this, as your response suggested?

WE CANNOT HAVE TEXT ON AT ALL OR IT WILL INTERFERE WITH THE NAV!.

Your response suggested that what I wrote was essentially what we could do: Have text on the radio only, and not on the NAV.

This IS NOT possible.....



Originally Posted by tom @ eas
Not misleading at all - text will need to be turned off if you wish to use NAV. DICE is looking into a way around this, but in the meantime is claiming the kits are not compatible with NAV vehicles.
 
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Old Feb 25, 2008 | 10:58 AM
  #598  
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Originally Posted by Itsdchz
You stated a response above, based upon my post that (see above):

"As long as you are content with this, this is ok with NAV. "

The above response was from my previous question:

"but if we do have NAV and are just content with text on the radio itself, can us NAV owner install this without any other interference to the NAV,"

How can we have text JUST on the radio and be content with this, as your response suggested?

WE CANNOT HAVE TEXT ON AT ALL OR IT WILL INTERFERE WITH THE NAV!.

Your response suggested that what I wrote was essentially what we could do: Have text on the radio only, and not on the NAV.

This IS NOT possible.....
You can use the DICE with NAV, but like stated in previous posts - it interferes with the text display from NAV, meaning the 2 devices cannot be used together.

If you would like to return the kit for a refund, please email me your request with your full name and I'll make the necessary arrangements.
 
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Old Feb 25, 2008 | 03:57 PM
  #599  
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Do you have ANY idea on a Genuine (What I mean by this is, are you guys even going to attempt to handle NAV) Time Frame that there will be any text capability with the NAV either on the NAV screen itself or the radio?

If not for $150-$200 more it may be worth using Intravee II system. Isn't there some type of technology you can "borrow" from those guys to get something to work? Frankly my wife doesnt care if the text is only on the radio and/or NAV, as it is just nice to be able to know what song is going to be played. As it stands she had to get rid of all her playlists on her ipod and only have the all music playlist. You cannot use the DICE at all if you have multiple playlists and no text it is way to complicated to navigate, and then you get stuck in playlists or album lists or artists and it is almost impossible to work your way back, and VERY dangerous if attempting while driving....

OH, and is there any way to allow a random shuffle of all tracks without using the RND button on the MINI radio, as it resets at each keystart, and then you are forced to listen to music based upon the order of your playlist, if you dont remember to push the RND button again....

Originally Posted by tom @ eas
You can use the DICE with NAV, but like stated in previous posts - it interferes with the text display from NAV, meaning the 2 devices cannot be used together.

If you would like to return the kit for a refund, please email me your request with your full name and I'll make the necessary arrangements.
 
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Old Feb 25, 2008 | 04:02 PM
  #600  
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Originally Posted by Itsdchz
Do you have ANY idea on a Genuine (What I mean by this is, are you guys even going to attempt to handle NAV) Time Frame that there will be any text capability with the NAV either on the NAV screen itself or the radio?

If not for $150-$200 more it may be worth using Intravee II system. Isn't there some type of technology you can "borrow" from those guys to get something to work? Frankly my wife doesnt care if the text is only on the radio and/or NAV, as it is just nice to be able to know what song is going to be played. As it stands she had to get rid of all her playlists on her ipod and only have the all music playlist. You cannot use the DICE at all if you have multiple playlists and no text it is way to complicated to navigate, and then you get stuck in playlists or album lists or artists and it is almost impossible to work your way back, and VERY dangerous if attempting while driving....

OH, and is there any way to allow a random shuffle of all tracks without using the RND button on the MINI radio, as it resets at each keystart, and then you are forced to listen to music based upon the order of your playlist, if you dont remember to push the RND button again....
This is something that DICE is looking into. No promises or ETA are being made at this point. In the meantime, the DICE kits are listed as not compatible with NAV.

The RND key will stay active until the next key (1-6 or MODE) is pressed or the vehicle is shut off, this is the same behavior as if a CD Changer were installed.
 
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