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Navigation & Audio [eas] Official DICE High Definition Radio (w/ iPod support) Q/A thread

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Old May 6, 2007 | 01:04 AM
  #26  
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From: Camano Island, WA, but wish was still Oahu, Hawaii
Question from before wasn't answered, can you still use a CD changer with this?
And, sorry, one last question after that one (I hope), do you lose the ability to have the auxiliary input option if hook this up?
(would you be able to use this, a CD changer, and still have operational aux input)
Thanks
 
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Old May 6, 2007 | 11:06 PM
  #27  
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From: No Where Special
Originally Posted by Keysersozeh
Can you show a picture of how you have the unit installed. Did you just screw it into the kick wall?

I like the idea of using the 2nd sunroof for the antenna since it's not a functional one. There was enough cable to mount it there?

DICE Mounted on Kick Wall


Routing of Wire to Unit


Antenna in Rear Sun Roof 1


Antenna in Rear Sun Roof 2

Egads after looking at these snaps, my cars needs a bath! Where is OctaneGuy when you need him
 
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Old May 7, 2007 | 10:33 AM
  #28  
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From: Phoenix
Thank You for posting these. How difficult was it running cable to the rear sun roof?
 
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Old May 7, 2007 | 02:11 PM
  #29  
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From: No Where Special
Originally Posted by Keysersozeh
How difficult was it running cable to the rear sun roof?

Fairly easy; the plastic thingy around the rear sun roof pops right out with a little squeeze in the middle. From there I was able to fish a well protected piece of 12g electrical wire in the space between the liner and the roof opening to the door frame. One you get to the door, just gently peal back the rubber grommet and hide the wire all the way down to the passenger side service entrance (picture shown). I am not of the mechanically inclined and the entire process took less than 90 minutes.

If you do a search, there are several DIY threads on folks who have run NAV antenna’s this way. For the ground, I found ample attachment locations under the plastic box that houses the alarm sensor. In my case, I extended the supplied ground wire with a short piece of 12g wire (Contrary to directions).

 

Last edited by ootah; May 7, 2007 at 04:05 PM. Reason: ...
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Old May 7, 2007 | 04:24 PM
  #30  
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From: No Where Special
Originally Posted by coopselt
Question from before wasn't answered, can you still use a CD changer with this?
And, sorry, one last question after that one (I hope), do you lose the ability to have the auxiliary input option if hook this up?
(would you be able to use this, a CD changer, and still have operational aux input)
Thanks

Both the DICE and DICE HD have auxiliary inputs as well as Ipod interface and are addressable VIA the head unit controls. As these units use the actual controller for the changer, I do not believe that will be available (vendor question). If you have an HD + AM/FM, Ipod (mass storage of mp3’s), aux input (more mass storage) and mp3 capable single CD player, isn’t an additional CD changer a bit of the department of redundancy department? It’s just a car, a piece of machinery that gets you from point A to B (though with a lot of fun and in style), not your living room.
 
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Old May 7, 2007 | 04:34 PM
  #31  
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From: No Where Special
Did not mean to go off on a rant , my point was with all the options; you will probably find the CD changer all but useless. Unless you already own one, don’t waste the money.
 
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Old May 7, 2007 | 05:07 PM
  #32  
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Can you be more specific about which cars are supported - I've got a 2005 R53 MCSa, I'm not sure what my production date was. Is there a VIN range or other identifying information that can confirm compatibility with early 2005s?
 
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Old May 7, 2007 | 05:47 PM
  #33  
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Originally Posted by BigBrownDog
Can you be more specific about which cars are supported - I've got a 2005 R53 MCSa, I'm not sure what my production date was. Is there a VIN range or other identifying information that can confirm compatibility with early 2005s?
The radio is much more important from the VIN or production date.

1. Turn Radio Off.
2. Turn Radio On.
3. Press and hold the "m" button for about 10 seconds.
4. Press < or > to navigate, you will need to go to the 2nd screen to look for the SW Verison which is in a SV xx-xx xx format.
5. To be text/HD Radio compatible, the radio must be SW 50 or higher.
6. Turn radio off to exit.
 
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Old May 7, 2007 | 11:22 PM
  #34  
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From: Camano Island, WA, but wish was still Oahu, Hawaii
ootah,
Just trying to make sure I know all the options I have, as I only want to do this once, and do it right from the get go...
No where does it say that the dice hd already has an aux input, so I don't have to buy that one if the dice already has one. I don't own an ipod, and I'd rather use a changer. But, I don't want to buy a changer if there is no where left to plug it in.

Tom's been really good about answering all questions, except for that one (whether or not can still use a changer).
 
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Old May 7, 2007 | 11:25 PM
  #35  
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Originally Posted by coopselt
ootah,
Just trying to make sure I know all the options I have, as I only want to do this once, and do it right from the get go...
No where does it say that the dice hd already has an aux input, so I don't have to buy that one if the dice already has one. I don't own an ipod, and I'd rather use a changer. But, I don't want to buy a changer if there is no where left to plug it in.

Tom's been really good about answering all questions, except for that one (whether or not can still use a changer).
Sorry bout that - missed one.

The DICE and the changer cannot be used at the same time since the DICE module emulates that device. You will still have in-dash CD capabilities.
 
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Old May 8, 2007 | 10:08 PM
  #36  
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Originally Posted by bjerk
Tom
Is there a link to this extension or can I find it here locally? I installed the HD Dice and decided to locate the HD Radio antenna on the rear fixed portion of the sunroof. I snaked the antenna to the rear, where the side panel opens up in the boot. I don't think I have enough slack to locate the dice unit under the passenger seat. So I would need an extension of the antenna wire or the dock connector wire. I bought a extension from radioshack for a computer keyboard connection but the pins are slightly different.
Here's the dock cable extension you need:

Extension cable for DICE iPod Dock connector (6 feet)
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=878

Originally Posted by bjerk
Still trying to figure out how to select specific HD radio stations. I have had some stations show up. some have the letter 'S' by the frequency others have HD1. I am still playing with it. Do you have an easy explanation of how this works
Station storing is performed by pressing the >> arrow for +5 seconds, selecting the preset (M1, M2 up to M20) then pressing >> for +5 seconds again to store the station on that specific present location.

Let me know if you need additional help.
 
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Old May 15, 2007 | 10:14 AM
  #37  
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Tom,
I finally had a chance to play around with the HD Dice. I wanted to ask a few questions.

1. When selecting the preset (M1, M2 up to M20) it takes about 10+ seconds for the text to update with the M# selection. Then I press >> for 5+ secs to save it. Is this normal? It just seems like a while before the Track number updates to say the M#

2. Is there a way to clear the presets that have been saved so that I can start over? It took a bit of practice and I think I saved some presets in the wrong locations. I assume I can overwrite them as I go.

3. Regarding the iPod. When I pause the iPod, I hear come clicking noise coming through the speakers. I don't seem to notice when music is playing. any ideas as to what this is or is this normal?

Thanks
DanC
 
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Old May 15, 2007 | 10:37 AM
  #38  
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Originally Posted by bjerk
Tom,
I finally had a chance to play around with the HD Dice. I wanted to ask a few questions.

1. When selecting the preset (M1, M2 up to M20) it takes about 10+ seconds for the text to update with the M# selection. Then I press >> for 5+ secs to save it. Is this normal? It just seems like a while before the Track number updates to say the M#
This is normal, the execute command should only be +3 seconds.

Originally Posted by bjerk
2. Is there a way to clear the presets that have been saved so that I can start over? It took a bit of practice and I think I saved some presets in the wrong locations. I assume I can overwrite them as I go.
You can overwrite the presets with new ones if desired at any time. Removing power to the DICE will clear all presets.

Originally Posted by bjerk
3. Regarding the iPod. When I pause the iPod, I hear come clicking noise coming through the speakers. I don't seem to notice when music is playing. any ideas as to what this is or is this normal?

Thanks
DanC
Is this pertaining to any iPod commands or engine RPM?
 

Last edited by tom @ eas; May 15, 2007 at 10:41 AM.
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Old May 15, 2007 | 11:18 AM
  #39  
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Originally Posted by tom @ eas
Is this pertaining to any iPod commands or engine RPM?
It is not dependant on engine rpm, i dont think. It's most evident when I pause the iPod from the iPod itself and turn the volume up from the head unit.

Originally Posted by tom @ eas
If the battery was not disconnected during installation, it can cause this on some vehicles since it was never properly initialized. Here's what I recommend:

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.
I think I might try this when I get home because I forgot to disconnect the battery when I installed it. opps. Do you think that might help?
 
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Old May 15, 2007 | 11:26 AM
  #40  
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Originally Posted by bjerk
It is not dependant on engine rpm, i dont think. It's most evident when I pause the iPod from the iPod itself and turn the volume up from the head unit.
A bit of digital noise with no audio is normal at high volume, even the MINI CD changer does this at times. When audio is present, this is not heard.

Originally Posted by bjerk
I think I might try this when I get home because I forgot to disconnect the battery when I installed it. opps. Do you think that might help?
Most definitely - give that a try when you have the time.
 
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Old May 22, 2007 | 03:47 PM
  #41  
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Great Thread Tom, I saw the Dice unit at your web site, my MC is due in 2nd week of June, I think this will be an early Mod, with your answers and pics one has a very good idea what the final product is all about.

Thanks
Dean
 
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Old May 22, 2007 | 07:15 PM
  #42  
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Originally Posted by djmarra
Great Thread Tom, I saw the Dice unit at your web site, my MC is due in 2nd week of June, I think this will be an early Mod, with your answers and pics one has a very good idea what the final product is all about.
I assume you mean you are getting a 2007 (R56). Tom will have to verify but I believe DICE is not yet available for the R56.
 
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Old May 22, 2007 | 07:59 PM
  #43  
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Originally Posted by rkw
I assume you mean you are getting a 2007 (R56). Tom will have to verify but I believe DICE is not yet available for the R56.
Nothing for R56 yet, we are looking into options.
 
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Old May 27, 2007 | 02:33 PM
  #44  
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I'm still a bit unclear on what comes in the package (kit). Is any sort of Ipod cable provided? On the website, there is a "Yes +39.00" selection to include an iPod docking cable. Is that required in order to use an iPod?
 
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Old May 28, 2007 | 11:26 AM
  #45  
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Originally Posted by Scavenger
I'm still a bit unclear on what comes in the package (kit). Is any sort of Ipod cable provided? On the website, there is a "Yes +39.00" selection to include an iPod docking cable. Is that required in order to use an iPod?
On the HD DICE, yes - you need the iPod cable we offer as well if you would like to integrate your iPod. On the standard (non HD) kits, the iPod cable is already included.
 
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Old May 30, 2007 | 10:09 AM
  #46  
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OK, silly question...will an iPod Nano integrate the same way as the full iPod? I will be buying a Nano soon so...
 
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Old May 30, 2007 | 10:12 AM
  #47  
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Originally Posted by Sin MINI
OK, silly question...will an iPod Nano integrate the same way as the full iPod? I will be buying a Nano soon so...
Yes, iPod nano is still an iPod.
 
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Old May 30, 2007 | 10:18 AM
  #48  
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Thanks for the QUICK reply!!
 
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Old Jun 11, 2007 | 07:35 PM
  #49  
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Originally Posted by ootah
Fairly easy; the plastic thingy around the rear sun roof pops right out with a little squeeze in the middle. From there I was able to fish a well protected piece of 12g electrical wire in the space between the liner and the roof opening to the door frame. One you get to the door, just gently peal back the rubber grommet and hide the wire all the way down to the passenger side service entrance (picture shown). I am not of the mechanically inclined and the entire process took less than 90 minutes.
Took me a while, but I figured out what this was a picture of. What was the 12g wire for...was the antenna line not long enough?

How did you get the wire from behind the pillar into the doorway? I could not find any openings?

You also said to "peel back the rubber grommet"...Do you mean the seal along the door jam? Not real clear here.

Thanks!
 

Last edited by Sin MINI; Jun 11, 2007 at 07:44 PM.
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Old Jun 19, 2007 | 02:41 PM
  #50  
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Hate to be a pest but my install is awaiting an answer...not clear how the antenna line gets from the rear sunroof to the passenger footwell.
 
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