ice>Link Plus on 2005 K1200LT - Newb questions

[atps1234]

Hi folks,

I installed an ice>Link Plus on my 2005 K1200LT today. I understand from these forums that the 2005 and later models do not display anything on the LCD display. Sucks, oh well. Anyway I am not sure what version of the firmware is installed, I didn't see it listed anywhere. My questions:

1.) How do I see which version of firmware I have on my ice>Link Plus? I just purchased it in Dec direct from Dension with docking cable.

2.) What version do I need to be running for bets operation on my 2005 LT? Do I need the 2b2 version even though my LT can't display CD text?

3.) I went to the setup menu and changed the charge option to "Play". I understand this only charges the iPod when it's playing (i.e. radio set to CD changer input) so it doesn't run down my battery. Cool. However, when I turn off the ignition, the iPod does not shut down, stays running. The charge status on the iPod shows the unit is not charging, which is good but it doesn't turn off, so the iPod will just run its battery down. The only way I have figured out how to turn it off is to physically disconnect the docking cable, and then when the iPod menu eventually comes back, turn it off manually. Kinda hokey. Ideas? Has anyone figured out how to leave the iPod connected all the time and only come on when the radio is set to the CD changer?

Thanks O knowing ones...

OB

[messenger13]

My questions:

1.) How do I see which version of firmware I have on my ice>Link Plus? I just purchased it in Dec direct from Dension with docking cable.

2.) What version do I need to be running for bets operation on my 2005 LT? Do I need the 2b2 version even though my LT can't display CD text?

3.) I went to the setup menu and changed the charge option to "Play". I understand this only charges the iPod when it's playing (i.e. radio set to CD changer input) so it doesn't run down my battery. Cool. However, when I turn off the ignition, the iPod does not shut down, stays running. The charge status on the iPod shows the unit is not charging, which is good but it doesn't turn off, so the iPod will just run its battery down. The only way I have figured out how to turn it off is to physically disconnect the docking cable, and then when the iPod menu eventually comes back, turn it off manually. Kinda hokey. Ideas? Has anyone figured out how to leave the iPod connected all the time and only come on when the radio is set to the CD changer?My LT is an '02...but I'll answer your questions to the best of my ability.

Plug your iPod into the ice>link and turn the radio on, then switch it to CD. Momentarily, your iPod should display a Dension splash screen. You'll find the current firmware version displayed at the top-right corner. Just for a few seconds though.
You should have the latest firmware version. Check what your reads and report back...making note of EXACTLY what it reads.
First of all, I recommend the "+2Hr" setting. (Trust me on this.) But more on that at a later time. As for your question...have you tried to turn off the radio and watch your iPod for a few minutes. It should turn off in precisely 2 minutes. Let me know if it doesn't.
Feel free to PM me if the thing's driving you nuts. :)

[atps1234]

Well obviously I am not a patient person....

1.) When I switch the stereo to CD, I was looking for the firmware in the first Dension screen that comes up. Turns out a few seconds later the warning screen comes up, that screen lists the firmware...

2.) ...which displays as ICEV22.B2.

3.) Again, patience... I turned off the radio and waited what seemed a logical waiting time for the iPod to turn off.. which apparently was less than 2 mins! Sure as shit, at exactly 2 mins from turning off the radio or switching to FM, the iPod turns off.

OK so now that my eyes are wide open with wonder... why the +2Hr charge setting? Does the iPod not charge 100% while playing?

Thanks Joe! I owe you one... or six...

OB

[messenger13]

OK so now that my eyes are wide open with wonder... why the +2Hr charge setting? Does the iPod not charge 100% while playing?
Glad everything is as it should be. Cool!

As for the charging option...As long as you know how to change that option, you should be good to go. Experiment and find what works best for you. Just don't turn the charging option to 'NO' . . . ever.

Now for some bad news...

I have found that the ice>Link draws power from the LT all of the time. No matter what position the LT's ignition is in. One of my winter projects is to wire in a remote switch to my ice>Link. I'll post when the project is done.

[strsout]

Now for some bad news...

I have found that the ice>Link draws power from the LT all of the time. No matter what position the LT's ignition is in. One of my winter projects is to wire in a remote switch to my ice>Link. I'll post when the project is done.


:) I told you... :)
What I did was I cut the red/blue wire from the CD Changer and also cut the brown wire (no need if you don't want a cigarret adapater), and install a fuse there, after the fuse I used one switch that cames with my PIAA lights that I didnt' used and brought it outside the saddle bag, so I can turn on/off easly.
I installed the switch and on the way back in installed one cigarete adapter, inside the saddle bag, so now I have and extra charger (works for cell phone) any time I need it.
I did it some years ago, with my BlitzSafe, after I find out that the BlitzSafe drains battery.

If you need some pictures I can provide it.

[wcarter]

After I installed my iceLink, I found my battery almost dead. I had locked the forks and thought that would prevent any power drain. I know the radio will operate with the switch off but not the forks locked so I thought I was OK. The dealer said the CD changer always has power so that you can install and remove the CD magazine but I never tried that with the forks locked.

Does the iceLink draw power if the iPod is not connected?

[messenger13]

Does the iceLink draw power if the iPod is not connected?Yes...always.

[atps1234]

Glad everything is as it should be. Cool!

As for the charging option...As long as you know how to change that option, you should be good to go. Experiment and find what works best for you. Just don't turn the charging option to 'NO' . . . ever.

Now for some bad news...

I have found that the ice>Link draws power from the LT all of the time. No matter what position the LT's ignition is in. One of my winter projects is to wire in a remote switch to my ice>Link. I'll post when the project is done.

Sounds like a plan... is it enough to run down the battery? I have only had it installed since the weekend, but I ride every day and so far no problems... I can see how a vacation or something would be a different story..

Looking forward to how people get around the "always on" power problem. I did notice that I was able to eject the CD changer magazine even with the LT's power turned off.. doesn't seem logical to me.

So a power switch on the hot lead from the CD changer harness eh? Anyone know which one that is?

Thanks you guys are simply INDISPENSIBLE....

OB

[atps1234]

:) I told you... :)
What I did was I cut the red/blue wire from the CD Changer and also cut the brown wire (no need if you don't want a cigarret adapater), and install a fuse there, after the fuse I used one switch that cames with my PIAA lights that I didnt' used and brought it outside the saddle bag, so I can turn on/off easly.
I installed the switch and on the way back in installed one cigarete adapter, inside the saddle bag, so now I have and extra charger (works for cell phone) any time I need it.
I did it some years ago, with my BlitzSafe, after I find out that the BlitzSafe drains battery.

If you need some pictures I can provide it.

Sure I would love to see them for one... it is so cool how resourceful you guys are...

Love it!

OB

[messenger13]

So a power switch on the hot lead from the CD changer harness eh? Anyone know which one that is?Scroll a few posts UP. The answer's right there.

And yes, a few days (maybe a week?) without a Battery Tender, and the ice>Link will drain your battery.

[strsout]

Sure I would love to see them for one... it is so cool how resourceful you guys are...

Love it!

OB


Thursday night I will be installing the Ice-Link, version 2.3 and then I will take pictures and post here.

[atps1234]

Hey I had a brain fart on the way home tonight. How about we disconnect and terminate the always-on lead in the CD changer harness and re-connect the ice>link side to a switched power connection?

This would mean the ice>Link would not have any power when the ignition is off (i.e. would not be able to charge the iPod when ignition is off), and unknown impact to the ice>link unit having power disconnected potentially while playing a song.

Just thinking changing to a switched power supply would alleviate the need for a manual switch, which I will probably always forget. Thoughts?

OB

[messenger13]

There's a potential issue with having a switched power supply to the ice>Link. If your LT isn't running and you want to listen to your Pod, you won't be able to. What I recommend is that you use a switched power source that is HOT when the ignition is in the 'ON" or "R" positions, and DEAD when the ignition is in the "OFF" position. In other words, use a switched power supply like the map light.

Having said that, here's how I'm planning on switching the ice>Link's power source. I'm going to simply install a relay (from RadioShack (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062477&cp=2032058.2032230.2032277&parentPage=family)) inline on the CD changer's red/blue wire. Then, I'll use the maplight's positive wire to trip the relay. Make sense? I still may install a manual switch before the relay, so that I can turn off the power to the ice>Link while I'm riding, or when the LT's igniton is in the "R" position. That may be overkill...but I'm just kinda sick like that. :D

[atps1234]

Having said that, here's how I'm planning on switching the ice>Link's power source. I'm going to simply install a relay (from RadioShack (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062477&cp=2032058.2032230.2032277&parentPage=family)) inline on the CD changer's red/blue wire. Then, I'll use the maplight's positive wire to trip the relay. Make sense? I still may install a manual switch before the relay, so that I can turn off the power to the ice>Link while I'm riding, or when the LT's igniton is in the "R" position. That may be overkill...but I'm just kinda sick like that. :D

Slick... I like the sound of that!

Great stuff...
OB

[strsout]

Joe,
can you elaborate a little more on this project?
like, why do you need the relay? why not just a switch device?
(sorry, my knowledge of eletricyte is quite basic.. :( )

[messenger13]

Joe,
can you elaborate a little more on this project?
like, why do you need the relay? why not just a switch device?My biggest concern is that the LT's radio will require that the ice>Link uses the power from the CD's connector (the infamous red/blue wire) in order for it to work properly. So...now we have to figure out how we are going to switch the red/blue wire. Sure, we could just install a switch, but that requires human intervention. And humans fail. The best way (IMO) is to grab a lead from an already-known switched power source (one that works the way you want it to work...like the maplight lead in this case), and use that lead to trip a relay. The relay is now kinda like an auto-switch. When the maplight lead has juice, it tells the relay to send juice to the ice>Link. Making sense yet?

I will be posting pics of my installation soon (within a few weeks).

[strsout]

My biggest concern is that the LT's radio will require that the ice>Link uses the power from the CD's connector (the infamous red/blue wire) in order for it to work properly. So...now we have to figure out how we are going to switch the red/blue wire. Sure, we could just install a switch, but that requires human intervention. And humans fail. The best way (IMO) is to grab a lead from an already-known switched power source (one that works the way you want it to work...like the maplight lead in this case), and use that lead to trip a relay. The relay is now kinda like an auto-switch. When the maplight lead has juice, it tells the relay to send juice to the ice>Link. Making sense yet?

I will be posting pics of my installation soon (within a few weeks).


Just to let you know,
I had that red/blue wire cut and swichted (?? spell?) for many years using the BlitzSafe. Never had any problem with the radio.
I had this button on/off outside the trunk, next to the passanger seat and I just cut the wire, make the loop to the switch and back to the other side of the wire.
Used the radio and/or the iPod+BlitzSafe w/0 any problem.

[messenger13]

Yes, that is fine. Using a relay just makes it more automatic.

[vstromboli]

Yes, that is fine. Using a relay just makes it more automatic.

Joe, I'd be interested in detail how you get this project done myself. NOW I know why I have to keep the LT on a battery tender. I thought the battery itself was going south.

Thanks!

[atps1234]

Not directly related to this topic, but it would be interesting to see what else on the bike is always drawing power. Anyone got the power schematic?

OB

[messenger13]

Not directly related to this topic, but it would be interesting to see what else on the bike is always drawing power.Basically, here's a list of devices that are sucking the life outta your battery when the LT is parked:

The Alarm System, if enabled. I have mine set to manual...so I have to set it. 99% of the time, my alarm is OFF.
The Immobilizer. Again...mine is almost never on.
The clock.
The radio. Otherwise, you'd lose your programmed radio stations. I don't believe they are using flash memory.
The Moronic...er..."Motronic". The LT's computer, per se. This stores the learned fuel curves. Once-in-awhile you should pull the fuse on this little gem to re-teach the LT how you ride. You notice your fuel economy improve...or maybe not. ;)
Hope this helps,

[atps1234]

Ditto me on #1 and #2. The rest, can't do much about. Thanks for the info!

OB