A Happy ice>link story

[DBHutchins]

After reading all the horror stories, I thought it might be informative to drop a dime on a trouble-free ice link install.

I did scan the forums for dension issues, and have to admit I was hesitant after reading about all the problems. But went ahead today and installed the ice link I got for Xmas from my kid. (Been thinking about this, but too cheap to spring for the $200 myself)!

Anyway: The icelink label said it was a BMW model, and referred to v2.02. That being an outdated firmware, I tried to be certain BEFORE installing whether I needed to update the firmware. Couldn't find out for sure, so just plowed ahead.

As others have reported - the actual removal of the CD and connection of the Ice Link was a snap - maybe 10 minutes because I was being super cautious. Want to try to reuse the CD player in my Bimmer. Heh, Heh!

Anyway, got her installed, turned on the radio, selected CD player, and voila! Away she went. Turned out my firmware was v2.07, so the label isn't related to the electrons inside! I don't have the "BMW text scrolling" optional v2B2, but the warning that this model ice link won't accept that upgrade makes me think I'm not even going to go there.

Sound is fine, controls on the bike work the ipod, and it shuts off after exactly 2 minutes as advertised.

I'm a happy camper! Now to get a bigger ipod!!

Rubber side down, and happy tunes, amigos!

Don
Brussels

[wcarter]

The info on Dension's web page showing the different firmware versions says that iceLinks sold in retail stores included firmware versions 2.05 to 2.07; maybe they used an old label on the unit.

Where did you see the warning that this model iceLink won't accept the upgrade? The Dension description for versions 2.05-2.07 says "For BMW text display, please upgrade to FW v2.B2".

I updated my iceLink and now have the scrolling text on my radio display (good). Unfortunately, I can only play my first five playlists using bike controls, since it will not stay on CD6 or display the iceLink menu on the iPod. My "OK to Disconnect" screen still says v2.07; perhaps the update did not fully "take". I'm a little reluctant to mess with it, though, as long as it will run the playlists.

Don, watch out if you don't keep your bike on a Battery Tender. Mine battery was flat after sitting parked for about two weeks. This was right after I installed the iceLink.

[bowlesj]

Hi Guys,

Congrats to Don, on a trouble free install. Glad it's working well. If you can live without the scrolling text, you should be fine. I would leave well enough alone also. I would have gone back to the original firmware if I could.

I believe I may have been the one to originally post the Hardware v2.02 not being reliable with the v2B.2 firmware update. This has now been verified by 3 different Dension techs. They simply state that the combo may work, but should fail sometime in the future. When I asked why, they didn't know the details, just that it would. So, Dension is sending me a new v2.3 hardware unit. It'll be here Wednesday.

In the mean time my v2.02 with v2B.2 firmware is working fine. Just road 200 miles with no problems. But, if the experts say it's going to fail and are sending me a replacement, I'm going with them. My original firmware was 2.06. And yes, if this firmware (2.05-2.07) is on hardware versions newer than 2.1 you should be OK to update to v2B.2 according to Dension. Pretty confusing for a while, but I think it explains why troubles may occur.

The scrolling text really isn't that big of a deal, it's just nice to have everything working as it should , and remaining that way.

Also, if the splash page shows v2.07, the firmware update did not take.

[DBHutchins]

Thanks for the comments gents,

Weyman: re: the compatibility - what John said! I couldn't care less about scrolling text, and am not going to mess with the thing. Happy as is!

Re: the battery. Yup! Not an issue for me, as I keep Helga on her Battery Tender in the garage as a matter of routine. Only time she's off the tether is when we're on the road. Since we're then riding every day for hours, I think this is a non issue. Also: I've got an oddysey battery in her, and they're reported to have a much higher AH capacity than most standard batteries. Just hope I never find out. :-)

Happy listening, amigos,

Don