ATTN: ALL Dension ice>Link owners! Please read!

[messenger13]

Before I call/email Chase at Dension, I’m trying to 'circle the wagons' here regarding the issues some have been or are still having with their iPod / ice>Link setup. I was trying to organize a formal survey with bullet points to gather the data, but there are just too many variables. I will collate the data as it comes in. Please take a few moments to reply. I will respond first so you can follow suit. Thanks for your time.



My iPod / ice>Link setup . . .


works properly, all of the time. True or False?
is installed in the right saddlebag. True or False? (If false, where?)
utilizes Dension’s “Docking Cradle”. True or False?
has scrolling text enabled. True or False?
has the latest firmware version (v 2.B2) installed. True or False?
is an ice>Link: PLUS. True or False?
my ice>Link is a version 1.xx. (look on the back) True or False?
my ice>Link is a version 2.xx. (look on the back) True or False?

[messenger13]

False
False, right handlebar - Spider mount
True
True
True
True
False
True

[rspyder]

Joe,
Here is mine...

1. False
2. True
3. True, but I found I pod less likely to lock up if I don't mount cradle to case.
4. True
5. True
6. True
7. False
8. True

[bowlesj]

1. True - So far. Only 300 cold (<35F) miles since final install
2. True
3. True - Placed loosely in a fleece pouch
4. True
5. True
6. True
7. False
8. True - 2.3 to be exact. Which is improved over the 2.02

[motorman587]

Before I call/email Chase at Dension, I’m trying to 'circle the wagons' here regarding the issues some have been or are still having with their iPod / ice>Link setup. I was trying to organize a formal survey with bullet points to gather the data, but there are just too many variables. I will collate the data as it comes in. Please take a few moments to reply. I will respond first so you can follow suit. Thanks for your time.



My iPod / ice>Link setup . . .


works properly, all of the time. True or False?
is installed in the right saddlebag. True or False? (If false, where?)
utilizes Dension’s “Docking Cradle”. True or False?
has scrolling text enabled. True or False?
has the latest firmware version (v 2.B2) installed. True or False?
is an ice>Link: PLUS. True or False?
my ice>Link is a version 1.xx. (look on the back) True or False?
my ice>Link is a version 2.xx. (look on the back) True or False?


What is all that?? Ice Link Ipod???

[vstromboli]

My iPod / ice>Link setup . . .


works properly, all of the time. False
is installed in the right saddlebag. True
utilizes Dension’s “Docking Cradle”. False
has scrolling text enabled. False
has the latest firmware version (v 2.B2) installed. False
is an ice>Link: PLUS. False
my ice>Link is a version 1.xx. (look on the back) True
my ice>Link is a version 2.xx. (look on the back) False

[messenger13]

What is all that?? Ice Link Ipod???An ice>Link: PLUS (http://www.densionusa.com/icelink_info_bmw.htm) is a little doodad that plugs into the CD changer's wiring harness and makes the LT's main unit think that your iPod is the CD changer. It's VERY slick . . . when it works. http://users.pandora.be/eforum/emoticons4u/sad/1004.gif I have a love/hate relationship with mine, and I'm just trying to collect as much data as I can to see if I can help the manufacturer (Dension) fix these issues.

[gfrankum]

works properly, all of the time. False
is installed in the right saddlebag. True
utilizes Dension’s “Docking Cradle”. False (just connector cable)
has scrolling text enabled. True
has the latest firmware version (v 2.B2) installed. True
is an ice>Link: PLUS. True
my ice>Link is a version 1.xx. (look on the back) False
my ice>Link is a version 2.xx. (look on the back) True

I am on my second unit from Dension, first unit quit after 2 days use (I would get no radio display, but the radio would come on for 20 seconds then shut off) Unhooked the unit and radio would work again. Received the replacement unit from Dension, same thing (great for two days, then radio won't work) That's where I'm at now.

Using an Ipod Nano, Icelink Vers 2B2. Any ideas?????

Glen Frankum

[vstromboli]

Joe, let me add that my 1.xx non PLUS unit works most of the time (95%). Occasionally it will stop playing when I restart the bike but turning the radio on and off again resumes normal operation most of the time. Also, cycling the FM/CD button will correct this situation at times.

[messenger13]

Mine tends to work perfectly, OR terribly...depending on it's mood. Every time I think I have the lock-up issue resolved, it comes back. I can use mine for a few rides...all day, and not one single issue. Then, I'll go for a ride and 20 minutes later, FULL lock! And there's nothing I can do to that iPod to get it to unlock until it decides that "it is time" to reset. (15 minutes to 2 hours)

To reveil the "rest of my story" and where I'm going with this whole thing...

Now that I have mounted my iPod mounted on the right handlebar (actually right mirror hole via a Spider-Mount), I don't have as much need for the LT's controls, or the scrolling text. Yesterday, I stumbled across an old cassette adapter and put it in my LT's cassette player. Then I plugged the other end into my iPod; meanwhile my iPod was docked into the ice>Link. I turned the LT's radio on and set it to Cassette and played the iPod. I was very surprised at the audio quality. Then, I pressed the LT's CD button which instantly switched the audio signal from the cassette adapter to the ice>Link, allowing me to perform a very good A/B test. The difference in audio quality was hardly detectable. This really shocked me! This setup is pretty cool. But it kinda turns the ice>Link into a $200 mount that charges the iPod. I think there are cheaper alternatives out there. http://www.r1-forum.com/gallery/images/wink.gif

I'm probably not going to get rid of my ice>Link...but I would like to see if I can help Dension and the people on this forum with these issues. It's not like these things are cheap. For $200, they should work ALL THE TIME! Maybe the v2.3 unit will perform better than my v2.02...time will tell.

[RS6654]

1.True
2.False (Trunk Lid)
3.True (modified to hold Nano)
4.True
5.True
6.True
7.Not sure. (It's mounted under the top box)
8.Not sure. (It's mounted under the top box)

Joe,

My chief complaint is:

It runs the battery down if not kept on the battery maintainer. If I pull the ice>Link fuze, the stereo "loses" the ice>Link and jumps from single CD straight to AUX. Even if I power down the stereo and replace the ice>Link fuze before I turn the stereo back on. In order to get it back I have to replace the ice>Link fuze, pull the stereo fuze and wait a few minutes before I replace it. Only then will the LT stereo "look" for and find the ice>Link.

Ralph

[RVB1019]

My iPod / ice>Link setup :

1. False. Freezes after extended use- over an hour...
2. True
3. True
4. True
5. True
6 False
7. False
8. True

Good luck!

[desertlizard]

1. False
2. False, Icelink is under passenger seat, and cradle is in right side case.
3. True
4. True
5. True
6. True
7. False
8. True

Dale White

[lovetomotor]

Before I call/email Chase at Dension, I’m trying to 'circle the wagons' here regarding the issues some have been or are still having with their iPod / ice>Link setup. I was trying to organize a formal survey with bullet points to gather the data, but there are just too many variables. I will collate the data as it comes in. Please take a few moments to reply. I will respond first so you can follow suit. Thanks for your time.



My iPod / ice>Link setup . . .


works properly, all of the time. True or False?
is installed in the right saddlebag. True or False? (If false, where?)
utilizes Dension’s “Docking Cradle”. True or False?
has scrolling text enabled. True or False?
has the latest firmware version (v 2.B2) installed. True or False?
is an ice>Link: PLUS. True or False?
my ice>Link is a version 1.xx. (look on the back) True or False?
my ice>Link is a version 2.xx. (look on the back) True or False?


1) False
2) True
3) False
4) True
5) True
6) True
7) False
8) True

[ErnieA]

Before I call/email Chase at Dension, I’m trying to 'circle the wagons' here regarding the issues some have been or are still having with their iPod / ice>Link setup. I was trying to organize a formal survey with bullet points to gather the data, but there are just too many variables. I will collate the data as it comes in. Please take a few moments to reply. I will respond first so you can follow suit. Thanks for your time.


My iPod / ice>Link setup . . .

works properly, all of the time. False
is installed in the right saddlebag. True (for now - moving to tank bag soon)
utilizes Dension’s “Docking Cradle”. True (for now - moving to "Docking Cable")
has scrolling text enabled. True
has the latest firmware version (v 2.B2) installed. True
is an ice>Link: PLUS. True
my ice>Link is a version 1.xx. (look on the back) False
my ice>Link is a version 2.xx. (look on the back) True

Chase has been working the tech shows for a couple weeks. Good luck getting help right now. He thinks the fix is in the switch to the "docking cable".

[messenger13]

He (Chase of Dension) thinks the fix is in the switch to the "docking cable".I'm hoping this survey coupled with all of my testing will help resolve all the issues with this silly thing.

[pozo_izquierdo]

My iPod / ice>Link setup . . .


works properly, all of the time. False (freezes up occasionally)
is installed in the right saddlebag. True
utilizes Dension’s “Docking Cradle”. False ( I use Dension's Docking cable)
has scrolling text enabled. False (whatever it means, my'05 shows no song titles)
has the latest firmware version (v 2.B2) installed. True (I guess, hard to check as my bike is apart all over the garage...)
is an ice>Link: PLUS. True
my ice>Link is a version 1.xx. (look on the back) False
my ice>Link is a version 2.xx. (look on the back) True
Regards

[ErnieA]

I'm hoping this survey coupled with all of my testing will help resolve all the issues with this silly thing.

You will do us all a favor Joe. Thanks for initiating the Poll.

Ernie

[wcarter]

Joe, let me add my thanks. Here's my response.

My iPod / ice>Link setup . . .

1. works properly, all of the time. False; CD6 won't display, so cannot use the iceLink setup menu. CD(playlists) 1-5 play normally.
2. is installed in the right saddlebag. False; iceLink module inboard of saddlebag, cable routed to oddments box.
3. utilizes Dension’s “Docking Cradle”. False; replaced cradle with dock connection cable as Denison recommends for iPod Nano.
4. has scrolling text enabled. True.
5. has the latest firmware version (v 2.B2) installed. Attempted to update; scrolling text enabled but welcome screen shows original v.2.0* firmware.
6. is an ice>Link: PLUS. True.
7. my ice>Link is a version 1.xx. (look on the back) False.
8. my ice>Link is a version 2.xx. (look on the back) True.

Same comment about "always on" power consumption.

[McRuss]

My iPod / ice>Link setup . . .

a. works properly, all of the time. True to a point; cant change options
b. is installed in the right saddlebag. True
c. utilizes Dension’s “Docking Cradle”. True
d. has scrolling text enabled. False? (05)
e. has the latest firmware version (v 2.B2) installed. False
f. is an ice>Link: PLUS. True
g. my ice>Link is a version 1.xx. (look on the back) False
h. my ice>Link is a version 2.xx. (look on the back) True

[FredTurner]

1. It never works properly
2. True
3. True
4. False it has never produce any information in the radio window
5. False has V2.02 Need help to up grade
6. Yes it is a Plus
7. False
8. True

[wvandennoort]

works properly, all of the time. False
is installed in the right saddlebag. True
utilizes Dension’s “Docking Cradle”. True


has scrolling text enabled. True


has the latest firmware version (v 2.B2) installed. True


is an ice>Link: PLUS. True


my ice>Link is a version 1.xx. (look on the back) False
my ice>Link is a version 2.02. (look on the back) True

[drmajor]

My iPod / ice>Link setup . . .

1. False?
2. False? Tank Bag. Never Worked in Saddlebag more than 45 min.
3. True
4. has scrolling text enabled. True but doesn't work.
5. has the latest firmware version (v 2.B2)
6. my ice>Link is a version 1.xx. (look on the back) False?
7. my ice>Link is a version 2.xx. (look on the back) True

Still a VERY frustrating device- not a good tool. I never know when it will mess up. Nice when it works though. It loves to lock up. More so when in the saddle bag. Moved it to Tank Bag and it's been better. Today had it mounted on the dash, but vibration aparently locked it up again.

Almost ready to put the RF remote with charger on it and be done with IceLink and just run it through Autocom.

[dandoble]

works properly, all of the time. False
is installed in the right saddlebag. True
utilizes Dension’s “Docking Cradle”. True
has scrolling text enabled. False
has the latest firmware version (v 2.B2) installed. False
is an ice>Link: PLUS. True
my ice>Link is a version 1.xx. (look on the back) False
my ice>Link is a version 2.xx. (look on the back) True (Not sure still mounted in the saddlebag.)
I removed mine because it just froze up all the time. Never scrolled, worked intermitentenly but unreliably. I use the aux plug under the sting ray and just let the I-Pod run. No charge, no scroll, no menus, and out a couple hundred bucks. This is a web (life) lesson. Do not try things published on the site until it has been de-bugged.

[1jusbill1]

My iPod / ice>Link setup . . .

1. works properly, all of the time. False
2. is installed in the right saddlebag. True
3. utilizes Dension’s “Docking Cradle”. False
4. has scrolling text enabled. True
5. has the latest firmware version (v 2.B2) installed. True
6. is an ice>Link: PLUS. True
7. my ice>Link is a version 1.xx. False
8. my ice>Link is a version 2.xx. True

My Icelink was originally installed in the right saddlebag using the docking cradle and it locked up quite a bit. Thinking it was vibration and a more or less upright mounting posture that was causing the lockups, I ordered a docking cable and fashioned a foam cushion that would allow me to lay the Ipod down in the saddlebag. This new set up is better in that it does not "lock up" anymore. I still lose the scrolling feature occasionally and lose the ability to fast forward/fast reverse, but the music keeps playing, displaying "AUX" in the radio window. I simply press the top of the Ipod wheel selector and the middle button simultaneously and reset at a stop and everything works well again. I'd like to get it to work perfectly like everyone else though.

Bill Edwards
Universal City, TX

[ahector]

1. False, occasional freeze ups
2. True
3. False
4. False
5. True
6. True
7. False
8. True

I think that the freeze ups are realted to an overheating problem with the I-pod and/or the Ice Link...... never had a problem til summer when it was hot and both units were very warm to the touch. Additionally, apparantly the Ice-Link draws power even if the I-Pod is disconnected and the bike is totally powered down...... I checked after an overnight stop and the Ice-link stays warm even overnight even though I had un-plugged the I-Pod and shut the bike completely down.
Good luck... hope you can get Dension USA to stand behind their product.

[messenger13]

I think that the freeze ups are realted to an overheating problem with the I-pod and/or the Ice Link...... never had a problem til summer when it was hot and both units were very warm to the touch. Additionally, apparantly the Ice-Link draws power even if the I-Pod is disconnected and the bike is totally powered down...... I checked after an overnight stop and the Ice-link stays warm even overnight even though I had un-plugged the I-Pod and shut the bike completely down.
Good luck... hope you can get Dension USA to stand behind their product.I sure wish it was as simple as just a heat issue. Unfortunately, my testing has proved that this is not the only issue. My iPod is mounted on my right handlebar, so it's getting plenty of ventilation. My ice>Link is under the nose cone, and I know it's getting plenty of air circulation. Still the lock-ups continue. Worse than that is when my iPod locks up while I play it in my garage. My garage is approx 50 to 60 degrees. So much for heat and vibration issues. I am beginning to believe that the ice>Link version 2.xx is simply NOT compatible with our K1200LTs.

I recently bought a BlitzSafe / ice>Link combo unit. It uses a version 1.02 ice>Link. So far...ZERO lock-ups and the combo does not drain my battery once the bike is shut down. Go figure. :rolleyes:

[rspyder]

Joe,
I also thought and still think it is partially a heat issue, but am absolutely convinced it is also a vibration issue with the Dension connector. If I don't mount the cradle to the inside of the sidecase and instead lay it on something soft so that ipod is laying flat but is still held in place, I don't seem to get lockups unless the ipod/cradle bounces around.

If this is an issue on the LT, it should also be an issue in the car.

I still find the laying the IPOD and ice->link module near the front of the sidecase on/in a towel lets it run cooler. If I place the Ipod to the rear of the sidecase where it is hotter, it does still locks up on occasion. But in the front it did just fine for hours in / around Death Valley at 103 degrees

[messenger13]

Joe,
I also thought and still think it is partially a heat issue, but am absolutely convinced it is also a vibration issue with the Dension connector.Then explain why I'm getting lock-ups while my LT is NOT running, and both units are out in the open in my 50° garage. http://www.bigbikeworld.com/forum/smileys/smiley3.gif

So much for heat, OR vibration. Both factors removed.

[rspyder]

Joe,
I must say I have never had a lockup while standing still even if the bike was running. You must have a real lemon, but in this case it can't be used for lemonade. :rolleyes: Hope Dension straightens out your problem.

Just a thought.... my first module was getting warm / hot in hot weather and did get more lockups. I returned it to best buy and got another module which also locked up. I then did the mod to add a heat sink to the voltage regulator and that stopped some / all of the temp lockups.

If the module does get too hot it could damage the ICs

[dtilsen]

1.False
2.True
3.True
4.False
5.False
6.False
7.True
8.True

But i am happy with it. So I have not upgraded to ice link plus. I can live with not having the display. The music quality is great (none of the buzzing or whines that others have reported), it charges it, and has run for over 12 hours continuously on many occasions.

Gives me tunes, so I am satisfied.

[messenger13]

I then did the mod to add a heat sink to the voltage regulator and that stopped some / all of the temp lockups.I guess you won't be returning that unit anytime soon. :o

[jamesgoodchild]

So Joe, have you called Dension yet? Just curious if they have any upgrades for us 05 boys. BTW, how things been with you?

[messenger13]

So Joe, have you called Dension yet? Just curious if they have any upgrades for us 05 boys. BTW, how things been with you?I'll be calling them tomorrow (Wednesday). Today I assembled the information from the survey...I'll let you know what they say as soon as I hear back. I'm hoping to catch Chase sitting at his desk.

[ErnieA]

I'll be calling them tomorrow (Wednesday). Today I assembled the information from the survey...I'll let you know what they say as soon as I hear back. I'm hoping to catch Chase sitting at his desk.

Good luck Joe. If anyone can get somewhere on this you can. I have a "docking" cable on its way here. I should be back in "bidness" as the old saying goes. All I need now is a few weeks of therapy on this darn shoulder.

[jamesgoodchild]

I'll be calling them tomorrow (Wednesday). Today I assembled the information from the survey...I'll let you know what they say as soon as I hear back. I'm hoping to catch Chase sitting at his desk.

Sounds good Joe. Thanks

[strsout]

I recently bought a BlitzSafe / ice>Link combo unit. It uses a version 1.02 ice>Link. So far...ZERO lock-ups and the combo does not drain my battery once the bike is shut down. Go figure. :rolleyes:

Joe,
How did you manager to make it work?
I try the combination for few days, and when it finaly worked, the volume was too high for my bike sound system. I was getting a very distorced sound from the iPod (and yes, I try reducing the volume from the ipod weel, but didnt' help).

Did you do something different?

[jamesgoodchild]

Any updates Joe?

[messenger13]

Any updates Joe?My voicemail messages and emails have gone unanswered. http://users.pandora.be/eforum/emoticons4u/sad/1004.gif

Fortunately for me...I bought an old BlitzSafe/ice>Link (ver 1.x) combo unit and it seems ALL of my issues are fixed. No more lock-ups, and the ice>Link doesn't drain the battery anymore. No scrolling text, but I don't need it.

Monday, I will put another call into Dension.

[jamesgoodchild]

Thanks Joe

[kbrowne]

Any update yet. I e-mailed them also to no avail!

[messenger13]

No reply at all!!!

My only regret in all of this is that I have suggested the Dension ice>Link to others...only to get screwed by a company whose customer support in nonexistant! http://www.bigbikeworld.com/forum/smileys/smiley7.gif I am preparing to sell my newer ice>Link (ver 2.02), and keep my older one (BlitzSafe combo unit) as it doesn't lock-up my iPod. No text or CD6 menu though. Oh well...at least it works.

[bowlesj]

Well, Joe, still thanks for the effort.

Dension wasn't too bad about exchanging my 2.02 for a 2.3 even though I bought it 2nd hand.

I imagine you are just trying to get a response from Chase since he seems to be the most knowledgeable about the LT? I always seem to get a tech person, but they don't instill a lot confidence.

I was out for 60 miles today with no troubles. However, I will not comment definitively about the performance of the v2.3 unit until most of the way through summer and some long hot rides.

Thanks again,

[dandoble]

I for one appreciate the effort Joe make to try new things that have risk. The intension is for the good of all that could benefit from your risk. You may have been a little early with your enthusiasm but we all wanted what you wanted. We all wanted a system to play our I-Pod that would allow us to seamlessly use the full resources of our motorcycles.



I personally think Joe went way beyond the call of duty to help us get what could have been the best of all results. If it did work everyone would be buying it. My guess would be that the market for adapting to LT's is to limited for Denison to invest resources to solve the problem. They would rather just sell the system for cars and be done.



You did not fail, Denison did. Sometimes the best intensions result in failure but it not the failure of those that have tried but the failure of those who quit. You did not quit Denison did. Thanks for your best effort.

[rspyder]

Since the LT ice->link unit is the same as the auto unit and simply replaces the CD changer, I would suspect there are problems with the auto units as well. That may be the reason that there have been substantial firmware changes in a short time.

I would like to hear some feedback from those who have an ice->link in a BMW cage.

BTW, instead of "BMW" in all caps I initially typed "bmw". Spell check responded with a recommendation of "bomb".

[humplatch]

F
T
T
T
T
T
F
T

Thanks for your efforts Joe.

[strsout]

Finally, after a long wait for my radio to be fix, then re-installed it now I'm able to respond this survey.
I just installed my ice-link yesterday night, so do not have too much of time to play with it.

1. works properly, all of the time. True or False?
So far True. It worked on my garage, for about 3 hours with no interruption. I will try it out next Sunday.


2. is installed in the right saddlebag. True or False? (If false, where?)

True. It's not 'installed' on the right saddlebag, but that is the place I'm planning to keep it.
I'm using a 1' cable from Dension instead the 6' cable who came original, plus a 2' cable who connects the Dension cable to the ipod (it's also a Dension cable, I just dont' know the name of this second cable.)


3. utilizes Dension’s “Docking Cradle”. True or False?
False. As I wrote on 2. I'm using some kind of Dension cable that connects the ice-link to the ipod, with no cradle.


4. has scrolling text enabled. True or False?
True. It's showing the music names on the radio screen. BUT (always a but), I'm not being able to move to CD6 and do the settings. Probably I'm doing something wrong. I will read the ice-link issues here before I post a question on that, but for some reazon, when I try to move to CD6 the radio displays "Artists" and stays there for about 30 seconds, and then the radio move to the 'AUX' input by it self. I have to rotate back to CD1 mannually (the CD button on the radio), to get the ipod again.


5. has the latest firmware version (v 2.B2) installed. True or False?
True. the ipod reads V22.B2


6. is an ice>Link: PLUS. True or False?
True.


7. my ice>Link is a version 1.xx. (look on the back) True or False?
False

8. my ice>Link is a version 2.xx. (look on the back) True or False?
True.

[strsout]

CORRECTION
my ice-link is NOT working property:
1. works properly, all of the time. True or False?
Not.
Today, 60F temperature, the ipod was just laying on the sadlebag, a lot of cool air to cool it off and no vibration.
I was listening music for about 90 minutes and working on our helmets (installing mics).
Then I just decided to check the scroling on the radio, and that I read "AUX 2".
I do not have AUX 2 and there is no music with this name.
So I start pussing the FF button to advance music, but the music didn't advance, indee, still playing.
I start playing with the radio buttons. The iPod didn't 'pause' when I change to FM.
Also, on the iPod, the music was playing but the screen was showing only the 'dension' banner.
I assumed that the ice-link crashed and the ipod didn't, so this is why I could still listening the music, but had no control at it.

Bummer.

[1jusbill1]

My Ipod works flawlessly in my 2000 323i, and I mean flawlessly. I've noticed that the scrolling in the 323 is complete whereas the scrolling on the bike is clipped at times, and it's much easier to work with all the menus in the car as opposed to the bike. In the car, the Ipod never locks up, and I'm talking in over 3K miles in 3 days!
I think that the software for the K12 radio is not up to standards for the IceLink. At least, that's been my experience. I've recently updated my '99 K12LT radio/cassette (software version 4.0) to a radio/cd unit (software version 7.0) and I can already tell that the IceLink works better with the new radio. My radion control unit (RCU) software version is 2.0. The scrolling is more complete, but still not in the same category as the 323i.
I'll stick with it for now. My dealings with Dension have been above par.


Bill Edwards
'99 K12LT
'75 R75/6
SS1000/2003 USA Four Corners