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View Full Version : As requested. Ipod/iceLink Fix

ErnieA
Mar 27th, 2006, 7:35 pm
As requested from some members on this board here is the route I took to replace the original CD player with an iceLink Plus from Dension. From last May to this past week the conversion has not gone well. Through many communications with Dension (as others have) I have tried many things to fix the issues (lock-up of the iPod being the most aggravating).

The iceLink Plus comes with the iceLink that plugs into the CD player wiring harness. I located the iceLink under the lip of the inner case of the right side bag. I had located the original docking cradle on the back of the case and slipped the iPod in and all was good... That is until I started riding the bike. The iPod would lock up after a few minutes up to an hour. I tried everything including removing the cradle and putting it into a bag. I even returned the first iceLink and tried another. No luck. I tried several versions of firmware and again, no luck. Here is what I've done to get the unit working:

I obtained a "Docking Cable" from Dension to replace the cradle. I plugged the cable into the iceLink and the other end into the iPod and all was fixed. I think. To be fair to this board I need to use the iPod more to be sure, however I'm been out twice (one 2 hour session and one 5 hour) without any problems.

I'm using a Gen 4 20 gig iPod
The firmware is 2B2 from Dension (available via download)
Text display is download available from Dension (http://www.dension.com/icelink.htm)


The following is my picture detail:

Removing the CD Changer is simple as removing the screws and lifting out the unit: <img src="http://www.bmwlt.com/gallery/files/2/0/1/5/RemovingCDchanger.jpg" alt="RemovingCDchanger" />

What didn't work:

Original iceLink Plus with cradle: <img src="http://www.bmwlt.com/gallery/files/2/0/1/5/iPodincradle.jpg" alt="iPodincradle" />

What is working: <img src="http://www.bmwlt.com/gallery/files/2/0/1/5/DockingCable.JPG" alt="DockingCable" />

iPod is plugged in and protected in a bag: <img src="http://www.bmwlt.com/gallery/files/2/0/1/5/iPodProtection.JPG" alt="iPodProtection" />

Conclusion:

I'm personally thrilled with the performance of my iPod and Dension now. The selection of the play lists via the handlebar selector makes it a snap while riding. I can slam the play lists as fast as I want (jumping tracks) and there is not a lock-up problem. The unit charges itself and that is also a plus. IHTH anyone wanting to try this setup. The extra room in the right bag is very helpful on trips. If you have any questions feel free to drop me a line.
rspyder
Mar 27th, 2006, 9:44 pm
From your picture, it appears you shortened the Ice->link main cable.

I have tried to find the docking cable on the Dension web site, but can't find it. Did you have to call them directly?
bowlesj
Mar 27th, 2006, 11:39 pm
So, whats the difference between the docking cable and the cradle? Isn't the cable for the cradle the same as the docking cable but with some plastic surrounding it? Does Dension mention any specifics?

Also, what do you mean by slam the play lists? My Ice Link has been working great so far, text and all. However, scrolling is a little slow, but that may be a product of my 3rd generation Ipod as much as anything. Can you really flick through menus and lists without waiting for the display to reset each time?

Just curious for comparison reasons.
ErnieA
Mar 28th, 2006, 1:54 pm
From your picture, it appears you shortened the Ice->link main cable.

I have tried to find the docking cable on the Dension web site, but can't find it. Did you have to call them directly?

I pulled the grommet out of the side case and fed the extra cable back through and coiled it under the passenger seat.

The docking cable is available from Dension. Call their customer service and if they play dumb, ask for Chase in tech-assist.

IHTH
ErnieA
Mar 28th, 2006, 2:00 pm
So, whats the difference between the docking cable and the cradle? Isn't the cable for the cradle the same as the docking cable but with some plastic surrounding it? Does Dension mention any specifics?

Also, what do you mean by slam the play lists? My Ice Link has been working great so far, text and all. However, scrolling is a little slow, but that may be a product of my 3rd generation Ipod as much as anything. Can you really flick through menus and lists without waiting for the display to reset each time?

Just curious for comparison reasons.

The docking cable connects and clips into the iPod just like your firewire plug you use from your computer. The cradle is just a rack of pins and the connection is just not as positive. IMHO

From my experience when the iPod was in the cradle I could advance the tracks in the playlists only a few at a time and carefully or else the darn thing would lock. Now I can flick the selector as fast as I want, for as long as I want, and no problems occur. The only thing I've changed is the cradle-to-docking cable conversion. Go figure! I even advanced to track 101+ without a problem, and that in the past would cause a lock. I'm hoping this helps some to not lose faith.:bmw:
rspyder
Mar 29th, 2006, 11:26 pm
Call their customer service and if they play dumb, ask for Chase in tech-assist.

IHTH

You mean they answer the phone! Every time I called, no one answered the phone. I get slung over to voice mail and never get a call back.