BMW Luxury Touring Community - iPod + Dice from Dencion... it promises!!

strsout

May 17th, 2006, 9:36 pm

Just got my Dice by UPS.
I believe I’m one of the first ones who are getting it from Dension and it is suppose to be a better replacement for the Ice-Link.
The unit is about 2/3 of a cigarette box in size. Weight almost nothing and will fit any were.
It has a much better interface (in my opinion) then the ice-Link. You can navigate by Track, Playlist, and Album, chapter (for books).
You can also connect an extra device using a 1/8” male stereo pin.

It loads fast then ice-link when you turn on.
The radio display seams to be the same on our bike, but looks like you have much more display on a regular BMW car radio now.

It will work with iPod 3G, 4G, Photo, Video, Nano and Mini (sorry, no chance for 2G or for the first generation iPods. Talked with Dension and it’s a no no)

My first trip now will be on 25, so I will be able to evaluate it after many ours playing.

The way you navigate is nice:

Press the > once and it goes to the next music on that playlist, album or chapter.
Press the > and old until it goes to CD2 then you are in a Playlist mode. You can now press > and you will be navigating thru the playlists. Once you find the one you like, just press < and hold until you are back on the CD1 (tracks) then you will be able to play that play list.
Same concept to albums and chapters
I think is much easier then ice-Link

I would like to give a 5 stars to Dension USA support team. They are fast and very friendly.

ErnieA

May 18th, 2006, 12:12 am

yaklt

May 18th, 2006, 12:50 am

Is this thing _really_ $399.00 ????

What did you order - Dice for a 3 series, w/ CD changer interface?

wcarter

May 18th, 2006, 7:01 am

Looks to me like the price is $159.99. I wonder if it drains your battery? If not, I wonder if Dension would let me exchange my IceLink Plus for a Dice? They'd probably say...No Dice!

messenger13

May 18th, 2006, 7:10 am

I wonder if Dension would let me exchange my IceLink Plus for a Dice? They'd probably say...No Dice!Good question! :thumb:

car61

May 18th, 2006, 8:47 am

I wonder if Dension would let me exchange my IceLink Plus for a Dice? They'd probably say...No Dice!

I think Dension should give us something for test martketing thier product..

messenger13

May 18th, 2006, 8:50 am

I think Dension should give us something for test martketing thier product..Good luck with THAT. :rolleyes:

strsout

May 18th, 2006, 8:54 am

Fine! Just after a year of hell making the darn iceLink work, and then they make something better. I guess that is what I get for stepping into the emerging product market. I feel like I've been a guinea pig for Dension. Please run your new toy through as much riggor as possible and post a report. Dension (http://www.densionusa.com/)

Well Ernie,
I fell exactly like you with this new product :) :)
Am I being a guinea pig for Dice ? ! :)
I fell confident that it will work after talking with the tech guy at Dension. He was very positive on this new product, but after all, who releases a new product and advertise "it's bad... do not buy it" :) :)

I will try to prepare an detailed report right after my trip so we can have a better idea.

strsout

May 18th, 2006, 8:58 am

Is this thing _really_ $399.00 ????

What did you order - Dice for a 3 series, w/ CD changer interface?

I belive the price would be $159 and I have to check what they sent to me.
As I wrote in another post, my 1 month old Ice-Link broke down and stop working (the radio had a message "NO RADIO" when the Ice-Link was ON), so I sent it back to Dension and they ask me is I would be willing to wait couple weeks for the new product. I said yes and yesterday it arrives.
I will get what is on the label tonight and post here, but it works perfect, from the first time. It was a good.

strsout

May 18th, 2006, 9:02 am

Looks to me like the price is $159.99. I wonder if it drains your battery? If not, I wonder if Dension would let me exchange my IceLink Plus for a Dice? They'd probably say...No Dice!

Is there any easy/fast way to check if it is draining the battery?
My test is connect it and measure the battery every 5 to 6 hours to see if the drain is over the normal. Wonder if I can have a device to tell me it right way.

This is the model:
http://www.diceelectronics.com/ipod_integration.htm
choose BMW and it should be one model for all BMW radios.

Bob

May 18th, 2006, 10:01 am

I just picked up my 06 a few weeks back and asked not to have the CD changer installed. I have wanted to use my Ipod. What more can you tell me about the new gear? Also, after 2 weeks of riding the bike is in the shop for a bad fuel pump. The dang thing stranded me in Tahoe, CA this last weekend and BMW Roadside could/would not deliver! Grrr.
You got to know that got me a bit crummy under the biscuit.

Bob Weir
99' K1200ltc CR
06' K1200lt DM
82' Seca 750 frankenstein

yaklt

May 19th, 2006, 7:41 pm

Is there any easy/fast way to check if it is draining the battery?
My test is connect it and measure the battery every 5 to 6 hours to see if the drain is over the normal. Wonder if I can have a device to tell me it right way.
This is the model:
http://www.diceelectronics.com/ipod_integration.htm
choose BMW and it should be one model for all BMW radios.Thanks for the info (I see it is $159...).

Fast drain check? Mmmm... you should be able to pop your seat, measure the quiescent current out of your battery, bike off (couple of ways to do that- for small drain, pull a battery cable off and put a good qulity VOM in series to measure milliamps). Repeat w/ Dice and compare. A little math will tell you if it's anything to worry about (as well as comparing what the clock, etc. does).

strsout

May 28th, 2006, 9:30 am

Primary report on Dice

I'm half way on my weekend trip and would like to share some comments on the new Dension Dice for iPod.

It work pretty good.
My iPod lock only once and it wasn't the dension 100% fault.
Actually, I found this situation and now I can lock the ipod any time I want... it's good because at least I can reproduce the lock: if the wife and I try to skeep a music, at the same time, the ipod locks behiond solution. You must need to wait until the battery dies so it can be unlocked. (yes, I try menu+play).
So, since we realized that, only one changes the songs :)
Over then that, yesterday the Dice worked for about 10 hours, going back and for on music and playlists w/o any problem.
I will give more details at the end of my trip

messenger13

May 28th, 2006, 10:38 am

My iPod lock only once and it wasn't the dension 100% fault.
Actually, I found this situation and now I can lock the ipod any time I want... it's good because at least I can reproduce the lock: if the wife and I try to skeep a music, at the same time, the ipod locks behiond solution.This is typical behavior for the iPod in a vibration plaqued environment.

mhmorg

May 29th, 2006, 5:21 am

I have purchased the Dice, its on the way! Just a few questions, how do you move between songs. Should I make song lists or just move between my entire songs. Can you move between artist or albums. Just wondering how friendly is the interface?

How is the battery drain?

Any help will be appreciated!

Thanks

Alton IL
2002 LTC

meese

May 29th, 2006, 5:41 am

This is typical behavior for the iPod in a vibration plaqued environment.My iPod's been in the oddments box for more than 70K miles without any lockup issues. No Dension, just a direct connection to the intercom using an iPod remote wired to the handlebar controls to change tracks.

messenger13

May 29th, 2006, 9:50 am

My iPod's been in the oddments box for more than 70K miles without any lockup issues. No Dension, just a direct connection to the intercom using an iPod remote wired to the handlebar controls to change tracks.But your iPod has three little gerbils that run to keep the battery charged. I'm talking 4G / 5G models. My 4th Generation 60GB Photo will lockup on either bike if it is placed in the wrong spot where vibration is a factor. Belga1976 has had the same experience with his 60GB Photo on his LT and his RS.

The new iPods hate vibration. Too bad Microsoft didn't make the things. They would be more resilient! :D Or at least have a way to unlock them...instead of waiting for the battery to drain. Apple SUCKS!

meese

May 29th, 2006, 1:14 pm

Now Joe, it's time for your medication again. There, that's better. :)

messenger13

May 29th, 2006, 1:24 pm

Now Joe, it's time for your medication again. There, that's better. :)But it's too early for a Guinness! Hhmmn...

Or is it?! :D

After all...it IS Memorial Day! Cheers! http://techhelpers.net/e4u/drink/trink39.gif

strsout

May 30th, 2006, 1:48 pm

This is typical behavior for the iPod in a vibration plaqued environment.

And there is any know way to 'unlock'? I mean, other then waiting for the battery drains?

messenger13

May 30th, 2006, 1:58 pm

And there is any know way to 'unlock'? I mean, other then waiting for the battery drains?
I have had random success by pressing and holding a combination of:

The top & bottom button of the scroll wheel
The top & middle button of the scroll wheel
or, the middle & bottom button of the scroll wheel
I think it's amazingly ridiculous that there is no way to reset an iPod under a full lock condition, until it feels like it! I think this is just evidence of Apple's cockiness that their products NEVER fail. And their "followers" buy this K-Wrap hook, line, and sinker!

I love my iPod. But this one short-coming is simply just poor engineering & design! (OK...it has more than "one" shortcoming. The menus suck! And not being able to change the font is also laughable, to say the least. I think I'll stop now...)

oknplm

May 30th, 2006, 2:20 pm

I agree! I put my Ipod back into the oddment box and input through the aux access. With the 05 communications system it allows me to change volume and does the automatic volume adjustment while riding. I had previously bought both the original Ice-Link and the plus version for my 03. Based on some of the problems I experienced after a few months of ownership, on both Ice-Link models, I think Ice-Link is a waste of money. Dension and quality product support should not be used in the same sentence. The aux input is a nice low tech solution to having a perfect and uncomplicated access to your Ipod tunes.

May we never find the end of the road!

Perry Ridgway

oknplm

My iPod's been in the oddments box for more than 70K miles without any lockup issues. No Dension, just a direct connection to the intercom using an iPod remote wired to the handlebar controls to change tracks.

meese

May 30th, 2006, 10:44 pm

I love my iPod. But this one short-coming . . .Kinda sounds like BMW, doesn't it? Almost perfect, except for
that one incredibly inane thing they throw in. I think it's just so that you know how lucky you are to own their product. :)

mhmorg

Jun 1st, 2006, 6:30 am

I will be installing the dice and will be headed out for a 4 day motorcycle trip. I will be doing alot of camping. Question how quickly will and if one of these units drain your battery without starting and running your bike? (Overnight, a few days, weeks. I have a odysey about 2 yrs old. Any experience with the Ice Link and how quickly this would drain your battery.

messenger13

Jun 1st, 2006, 6:33 am

The ice>Link does not drain your battery over-night. It takes 3-5 days, IIRC.

strsout

Jun 1st, 2006, 11:11 am

This is my final report on the new Dice iPod Integration Kit
After almost 2.000 miles listening music thru my Dice+iPode setup I can tell you that I would give 9.1 for the device.
If you want to read about this trip to Moab, UT and Ouray, CO you can at:
http://www.viajareua.com/MoabOuray.html

I’m not a sound expert. I’m not iPod/Apple related. I’m not and electrical expert. I’m not Dice/Dension related.
That sad, this is my experience with Dice, the new Dension iPod interface:

The supported iPod models so far are:
3G with some restrictions on FF/RW for Albums and Chapters
4G
Photo
Vídeo
Nano
Mini

I’m using the iPod Photo 60Mb with Dock cable (not cradle), installed inside the right saddlebag. I removed the CD Player and installed it under the rim that the CD Player left on the saddlebag. The Dice and the cables fit right under it and will not interfere with any inner bag you may have with your stuff.
I have a switch to power the Dice, since it will drain your battery in about 4 to 6 days. So if you were traveling, I would not bother to turn off, but if the bike is parked on your garage for a week I turn the switch off.
Also I installed a cigarette outlet, regular size, there, so I can charge the cell phone if it is need.

My experience
It worked very well during the whole trip. The only crash on the iPod I had was when the wife and I, using our respective controls on the bike, try to skip one music. Then we had to wait until the iPod battery complete depletes in order to the iPod work again.

That is a situation where if you put the iPod on the iPod Cradle, it will restart the iPod again, but how many people carry the house cradle with you bike? So we had to wait for the time it crash (late afternoon) until the next day to use it again (maybe Dice could implement a Reset feature for the iPod?).
Once I realized that, now the wife controls the volume, but to change music/playlist I’m doing from the front controls.
What I will try next trip will be that she does all and I will not touch the front controls, just to see if is something related to both of us pressing the controls at the same time.

The controls are easy to use:
You connect the iPod and if you have a current switch like I do, turn it on. Then turn the radio on. (it’s important to have the iPod on before the radio).
The ipod will start playing your playlist number 1 (the first. So is a good idea to give numbers to your playlist instead of names. My is like 1Rock, 2BestRock, 3Coutry, 4Gospel, 5Brazil, and so on).
If you want to change playlist, press the > for about 2 or 3 seconds and the display will show “PLAYLIST”. Now you can press the > or < quickly and you will be moving on the playlists (1, 2, 3, … ). When you find the playlist you want to play, just press the < for about 2 to 3 seconds and the music from that playlist will start playing.
You can play by Album and Chapter too, but I didn’t use those options so far.
Also, if you have more than one input source (i.e. iPod and Satellite Radio…) you can switch the source using the same method: hold the > for 2 seconds, it will move from DISK1 to DISK2=Playlist,
DISK3=Album
DISK4=Chapter
DISK5=Source
DISK6=Text display enable/disable

Once you are on each mode (Dice uses each DISK to set MODE) you can just push > or < quickly and it will move to the next playlist, next album, next chapter, next source respectively.

Why 9.1 and not 10?

Well, basically because two points: 1) the playlist should display the iPod playlist name and not the number 1, 2, 3, … If you have many playlists, you will need a memo paper on your tank bag to remember what do you have were.
2) This is a problem: at every music when it starts it plays for 1 or 2 seconds, skip about a fraction of second and resume the play. Looks like you miss few beats on each beginning of each music. I will send it to Dension and I hope they will fix it.
Other than that no problem. I rode from 30F to 104F with the iPod and the Dice on the right saddlebag and the iPod was hot every end of the day when I checked it.

jamesgoodchild

Jun 2nd, 2006, 8:17 am

Hmmm, does anyone know if the DICE will work with the 05/06 radio units to display the songs? The IceLink could never do that.

strsout

Jun 2nd, 2006, 9:09 am

I'm attaching some pictures

strsout

Jun 2nd, 2006, 9:11 am

Hmmm, does anyone know if the DICE will work with the 05/06 radio units to display the songs? The IceLink could never do that.

If any one with a 2005, 2006 living near my house want's to stop by this Sunday and check it, I will be willing to install the Dice on his/her bike and give a try.
Any other day, please give me a PM first.

unleashd

Jun 2nd, 2006, 12:16 pm

The only crash on the iPod I had was when the wife and I, using our respective controls on the bike, try to skip one music. Then we had to wait until the iPod battery complete depletes in order to the iPod work again.

Instead of waiting for the Ipod battery to deplete, did you try the normal way of resetting the 60G Photo Ipod? I have the same model and when it locks up, I just unpug the cables and then hold the Menu+Select buttons down "together" for a about 10 seconds and the ipod will reboot.

Just thought I'd mention this. The first time my Ipod locked up on me, i was on a roadtrip and about 300 miles from home. I was so POd with myself for not knowing how to reset this. Worst situation was that I had left the CDs at home, since I had over 4K songs on the Ipod :eek: Made for one boring return trip!!!

strsout

Jun 2nd, 2006, 1:30 pm

Instead of waiting for the Ipod battery to deplete, did you try the normal way of resetting the 60G Photo Ipod? I have the same model and when it locks up, I just unpug the cables and then hold the Menu+Select buttons down "together" for a about 10 seconds and the ipod will reboot.

Just thought I'd mention this. The first time my Ipod locked up on me, i was on a roadtrip and about 300 miles from home. I was so POd with myself for not knowing how to reset this. Worst situation was that I had left the CDs at home, since I had over 4K songs on the Ipod :eek: Made for one boring return trip!!!

Unfortunately this lockup is behind solution so far.
It happens in some un-know situations (other member here had the problem too) and the Apple Reset Procedure Menu+Play or Menu+Select won't work on this kind of lockup. :(

wallyo

Jun 3rd, 2006, 8:30 am

messenger13

Jun 3rd, 2006, 8:35 am

FWIW. I might be wrong but I thought I read that the correct way is to first toggle the sliding lock switch to LOCK and then back and then hold in the menu-select buttons.This is indeed new information to me...I will try it next time. Thanks. :)

(And don't worry, I won't get mad at you if it doesn't work. I'll keep my anger appropriately aimed.) ;)

strsout

Jun 3rd, 2006, 5:07 pm

FWIW. I might be wrong but I thought I read that the correct way is to first toggle the sliding lock switch to LOCK and then back and then hold in the menu-select buttons. This has worked for me at times when the menu-select by itself did not work.

Wally,
this is the right way to do it, if your iPod can be restar (most of the cases).

I had the luck (bad or god??? I'm not sure), that it happens once comming back from Santa Barbara, CA. What I did was I keept the iPod being charged and went strait to the Apple Store at Santa Monica.
Those kids thee they did everything with the controls, since I told they not to put it in a cradle (if you do, the iPod will work).
They could not unlock the iPod.
So I would say you were luck so far that your iPod didn't crach for good :)

mhmorg

Jun 5th, 2006, 5:27 pm

Ok with the Help of another member of this post I installed my Dice today!
It was simple. I had one of the same problems with a slight pause at the start of the song, something I think I can live with. The tech support at Dension was helpful I spoke with Mark. Controls work great you can see song title and artist scrolling accross your stingray.
I found that the issue on draining the battery with the ice-link was researched and corrected during the build of the Dice. The ice-link used about 50 ma. The Dice use was around 6 ma.

I am not sure what the clock and alarm pulls, do to the fact that I hardly can change the remote on the TV. My wife will not let me even touch her tools, so I had to sneak into her tool box today for the install. I hope this helps.

fitsman

Jun 5th, 2006, 8:43 pm

I would like to give a 5 stars to Dension USA support team. They are fast and very friendly.

How does this work? Does it go in place of the cd changer?

mhmorg

Jun 6th, 2006, 4:21 pm

Yep It does replace the 6 disc CD player check out the previous post page one and two.

strsout

Jun 6th, 2006, 4:33 pm

How does this work? Does it go in place of the cd changer?

Yes,
take a look on thos pictures:
http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=70626#post70626

dmatson

Jun 9th, 2006, 12:04 am

I disconnected my Ice Link a couple of months ago because it was making the ipod skip like shaking a turntable. I just put the pod in the odments box and pluged it into the Voice in the aux, and i used a remote to fast foward or skip and control the volume also the bar volume controls worked too. This last week I hooked up the link but pulled the cable out of the saddle bag and routed it up to just above the battery then ran the docking cable up to the oddments box and put the pod on a sheepskin pad. I rode for 7 hrs on Sunday and 7 hrs on Monday without a single problem. It is a better sound than just input into the aux of the voice because you can use the bass and treble through the link for the sound into the helmet speakers. I just put the pod on party shuffle and let it go, it played well into 300 songs this way. If I didn't like the song I was listening I just skiped it. I am thinking of going down to Dension tomorrow to get a cable replaced if I have time. I do need a way of killing the power to it though, right now I will be just disconnecting the cable connections when camping.

fitsman

Jun 9th, 2006, 1:07 pm

What model "car" do you pick to find out what model DICE you need for an 05 1200 LT?

strsout

Jun 9th, 2006, 3:01 pm

What model "car" do you pick to find out what model DICE you need for an 05 1200 LT?

I'm sorry, I should had post that on the original message:

The model is:
i-BMW-T

Their web site is:
http://www.diceelectronics.com/Merchant/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=DETEST01&Product_Code=i-BMW-T&Category_Code=DICE_IPOD_BMW

fitsman

Jun 9th, 2006, 8:33 pm

I assume the other choices to make on that page are:

Radio only without navigation and
Standard radio system.

Thanks again.

strsout

Jun 9th, 2006, 8:45 pm

I assume the other choices to make on that page are:

Radio only without navigation and
Standard radio system.

Thanks again.

You were right :)

bobaltic

Jun 15th, 2006, 3:28 pm

Hi All,
Thanks to many suggestions by Elton, I purchased the DICE cable/box from Dension. I got the integration kit 1-BMW-T with the docking cradle, 159.99.
Removed the CD changer, but left the shield in place to protect the Ipod and Dice box and cable. I have a fitted bag for that side case, so it makes sense to leave the shield in place since the bag is cut to fit the space. The unit works extremely well, and am just getting use to it. Would highly recommend the switch from CD's. Glad I waited until now after reading all the growing pains. Thanks again to the group and especially Elton. Best, Bob

mhmorg

Jun 17th, 2006, 2:16 pm

I started to have some distortion problems, it almost sounded like a bad speaker. Also had a skip in the song after init and text. I spoke with the tech support from Dension/Dice and they finally admitted to a software problem and are sending out a new unit with the software upgrade to (fix the problem)

If anyone else is having the same lets hear from you! Wondering if this is isolated.

I checked my volume on the ipod and EQ still having the problem.

fitsman

Jun 19th, 2006, 7:51 am

You were right :)

Do you know if the DICE has the same issue as the ICE->Link with draining the battery of the Bike?

BsquareWI

Jun 19th, 2006, 9:25 am

Has anyone figured out a way to adjust the DICE charging settings to the iPod? The ICELink had an option to shut the iPod off after 2 minutes of stereo in-activity or something like that.

mhmorg

Jun 20th, 2006, 6:34 am

Dice unit draws 6 ma
Ice link draws 50 ma

Accoring to the people at Dension/Dice the software and technology is gentle on the battery draw for the Dice.

OlsonBW

Jun 20th, 2006, 1:16 pm

Has anyone figured out a way to adjust the DICE charging settings to the iPod? The ICELink had an option to shut the iPod off after 2 minutes of stereo in-activity or something like that.

Actually the iPod -itself- turns off after two minutes if paused (not playing and no activity on buttons).

mmariog

Jun 25th, 2006, 4:51 pm

just put the dice in with a 4g ipod. It is in text mode but how do i get it to display on the dash?.

strsout

Jun 25th, 2006, 7:16 pm

just put the dice in with a 4g ipod. It is in text mode but how do i get it to display on the dash?.

the dip switch on the Dice should be setup form the factory to show the text.
Check to see if the Ipod Confit Switch are both 'off'

mmariog

Jun 25th, 2006, 7:56 pm

I got both set to off. Which display option did u set it to it gives u 6 in the setup manual

strsout

Jun 26th, 2006, 9:38 am

I got both set to off. Which display option did u set it to it gives u 6 in the setup manual

Sorry... give me 6 what?

europeanautosource

Jun 26th, 2006, 8:37 pm

Sorry... give me 6 what?

CD6 allows for text activation on the DICE. What Model Year is your K1200LT?

mmariog

Jun 26th, 2006, 11:33 pm

my model is 2005 k1200lt with display in the dash. In the setup when in the 6 cd it will ask for what type of display

europeanautosource

Jun 26th, 2006, 11:35 pm

my model is 2005 k1200lt with display in the dash. In the setup when in the 6 cd it will ask for what type of display

The MY2005 K1200LTs switched displays, the DICE kit is not able to display text to this model.

fitsman

Jun 27th, 2006, 7:35 pm

The MY2005 K1200LTs switched displays, the DICE kit is not able to display text to this model.

Same here. Just hooked it up. Couple of issues:

1) Songs skip...ALOT. Always at the begining and sometimes in the middle. The sould just cuts out.
2) The ipod never shuts off. and will will not unless I unplug it and then shut it off.
3) No text.

But the controls work and it sounds very good. I have the Gen 3 ipod 15 Gig. Anyone else using that old of an ipod?

europeanautosource

Jun 27th, 2006, 8:28 pm

Same here. Just hooked it up. Couple of issues:

1) Songs skip...ALOT. Always at the begining and sometimes in the middle. The sould just cuts out.

Check your iPod when this happens - can you feel the iPod accessing the HDD when the skipping is present?

2) The ipod never shuts off. and will will not unless I unplug it and then shut it off.

This happens when the battery is not disconnected during the original install. I would remove the battery cables, touch them together to discharge the stored power and then reinstall (negative last) to properly reinitialize the system.

3) No text. But the controls work and it sounds very good. I have the Gen 3 ipod 15 Gig. Anyone else using that old of an ipod?

As long as you have a 2000-2004 K1200LT, you should be compatible for text display.

fitsman

Jun 27th, 2006, 9:45 pm

Check your iPod when this happens - can you feel the iPod accessing the HDD when the skipping is present?
This happens when the battery is not disconnected during the original install. I would remove the battery cables, touch them together to discharge the stored power and then reinstall (negative last) to properly reinitialize the system.
As long as you have a 2000-2004 K1200LT, you should be compatible for text display.

I dont think the ipod is skipping, just the sound cuts out. When the ipod skips (hdd access) it takes a second or two and it comes back where it left off. This just has the sound cut out.

I have an 2005 so I guess I am out of luck here.

I do not follow what you mean with the power being disconneced. I need to discconect the bike battery first before installing the DICE?

1: Disconnect power and touch cables
2: connect DICE
3: Connect pos
4: Connect Neg

What should I look for on the ipod to make sure it is reinitalizing?

Thanks for the info.

europeanautosource

Jun 27th, 2006, 9:54 pm

I dont think the ipod is skipping, just the sound cuts out. When the ipod skips (hdd access) it takes a second or two and it comes back where it left off. This just has the sound cut out.

I have an 2005 so I guess I am out of luck here.

I do not follow what you mean with the power being disconneced. I need to discconect the bike battery first before installing the DICE?

Correct - this is the most critical of all steps as electronics are not set up for "hot swapping" of devices like a USB cable would be on a computer. This allows proper reinitialization of the device being added (DICE).

1: Disconnect power and touch cables
2: connect DICE
3: Connect pos
4: Connect Neg

What should I look for on the ipod to make sure it is reinitalizing?

Thanks for the info.

There is nothing to look for on the iPod, the initialization is performed internally.

BsquareWI

Jun 28th, 2006, 8:01 am

europeanautosource

Jun 28th, 2006, 10:33 am

Can someone explain how is going through all the "unhook the battery" vs. just unplugging the DICE would be any different to re-initiallize the DICE? Seems once it is unplugged from the CDC, the DICE looses power and the next time it hooks up should initialize, no?

Disconnecting the battery cables allows your BMW to properly reinitalize the DICE - the system is simply not set up to "hot swap" devices like a computer would.

Those that do not disconnect the battery can have an ice>Link or DICE with errors or even limited features.

messenger13

Jun 28th, 2006, 10:37 am

Anyone care to make me an offer on my ice>Link PLUS? (before it goes to eBay ;) )

BsquareWI

Jun 28th, 2006, 12:55 pm

europeanautosource

Jun 28th, 2006, 12:59 pm

Back to the INIT thing. The Dip switches for the DICE/iPod mode list "Initilization" as one of the differences between the modes. Any idea what that means? Does that mean that with the dips "off" in iPod mode the DICE won't try to INIT with iPod everytime it is hooked up or is that only for the initial hookup?

Also, what about a "Mixed Mode" 1 on, 1 off what does that do?

I've run into a number of freeze ups where the iPod just locks. Not always when switching between songs either sometimes just in the middle of a song. Manual says iPod mode is faster while still retaining control via the Radio. At this point I'm thinking I'd sacrifice Text on LCD for stability.

INIT=Initialization of the iPod to the DICE kit. Also, the DIP switches need to remain in the OFF position for BMW applications, unless you want the iPod to play in AUX mode (no steering button control).

If the battery was never disconnected when the kit was installed - I would check that route first.

BsquareWI

Jun 28th, 2006, 1:11 pm

Wait, so you're saying that in iPod mode the DICE can't control the iPod from the radio controls AT ALL? The snippet from the DICE BMW specific manual I posted there says that Radio Control is a YES when in iPod mode.

Yes, had the battery disconnected when installing the DICE. I've had about 4 or 5 lockup's. Pull over, reset the iPod and all is well again. Maybe heat or vibration (I keep the iPod in the Apple Neoprene belt clip stuck to the inside wall of the saddlebag), and I'm not ruling out my 4th Gen iPod as the culprit either.

europeanautosource

Jun 28th, 2006, 1:32 pm

BsquareWI

Jun 29th, 2006, 1:17 pm

So has anyone heard an update on an update to the DICE for the skipping/pausing at the beginning of each track? Someone here mentioned that they talked to Dension on that specific issue and they were working on an update with a fix.

strsout

Jun 29th, 2006, 2:05 pm

fitsman

Jun 29th, 2006, 10:26 pm

Nothing so far.
They asked few more questions, I sent it back and still waiting.

I tried my friends daughters ipod mini...only skips at the begining of track like everyone elses...It also went to pause when I shut off the bike...my 15 Gig G3 does not and the sound constantly cuts out. I think I need a new ipod...

I did the battery disconnet thing...still not help, but at least it works with a newer ipod.

mhmorg

Jun 30th, 2006, 6:17 am

I just installed the new updated Dice unit, it still has a small pause at the beging of the song, I have not switched to the simple mode but with the previous unit it stopped the pause but I lost my text displaying the name of the song/artist.

The distortion problem I had with the first is fixed.............

BsquareWI

Jun 30th, 2006, 6:54 am

I just installed the new updated Dice unit, it still has a small pause at the beging of the song, I have not switched to the simple mode but with the previous unit it stopped the pause but I lost my text displaying the name of the song/artist.

By "simple mode" you mean you set the text settings in Disk 6 to track 99 to not display any text, correct? Or, are you saying you set the dip switches to iPod mode?

mhmorg

Jul 1st, 2006, 9:25 am

Nope there are a total of 4 switches on the dice unit, move the ipod switch to the down position you will loose your album and artist scroll..........It will stop the pause

BsquareWI

Jul 2nd, 2006, 9:14 am

Nope there are a total of 4 switches on the dice unit, move the ipod switch to the down position ..

Did you need to disconnect the battery and re-connect to make that change? I really don't want to have to go through all the hassle of disconnecting the battery on my bike again (on a CL you have to pull the tank to disconnect the battery, no simple, just lift the seat access like an LT)

And do you still get control from the handlebar to switch through playlists on Disk 2?

mhmorg

Jul 2nd, 2006, 9:24 am

No need to disconnect the battery, you can control all with the handle bar control.........

Daza

Jul 3rd, 2006, 5:27 am

Gentlemen,

Two units arrived from the US today, one going on a 2003 and the other on a 2006, I'll let you know how they go....

munson

Jul 3rd, 2006, 6:09 am

I belive the price would be $159 and I have to check what they sent to me.
As I wrote in another post, my 1 month old Ice-Link broke down and stop working (the radio had a message "NO RADIO" when the Ice-Link was ON), so I sent it back to Dension and they ask me is I would be willing to wait couple weeks for the new product. I said yes and yesterday it arrives.
I will get what is on the label tonight and post here, but it works perfect, from the first time. It was a good.
My radio displays "NO RADIO" all the time now, and I wonder if my Ice Link caused it. It still does not work, even with the Ice Link removed. I'm going to try to get it replaced under warranty, and leave the Ice Link off, going with the direct Aux to radio cable instead.

Roadkingedout

Jul 24th, 2006, 5:18 am

don't you have to reset the alarm system if you disconnect the battery :confused:
anything else have to be done?

any updates from the dice users?
RKO

cavsfan2703

Jul 24th, 2006, 9:49 pm

OK....I have the DICE and I thought I would chime in...

For what it's worth.....

I have an 2002, my IPOD is the 20gb version, and I have NEVER disconnected the battery for any reason.

To install it, I pulled the CD player, set both DIP switches to the "UP" position, plugged in the DICE, then plugged in the IPOD...then turned the radio on....and MUSIC! :D

The maiden journey, the IPOD froze up twice. I have full reason to believe it was due directly to heat. I had the unit in a padded case and it really cooked. Since then, I have placed it in a vented silicone sleeve...and not once has it over heated.

Once in a blue moon the unit will not change songs. I simply unplug it, then plug it back in. The radio goes to INIT for 20 seconds, then all is good again.

The only controls I have is CD1 (song up/down) and CD2 (playlist change). My IPOD does not allow for anything more (No FF, RR, Albums, etc).I understand this to be due to the version of IPOD that I am using...not the bike or the DICE unit.

Mike

europeanautosource

Jul 24th, 2006, 9:52 pm

The only controls I have is CD1 (song up/down) and CD2 (playlist change). My IPOD does not allow for anything more (No FF, RR, Albums, etc).I understand this to be due to the version of IPOD that I am using...not the bike or the DICE unit.

Mike

Mike,

If you have a 3rd Generation iPod - this is the reason for the limited control.

cavsfan2703

Jul 25th, 2006, 7:11 am

That's what I thought....thanks for confirming it.

Mike

Montycs

Aug 20th, 2006, 12:14 pm

I am going to purchase the DICE, is this something that is easy to do get working? Or is there a lot of tech support needed?

strsout

Aug 20th, 2006, 12:27 pm

I am going to purchase the DICE, is this something that is easy to do get working? Or is there a lot of tech support needed?

You can do all by your self if you plan to keep it with power all the time.
Some of us desire to make a switch to power on/off the dice, so it involver a little more knolodge , but maybe you can do it if you ever play with wires and welding tool. Not complicated at all.
but again, many here just live it on all the time then is more like a 'plug and play'

Daza

Aug 20th, 2006, 5:12 pm

Gents,

Installed my Dice, worked first go.... spent two days on the road without a glitch... it's a good thing!!!!

strsout

Aug 20th, 2006, 5:53 pm

Daz,
I still have my iPod frozzen some times.
What model and were did you left the iPod?
My is the Photo 60G and it's on the right saddlebags.

fitsman

Aug 20th, 2006, 8:12 pm

Daz,
I still have my iPod frozzen some times.
What model and were did you left the iPod?
My is the Photo 60G and it's on the right saddlebags.

I have the 30 Gig Photo in the right saddle and it too freezes sometimes. I have noticed when it gets really hot and on this one particular song by the Who it has frozen twice.

Daza

Aug 21st, 2006, 1:29 am

Daz,
I still have my iPod frozzen some times.
What model and were did you left the iPod?
My is the Photo 60G and it's on the right saddlebags.

Mine's a 30Gb Photo and in the right saddlebag as well. It is not mounted, just lying on it's back on top of a sweater. I went out both days of the weekend without a problem, listened to it the whole time. When I got home it was just warm to the touch. I gather from some responses the iPod can get pretty hot, but we're in mid winter at the moment so the riding temp is around 15 - 18 degrees C. I'll have to wait 'till summer comes around and see what happens then.

OlsonBW

Aug 22nd, 2006, 6:17 pm

Mine's a 30Gb Photo and in the right saddlebag as well. It is not mounted, just lying on it's back on top of a sweater. I went out both days of the weekend without a problem, listened to it the whole time. When I got home it was just warm to the touch. I gather from some responses the iPod can get pretty hot, but we're in mid winter at the moment so the riding temp is around 15 - 18 degrees C. I'll have to wait 'till summer comes around and see what happens then.

I don't have a Dencion unit to connect my iPod to my motorcycle. All it is, is a cassette adapter (OK, I've got a GoldWing but my NEXT motorcycle is definitely going to be a K1200LT, which is why I come to this message board) and it never gets hot or freezes up. And I use it both my GoldWing and my Jeep Grand Cherokee.

It seems weird that iPods would overheat due to too much information being passed from them, meaning the name of the artist and album and the music. That just isn't that much data to make them hot. Or is it? I'm not saying it happens because it definitely is. The question is why.

Roadkingedout

Aug 30th, 2006, 8:02 am

any issues with battery drain and this new dice?
RKO

strsout

Aug 30th, 2006, 9:37 am

any issues with battery drain and this new dice?
RKO

Way less then my old BlitzSafe.
Looks like the Dice drains very little on the battery.

ihbond

Sep 11th, 2006, 4:45 pm

Known issue with long songs (I think over 3.5 minutes long). Classical music lovers hate this "FEATURE\BUG"..accessing the hard drive and vibrations are not a fun thing!

**UPDATED8**
I have the latest Firmware update and the ipod 5g 60gig video 1.1.2, and it still pauses. HOWEVER playing around with this I tried CD #2 and then manually went into the ipod to select IPOD shuffle. If I selecton on the physical IPOD the next song or previous song it does not pause anymore. I have tried this on CD#1 and it still pauses. If you select the next song from the k1200lt handlebar control it will pause via any DIP settings. Spoke with DICE and they said they were unaware of this happening with BMW's (YEA..SURE). So I am going to use this stoopid work around for now.

rhshue

Sep 15th, 2006, 12:30 pm

I can go for about 3 days with the ipod nano and the dice unit plugged in.
And since the dice unit does not disconnect the ipod, the ipod drains the battery. Contacted Dice about it but they don't seem to think it is a problem.
I am using it but i not to happy with the product, it seems it comes in just a little short.

ihbond

Sep 16th, 2006, 6:47 pm

Yea that would be a pain in the BUTT #@$@
I am in the habbit of taking it out after the days ride, so I will have to leave it in their for a couple of days and see how much it has dropped (the battery). Great product for what it is, just the company needs to to work a little bit more with its community.

akzl

Sep 30th, 2006, 12:46 am

Can someone post the final on the
dip switch settings on the Dice I-BMW-T :bmw: , there are four all together, should they all be off? Thanks.

europeanautosource

Oct 2nd, 2006, 12:58 am

Can someone post the final on the
dip switch settings on the Dice I-BMW-T :bmw: , there are four all together, should they all be off? Thanks.

Your switches need to be in the OFF position, which is up. :)

akzl

Oct 3rd, 2006, 9:32 am

Thanks for the help! John

dpmitche

Oct 14th, 2006, 3:29 pm

The new iPods hate vibration. Too bad Microsoft didn't make the things. They would be more resilient! :D Or at least have a way to unlock them...instead of waiting for the battery to drain. Apple SUCKS!

I do hope you're joking....

dmatson

Dec 13th, 2006, 12:16 am

Went to what I thought was Dension to try to get something done about the $480 the IceLink cost me and found out some interesting things. First about the $480, my Voice II system has been replace 3 times and the last time I asked to get my money back and they remove it, they did and gave me back some dough. When these Voice units have crapped out a funny thing also happens my center stand will not work as it should. It stoped working altogather a few weeks ago so took it in for warranty and after the tech could not find out whats up the BMW tech rep came out and they tore the bike down and checked every electrical thing on the bike 6hr worth. The culprit, IceLink was causing the computer to show no codes until they took it out then fine. The BMW tech guy said the LT has a connection, he called it a can-bus with the CD player and the kick stand that goes to the dash and it was not letting the center stand information through. This is probably what screwed up the com systems also. Paid $480 and took the bike to Dension who is called Dice now. Dension was the old company who made the IceLink, Dice is not Desion. The manager decided to give me a new dice unit or some money but not the $480, I took the Dice. They set it up and it took awhile, but I had to disconnect there and reconnect it at home. At the shop it would display text on CD1, it would scroll the artist and the song, it took a few seconds but it did do it and this is an 05' LT. When I got it home I had some problems, it was hissing and the text would not display. The manager said in a few months they will have an update so it will display text on all the newer units and a few more things also. I am going to go back in a couple of days to have them check it and set it up again.