Modifying the Ice>Link cable for fewer connections (DSP systems)

[COrth]

I tried to connect the Ice>Link harness to the 3 and 6 pin CD changer connectors in my 2006 X5, but with the analog 6 pin connection, there was no sound. I was one of the few people with an X5 that required the digital connection to my amplifier. Tom helped me get the right parts, but I quickly saw a tidier way to hook things up.

Here is my modification of the Ice>Link cable that reduces the number of connections and simplifies installation in DSP equipped (required) cars.

Picture 1: The original cable supplied by Tom.



Picture 2: Close up of the 3 and 6 pin connectors. 3 pin is data and power, while 6 pin is analog audio. There is an in-line fuse on the brown (+12V).



Picture 3: Better view of the 6 pin analog audio connector. Black jumper bridges ground for both left and right channels.



Picture 4: Cut off the 6 pin connector. This will be discarded.



Picture 5: Strip of the outer insulation from the twin coaxial analog audio cables.



Picture 6: Twist the shield wires into leads. These are the negatives for the analog audio.



Picture 7: Tin the leads. I used a silver based solder.



Picture 8: Put short lengths of heat shrink tubing over the existing wire insulation. This builds the cables diameter making better anchor points for the RCA connectors.



Picture 9: Some good quality, inexpensive Neutrik RCA connectors.



Picture 10: Solder on the RCAs. Don't forget to put the RCA barrels over wire before soldering.



Picture 11: Finished twin RCA connectors in place of single 6 pin BMW proprietary connector.



Picture 12: Carefully remove black wire from power 3 pin connector to solder negative wire of DSP power cable. Reinsert pin into connector when done soldering.



Picture 13: Solder positive (black with white strip) cable to brown wire fuse terminal (after the fuse). Reinsert the fuse terminal pin when finished.



Picture 14: Bundle the wires together.



Picture 15: Behold the finished cable.



Picture 16: All finished. Power for DSP module is pulled from CD changer power, and it's fused.



Picture 17: Harness connects to the vehicle at two points: 3 pin power/data connector and coaxial digital audio connector on amplifier.



Picture 18: Test the system with your iPod in the boot.



Next challenge is getting the cable routed to the center console.