[eas] Official DICE iPod integration kit Q/A thread

[SilverBullet]

Originally Posted by Tom G.

It shouldn't be - your firmware is up to date. can you verify the DIP switches on the DICE module are set to the OFF position?

I just checked and all the DIP switches are in the off position. Would I can anything by many turning some of these switches on?

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by driverX5

I just checked and all the DIP switches are in the off position. Would I can anything by many turning some of these switches on?

The switches remain off for use in BMW applications. If the kit was purchased through us, contact me via email and I'll make arrangements for module replacement.

[abster641]

Hello Tom,
Attached are the pictures I talked about in my PM.

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by abster641

Hello Tom,
Attached are the pictures I talked about in my PM.

The port you need is on the left hand side of the Sirius module in the picture on the right. There is a rubber plug that must be removed.

[EBCBbaLL]

is there a way to hook up a video ipod with dice so that the videos can play on the navigation? would i need to get tvonnav with dice? and if not is there going to be a product out soon that has this capability? thanks.

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by EBCBbaLL

is there a way to hook up a video ipod with dice so that the videos can play on the navigation? would i need to get tvonnav with dice? and if not is there going to be a product out soon that has this capability? thanks.

We can definitely get video content on the NAV screen. Here’s what I would recommend:

Dietz Video Multimedia Interface – 1260
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=336

iLink-L2 Multimedia Interface for iPod
http://www.europeanautosource.com/pr...roducts_id=341

This will allow the system to display videos from your iPod, as well as music and slideshows. What’s really great about the device is that it will allow you to play the following formats:

• AVI
• MPEG
• DivX
• DVD *.vob files

A video iPod isn’t even necessary! The kit will include a wireless remote so the entire system can be hidden from view, allowing a stock appearance for a more classy look.

We offer the TV on NAV kits kits from BMW as well, but are unnecessary if your only intent is to watch prerecorded content from an iPod.

[EBCBbaLL]

little problem, i already have DICE in the mail. is there still a way to get video on the screen with it? these seem like independant systems. Either Dice, or Dietz. this the case?

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by EBCBbaLL

little problem, i already have DICE in the mail. is there still a way to get video on the screen with it? these seem like independant systems. Either Dice, or Dietz. this the case?

DICE does not have video capabilities and is 100% independent of the video systems we offer. I use the DICE and Dietz as separate devices and find myself using the DICE about 80% of the time.

The Dietz is great for waiting or watching clips while parked, but we cannot recommend watching video in a moving vehicle.

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by ncx

Here is a couple of things to note from the installation:

1. The antenna wire is way too short for an X5 installation with the unit under the seat. There is no room to route the antenna wire in the best way possible to hide it and protect it. It does reach, but there is hardly an inch of spare wire. Just another 6-8" would make for an easier installation. Also, the flexible stick-on antenna that extends from the HD Radio antenna module is ugly and noticeable. I wish there was a way to hide it better. If I could get a longer IPOD connector I'd put the HD Dice unit in the trunk and just run the IPOD connector up to the front. That way the antenna would be on the rear glass instead of front windshield and I would never see it again.

We can provide an extension cable if you would like. Would 24" be enough?

Originally Posted by ncx

2. HD Radio sound quality seems to be very good, when I can get it to work. Stations come in quickly and display properly on the MID and/or nav. Have not figured out how to save stations properly. It does not work as the manual says or I am not getting it, yet.

Can you list the procedures you are trying? Also, is this a Business CD or Navigation X5?

Originally Posted by ncx

3. Like the DICE Ipod kit, this DICE unit has the same integration behavior and is finicky. If it gets confused and is not responding like it should, I found that turning off the car then unplugging the DICE unit for a few minutes solved the issue. I have had to do this 4 times today. If this is the norm, I won't be keeping it.

Please define what you mean by "confused". Are the buttons non-responsive to commands or controlling other options?

Originally Posted by ncx

4. AUX input works fine once you get it into aux mode. Have to unplug it to get it out of aux mode.

Are the buttons non-responsive? You should press the left arrow one time to return to iPod mode while in CD5.

Originally Posted by ncx

5. IPOD integration works fine, sounds good, and seems to be just like on the DICE Ipod kit. Have to unplug it to get it out of IPOD mode.

I'm confused on this one, is the same things happening like in #4? What does unplugging/plugging change?

Originally Posted by ncx

6. There was no installation manual, no mention of the cable that goes to the changer, no mention of how to connect the antenna to the unit (although it is obvious), no diagram of the wiring, nada. It is a common-sense installation so no big deal. However, if I had not have installed a DICE kit before, I wouldn't have been confident doing this installation. I am very surprised there are no installation notes.

Nothing specific to the vehicle yet, we are creating DIY guides as quickly as we can shoot vehicles in installation. We'll have a DIY for the X5 soon.

Originally Posted by ncx

Time will tell if it is reliable and stable. I realize this is a 1.0 version of this product and there are going to be bugs. It is great to bring my old car back to current technology so I hope this new DICE HD unit can be made to work right.

I appreciate the detailed post. We're here to help as much as possible.

[X5PL]

Tom,

I've been using DICE with my iPod successfully for 1-2 months now. Yesterday, when listening to my iPod in the car it switched to FM. After that I was not able to switch back to DICE. No CDC available when pressing MODE.

What are the posssible reasons, what should I check?

Thanks.

Pawel
X5 3.0d Nav, no DSP, iPod video 60MB, software 1.2.1