Pls help an ICE noob with ICE Link quesitons

[deroo]

Hello,

Have had enough of iTrip with my iPod. I've been reading about the Dension stuff for Minis on here for ages but I just can't seem to find the info I'm looking for.

I've got an 02 Cooper S. When I bought it the dealer told me it has the Boost CD/Radio. Now from I've read it seems that the ICE Link Plus will not show track info on this radio. Is this correct? If it is, then the notmal Ice Link will do. I can get the cradle fitted so I can change tracks using the iPod. I would much prefer this to the AUX cos quality is important . But if the Plus does show track info, I may just fork out the extra 50 quid on it and hide the iPod in a cubby hole somewhere.

So, on newministuff I see lots of connectors and things, but most only go as far as the 03 Minis. There isn't a difference in the radios between the 02 and 03 models right? I mean, I don't wanna get the stuff I need then find its not going to work with my radio.

Does the ICE Link use the CD Changer input on the back of the radio (if there is an input)? If not, does it use a standard block connector?

I'm sorry for all the questions, but I'm sure there are experts on here. I had a look in Halfords at the weekend and they do the Dension hookup, but I don't trust the guys there to advise on my car, I'd rather ask people with experience.

Any help would be hugely appreciated. Thanks

/deroo

[:: Jon ::]

NewMINIStuff.com

just give mikey a call and he will sort you out..

[deroo]

okey dokey I can try that, seems quite a popular guy

[deroo]

Right well I spoke with Mike today and he sorted me out nicely.

If theres anyone else out there with a similar issue here's what he advised..

I went for the Ice Link Plus with active cradle. My pre 03 CD Boost cannot display track info and does not have an input for a normal ice link, so a Plus is needed. Once all is hooked up there is a setting that can be changed that enables you to either use the stereo to change tracks or the ipod. I will opt to change tracks using the iPod. I also got a no holes bracket to make things a little easier.

Hopefully it won't take longer than an hour to do the work myself.

Thanks Mike !

[DaFlake]

Mikey is definetly the way to go, glad he got you sorted. It took me a whopping 15 minuets to install the Icelink Plus into my glove box. Install is very easy, just follow the instructions.

[S33BBY]

Yep, very simple indeed. The hardest bit is getting the stereo back in with the mass of wiring!

[deroo]

Yeah the instructions look pretty easy. The order has already been dispatched and the car is in for a service on Weds so I'll hopefully have the stuff by then to give it a crack weds evening.

[deroo]

well got the stuff today (excellent service) and have just fitted it, took about 45 minutes. Tested it and it seemed to be working fine so I put everything back together. Switch it back on and I only get sound from the left speakers... god I hope I haven't screwed one of the connectors.... gonna have to give it another go later.

[S33BBY]

It'll be that when you plugged the Dension hardness in, one or more of the pins has popped out the back. Just take the stereo back out and ensure all pins are in securely.

[deroo]

Yup thats what it was.. the right connector which controls the right hand side speakers can come out of the unit whereas the other one doesn't. I forced it in (gently) and its all working now.

I then changed some settings in the Setup and have somehow managed to lose the "6" function to access the Ice Link setup now... I'll have a read through the manual to see if there's a way. I prefer control through the iPod rather then the radio, that way I can also switch the backlight on at night if I want to select an artist rather than just a playlist.

I might have to try disconnecting the battery. The car is in for a service today, hopefully they'll have disconencted the battery at some point and save me the hassle.