Dension Ice Link for Clio-you done it??

[Dino D]

Hi Chaps,
I have the Tuner List model in my Clio and want to integrate the ipod.

I've seen the Dension Ice Link here:www.ipodcarkitdirect.co.uk/iPod_Car_Kit/For_Factory_Fitted_Radios/Renault_iPod_Car_Kit/Dension_Renault_iPod_Car_Kit/Renault_iPod_Ice_Link_Plus_Adapter

and it looks like a great bit of kit if does all it says on the tin. The main benefit for me is:"The iPod is controlled from the head unit‘s CD changer keys and steering wheel controls (where available) and your iPod is charged while connected."

and

"iPod Playlist Mode - Your iPod maps the first five playlists stored on the iPod to CDs 1-5 on your head unit keys. Although the iPod keypad is disabled in this mode, the iPod display (and CD Text/dashboard displays in some applications) will show ID3 data of the currently playing song.
Pressing CD6 accesses the ice>Link Plus menu that lets you browse all of the playlists on your iPod using your head unit FF/RW keys. The menu also provides configuration options for advanced features of the ice>Link Plus.

My question is: Does it really do all this in reality?

I want to have the iPod hidden in the glovebox. This will be fine if I can actually access all the playlists via the headunit (and if the playlist title etc shows on the dash).

If it doesn't then I will have to get the 'Active Cradle' option which allows me to use the iPod whilst on the move. This is not ideal from a security point of view as well as safety (I'm living in Athens now and I really need to keep my eyes on the road for crazy motorcyclists, trucks, buses, old ladies, potholes, dogs and everything else you can imagine!!!)

I would love to hear from anyone out there who has installed this piece of kit.

Cheers.

[combemarshal]

It bloody well better do all that, I got the add on for My Kenwood headunit for £30 and it does everything listed in that one!

[Tripps]

Dino D said:

"The iPod is controlled from the head unit‘s CD changer keys and steering wheel controls (where available) and your iPod is charged while connected."

That's nothing you can't do with a Pioneer, Alpine or other brand that has a adapter available, when I get around to doing it my Pioneer HU will be stalk controlled.

Dino D said:

will show ID3 data of the currently playing song.

I really can't see how that's possible, that LED display is meant for track numbers only, not letters.

I installed a similar unit and hated it, with just the HU controls available (1-6, forward, back) control was very limited, IMO your better off buying a decent unit with iPod interface rather than the weakly amped OEM unit, you can get iPod-ready units for around £100 these days or for £200 to £250 get something really good - change from the paper-thin factory speakers and the difference will amaze you.

[Dino D]

I see what you saying Tripps... A new headunit will defo improve sound, even with standard speakers but I don't really want to put a nice unit in this car is parks all over the place and is just an attraction for thieves. I know you can remove the face but that is a ball-ache (I'm in out the car allot during the day) plus thieves usually expect you to leave the face in the glove box.

The dash display shows radio station names so surely it can handle the text shown by the ipod?

PS: How hard do you reckon it is to fit the stalk adaptor? Do you just plug the existing wires into the back of the new HU or do you have to run new wires from the HU to the stalk?

[Tripps]

Dino D said:

PS: How hard do you reckon it is to fit the stalk adaptor? Do you just plug the existing wires into the back of the new HU or do you have to run new wires from the HU to the stalk?

It's quite a job as the dash needs to come out, I've not got around do doing it yet (read: not plucked up the courage!)

The connection bizarrely needs to be made behind the clock unit the instructions say, as the stalk is wired to there, then an adpater from that runs to the remote input of the HU.

[Dino D]

Mmm...sounds like an interesting job. I think you mentioned this on another thread I started.

I'm not keen on wipping out the dash but it might help me find some of those rattles (or might make them worse!!).

Is this the one you have: www.lowcostcaraudio.co.uk/shop/Pioneer-DEH-P4900IB-DEHP4900IB-CD-Tuner-with-iPod-Direct-Control-New-2007-model-in-Stock-now_productJJ3115

It says it should display the ID3 tags on the dash disply as well as HU. This should give full integration then, just requires allot of work eh?

Here's an idea Tripps-why don't you get yours installed this weekend and then give us astep by step iguide on how you did it??!!

[Tripps]

Dino D said:

I'm not keen on wipping out the dash but it might help me find some of those rattles (or might make them worse!!).

I'd reckon on them getting worse to be honest, that's the bit that puts me off getting the job done

Dino D said:

Is this the one you have: www.lowcostcaraudio.co.uk/shop/Pioneer-DEH-P4900IB-DEHP4900IB-CD-Tuner-with-iPod-Direct-Control-New-2007-model-in-Stock-now_productJJ3115

No, mine's an older unit (2005 model can't recall the name right now, probably on profile though) that has a seperate iPod connection box.

Looks damn good though, hopefully the issues I have with iPod control on mine will be resolved on these newer units.

Dino D said:

It says it should display the ID3 tags on the dash disply as well as HU. This should give full integration then, just requires allot of work eh?

The problem with this is you'd need to We need to wait for someone to build to build the interface between the dash display output and the Renault dash display, although that might already be done.

Dino D said:

Here's an idea Tripps-why don't you get yours installed this weekend and then give us astep by step iguide on how you did it??!!

Alas, I'm off to pick up the TVR this weekend and perform some audio surgery on that in the name of MB Quart So the Clio will have to wait, although hopefully I'll have fitted the new Rainbow 2-ways in the rear to match the front components before then.

Will post once I've fitted the stalk adapter and tweeters though, but it may be just me watching someone else...

[ltj]

Hi what reg is the clio? The stalk adaptor market what a hit and miss market.

[Dino D]

ltj said:

Hi what reg is the clio? The stalk adaptor market what a hit and miss market.

My Clio is a 2002 1.4 Expression. It is the facelift model. Greek spec LHD car but I doubt that makes any difference.