Dension Gateway 500 questions...

[Jeff_335i]

I want to add a Dension Gateway 500 to my 07 V8 Vantage for iPod integration and to add an aux port to connect my satellite radio receiver directly instead of using an RF modulator, and have a question about the installation configuration. I have the Premium audio system.

Dension instructions for all Aston Martins say to connect the Gateway to the CD changer using their "CDC side" fiber optics and Gateway "CDC side" connection, and connect the "Car side" fiber optic Gateway connection to the fiber optic connector that was removed from the back of the CD changer. Set DIP switches 2 and 4 "on".

This seems to be the only way to make it work with the system in the DB9.

I've heard of several people with V8 Vantages connect the Gateway between the system display unit and the rest of the system, splicing one of the fiber optic cables and using only the "Car side" connection of the Gateway. Setting DIP switches 1, 4, and 6 "on". I don't know if this connection method allows you to also continue to use the CD changer (using the bypass switch on the Dension aux unit).

Installation is easier this way because you don't have to remove the CD changer to access the connections on the back of it. But if it causes other problems or makes it impossible to use the CD changer then I would not do it that way.

So I'm hoping someone will see this and kindly lend me a hand, it would be much appreciated!

[Sump]

Let's just be clear, there is to be absoluetly no splicing of any fibre optic cable on installation. You simply add the Dension into the loop so when you switch on the Dension it takes place of the cd changer, when you switch off the dension (go into service mode) it brings back the cd changer.

It only takes an hour to install it anyhoo.

[Jeff_335i]

This image from the Dension installation instructions shows a splice, i.e. connecting the ends of two fibers together. This is the schematic several Vantage owners have said they used.

[Jeff_335i]

This is the schematic Dension says to use for all compatible Aston Martin systems. This requires removing the CD changer for access to the fibers.

[Sump]

Oh, thought you quite literally meant splicing the cable. Yes that's the splice adapter you use. I did the top picture and I have no problems.

[Jeff_335i]

Thanks! Did you install yours yourself?

[Sump]

Yes it's pretty easy if you are handy, I think the DB9 is very similar to the Vantage trim.

[Jeff_335i]

Do you have a Vantage or DB9? I have a Vantage. I think the trim is quite similar between the two. My only concern was having to remove the CD changer. I could do it if I had to, but didn't really want to do that if unnecessary.

[V8Chris]

Jeff

Can I ask a quick question - Did you have the CDC which is built into the dash head unit or external in the boot? Mine is in the dash and not sure if that model will work with the Denison, I have heard mixed reviews

Thanks!

[davek_964]

My CDC is in the dash (56 plate V8V) and Dension works fine (user interface is a tad slow and clunky, but other than that it's fine).

I didn't fit it myself though.

[Jeff_335i]

My V8 Vantage has the CDC in the dash. I haven't installed the Dension Gateway yet (I did purchase it 2 days ago, but will be some time before I have time to install it) but I have no doubt that it will work with my car.

[V8Chris]

Thanks guys, I will see how Jeff gets on with his to see if I can do it myself. I am using a FM transmitter at the moment which is doing a surprisingly good job!

[lewisco]

I am getting my MY2006 V8V tomorrow (can't wait) but I will want an AUX connection or Bluetooth audio if possible.

Does this Gateway 500 look like it has all the cables I would need?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dension-Gateway-500-Gw51...

[Jeff_335i]

It looks like it has the cables, but there should be some plastic end housings for the fiber optic cables (those are the orange cables) and a small plastic fiber optic butt connector that I don't see in the cable photo because it's hard to tell what is there in the ball of wires.

[schrockstar]

Hi folks, I'm working on trying to put a Dension 500 gw5 into a 2007 DB9 with 6-CD changer and Nav unit.

Took apart the entire center stack to get at the CD changer to insert the Dension fiber optics per their chart; ran into an issue. The MOST connecter on the volvo 6-CD changer is not just a fiber optic -- it appears to be a MOST + 4 additional pins of power/electrical control. Therefore, the simple patch cable provided with the Dension unit does not fit directly (see attached pic of the connector). Have folks successfully done this install? Did you cut into the existing fiber and splice in the connections to the Dension unit? The problem is that the run from the "CDC side" of the Dension to the CDC changer must terminate with this (to me unfamiliar) MOST + 4pin connector that the 6-cd changer accepts.

The schematic 2a posted by Jeff_335i is the installation method I'm trying to follow. Certainly, removing that radio panel is a complete pain the in a** due to the fact that there is no slack to work with behind the fog light button connector!

Edited by schrockstar on Sunday 21st March 16:30

[Rush42]

Hi, how did you get on? I have an 06 DB9 Volante / Nav combo and was about to embark on the same "journey"

[Rush42]

Just for anyone else following this thread, in the picture above the connector seen is itself formed of two parts.

At the back of this connector is a small tab which, when depressed, allows the Fibre Optic section (in its own connector shell) to be removed.

This FO connector is then plugged into the "Car Side" Dension supplied FO cable, which is connected to the "car Side" connector on the Densio gateway.

The return "CDC Side" FO cable from the Gateway, when inserted into the the Dension supplied adapter, plugs right back into this connector.

This "chimera" connector is then plugged back into the rear of the CD player, completing the FO loop.

[V8V Quadcamboy]

Following with interest.

Does anyone have operating instructions for using the gateway?

My new V8V has it fitted but I'm struggling to get it working.

TIA, Steve

[bosiarz]

Jeff_335i said:

This image from the Dension installation instructions shows a splice, i.e. connecting the ends of two fibers together. This is the schematic several Vantage owners have said they used.

Please let me know if finally it was necessary to connect MOST wires to the CDC or finally you used connection to the radio unit?