MusicMan

Forget Cassette Tape Adapters, FM Transmitters and even a simple line in. This is the ultimate method of integrating an iPod into your vehicle.

It's called ICE-Link and a previous incarnation has been available since just before Christmas 2003. That model took the audio input from the headphone jack and controlled the iPod functions (next/previous track) through the wired remote socket in the top.

The new improved ICE-Link connects to your 3G iPod in one place, the Dock Connector. Audio (balanced line-level), remote functions and power are all provided from the Dock Connector, making it a simple matter of sliding your iPod into the dash-mounted holder and switching your car stereo's head-unit source selector to 'CD'. I've included some pictures below.

The whole solution is achieved by tricking your car stereo's head-unit into thinking that the iPod is actually a CD multi-changer. Obviously then, your head-unit needs to have CD multi-changer capability to facilitate this connection. Due to being fooled into thinking that a CD multi-changer is attached, when you select Next/Previous track on your head-unit, the remote message is passed to your iPod which changes the currently playing track accordingly. If you have these controls on your steering wheel, they will obviously work too.

Once you have your iPod in the dash-mounted holder, simply select 'CD' as your head-units source and hey presto, the iPod starts to play. When you change the source from 'CD' (radio, tape etc) the iPod will stop playing, go into sleep mode and start charging.

Even though the dash-mounted holder is tooled for the 3G iPod, my iPod mini sat in it quite happily (see pictures). A holder designed for iPod mini will be available soon.

For details on how to order this must-have iPod accessory, go to ICE-Link.
Although the site is still showing the previous model, I'm reliably informed that it will be updated very shortly.

MM

__________________
1x iPod mini & 3x iPod (3rd Gen)
I use the world's most advanced OS on the fastest desktop computer available 'off-the-shelf'

MM's song recommendation, enjoy. (Updated 16th May)

Jordan

Looks great, MM. Thanks for the links.

__________________
Jordan M. Wigley
Dell DJ Site

Curt

This is great news! I've been looking at the Dension Ice-Link but all the pictures and installs I've seen are the old two-cable setup. Does the new version turn the iPod on/off like the old one did? Any changes in what it displays on the HU? I think if I get this setup I'm going to put it horizontally in the glovebox so I don't have to worry about it being in view when I leave the car.

I'm eyeballing the M9245LL/A 40GB iPod trying to decide if I want to go ahead and order it or not. Is there any rumor as to when the 60GB version will be released? I can get the 40GB one for $489 with free shipping and no sales tax through the Navy Exchange Online.

The three things that are pushing me towards an iPod is the Ice Link, larger capacity and refined firmware. I'm still not happy with it being white, but I'll live with it. I know there is a company that does custom paint jobs on them and they give their own warranty to the unit if it's bought through them, but I think I'll pass.

Guess I'll go post over in the "for sale" forum

MusicMan

Yes, when you switch your head-unit away from the CD-Autochanger source, iPod turns off but continues to charge. When you switch back to CD-Autochanger the iPod turns back on and continues playing from the point it was turned off. The head-unit does not display the song information.

This is a top accessory, one that I have craved since iPod was born. You will NOT be disappointed.

MM

__________________
1x iPod mini & 3x iPod (3rd Gen)
I use the world's most advanced OS on the fastest desktop computer available 'off-the-shelf'

MM's song recommendation, enjoy. (Updated 16th May)

Curt

Thanks for the info MM. Cheapest place I have found it is from 1shopdirect.com for $468.00 but I think I'll still order it from the Navy Exchange. Googled for 60GB iPod and came up with a few rumors about one being released in April, but I haven't been able to find any real evidence. I may hold off on ordering it until the Ice-Link is available for my MINI again - they're out of stock (I assume because of the new version). Maybe by then there will be something out about the 60GB version.

Guess I'm starting to convert. I was given an PowerBook G4 at work to do some cross-platform testing and I kind of like it (although it feels a bit flimsy IMO). I like the Unix platform of OSX much more than OS9 - finally can do basic networking command (PING, traceroute, snoop, etc) without third party software. If it had a DB9 serial connection (for consoling into routers, switches, servers, etc) and a docking station, then this would be the perfect machine for me.

MusicMan

Was it a Titanium or an Aluminium G4? Yeah, the Ti's were a little flimsy but the new(ish) Al's are much more solid. I hated OS9, it was OSX that made me switch from Wintel's. Maybe there's a USB->DB9 adapter available.

MM

__________________
1x iPod mini & 3x iPod (3rd Gen)
I use the world's most advanced OS on the fastest desktop computer available 'off-the-shelf'

MM's song recommendation, enjoy. (Updated 16th May)

Curt

Ti. The displays seem to have an issue with them over time. This was given to me because one of the graphics guys got a new G4 Al. There is a vertical line in the display about 2.5" from the right side of the screen that goes from the top to the bottom on mine. Another graphics guy got a new G4 Al because the display in his G4 Ti completely died. I have seen quite a few complaints about the screen in the older PowerBook having issues (along with the display hinges and the port cover door on the back breaking). Still a sleek design - epecially the slot-load DVD player.
The old Mac OS is what really made me hate them too. However, I could never change completely over to a Mac because of what I do - Network Engineer (Cisco). Almost all the programs I need are only available for Windows (SolarWinds, packet sniffing software, etc). While I can get a packet sniffer for Mac (WildPackets has one), it isn't as robust. Maybe now that the OS is Unix based, there will be more network utilities ported to the Mac platform.
There are USB adapters out there, but they're a bit touchy and don't always work right (such as sending break/control commands). Serial ports are getting harder and harder to come by these days on laptops, even Windows machines.

Uh - what to do, what to do. Go ahead and order a 40GB iPod or wait for awhile to see if the 60GB comes out this month

MusicMan

Sorry but I can't help you out on that one. Going by Apple's upgrade path I'd say that a new iPod model was due (unless the new model was the mini).

MM

__________________
1x iPod mini & 3x iPod (3rd Gen)
I use the world's most advanced OS on the fastest desktop computer available 'off-the-shelf'

MM's song recommendation, enjoy. (Updated 16th May)

MusicMan

The updated page is now live;

ICE-Link

__________________
1x iPod mini & 3x iPod (3rd Gen)
I use the world's most advanced OS on the fastest desktop computer available 'off-the-shelf'

MM's song recommendation, enjoy. (Updated 16th May)

natkeith

MM, what model volks is the system connected to in the pic? Looks like the Jetta interior.

MusicMan

The pics in this thread? It's a VW Golf TDI, we don't have the Jetta line in the UK.

__________________
1x iPod mini & 3x iPod (3rd Gen)
I use the world's most advanced OS on the fastest desktop computer available 'off-the-shelf'

MM's song recommendation, enjoy. (Updated 16th May)

natkeith

No Jetta? Oh size and gas laws, anywho, there shouldn't be any problem's with jetta instalation right?

MusicMan

You'll have to check on their website for compatibility. Drop them an email if you can't find the answer you're looking for, they're nice guys.

__________________
1x iPod mini & 3x iPod (3rd Gen)
I use the world's most advanced OS on the fastest desktop computer available 'off-the-shelf'

MM's song recommendation, enjoy. (Updated 16th May)

merouby

The Bora is the UK/European equivalent to the latest VW US-spec Bora; the Jetta.....

in Europe, the Jetta became the Vento, then the Bora
whereas the SAME CAR (and updates) was always named the Jetta in America, perhaps since the marketing dept in America felt the Jetta was a strong brand since it was quite popular - outselling the Golf many times over here in the USA

Nevertheless, the dash in the Golf & Jetta/Bora are the same anyway!