iPod and the Multi-Function Steering Wheel Finally Connected

Oh yeah. I want that REAL BAD.

It states that it routes audio from the iPod to the head unit through the CD changer port – does this mean an AUX jack is not necessary if all I'm using is an iPod with this controller?

It's essentially a glorified AUX port that also provides power and information so that the multi-function steering wheel will control the iPod. So this would take the place of the current AUX port as it attaches to the head unit in the same place. BTW this also seems to mean that cars with '02 head units are out of luck – anyone have an '03 head unti they don't need ;)

Wait, Brian, when you say “All necessary connectors are supplied with the ICE-link: no aux port required!” do you mean that no “aux port adaptor cable for 2003 and later head units” is required or do you mean actually mean 'no aux port whatsoever, meaning that we 2002 owners are not excluded?” Thanks, Christian

Thanks Christian – that's always great to hear. Especially from another designer.

It's also great to hear that I can use this with my '02 MINI. Now to figure out what's the best way to run those wires up to the front…

Yeah, in the diagram above it clearly shows that the Denison interface uses the existing CD changer input on the back of the head unit for audio, therefore the MINI aux input is not required.

So you just unplug the CD changer wiring at the back of the head unit and plug in the Denison interface. That does mean however that you cannot use the Denison interface AND a CD changer.

The Denison interface apparently intercepts the commands that the head unit would send to the CD changer as responses to button presses on the head unit or MFSW and converts them into commands that the iPod understands and passes them on to the iPod through the remote control input (ring around the headphone jack in old iPods, little slot to the side of the headphone jack in new iPods — or the Dock connector).

If Denison had used the aux input for the audio, there would be no way to control the iPod since the aux input does not supply control commands to the devices attached to it — it's simply a dumb input.

The cool thing about this is you can have your iPod permanently connected and still have the aux input free for audio from other devices, such as DVD players, game consoles, laptop computers, whatever. Neat :-)

When and where can I get one? I already have my iPod.

Avery–The sound quality output from the iPod minijack and firewireport port is identical, the only difference being that the former has the capacity to modulate the amplitude of the signal, but this volume control does not degrade the sound quality. The only downside is the relative inconvenience of plugging two vs one connector to the iPod. For me, this is a trivial inconvenience, especially in light of the ability to control the player via the MFSW. Neverthess, Dension is presently addressing even this minor issue: they are working towards allowing the use of a single, Apple dock-like connector. However, I for one won't bother waiting for this development: it's already awesome as is!

James–I've been bugging Lee for photos, and will post when/if I get any. Apparently, the other feature you mentioned is not exactly impossible. Kevin (the acc. dev't rep) told me that they are developing this feature for cars equiped with the Sirius satelite radio option. However, it was my understanding that this would not be available to those of us with the factory Boost/Wave decks. If you do a google search for 'Brodit cradle' you can get an idea of what the iPod cradles will look like. Not crazy about them myself, but I plan to install mine in the glove box anyway.

can somebody tell me what type (Boost or Wave) the Harmon Kardon factory Mini stereo is? This is a must have for me…

This takes the cd changer output on the back of the radio and re-routes it for use with an iPod. It also allows the MFSW to control the iPod like it would a cd changer.

Tom -> If you're still looking for an answer, the HK system is part of the Boost radio (in my MINI at lleast).

Stuart -> the ice-Link is hijacking the prewiring for the cd-changer, so yes, you can still install an aux jack.

Jason

A fairly new iPod owner here and can't put it down. I too want the convenience of my Pod in my Mini, controlled by the steering wheel controls and whatever new perks there are for this connection. One question, will I still be able to use my in-dash cd player to it's full capability as well? Where are people mounting their iPods? Guess that's 2 questions…thanks.