iPod and Dension IceLink OR PAC Aux-Pod

[cklinh]

Edited to include PAC Aux-Pod in title, see post in second page for more info about Aux-Pod.

Hi guys, soon to be Solara owner here. V6 SLE, Cosmic Blue Metallic, Dark Interior... and the works...

Just wanted to know if anyone has actually installed the Dension IceLink on a Solara with a Navigation System? Doing some research, and would appreciate it if anyone can answer my questions. I sent some emails to Dension but never got a reply. Also found some threads about the Dension IceLink here, but not one with the Nav. In case you don't know what it is, the IceLink allows you to control your iPod with the headunit and steering wheel controls. Cool!

Here's some more info...

http://www.densionusa.com/x/index.php?o ... &Itemid=79

[fotodad]

I want one!
I want one!
I want one!

I currently own an iPod which I bought an FM transmitter for so I can use it in the car. But I am not at all happy with the sound quality or the inconvenience of changing songs or playlists. Once you get more info on this, please post it! I'm going to give them a call tomorrow. If I learn anything, I'll post it.

Thanks for posting the link and thanks for making us aware of it!

Cool!
Cool!
Cool!

[slingshot]

This is what I found on that website:

ICELink v1.1 for 3rd generation iPODs and certain 2003+Toyota/Lexus/Scion Vehicles
Compatibility:
Lexus 2003-2004 LX470, 2004 RX330
Scion 2004 xA, 2004 xB, 2004 tC
Toyota 2003-2004 4-Runner, 2004 Camry (w/ Nav), 2003-2004 Celica 2004 Echo, 2003-2004 Highlander, 2003-2004 Landcruiser, 2003-2004 MR2, 2004 Prius, 2004 Sequoia, 2004 Sienna (w/o DVD), 2004 Solara, 2004 Tundra

Now I know the NAV for 2004 Camry is the same as for the 2004 Solara so wondering why it only says 2004 Solara and not with Nav also.

[cklinh]

My biggest concern (aside from the compatibility with the Nav system) is whether the included cable can reach the center console (as opposed to the pictured installation on their website which is _very_ visible). I seemed to remember a blurb on the dension website about the included cable is only three feet long. (maybe that is long enough?)

So I found these two installations:

on a S2000
http://dev.createmobile.com/icelink/parts.html

and on an Accord
http://ipodlounge.com/forums/showthread ... adid=32504

(BTW, many more examples at ipodlounge.com)

So, my secondary concern looks like it is a moot point - the icelink can be installed in the console.

Now, if only they'd get back to me on the Navigation System compatibility. I might even order this before I get the car!

[fotodad]

Weird!

According to the compatiblity chart on their website, their product will work on a 2004 Camry radio (w/o nav.) but not on a 2004 Solara radio. I was under the impression both models shared the same radio.

Learn something new everyday.

[cklinh]

here's a response I received, anyone care to check what he was talking about with the naigation system? (since I don't have my car yet)

cklinh,

I work for the Sales/Technical Support of Dension - you have the right guy.

The Toyota vehicles are tricky animals. Since Toyota bounced around in suppliers of the electronics in the sound system (there are 4 different systems, I believe) there is really no surefire way to tell from the outside if your system is compatible.

Mostly it will be a trial-by-error basis, or you will have to remove the radio to see from the rear. The trim faceplate makes the system look like 1 complete unit. Sometimes the unit is 1 piece, sometimes it is 2-piece.

When you remove the radio and see 2 seperate pieces (navigation and radio seperately) this system wil not be compatible withour units. Only the 1-piece system is compatible.

Let me know if you have any further questions!




quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

cklinh wrote on 05-19-2004 04:34 PM:
Hi Tom

I was wondering if you worked for Dension? (may be a stupid question)

But if you do, can you please help me on something? I'm thinking about getting the IceLinkv1.1 for my 2004 Toyota Solara with Navigation System. However, your compatibility site does not specifically say it will work with the Nav. System (it just lists 2004 Solara, whereas it specifically lists Nav. System for the Camry). Is the IceLinkv1.1 compatible with the Nav. System? I know of a few others on a Solara forum that are also interested.

Also, I read a blurb about the cable only being 3 feet long. Is this long enough to have an install in the center armrest? Or do I really have to install the iPod by the stereo (where it is _very_ visible)?

Thank you for your help.

PS If I am mistaken and you don't in fact work for Dension, then please ignore this message.

[slingshot]

That was a somewhat vague answer and he didn't even answer the 3 ft cable question.

[fotodad]

I'm not even sure why I'm posting this since the response from Denison was not helpful, but here it is for what it's worth.

I called Denison's toll-free number today and spoke to someone in sales (probably a mistake right there!). He (Mark) said Denison does not make a unit for the 04 Solara. I asked if they planned to make one in the future. He said it depends if his supplier of the adapter plug plans to make a plug for the 04 Solara. He said my best bet would be to keep looking at their website to see if anything changes. I'm not holding my breath.

Damn, I was hoping this thing would work in the Solara. Bummer!

[slingshot]

Fotodad,
I'm not sure the guy you talked to even knows what he is talking about. Their website clearly says it works for the 2004 Solara and Camry. The other recent post here said it worked for the Solara too but was dependent on if it was a one piece or two piece stereo and NAV. The fact that this company gives very vague answers doesn't seem to me to equal fat profits for them. Maybe more of us should start bothering them and let them know that inexact answers will end up costing them business.

[fotodad]

Fotodad,
I'm not sure the guy you talked to even knows what he is talking about. Their website clearly says it works for the 2004 Solara and Camry. The other recent post here said it worked for the Solara too but was dependent on if it was a one piece or two piece stereo and NAV. The fact that this company gives very vague answers doesn't seem to me to equal fat profits for them. Maybe more of us should start bothering them and let them know that inexact answers will end up costing them business.

Excellent points, Slingshot.

[robdaemon]

Just wanted to know if anyone has actually installed the Dension IceLink on a Solara with a Navigation System?

I have an IceLink on my 2004 Solara without the nav or JBL system. My first one has issues, and I'm getting it replaced on Saturday.

I can post more info when it's done.

[fotodad]

I can post more info when it's done.

Info and pictures would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! Also, did you install it or have it professionally done? If you installed it, could you give us a step-by-step description of what you did?

[cklinh]

Whoohoo! More responses:

Hi,

so we consulted with Soundgate - we use their SNTOY/KNTOY adapters for the
Toyota cars, and they told us that:

"According to Toyota yes we should work with that car but i haven't seen one personally yet."

If you'd like you can order the kit, and if it doesn't work you can return it from a full refund (less s&h, but no refund on install
charges you may pay at a stereo shop).
Better if you find a car stereo installer store who is familiar with your car and would be able to confirm
adapter compatibility.

Best Regards

Support.


> cklinh wrote:
> This is an enquiry e-mail from cklinh

> Not really a support issue. It is a compatibility issue. I want to get the
> IceLinkv1.1, and saw that it is compatible with the Toyota Solara. However
> it has no mention of whether it is compatible with the factory navigation
> system in the Toyota Solara. (It has different listings for the Camry and
> the Camry with Navigation) Is this compatible with the Toyota Solara with
> Navigation?

[cklinh]

AND...

Yes, long cable is available - you can just make a note in the remarks field to have one included
with your order.

Best Regards

Support.

> cklinh wrote:
> PROBLEM
>
> ICE-Link has to be installed behind the head unit or can it be installed
> in the trunk ?
>
> SOLUTION
>
> For most vehicles either option is available. In general installation
> behind the radio should be done by professionals, while trunk based
> installation can be done by end users. We now offer a short (3ft) and a
> long (15ft) cable version of ICELink, so even if ICELink is connected at
> the trunk you can place the iPOD anywhere you like.
>
> and
>
> PROBLEM
>
> What is the best place for my iPOD ?
>
> SOLUTION
>
> We recommend mounting somewhere around the center console, however you
> have many options. We offer ProClip vehicle specific snap-on mounts that
> look professional and do not damage your vehicle's interior. Remember not
> to leave your iPod in your vehicle while unattended to prevent theft and
> protect from extreme temperatures.
>
> So, is there a 15-foot cable available?

[cklinh]

I think I might just bite the bullet and do a trial-and-error, BUT only after I get my alarm and black pearl emblems. Maybe in a month or so. I'll report back if I'm successful or not (unless someone else would like to take the plunge first... hint hint...)