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Has anyone tried the Dension iPod controller? They claim to be compatible with the Maserati and Ferrari. www.dension.com
Dension iPod adapter
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IceLink and Maserati
I have checked with both Dension USA, and Dension Corporate, and they say it won't work in the 2002+ Maseratis. The unit they show is apparently for a Becker head unit, which must have been used in earlier Maseratis. As far as I have been able to discover, the audio/navigation system in the 2002+ Maserati's is made my Magnetti Marelli, but has been made to be compatible with a certain Blaupunkt changer, the IDC-A09.
Anyway, I have tried all sorts of methods to use my iPod in my Maserati, and all have been unacceptable.
I'd be willing to install a CD changer, and an A/B switch to switch in iPod audio output. I'd also be willing to put an A/B switch at the input to the audio amplifier (if I knew where it was located in the car!) so I could feed the iPod audio output at that point.
If anyone out there has any successfuly experience here, I'd appreciate their inputs.
Thanks.
MikeA
I have checked with both Dension USA, and Dension Corporate, and they say it won't work in the 2002+ Maseratis. The unit they show is apparently for a Becker head unit, which must have been used in earlier Maseratis. As far as I have been able to discover, the audio/navigation system in the 2002+ Maserati's is made my Magnetti Marelli, but has been made to be compatible with a certain Blaupunkt changer, the IDC-A09.
Anyway, I have tried all sorts of methods to use my iPod in my Maserati, and all have been unacceptable.
I'd be willing to install a CD changer, and an A/B switch to switch in iPod audio output. I'd also be willing to put an A/B switch at the input to the audio amplifier (if I knew where it was located in the car!) so I could feed the iPod audio output at that point.
If anyone out there has any successfuly experience here, I'd appreciate their inputs.
Thanks.
MikeA
Joined
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153 Posts
Dension Ice Link in Maserati 4200
After some initial problems with the previous firmware, I have now successfully installed the Ice Link adaptor for my Ipod into a 2003 Maserati 4200 Coupe. I guess it will take a couple of days to fully test it but so far... so good.
The guys at Progressive AV in the UK have been great. They provided me with the latest firmware (11) which sorted out the issues. Essentially this version of the firmware, the latest software on the ipod and the set up for Fiat / Blaupunkt works.
If you want a specific update on how it all works, email me at [email protected]
After quite some time, I'm just happy to get it working, it's excellent!
After some initial problems with the previous firmware, I have now successfully installed the Ice Link adaptor for my Ipod into a 2003 Maserati 4200 Coupe. I guess it will take a couple of days to fully test it but so far... so good.
The guys at Progressive AV in the UK have been great. They provided me with the latest firmware (11) which sorted out the issues. Essentially this version of the firmware, the latest software on the ipod and the set up for Fiat / Blaupunkt works.
If you want a specific update on how it all works, email me at [email protected]
After quite some time, I'm just happy to get it working, it's excellent!
Outstanding news!!!
I have already sent an email, but for the forum's benefit, the Dension worldwide site now shows a picture of a Maserati Spyder on their home page!!! The Dension worldwide site, www.dension.com, lists the Maserati as compatible, but with a Blaupunkt head unit, which technically we don't have. We have a Magneti-Mareli head unit with a Blaupunkt compatible plug (this may be different on the Anniversary Spyder and Gransport models). Surfnirvana should be able to confirm which head unit he has, but if it is the standard 2003 coupe, I think it is Magneti-Marelli.
The Dension USA site, www.densionusa.com, still doesn't show the Maserati as compatible.
Can't wait to tear into my center console again and install this thing. I am so fed up with the radio.....
Mike
I have already sent an email, but for the forum's benefit, the Dension worldwide site now shows a picture of a Maserati Spyder on their home page!!! The Dension worldwide site, www.dension.com, lists the Maserati as compatible, but with a Blaupunkt head unit, which technically we don't have. We have a Magneti-Mareli head unit with a Blaupunkt compatible plug (this may be different on the Anniversary Spyder and Gransport models). Surfnirvana should be able to confirm which head unit he has, but if it is the standard 2003 coupe, I think it is Magneti-Marelli.
The Dension USA site, www.densionusa.com, still doesn't show the Maserati as compatible.
Can't wait to tear into my center console again and install this thing. I am so fed up with the radio.....
Mike
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822 Posts
I am pretty sure the Gransport uses a Becker deck (same as Ferrari).
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528 Posts
The last time I looked into this, July IIRC. Dension was in the process of acquiring or being acquired by DiCE. The Dension stuff is being discontinued. There was no NOS availability for Maserati (was some for BMW) and DiCE had no plans for Maserati compatibility in the near future.
The stereo shop also told me that the Ice Link works by making the head unit think it's a CD player and installation makes the CD changer inoperative.
I'm waiting to hear about a product that does a hardwire to the FM tuner (the low power FM broadcast units are worthless in the Bay Area - there are no quiet spots on the spectrum) that will allow the CD changer to function.
Hmmm I oughta call that guy back...
The stereo shop also told me that the Ice Link works by making the head unit think it's a CD player and installation makes the CD changer inoperative.
I'm waiting to hear about a product that does a hardwire to the FM tuner (the low power FM broadcast units are worthless in the Bay Area - there are no quiet spots on the spectrum) that will allow the CD changer to function.
Hmmm I oughta call that guy back...
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312 Posts
Possible iPOD breakthru!
Hold everything!
I have an appointment tomorrow with a car electronics shop I've been working with.
I was going to go in to have the Dension unit installed that I bought for my QP several months ago.
However, this shop claims there is now a much better way. They are going to use a product from Alpine Electronics called Vehicle Hub along with some other small components and device adaptors from various sources.
If they are right, this Alpine box will integrate several signal sources (iPOD and Satellite Radio, in my case - but can also do video and others). The approach is fairly brand indifferent, getting and giving its information directly to the electronics of the system and the nav screen (you must have a factory nav system). Your Alpine Vehicle Hub then takes over your nav screen and you control things with a little wireless remote.
Supposedly anything you would see on your iPOD or Sat Radio screen now appears on your nav screen. You get access to all iPOD functions, not just the 5 playlist limitation of the Dension system. The iPOD adaptor the the Vehicle Hub is also from Alpine and also charges the iPOD, so, theortically you can hide away the iPOD and Sat Radio units. All data streams remain digital, no FM modulation or anything like that.
Sounds too good to be true. We'll see tomorrow. I'll report back.
Ken
Hold everything!
I have an appointment tomorrow with a car electronics shop I've been working with.
I was going to go in to have the Dension unit installed that I bought for my QP several months ago.
However, this shop claims there is now a much better way. They are going to use a product from Alpine Electronics called Vehicle Hub along with some other small components and device adaptors from various sources.
If they are right, this Alpine box will integrate several signal sources (iPOD and Satellite Radio, in my case - but can also do video and others). The approach is fairly brand indifferent, getting and giving its information directly to the electronics of the system and the nav screen (you must have a factory nav system). Your Alpine Vehicle Hub then takes over your nav screen and you control things with a little wireless remote.
Supposedly anything you would see on your iPOD or Sat Radio screen now appears on your nav screen. You get access to all iPOD functions, not just the 5 playlist limitation of the Dension system. The iPOD adaptor the the Vehicle Hub is also from Alpine and also charges the iPOD, so, theortically you can hide away the iPOD and Sat Radio units. All data streams remain digital, no FM modulation or anything like that.
Sounds too good to be true. We'll see tomorrow. I'll report back.
Ken
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312 Posts
Had something come up and couldn't pick up the car yesterday - I'll pick it up later today. The shop tells me it went perfectly and it all works together beautifully! They were even able to mount the satellite radio antenna in the car. I'll write up and post a report tonight.tedwentz said:
Ken
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