iPod ice-Link Audi A3 installation

[Salamander]

Please choose the appropriate forum for this topic. Thank you. I've recently installed the ice-Link into my Audi A3. I'm just putting this post up to offer advice to anyone attempting to perform a similar install.

For those of you who don't know what ice-Link is.......here is a link to its site:
http://www.densionusa.com/x/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=375&Itemid=79

I ordered my ice-Link from the following site:
http://www.ihavetohave.it/acatalog/ICE-Link.html
and I got the ProClip (I didn't want to take a drill to my car) from the following place:
http://www.brodit.com
I got the keys to remove the head unit from the "not so friendly" Audi dealer....

I was a total novice to this and was quite freaked out by the prospect of wrecking my car!!, but the installation went without a hitch. It's installed 4 days and counting and it's still working!

I don't have any pictures of the installation process as it is VERY easy! one thing to note the ice_link installation manual tells you to disconnect the battery. DON'T DO THIS. in modern cars if you disconnect the battery it'll feck up a few of your cars electronic features (service timer and maybe even the airbags) all you need to do is disconnect the power from the back of the head unit before you make any ice-link connections.
Oh before you push everything in behind the head unit check to see that it all works together.

finally the verdict:
I've been using the iTrip for a long time now and it is quite useful, but I have my reservations about using it in the car. I could travel from one end of Ireland to the other without getting much interference, but I can imagine those of you living in a more radio wave saturated country.
Any way the ice-Link takes care of all this. and the audio is coming from the line-out of the iPod means that it has far greater quality than that of the iTrip or any other device that uses the headphone socket. Also you don't have to balance the volume on the iPod with the volume on the head unit to get that "sweet spot".
.....
I'll put up a few pictures of the finished install later in the week.

If you need any help just reply......

C U Later.

[Salamander]

Hi All,
Here are some pics of my install!!

[cheechy]

Looks like you've achieved what I'm shortly hoping to complete myself. I've got a Symphony 2 HU in my A3.

Couple of questions for you if you'd be willing to help! :D

1. Where did you hide the wires? I don't see them in the pictures (which is good!). Also where did you bring the wires out from behind the HU?

2. I was wanting to get a ipod skin (such as a Evo2 - although I understand these aren't really compatible with the Dension 'plug') - do you know if the Ipod will fit in the cradle with the skin on - is there room for it or not? The reason I'm asking is that I've heard that the ipod will get scratched when used with the cradle.

Cheers for any help you can give and thanks for posting.

[bluntman]

The Dension cradle can only be used with a "naked" iPod.

BTW, good work Salamander!!!

[Salamander]

Hi cheechy,

Your answers:
1.
1.1 First of all you have to remove the head unit (wrap it in a towel so it doesnt scratch any part of your car!!).
1.2 now get the end of the wire coming from the holder and connect it to a long piece of metal rod (something with about 2mm diameter).
1.3 Now push the rod up behind the centre console from the passenger foot well. This is a bit tricky, and you may end up (like me) giving yourself a few cuts!. While you are pushing the rod up you should look through the hole where your head unit was and try to see the end of the metal rod so you can pull it up the rest of the way.
1.4 after a lot of bad language you should have the end of the cradle insode the HU's opening. Job done.
1.5 to hide the cable open the glove compartment and you will notice a slight gap between the dashboard and the edge of the glove compartment. Yoy can stuff the wire in there and it will remain there out of sight.

2.
The cradle is designed for both the 20G and 40G iPod's. They accomplish this wuth the use of an extra piece of plastic. This piece of plastic is stuck on to the inside of the cradle if you have the slimmer 20G iPod. For the larger 40G iPod you just dont use this piece of plastic.
I dont have a skin so I can tell you if it works in the cradle, but I can tell you that I've been using my 20G iPod every day in the car and I dont have a scratch.
I suppose if you have a 20G you could leave the piece of plastic out and see if you skined iPod fits????

Hope this has been a help to you.....


Salamander

[pedrosandchez]

any where in the US that sells the ice link?
and that clip?
all prices on have to haveit are in euro and I dont want to have to order from a european country

[bluntman]

DensionUSA (http://www.densionusa.com)

ProclipUSA (http://www.proclipusa.com)

[cheechy]

Thanks for the tips Salamander - I'm looking forward to knashing my teeth and pulling out some hair when I install :D

[wonderstoat]

Hi Salamander, I have a question - is your HU a Concert II? I want to know whether the icelink will work with the standard Concert II that's coming in my new A4.

Thanks

Stoatie

[wonderstoat]

Re: the above message. My worry is about whether the Concert 2 audi factory fit supports a CD changer or not.

[Salamander]

Audi A4 NICE!!
I dont know anything about the A4. The safe bet is to ask your dealer about the concert II or better still perform a Google search on the Concert II and get the specs...
Sorry I couldnt be of more help to you.

Good luck with your new toys!!!!