When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Yes I think you need the box or there is nothing to plug the aux cable into. Also from what I have read you need the CD changer option turned on by the dealership or a diag cable
Yes I think you need the box or there is nothing to plug the aux cable into. Also from what I have read you need the CD changer option turned on by the dealership or a diag cable
I have a factory CD changer already so I should be good there.
Now I just need to figure out where to buy the Dension stuff. There's a smattering of it on eBay, but apart from dension.com no one seems to stock much of anything.
I found myself not being able to spend that much money and still be with the OEM unit, I went and got a Alpine BT149 head unit, RCA to MOST adapter, and CAI harness kit to install in my 04 996 C2 with MOST Hi Fi system using the OEM amp and speakers, no cutting of harness required, took about 2 hours to install and best part now I can use Pandora, and phone call's. these are the links for the parts. the adapter states it is for the 05-08 P-car, but I know it works on the 03 and 04 cars. system sounds great now. I run this same Alpine HU in my truck and Harley. I find only one con with this set-up, you won't have Fader, I never use it.
Bringing this back up, I think this is the list of what I need to connect my Gateway 500 Lite. Can anyone sanity-check this? I've got an email in to Dension but no reply yet. Here's what I think that I need:
@dan_189, let us know whether you'd need to code CD changer first.
I didn't have to because my car came with a changer which I took out.
Install was really easy, tapping into the changer's power, ran the cable into the cabin and done. Make sure that you set the switches correctly, I didn't and the whole system was resetting itself every 5 minutes.
Hey 318 Yep I have to code it to be on, I've tried to connect it but got nothing.
I've started a new thread as the dealership here isn't too sure how to turn it on. From what I've read I might have to connect it and then let the PIWIS detetect it as a CD changer and enable it.
Just a quick update on this, I too had the dip switches set incorrectly. I had them set for using the dension with a CDC. Set them correctly and the radio started working again with the dension in the loop.
Still have to get the CDC enabled tomorrow at the dealership though.
Ok, now for a really silly question. If you have a Dension unit and you're using an iPod/iPhone with a Lightning cable, can you control the music from the iPod/iPhone itself or do you have to use the radio controls? If you have to use the radio controls, I might pick up their Aux Port box as well.
@numbah9, I've only got the old iPod/iPhone connector so no idea as I don't have an older iPhone. I'm using AUX and with plugged-in USB stick I controlled the music through my radio.
Ok, now for a really silly question. If you have a Dension unit and you're using an iPod/iPhone with a Lightning cable, can you control the music from the iPod/iPhone itself or do you have to use the radio controls? If you have to use the radio controls, I might pick up their Aux Port box as well.
I'm no Dension expert, however the AUX box does more that just allow you to plug in the AUX cables.
The AUX box has a switch that allows you to put the Dension into "service mode" if you get errors when plugging in a PIWIS computer. Which means without it your unit wont turn on.
Originally Posted by 318touring
@dan_189, so what's the news - success?
@numbah9, I've only got the old iPod/iPhone connector so no idea as I don't have an older iPhone. I'm using AUX and with plugged-in USB stick I controlled the music through my radio.
Heading to the dealership this afternoon so they can replace the clutch master cylinder and enable my CDC.
I'm also intending to use the BTA1500 as well.
Will know in a few days!!
Actually 318, can you please post a pic of where you mounted your Dension? I'm thinking about mounting it in the frunk and running an 8 pin extension cable into the cabin for the BTA1500.
I know I'll take crap for this - and almost didn't post it - BUT:
If the only thing you want is Bluetooth integration, buy the best add-on bluetooth interface you can find for your phone and use a powered, wired (in-line) FM modulator. No, it's not going to be ANYWHERE near as good audio quality as a $3K+ ground-up rebuild - but if you're satisfied with the sound quality, spend $50 or $100 and use the audio features built into your smartphone (Pandora, iTunes, Prime Music, etc. etc. etc.).
Until a few years ago, I couldn't live without satellite radio in all of our cars, but at this point unlimited 4G plus streaming apps takes care of everything in the "fun" cars. I keep SiriusXM in the Jeep since we tend to wind up in places with no cell service in that vehicle...
A GOOD inline modulator like this one, PLUS your aftermarket bluetooth gadget of choice, isn't going to sound noticeably worse than any other solution that involves the factory head unit, amp, speakers, etc. Note that this is in no way the same as using a wireless FM transmitter/modulator that will crap out every time you drive under power lines or near any significant RF source. The wired version below is a higher-end ghetto solution.
Thanks Schn3ll, I had considered a wired FM modulator but I liked the integration of the Dension,wasn't able to find any info on what the BTA1500 is like so i've bought one and so ill find out soon enough!
If its not that great ill get a bluetooth to AUX unit and use that straight into the Dension AUX.
I bought my Dension for a couple of hundred $ hence the most economical way to do this for me.
AUX connector inside the car
Dension mounted in the CD changer space with the AUX-cable box mounted on the strut-brace with cable ties. I haven't investigated fully how to run and hide the cable through the bulkhead
Close up. It is a real Dension, the last three letters were taken off by the black electrical tape I used to hold it in place. Again, not professional install but good enough for me.
11-17-2016 | 02:58 PM
