Hi gang, I'm evaluating my options for integrating my iphone into my car. The high end is to go corksport and replace headunit. But, I'm also considering a lower cost option.

I've seen and read about people's AudioLink experience and it seems pretty good. I'm also curious if anyone has used the DICE iPod integration kit. It looks pretty full featured and shows RX-8 & iPhone compatibility.

DICE iPod Integration Kit for RX-8

thoughts?

KF

 

I've been looking into the same thing. rpmstore.com has the audiolink and the Axxess iPod integration. The Axxess one seems cool because it displays text on the dash, but there seemed to be some issues with overheating. Not sure if any of that was resolved.

Also on rpmstore they state that it doesn't work with the iPhone or iPod touch.

I have the iPod touch. Anyone have any ideas how this DICE unit is?

 

I just got off the phone with the folks selling the DICE kit from this URL:

http://www.mp3carpros.com/product_in...products_id=92

Basically, if you have an 04 you need the R1 version of the kit and will not get Text Display. If you have an 05-08, you can get the R2 version which will get you Text Display. The basic requirement is that you'll need a SAT button.

On either kit, there's no limit in the number of playlists/etc. Both work with all iPods including the iPhone and Touch.

One the iPhone you can run the kit 2 ways:

1) Direct mode, iPhone interface remains completely unlocked and you can change tracks with steering wheel/headunit, but not playlists/etc. For that, you'd have to use the iPhone directly. Also, you will not get Text Display regardless of the version of the kit you own.

2) iPod mode, only the iPod interface will be locked out on the phone and you'll be able to manipulate playlists, artist, album, etc. via Headunit/Steering wheel. And you'll have Text Display if your vehicle is capable (ie, you have a SAT button). With the current iPhone firmware, you can even unlock the iPod portion in this mode by holding down the 'home' button on the iPhone, but he said this could sometimes cause some 'funkyness'.

Net, seems like a pretty decent kit with 1 year warranty and free tech support. Not to mention it specfically supports the iPhone/Touch.

KF

 

I ordered that one yesterday. I do have an 04, so I won't have text, but still will be able to control the IPOD, which is really what I wanted. $144 with free UPS shipping. It did ship that day, already half way here!

Now I need to decide where to mount the Itouch, any suggestions?

 

Hmm, not sure on mounting ideas, but please post back with results!

 

thanks for getting that info man.

I wonder if a call will come through your car speakers if you use the iPhone. Any answer on that?

 

NP - I didn't specifically ask, but I wouldn't expect it to. I think the ring will come through,but once you answer, I'd expect the call to come through the line out port on the phone (headset port). Of course, I could be completely wrong. If it did come through the speakers, that would be awesome. You could use the built in iPhone mic and essentially have a single solution for iPhone audio and hands free calling.

Thanks
KF

 

any updates?

I want to know how you control/manipulate the iPod interface. like what button acts as the menu button, and what button acts as the select key, etc.

this solution sounds too good to be true!

 

i just orderd them this wekend hopfully it will come later this week

 

please post a review as you get it.

 

Still waiting for mine, it spent the weekend in salt lake. I really wish UPS shipped over the weekend. Will write it up when I get it.

 

f'n ups re-scheduled my delivery of my replacement PIE cable too. Should get it today as well.

Would've been nice to have some tunes on the way to and from the mountains. GRRR.

 

I'm really interested in this as well. I've been looking for a good solution for a while. I thought the Audiolink sounded the best but the two I tried had too much interference, apparently nobody else has that problem.

I have the Neo-Link now and the audio quality isn't good. Plus it completely looks out my iphone. I want something with good audio quality that doesn't look out the iphone and lets me use the steering controls to change tracks. Can't wait to hear the review.

 

User Manual: http://www.diceelectronics.com/suppo...ondaR3Gen2.pdf

It's for Honda, but linked from Mazda page. So, I expect it's similar.

There's also YouTube videos for BMW's using the kit. Like others, I'm very interestd to see how it behaves on RX-8.

Thanks!
KF

 

Well I got it today. Installed it. Didn't work. It was charging the Ipod, but didn't find it when I pressed the CD button twice (Dont have the SAT button). Called DICE, they are going to send me a new one. More waiting. This sucks.

 

UPS Rescheduled mine till the 17 so more waiting for me too

 

DAMNIT. I can't wait to hear the reviews, I'm still looking for a good solution.

 

I guess the only review I can give right now is that:
- easy to install once you get the head unit out
- has both ipod and aux in
- seems well made (other than mine didnt work)
- customer service was really good, now that I'm not as pissed

 

Hey James, can you tell me how long the iPod connection cord is that would run from the iPod to the box? I have one of these on order and want to mount the box behind the dash and run the cable down the tunnel to behind the sliding arm rest. I have ordered a min-din extension if needed but was curious how long that cable is from DICE.

 

The cable is from the radio to dice unit is long enough for me to mount it under the passanger dash (12-18") for easy access, then about 4 ft to the ipod, just looking at it, it would be long enough to go in the armrest, maybe behind it depending on the routing.

 

That sounds to be about the same length of the Axxess cable which had more than enough

 

I just got off the phone with DICE, even though the 2004-2007 RX8 is listed under the R2 kit, which has the ability to do TEXT, the 2004-2005 RX8 will not display text because there is no satellite input.

I've been going back and forth between the DICE and the Axxess because the Axxess displays text, or so it says on therpmstore.com. However I have an iPod touch and it's not compatible. Can anyone verify this is true? It also says it doesn't work with an iPhone as well. Finally can anyone verify that the Axxess will display text in a 2004 RX8?

DeViLbOi I saw your posts in the thread about the Axxess integration. It appeared you had some trouble with yours. Can you tell me if you are having anymore difficulties with overheating or where things stand?

I'm at a cross road between these two.

 

Last week it was 8F...not a damn thing here can overheat. :P

 

Correct, if you do not have a SAT button, you have to go with the R1, which does not do text. I believe this is true for both, since you have to use the external changer port, which you only get an "EX 1" displayed.

The itouch will work for the DICE, I called to verify that, I did not see where the Axxess one will. That led me to the DICE

 

I just got the R2 and installed it. It played music when I pressed the SAT button. (mine is 07). But I can't do nothing on the HU and Steering wheel control. The text shows UPDATING. Do I need to set the DIP switch? How is yours working, jamesdherman.