Seems a bit pricey, but it might be worth it.

http://www.mp3yourcar.com/productdetails.asp?productID=266

It sounds very similar to the Dension Icelink+ that I installed in my Accord. (A similar price too :( )

http://www.densionusa.com/icelink_info.htm

I keep my iPod in the glove box and can access the playlists etc using the existing stereo controls. I'm sure I could use the steering wheel controls as well if my LX had them.

The sound quality is about as good as mp3s get - songs encoded at high bitrates sound almost identical to the CDs.

If you want to listen to your entire music library in the car... one of these kind of kits is definitely the way to go.

IMOL

Unfortunately, those of us with Navi + XM have to give up something to use any of these iPod integrators.

It sounds very similar to the Dension Icelink+ that I installed in my Accord. (A similar price too :( )

http://www.densionusa.com/icelink_info.htm

I keep my iPod in the glove box and can access the playlists etc using the existing stereo controls. I'm sure I could use the steering wheel controls as well if my LX had them.

The sound quality is about as good as mp3s get - songs encoded at high bitrates sound almost identical to the CDs.

If you want to listen to your entire music library in the car... one of these kind of kits is definitely the way to go.

IMOL

Unfortunately, those of us with Navi + XM have to give up something to use any of these iPod integrators.

But you have XM :) - If my Accord had come with XM, I don't think I would have bothered with the iPod interface - for me, they both serve the same purposes:

1. Last longer than a CD, and...
2. mean I don't have to listen to the execrable commercial radio in Phoenix.

Well, there is *one* good station, but it doesn't get very good reception.

IMOL

I really only use XM for the talk oriented channels...and it's worth the price of subscription to me just for that. I still haven't found any music channels I really like. Meanwhile, my iPod has over 4000 songs that I do like on it.

Meanwhile, my iPod has over 4000 songs that I do like on it.

:yes: :thmsup:

I can recommend this transmitter/charger

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer%20Technology/ROADTRIPLS/

My wife uses it in her car, so her steering wheel volume still work.

http://eshop.macsales.com/images/Items/rt+_sideview.jpg

But you have XM :) - If my Accord had come with XM, I don't think I would have bothered with the iPod interface - for me, they both serve the same purposes:

1. Last longer than a CD, and...
2. mean I don't have to listen to the execrable commercial radio in Phoenix.

Well, there is *one* good station, but it doesn't get very good reception.

IMOL


I don't know about that. XM isn't the do all and end all of music. I do listen to CD's when there's nothing on XM I want to listen to.

Also, I've been longing for somewhat seamless integration of my mobile video system's audio into the factory sound system without killing my XM. Blitzsafe hasn't given me that thus far.

I can recommend this transmitter/charger
FM transmitters stink, especiaslly if you live in an urban area with a lot of radio traffic. Even when it does work, sound quality is poor.

FM transmitters stink, especiaslly if you live in an urban area with a lot of radio traffic. Even when it does work, sound quality is poor.

I can only speak from personal experience, but this one works very well. Yes, like most anything, there are good and bad ones. For FM transmitters a lot will depend on the power output or signal strength. I don't know your definition of urban, but I live in San Antonio Texas. The FM transmitter is set to 89.7 and has no problems with the stations around it; 89.1 public radio and 90.1 San Antonio College. Even on the road during my last 5 hour road trip, it didn't have any problems traveling throught Austin(capital) and Dallas/ Fort Worth(largest city in Texas).

One thing to take into consideration, is as a audio souce, the iPOD is limited in it's audio reproduction due to digital compression. Digital by definition is a mathematical interpalation of an analog source. While vinyl will reproduce every note played, digital can only incode so much information and reproduce it by mathematical algorithm. This is linear; i.e. given note A and note C, the D/A converter will insert what has a high probability of being B.

Bottom line, your car is not the best audio listening venue and FM demodulation has a higher resolution than the iPOD feeding it. You can make the best of a limited situation by sound proofing your car, adding better quality sources, amps, speakers and sub. It can get very good , but it's not perfect, but then, most home systems can be improved too.

For credentials I offer, I'm an avid audio geek and very particular about my music. I have five audio systems and one home theater setup in my house. This does not include the 19" rack of gear in my office. I guess total gear in excess of $40K. A lot to some but minor league in the audiophile world. I have spent over 25 years in electronics from LEO satellite to embedded systems security. I grew up in a family of musican; piano, violin, guitar and voice. No wonder I have spent a lifetime with a passion for music.

I can only speak from personal experience, but this one works very well. Yes, like most anything, there are good and bad ones. For FM transmitters a lot will depend on the power output or signal strength. I don't know your definition of urban, but I live in San Antonio Texas. The FM transmitter is set to 89.7 and has no problems with the stations around it; 89.1 public radio and 90.1 San Antonio College. Even on the road during my last 5 hour road trip, it didn't have any problems traveling throught Austin(capital) and Dallas/ Fort Worth(largest city in Texas).

One thing to take into consideration, is as a audio souce, the iPOD is limited in it's audio reproduction due to digital compression. Digital by definition is a mathematical interpalation of an analog source. While vinyl will reproduce every note played, digital can only incode so much information and reproduce it by mathematical algorithm. This is linear; i.e. given note A and note C, the D/A converter will insert what has a high probability of being B.

Bottom line, your car is not the best audio listening venue and FM demodulation has a higher resolution than the iPOD feeding it. You can make the best of a limited situation by sound proofing your car, adding better quality sources, amps, speakers and sub. It can get very good , but it's not perfect, but then, most home systems can be improved too.

For credentials I offer, I'm an avid audio geek and very particular about my music. I have five audio systems and one home theater setup in my house. This does not include the 19" rack of gear in my office. I guess total gear in excess of $40K. A lot to some but minor league in the audiophile world. I have spent over 25 years in electronics from LEO satellite to embedded systems security. I grew up in a family of musican; piano, violin, guitar and voice. No wonder I have spent a lifetime with a passion for music.

Wardsweb...i took your recommendation and bought the RoadTrip!+ for my girlfriend...

omg, i was freaking amazed...maybe my expectations were just low for FM transmitters, but this thing is awesome - with the way this thing sounds, i really dont' see a need to install an aux-in now

i am no audiophile, but it sounds better than the clearest FM stations here in Houston...i imagine that for 75% of people out there, this should do just fine

I use my cassette adapter, works like a charm. I have an FM transmitter as well, absolutely unhappy with that noname brand piece of trash. I still use it because it does double-duty as a charger and as a holder.

Hi,

I'm looking for the device of connecting my iPOD to '06 Accord Sedan w/o navigation. I've read about Dension and blizzz.... something but it doesn't say anywhere that it will work on '06 (Dension mentioned on there web site that it is not compatible to '06).

Does anybody know any decent solution for full connection/control of iPOD and to leave all the options like XM alive.

Thank you in advance.

I think Honda/Apple may offer a kit themselves for 2006 models.

You mean this (https://www.ahm-ownerlink.com/site/site_PopupTmplt.asp?brand=Honda&file=iPodHonda&img=pop%5Fbnnr%5Fgeneric%2Egif)?

I am hoping it will work for 03-05 too!

ok i am new to the forum but have a good idea about the dension ice link plus module/product from browsing densionusa.com. i have a 2005 accord ex 4dr non-nav with factory xm radio. has anyone installed the ice link plus product in a car like mine? the instructions say that you ahve to disconnect xm. my question is do i have to get behind the OEM stereo and disconnect a xm cable or will the xm radio just be disabled when i plug something into the bottom 14 plug insert on the OEM stereo??? any help would be great. thanks!!!

You'll need to disconnect the 14-pin XM cable that is plugged into the OEM stereo, and then plug in the iceLink Plus. The connectors on both the iceLink and the XM are identical.

You'll need to disconnect the 14-pin XM cable that is plugged into the OEM stereo, and then plug in the iceLink Plus. The connectors on both the iceLink and the XM are identical.
So currently when i open up underneath the OEM stereo I will see a cable plugged into that 14-pin connection that is the XM radio connector?? just unplug that cord and plug in the ice link cable instead??

So currently when i open up underneath the OEM stereo I will see a cable plugged into that 14-pin connection that is the XM radio connector?? just unplug that cord and plug in the ice link cable instead??

Yup. The XM connector is a little difficult to unplug, but it will come out with a little effort. Then just plug in the iceLink, and you should be good to go.

There are some really good step-by-step pictures and instructions here (http://www.distantcreations.com/accordipod/). The instructions aren't specifically for the iceLink, but I found them very helpful.

Yup. The XM connector is a little difficult to unplug, but it will come out with a little effort. Then just plug in the iceLink, and you should be good to go.

There are some really good step-by-step pictures and instructions here (http://www.distantcreations.com/accordipod/). The instructions aren't specifically for the iceLink, but I found them very helpful.
those are really nice pictures of the installation. thanks. where did you put the little module/converter box and then where did you have the cable to the ipod come out?? did you have any problems with the steps that website showed?

those are really nice pictures of the installation. thanks. where did you put the little module/converter box and then where did you have the cable to the ipod come out?? did you have any problems with the steps that website showed?

The iceLink module ended up right underneath the shifter, on the left side. There's plenty of room there, and both cables are long enough -- the one to the 14-pin connector, and the other to the iPod. I put it there to give me maximum extra cable length to the iPod. Here's a picture from my installation that shows where the iPod cable came out: iceLink install (http://home.comcast.net/~x3ms1/14.html).

I didn't have any problems with the install as shown on the other website, but step #25 was not needed, as I just laid the iceLink on the carpet underneath the shifter. It's not very big, and doesn't move around much or rattle.

Incidentally, I also added aux rca inputs, but this was also because I also used a Y-cable in an attempt to keep my XM radio. This almost worked, but the iceLink gets confused (isn't recognized sometimes by the OEM stereo) when the XM is plugged in as well.

The iceLink module ended up right underneath the shifter, on the left side. There's plenty of room there, and both cables are long enough -- the one to the 14-pin connector, and the other to the iPod. I put it there to give me maximum extra cable length to the iPod. Here's a picture from my installation that shows where the iPod cable came out: iceLink install (http://home.comcast.net/~x3ms1/14.html).

I didn't have any problems with the install as shown on the other website, but step #25 was not needed, as I just laid the iceLink on the carpet underneath the shifter. It's not very big, and doesn't move around much or rattle.

Incidentally, I also added aux rca inputs, but this was also because I also used a Y-cable in an attempt to keep my XM radio. This almost worked, but the iceLink gets confused (isn't recognized sometimes by the OEM stereo) when the XM is plugged in as well.
That installation method is really nice. It looks like I will only be able to buy the ice link plus with the dock cradle option. i wish i could just get the option with the ipod cable like yours. i wonder if the dock cradle has that ipod cord built right into it or if it connects to it so i could use it as a normal ipod cord. this is my last question about the ice link i swear. thanks for all the help!!!

That installation method is really nice. It looks like I will only be able to buy the ice link plus with the dock cradle option. i wish i could just get the option with the ipod cable like yours. i wonder if the dock cradle has that ipod cord built right into it or if it connects to it so i could use it as a normal ipod cord. this is my last question about the ice link i swear. thanks for all the help!!!

It appears that the dock cradle option is the only one available if you buy it retail (Best Buy, etc). I ordered mine direct from Logjam Electronics (http://store.yahoo.com/logjam/densioni20hondar3.html), and they give you the option to choose which cable you want, all at the same price.

I looked at the dock cradle cable at Best Buy (before I bought mine from Logjam), and it does have the cord built into it -- it does not give you the ability to use it like the one I have. I chose the "non-cradle interface cable" for two reasons: 1) I don't have to mount it anywhere (it just sits inside the console, or I can take it out and put the ipod in the cup holder, or on the passenger seat), and 2) it should work with any current or future ipod (nano, etc).

I'm glad this is helping you -- don't be afraid to ask more questions if something else comes up. I get so much useful information from this board, and it's nice to be able to give something back... :)

It appears that the dock cradle option is the only one available if you buy it retail (Best Buy, etc). I ordered mine direct from Logjam Electronics (http://store.yahoo.com/logjam/densioni20hondar3.html), and they give you the option to choose which cable you want, all at the same price.

I looked at the dock cradle cable at Best Buy (before I bought mine from Logjam), and it does have the cord built into it -- it does not give you the ability to use it like the one I have. I chose the "non-cradle interface cable" for two reasons: 1) I don't have to mount it anywhere (it just sits inside the console, or I can take it out and put the ipod in the cup holder, or on the passenger seat), and 2) it should work with any current or future ipod (nano, etc).

I'm glad this is helping you -- don't be afraid to ask more questions if something else comes up. I get so much useful information from this board, and it's nice to be able to give something back... :)
possibly a dumb question but i know the normal ipod cable will charge the ipod. i dont have to have the "Charging Dock Cable" (dock cable) to charge the ipod at the same time since the normal ipod cable will charge the ipod as well. right?

possibly a dumb question but i know the normal ipod cable will charge the ipod. i dont have to have the "Charging Dock Cable" (dock cable) to charge the ipod at the same time since the normal ipod cable will charge the ipod as well. right?

That's right -- as far as I know, all three cable types ("charging" cradle, mini-cradle, and non-cradle) will charge the iPod. My "non-cradle" interface cable definitely is charging the iPod when the car is on.

That's right -- as far as I know, all three cable types ("charging" cradle, mini-cradle, and non-cradle) will charge the iPod. My "non-cradle" interface cable definitely is charging the iPod when the car is on.
Thanks a bunch. I am ordering it from Logjam right now. Should arrive by Tuesday!!! have a good one.

Thanks a bunch. I am ordering it from Logjam right now. Should arrive by Tuesday!!! have a good one.

Great! Let us know how it goes, and what you think of it. I have a few minor complaints, but overall, I'm pretty happy with the iceLink.

Great! Let us know how it goes, and what you think of it. I have a few minor complaints, but overall, I'm pretty happy with the iceLink.
What are the minor complaints??? i hope they aren't major for me.

What are the minor complaints??? i hope they aren't major for me.

Well, first of all, I was disappointed that the song names don't show up on the radio's display, like XM. Not a big deal, but it would have been nice. I've read that is does work on BWMs and Lexuses (Lexi??), but not on Hondas. :bawling:

I was also not thrilled with the way they only allow access to the first six playlists, but I suppose that is a limitation of the OEM stereo, with only six buttons. Since I don't use playlists most of the time anyway, this hasn't been a big deal yet, either.

The iceLink user interface is a little awkward (and slow), but I finally came up with a way that works for me: I used their setup menu to select "iPod user interface mode", which gives me control via the usual ipod menus. The bad thing here is that the ipod needs to be disconnected from the iceLink for it to work.

So, what I usually do is select a particular artist/album on the ipod first, and then plug it in. The controls on the steering wheel work, but I can only select songs within that album. When it's over, I have to unplug it, select a new one, and then plug it in again.

Another alternative is to select "shuffle" on the iPod, and then plug it in. I can advance to the next "random" song with the steering wheel, and there's also a "Album Play" feature that will play the entire album of the currently playing song. Pretty cool.

My biggest complaints are with their customer service (it took >2 weeks for them to respond to a tech support question via their website), and also that it appears they will not be updating the firmware (http://install.dension.com/updateil2.html) anymore:

Dear Customers, current ice>Link Plus models implement the full desired feature set already, therefore no generic firmware updates released in the future.

"Full desired feature set"?? Maybe what *they* desire, but a quick search (and my own experience) indicates that there are some things that could be added, as well as some bug fixes. I write firmware for a living, so this is especially irritating to me. A product that costs $200 should be supported better than this.

However, with all of that said, it still is not a bad product. It works, and it gives you steering wheel/OEM stereo control of the iPod. It probably is the best thing out there, at least for now. I'm sure it won't take long for Honda (or other competitors) to come up with something far superior, maybe even for less money.

It looks like Honda's iPod solution will be much better. I wonder when the Honda Music Link will become available for the 06 Accord since I've only heard about the 06 Civic getting it around Christmas.

Well, first of all, I was disappointed that the song names don't show up on the radio's display, like XM. Not a big deal, but it would have been nice. I've read that is does work on BWMs and Lexuses (Lexi??), but not on Hondas. :bawling:

I was also not thrilled with the way they only allow access to the first six playlists, but I suppose that is a limitation of the OEM stereo, with only six buttons. Since I don't use playlists most of the time anyway, this hasn't been a big deal yet, either.

The iceLink user interface is a little awkward (and slow), but I finally came up with a way that works for me: I used their setup menu to select "iPod user interface mode", which gives me control via the usual ipod menus. The bad thing here is that the ipod needs to be disconnected from the iceLink for it to work.

So, what I usually do is select a particular artist/album on the ipod first, and then plug it in. The controls on the steering wheel work, but I can only select songs within that album. When it's over, I have to unplug it, select a new one, and then plug it in again.

Another alternative is to select "shuffle" on the iPod, and then plug it in. I can advance to the next "random" song with the steering wheel, and there's also a "Album Play" feature that will play the entire album of the currently playing song. Pretty cool.

My biggest complaints are with their customer service (it took >2 weeks for them to respond to a tech support question via their website), and also that it appears they will not be updating the firmware (http://install.dension.com/updateil2.html) anymore:



"Full desired feature set"?? Maybe what *they* desire, but a quick search (and my own experience) indicates that there are some things that could be added, as well as some bug fixes. I write firmware for a living, so this is especially irritating to me. A product that costs $200 should be supported better than this.

However, with all of that said, it still is not a bad product. It works, and it gives you steering wheel/OEM stereo control of the iPod. It probably is the best thing out there, at least for now. I'm sure it won't take long for Honda (or other competitors) to come up with something far superior, maybe even for less money.
Aren't you able to still search through all of your playlists?? i know that buttons 1-5 work with your first 5 playlists but i thought you were still able to search through all playlists you have setup.

Aren't you able to still search through all of your playlists?? i know that buttons 1-5 work with your first 5 playlists but i thought you were still able to search through all playlists you have setup.

Yes, but I don't use that feature. It doesn't work when the iceLink is set to "ipod UI". Switching back to "Dension User Interface" mode allows you to use the "playlist browser" -- it scrolls through all of the playlists using the reverse and forward buttons on the radio (or steering wheel). Playlists are displayed on the iPod screen (in a crummy font), not on the stereo.

I don't use it mainly because I prefer to browse for particular albums using Artists->(Artist)->Album, rather than using playlists. Also, as I mentioned earlier, moving back and forth between playlists is painfully slow.

Yes, but I don't use that feature. It doesn't work when the iceLink is set to "ipod UI". Switching back to "Dension User Interface" mode allows you to use the "playlist browser" -- it scrolls through all of the playlists using the reverse and forward buttons on the radio (or steering wheel). Playlists are displayed on the iPod screen (in a crummy font), not on the stereo.

I don't use it mainly because I prefer to browse for particular albums using Artists->(Artist)->Album, rather than using playlists. Also, as I mentioned earlier, moving back and forth between playlists is painfully slow.
I wish Monday was here already so i could start the installation and just know how it works. Some of the instructions that i have read said that you should get your radio security number or something before you unplug the battery. any problems when you reconnected the battery after installing the cable?

I wish Monday was here already so i could start the installation and just know how it works. Some of the instructions that i have read said that you should get your radio security number or something before you unplug the battery. any problems when you reconnected the battery after installing the cable?

I didn't disconnect the battery. I suppose it is a good idea, but not doing it didn't cause any problems.

If you do unplug the battery, it should be pretty easy to enter the security number. I think there are instructions on how to do this in the Honda owner's manual.

http://www.davidnavone.com/ipodadapters.htm

take a look at that stuff.... i would have bought some of that stuff but i just ordered the drive + play oh well that might help even tho there is no steering wheel capable ipod controller on that site plus i dont think they make a TRUE steering wheel capable ipod controller period.

I didn't disconnect the battery. I suppose it is a good idea, but not doing it didn't cause any problems.

If you do unplug the battery, it should be pretty easy to enter the security number. I think there are instructions on how to do this in the Honda owner's manual.
The installation went just as planned. No major problems at all. The cable was the perfect length and fit exactly where you said I should place it by the shifter. For some reason the audio seems just a little quiet. Anyone else have the problem with the ice link plus making you have to turn the volume up a little more than usual?

The installation went just as planned. No major problems at all. The cable was the perfect length and fit exactly where you said I should place it by the shifter. For some reason the audio seems just a little quiet. Anyone else have the problem with the ice link plus making you have to turn the volume up a little more than usual?

Did you try setting the audio output level to 4.0 volts (under the ice-link Setup menu)? That could make a big difference in volume, depending on the current setting.

Yep figured that out. That made a big difference. thanks for all of the help!!!

The iceLink adapter is just too expensive for what it does to the Accord. Eventually you'll just choose to scroll using the iPod itself because of all the limitations it has. A PIE adapter for aux-in jacks plus a Drive + Play are best IMO.

i have the snhonda3 and the HK drive + play and well it ROCK MY SOCKS OFF!

I just installed the Dension in my car on the weekend. Took the easy route and didn't disassemble anything. You can reach the radio connector when the center bin is open and then I just fed the wire over to the glovebox where my iPod sits.

My first post:

I installed the icelink in my car and nothing but problems!

The stereo would always hang diplaying CD1 Track 99.

I would always have to unplug the fuse for my radioHU to reset and
same thing all over again. Turning ignition on would also disable the icelink connection.

Tried to update firmware now I don't have any CD.C recognition at all.

Some help would be most appreciated

Thanks. :dunno: