odhinn

First post here, but since these forums where so helpful with my ipod research I wanted to return the favor.

This weekend I installed a DICE unit into my 2002 A6 2.7t with Symphony II stereo with 6 CD in-dash changer. There are quite a few excellent step by step guides for installing an ipod, but none were specific to my situation, so this is just to call out some of the differences, and show off my new toy :-)

I went with the PROCLIP 853369 since I didn't want the mount sticking into the passenger leg space, plus the DICE Video cradle and the DICE I-Audi-R. I ordered them all from Enfig Car stereo on the advice of the forum since it included free shipping plus the prices were lower than ordering direct from Proclip and Dice. On the whole a positive experience, although it did take a few weeks to ship.

Installation was relatively painless and took about 3 hours, including running to OSH for screws to attach the cradle the mount. A few gotchas.

The cable connector that plugs into the cradle is bulky, and ran into the mount. This wasn't a major problem although it did restrict the range of motion of the cradle.

The spacer that adapts the cradle to hold my 30 GB ipod video was too thick, resulting in too tight of a fit and a few scratches on the back of my ipod. Instead, I replaced the spacer with some adhesive-backed felt from Home Depot. It fits better, protects the ipod's finish, and though unintentional, the brown felt and black cradle mimic the brown/black interior of my car, so it looks nicer than expected.

No screws included with the cradle. Ran down to OSH and picked some up for $2, but slightly distracting. Since they were steel, I touched them up with a black permanent marker to reduce the shine, resulting in a black-chrome look.

One issue specific to the in-dash 6 CD changer is space. There wasn't enough space behind the stereo to fit the DICE unit. To work around this, I placed the DICE unit to the left of the stereo enclosure on a ledge by the Audi manual holder. The cables are a little short so there's not much wiggle room when attaching the cables, but it all fits fine, with no rattling.

Oh, and one final tip, you have to press the CD button twice to get to the ipod. I wasn't sure when I ordered this how it would integrate with my existing CD player. Press the CD button once and you control your CD player "CD". Press it again, and you are controlling "CDC1" which is the ipod. So you can use your ipod and all 6 CDs with no problems.

All told, the installation was a snap. It took a few minutes of fussing with the controls and double-checking connections before I got it all working. But once I did, it was a dream. I've been wanting to control my ipod from my steering wheel controls ever since I bought my A6, and now I can! It looks better than I expected, performs better than I expected, and I'm listening to my ipod more than ever.

Thank you DICE!

Here are a few pics. As you can see, I routed the cable to the cradle through one of my unused console buttons, resulting it a much more professional-looking installation than I anticipated.

Pic of the mount and base of the cradle - see how bulky the connector is
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/125257/mount.jpg">

Pic of the cradle (forgot to attach the ipod cable to the cradle - that doesn't normally dangle like that)
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/125257/cradle.jpg">

Pic of the final installation, playing a little Jimi
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/125257/complete.jpg">

DJ_JonnyV

Gives me an idea about hardwiring an iPod dock into my AR. My wife shut me down on doing the install next to the HU with the Panavise bracket. She'll probably still shoot me down. Anyway, I think it looks good up there. Probably easier to see than down by the HU as well.