speedntktz

Would like your advice on independent shops. Had bad experience with one that was worse than the dealer.

Fit is definitely an issue. I am having to revise my approach to the angle at which the unit sits. This may not be a bad thing as far as getting it in and out, but means I mave have to fab and tool more parts than originally anticipated. It also requires that I disassemble the press fit pins in the ash tray. Not fun. :cursing: Has anyone used the Dension Ice with the Harman version of the Traffic Pro and does it have CD text capability?

I am having to buy cradles from Dension and sacrifice them for prototyping. My best luck has been trying to catch them on EBAY for $10-$20. I have been doing the same with ashtrays for 996/986. We are still working on getting the flip cover to be fully operational with the Nano in the ashtray. It's an all or nothing venture.

Awaiting some parts.

Yes I see that the dock could be used both as a line level output or go to an RF transmitter. The reason I like the Dension ICE product better is that, although somewhat limited, it does have two way communication between the stock radio and the IPOD. I don't want to have to look down at the IPOD to setup and play music. It's just too dangerous. Grabbing the radio knobs seems much easier and safer. I don't know why the song data is not supported on the CDR/CR radios though. Aren't these made by BECKER and the same or similar to the stock radios in the BMWs. Dension engineers must all drive BMWs as they have a ton of support for the BMW radios but hardly anything for the Porsche radios. And to top it off, you can get a TrafficPro NAV radio for the porsche (same as the BMW) but little to no support. This radio should be able to display all song/artist info. Just ranting out of frustration. Now back to getting those JAE connectors for the IPOD dock...

The dock looks interesting, however it's only apparent audio connection is via an FM transmitter. Transmitters seem to be inherently noisy.

Yes, that is why we are working on a modifed ashtray assembly that uses the stock cover and opens and closes. It is taking some work, but it will be tight. Basically a modified dock for the Dension ICE product.

A few notes to give you all a better understanding of what I am doing. The Bluetooth kit is a clean modification of an existing product on the market. The only visible portion is the ANSWER/HANGUP buttons that are actually real Porsche dash switches. The switches are modified electrically to function with the BLUETOOTH electronics. Also light up at night just like the rest of the dash switches. The BLUETOOTH electronics use the stock CDR or CR 220 which has an audio input already. The CDR/CR 220 also has the ability to adjust phone volume and panning left-right. Incoming calls mute the audio of the radio and the radio displays PHONE on the LCD. I could really use some feedback from all of you to gauge demand for this particular item. What would you expect to pay for something like this as a complete kit ready to install? Is $400 - $500 out of line for something that the Porsche service tech thought was a factory option he never new about? Yes it would look and function that clean. I am also making an effort for it to install with standard factory connectors, minimizing or eliminating cuts and splices where ever possible. Phone graphics on the switches are in two styles depending on switch orientation. Early 986s at an angle and later 986s and 996s straight horizontal. I see these two as the most common rather than try to use the 2 ashtray switches. Sorry, this didn't work for me as I have heated seats. Target location for switch is just to the left of the radio. This seems to be the most commonly filled space with a switch blank. Testing will commence when the new PCBs arrive. I am most concerned about microphone placement. The factory location for a mic is on the left side of the tach/speedo pod. I don't know if that is the best location and how well that will perform with the top down. If anyone has previous experience with cellphone microphone placement inside the 996/986 your wisdome would be apprecited. Thoughts and opinions are welcomed and please ask others to comment here. PPBB did not have a lot of responders. Too busy getting excited about the Cayman.

I am currently working on this. I will post pictures and info when done. I am also working on a Bluetooth cellphone interface that uses the factory dash switches. Is there any interest for these?