Dension installation - how hard?
Discussion
I want to add Dension to my Cayenne. My understanding is I can have :
Galaxy 500 which needs mounting near the CD changer (in boot)
Galaxy 500 + BT module (500 goes in boot, BT module goes at the front with extension cable)
Galaxy 500S which basically includes BT - would still need extension for the mic stuff though
Online, it seems 500 is about £300 and 500S is £350. But the audio place I phoned today wanted £550 inc to supply and fit the 500 (boot only, no BT) and increasing prices for the others. They were saying the 500 was costing £378 - but they would fit one if I bought it online cheaper (so I guess that brings the price down to about £475).
Still seems pricey though. I've installed car stereo before although it's fairly simple with ISO connectors. I'm wary about cutting into my MOST loom.
Anybody done it themselves? Or should I just call round for some cheaper quotes?
Galaxy 500 which needs mounting near the CD changer (in boot)
Galaxy 500 + BT module (500 goes in boot, BT module goes at the front with extension cable)
Galaxy 500S which basically includes BT - would still need extension for the mic stuff though
Online, it seems 500 is about £300 and 500S is £350. But the audio place I phoned today wanted £550 inc to supply and fit the 500 (boot only, no BT) and increasing prices for the others. They were saying the 500 was costing £378 - but they would fit one if I bought it online cheaper (so I guess that brings the price down to about £475).
Still seems pricey though. I've installed car stereo before although it's fairly simple with ISO connectors. I'm wary about cutting into my MOST loom.
Anybody done it themselves? Or should I just call round for some cheaper quotes?
Fitted a Dension to my BMW E61, and I didn't even need to take out the head unit. My car has the CD changer in the glovebox, so I just removed that for access.
It's just a case of removing the MOST connector from whichever is closer to where you want to install the Dension - CDC or head unit - plugging it into the Dension, and fitting the supplied MOST cable between the other unit and the Dension.
Just make sure that you connect the Dension the right way around - "car" socket to head unit.
I tapped the Dension's power connector into the supply for the CDC, to make sure that it powered on and off correctly. Simple soldering job.
Set the switches on the Dension, install any accessory cables that you want to use, and it's job done. Took me about 2 hours, and I hadn't done stuff like this for ages.
It's just a case of removing the MOST connector from whichever is closer to where you want to install the Dension - CDC or head unit - plugging it into the Dension, and fitting the supplied MOST cable between the other unit and the Dension.
Just make sure that you connect the Dension the right way around - "car" socket to head unit.
I tapped the Dension's power connector into the supply for the CDC, to make sure that it powered on and off correctly. Simple soldering job.
Set the switches on the Dension, install any accessory cables that you want to use, and it's job done. Took me about 2 hours, and I hadn't done stuff like this for ages.
Yes, it's not difficult. As clockworks says, you don't need to take the head unit out, it really depends on where you're going to feed any other cables from. I didn't use the iPod connection because I prefer to play all my music from a USB memory stick so I just mounted it in the boot where it was convenient to connect to the CDC and tap the power.
They supply all the MOST fibre optic connectors you're likely to need so you can connect it as you need.
The phone was a factor for me as well and that worked well. Siting the Dension unit was actually a decider when fitting the microphone but fortunately it's a reasonable length.
They supply all the MOST fibre optic connectors you're likely to need so you can connect it as you need.
The phone was a factor for me as well and that worked well. Siting the Dension unit was actually a decider when fitting the microphone but fortunately it's a reasonable length.
My Dension turned up today, so depending on the weather I may install it at the weekend. But - one question :
The instructions suggest you connect it into the MOST ring at the CDC connector. But does it matter where in the MOST ring it's connected? I found a thread on Rennlist (link is in the post above) which suggests it's much easier to get to the amp connector than the CDC one, and that somebody had installed it there. But there were some posts later in the thread which seemed to suggest that wasn't possible.
The amp is (apparently) quite close to my CDC but much easier to access. But obviously I want it to work.
I don't actually want / need the CDC connected so if I did need to use that connector, I'm wondering if I can simply unplug it and plug the Dension in.
The instructions suggest you connect it into the MOST ring at the CDC connector. But does it matter where in the MOST ring it's connected? I found a thread on Rennlist (link is in the post above) which suggests it's much easier to get to the amp connector than the CDC one, and that somebody had installed it there. But there were some posts later in the thread which seemed to suggest that wasn't possible.
The amp is (apparently) quite close to my CDC but much easier to access. But obviously I want it to work.
I don't actually want / need the CDC connected so if I did need to use that connector, I'm wondering if I can simply unplug it and plug the Dension in.
I just went for the basic GW500 - so lets me plug my ipod in, but doesn't do anything else.
If you want BT / hands free - I would advise against Dension. I've seen way too many posts saying it's very flaky. If I had wanted BT / hands free, I would have bought something else (probably Mobridge).
If you want BT / hands free - I would advise against Dension. I've seen way too many posts saying it's very flaky. If I had wanted BT / hands free, I would have bought something else (probably Mobridge).
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