Part 1 overview
First off; I want to thank all of the BMW enthusiasts out there for all the information they post on the forums, especially x5world. Without the information and responses on these sites I would never have attempted the upgrades to my X5.
For this project I used the instructions provided with the spec dock and this installation post on xoutpost. As with any project I adapted the information to meet my needs. I will document the changes I made to fit my needs.
I tested the configuration before performing any installation. I found two issues with the Intravee II:
- There was excessive noise while playing the audio
- The screen display was not stable
After searching the Intravee forum and emailing support (I received a response within the day) two fixes solved the problems:
- Since I have a BMW Sirius receiver, the Intravee II requires a jumper to be reset. There are four screws to remove and the jumper block in question is closest to the audio connector. With the audio connector towards the top of the unit, move the jumper from the pins on the right to the pins on the left of the 4 pin 'block'.
- I needed to upgrade the Intravee firmware to version 5.40-323. The upgrade process is a bit convoluted but if you follow the instructions carefully you should not have any issues.
With those issues behind me, I was ready to move on to the physical installation. The first step was to install the spec dock by following the included instructions. My only comment on the instructions is that with the auto transmission I did not need to lift the shifter trim out of the way. I was able to thread the cable through to the side from the ashtray compartment.
View from the passenger side.
Cable coming from the ashtray compartment. I plugged the Ridax charge converter into spec dock cable and the CableJive 6 foot extension cable into the other end of the charge converter. I then ran the cable assembly in a gap under the console. The x5forum instructions are for a Dension install, but they are invaluable in order to pass the cables through the cabin. The hardest part of the install is running the cable under the molded carpet in front of the rear seat.
I only pushed the carpet out of the way on the driver's side. After removing the carpet trim on the center console and slitting the carpet with a utility knife, I was able to thread the end of the CableJive extension under the carpet. I was able to pass several inches of the cables, I then fashioned a wire with a hook out of a hanger, and by sliding my hand under the molded carpet from the door, I was able to hook the cable and pull it towards me (it took several attempts). I then connected that end of the cable to the Alpine KCA-420i iPod cable.
I mounted the Alpine KCA-420i and the Intravee II upside down above the Navigation computer. I used double sided heavy duty tape. I made sure the Intravee II serial port was exposed so that I could easily perform firmware upgrades.
The iPhone 3G charging in the spec dock. Without the Apple inserts, the iPhone fits easily with its silicone jacket which is great.
The iPhone 3G and the Intravee II display on the Navigation system.
The spec dock with my iPod 5G.
The whole process took about 2 and 1/2 hours which is not bad and as a disclaimer when you perform these upgrades you do it on your own and assume any risks.
If anyone is interested in my Dension Icelink unit for $50 please email me at steve (at) mydigitallife (.) us. It works fine and I would especially recommend it for a non NAV installation. Before you email me, you should be comfortable with installing electronics. Since Dension is out of business support will be an issue and I am selling it as is.
Thoughts on My iPhone 4 a Week Later
Antenna issue: With all of the hubbub this week regarding the antenna issue, I am glad it has not impacted my use. I think you may have to really go out of your way to make it happen. That said, it is clear that this is a black eye for Apple and they need to address it. As I was writing this entry Apple released a statement defining the problem as software related and (http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2010/07/02appleletter.html) they will be issuing an update in the next couple of weeks.
I have used an INCIPIO silicon case with my 3G and 3GS, and plan to do the same with my iPhone 4. I used my 3GS case initially which was loose on the iPhone 4 and was looking at a silicon case from Zagg, the makers of the Invisible Shield. I was in Montgomery Mall on Thursday and saw an Invisible Shield booth right in front of the Apple store, what great marketing. I wanted to stop by but there was a line and I did not have time to wait. Bottom line, with or without a software fix the antenna issue won't be an issue for me. Yesterday, I happened to be at a Radio Shack looking for a weird battery, anyway I saw they had an iPhone 4 INCIPIO silicon case for $14.99 and I purchased it. I think this is a great case, although the included screen protector is so so. I find it very bizarre that Radio Shack is not promoting their cycling team with Lance Armstrong in their stores by selling team stuff. It would help promote cycling as well as their brand.
Battery: In the first couple of days of use, I got concerned about battery life, but that seems to have worked itself out after several full charges. I can now attest that battery life is much better than my 3GS and by 5 PM I am still above 50%. Unless I am using the iPhone 4 heavily during the day it looks like I can forgo my midday charge. Yesterday, I used it pretty heavily with over an hour of Slinging and by 9 PM I still had 25% left.
All in one inbox: I love having access to multiple Exchange mailboxes in one view. I can't even do that with Outlook 2010, or at least have not figured out how to create a view with my two Exchange accounts. Unfortunately, Apple still does not support flags, how do they prioritize email in Cupertino, maybe they don't or they use folders which I think only addresses part of the email organization problem.
And of course no tasks support which fits right into my flag bitch. I use the TaskTask application which works very well, but iOS 4 broke it http://www.tasktaskonline.com/TaskTask/Blog/Entries/2010/6/21_iOS_4.0_Compatibility_Problems.html and there seems to be no fix in sight. For now I am back to Toodledo using the Toodledo Sync Tool for Outlook (it works with Outlook 2010) but you can't set reminder times in the iPhone app which is a very bizarre omission...
Posted by sskarlatos on July 03, 2010 at 08:26 AM in Apple, Commentary, Cycling, iPhone, iPhone accessories, Office 2010 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
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