I just got given a DICE iPod integration kit for my 2007 Prius (Pkg. 5) and I wanted to know people's general opinion of it before I attempted the install. Most importantly, does it work with 3rd Generation iPods (i.e. dock connector, touch wheel, 4 buttons in a row above the wheel)? The manual only lists 4th gen and later as compatible, but I didn't think there were any significant differences between 3rd and 4th gen. So does the DICE unit work as advertised? Can you browse through all of your artists, albums, and songs? Is the response time reasonable? Any chance of someone posting pictures of the DICE in action? I've read some threads of people having problems with the unit locking up or problems with the text not displaying properly. Is this unique to the 2008s only? Any feedback is greatly appreciated!!
I have issues with the DICE locking up and crashing my MFD...but I have an '04 with NAV. Apparently it's not as much a problem with the '06+ b/c they can handle a heavier data flow. It's nice to have it integrated and be able to adjust volume with the steering wheel controls. I found that it was much easier to change songs/artists/playlists via the iPod itself rather than through the steering wheel controls. At some point I'll probably uninstall my DICE and sell it and trade it out for an FM modulator adapter. I think the sound quality will be sufficient for me and I won't have to deal with the frustrating crashes in the middle of a trip.
DICE experience I have a 2005 with NAV and a 30 gig video iPod. I've had the DICE since May '06 (even before I had the iPod) and it's done what I expected it to do. Once in July '06 there was a problem where I had just a hiss when in the AUX mode (no iPod at the time), but that cured itself after changing from AM/FM/CD a few times. The plug in the back of the radio came out last month, but that was because the cabin filter was changed and the cord was accidentally pulled. As for the controls it depends on whether I'm in a hurry to get to a particular playlist or song. If I'm not in a hurry I use the buttons on the steering wheel and if I am in a hurry I use the wheel.
Thanks for input so far. I was planning on stashing the connected iPod in the glove box and doing everything through the car stereo/MFD. It sounds like both of you are saying that navigating the iPod through the DICE is inferior to doing it directly on the iPod. That's disappointing. Hey efusco, what version of iPod do you have? Oh, and I just noticed that you said the DICE crashes your MFD. What happens? And how do you recover?
I'm not sure...I think it's v5.5, but maybe 5.0. I don't think the iPod version is a significant factor.
Actually, it is. The 3rd generation doesn't support alot of the commands the 4th generation does like fast forward, reverse, and pause. It will work, but don't expect full functionality and it may not stop correctly when you turn off the car.
I just ordered a DICE - what am I in for? This is my first post in Prius chat. I have a 2005 Prius and a new 160GB iPod. I just ordered a DICE unit to connect my iPod to my Prius. Are there any instructions (with photos) on how to get to the back of my radio to connect the device? I'm not a car guy, just a musician who likes his tunes. I have a friend who is a car guy that will help me install the DICE. Any help would be appreciated.
Check out this thread: http://priuschat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11607 The first post has a PDF attachment with photos on how to install an iPod integration unit behind your dash. The instructions are for a different brand than DICE, but the procedure should be the same. This is the document I plan to work from when I do my DICE install in thenext couple of days. I let you know how it goes.
Let me add that I also have an XM running through the splitter provided with the DICE...that may be a contributor to my problems.
Where did you get your DICE unit? I ordered mine through Priuschat but it shows that I am part of a group order and it will not ship until more folks buy in... I have a 2007, Pkg 6, no SAT (yet) that I am going to connect this too (I hope).
