Thanks to this forum and the people that have provided their experience in this area - I had a successful install of the Dension I20-Honda-R2. I went to Bestbuy and picked up a R3 (packaging said it would work for the 2005 Pilot). Next morning I tool apart my dash and glove box. Got the stereo out and unplugged the cable for the stock 6disc cahanger and tried to plug in the R3 - Plug was to big that came with the R3. Went back to BestBuy and exchanged for a R2. Got the cables all plugged in and fired up the stereo to see if I had sound and control. All was fine, powered down and placed all the stereo,glove box and dash panels back. No scratches! I could not see how the cable between the cradle and the icelink could be hidden from view as it made it way to the center storage area. I saw the picks from another poster. The one issue I am having is trying to understand the method to get into the setup portion of the icelink via the FF controls on the stereo - seems the directions do not match the stereo controls. Sound quality is really good and the install was clean without modifying the Pilot. Pulling that surrounding radio dash part was un-nerving had to pull pretty hard and was nervious that it would break. Also was amazed that I did not lose those stereo screws when screwing them out and back in. If anyone knows how to get into setup for the icelink or how (whether) to upgrade the icelink firmware.....it would be great. Thanks

To get to the setup menu on the iPod, go to disc # 6 on the Head Unit. If you want to toggle down or up on the menu, press (+) or (-) on the Head Unit. If you want to select the item on the menu, hold down the (+) button for a few seconds until "CUE" is displayed on the Head Unit...then let go.

Steve, thanks! It was harder to learn to navigate the menu options than install the icelink!

1. What is a I20-Hando-R2?

2. You know its coming:

:needpics:

quote:

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Originally posted by Sportymonk
1. What is a I20-Hando-R2?

2. You know its coming:

:needpics:

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He means the Dension IceLink for the Honda Pilot. The model applicable is theI20-Honda-R2

I ran my control wire back to the center console by using a coat hanger as a gopher wire. I had to drill a small hole in the bottom of the inside of the center console. I then fished my wire through the hole, and toward the front of the car. It took me about 15 minutes and a lot of patience to get the coat hanger out the other side, but I eventually did. I then taped the control wire to the hanger, and pulled it through.

Does anyone else have an issue with bumping the Ipod accidently starting it, then leaving it running with the vehicle stopped? I'm curious if it would drain the battery (after say, weeks).

I like the console installation idea. However, I'm using the Ipod interface (not the dension interface), and don't think I could navigate the Ipod menus with it attached to the flip out in the console. Does Dension make a cable only interface (no docking station)?

I tried the Peripheral Ipod interface (same price at bestbuy), which I liked because it had a 15' cable, with no docking station (just the plug for the bottom of the Ipod). I took it back after discovering that the software doesn't support the Pilot (wouldn't turn on after starting the car, etc...).

quote:

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Originally posted by mthomas
Does anyone else have an issue with bumping the Ipod accidently starting it, then leaving it running with the vehicle stopped? I'm curious if it would drain the battery (after say, weeks).

I like the console installation idea. However, I'm using the Ipod interface (not the dension interface), and don't think I could navigate the Ipod menus with it attached to the flip out in the console. Does Dension make a cable only interface (no docking station)?

I tried the Peripheral Ipod interface (same price at bestbuy), which I liked because it had a 15' cable, with no docking station (just the plug for the bottom of the Ipod). I took it back after discovering that the software doesn't support the Pilot (wouldn't turn on after starting the car, etc...).

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Denison does sell it with the cable only, so that is an option.

I actually have the USA Spec adapter, which was ony $120 from Crutchfield. I love it.

Edog, a couple of questions.

A. does the USA Spec unit reliably turn the Ipod off and on with the ignition?

B. Can you use the Ipod's controls (I have too many albums loaded on my 20GB to make the head unit of much use)?

Thanks again!

MikeT

quote:

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Originally posted by mthomas
Edog, a couple of questions.

A. does the USA Spec unit reliably turn the Ipod off and on with the ignition?

B. Can you use the Ipod's controls (I have too many albums loaded on my 20GB to make the head unit of much use)?

Thanks again!

MikeT

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A. Yes
B. No, however, they are updating their line to allow you to do this. A lot of their models (Toyota, Nissan, tec.) have this feature, and it is supposed to be coming to the Honda one.

I just heard Neo iON can allow you to achieve the same thing without disabling iPod control. Has anybody tried Neo iON?

quote:

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Originally posted by donx
I just heard Neo iON can allow you to achieve the same thing without disabling iPod control. Has anybody tried Neo iON?

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Yeah, I originally was going to buy this adapter, but the USA Spec gave me an additional RCA input through the same unit. This allowed me to hook up my DVD entertainment system through the same CD changer port. If it wasn't for that, I would have probably gone with the neo.

Also found Honda OEM iPOD Music Link Adapter Kit from CollegeHills Honda, the first item listed is for 2006 model, wondering if it can be installed for 03-05. If so, I might want wait until Dec.

Ice:Link Update

I called Dension product support regarding the issue with not turning off the Ipod. They indicated this was a known firmware issue, and the work around is change sources (AM/FM) before turning the vehicle off. I tried this approach, it did not work for me.

Dension indicates a firmware update will be made available in a 'few months'. Given I am within the return window with Bestbuy, sounds like a gamble. This stuff must be really complicated, somehow I expect a $200 interface to perform a minimum set of functions with 99.99% reliabiliy.

- Turn the Ipod off and on with ignition
- Allow for use of Ipod interface to select source material
- Allow steering wheel control of volume and source (FM/AM/CD Chngr/Tape)
- And the obvious, interface audio signal to the CDCGR source on the HU, with CD quality (limited to the compression algorithm used to encode material on the Ipod).

- USA Spec is out due to inability to use Ipod interface
- Icelink out due to inability to stop / pause the Ipod when turning the vehicle off (for now)
- Peripheral is out due to numerous SW incompatabilities with the '05 Pilot (didn't know we're that unique)
- Neo, you're up!



For reference this is installed on an '05 EX-L without Nav, 14 pin (7 over 7) changer connector on the HU.

Try the PIE X3

quote:

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Originally posted by Sportymonk
Try the PIE X3

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Ditto

I have no problem with it turning off using the X3 either.

I forgot the docking port interface (for charging and source output at the same time). Makes for a clean installation in the cabin (only one cable). If I follow the X3 approach, I'd have the mini-cable output to an RCA splitter (l/r), plus power to the dash (for those extended trips).