Vantage Premium Audio iPod/USB/Bluetooth Integration Project
#91
08-21-2015, 04:39 AM
Still stuck! Any suggestions are much appreciated, as I've been dealing with this problem for over 2 months. Have taken the car to several Aston radio specialists, and nobody can figure it out.
Literally, here are the steps that I followed before the radio stopped working:
1) Routed a power cord from the cigarette adapter to fascia (for Dension unit)
2) Unplugged the optical connector from the radio.
3) Unplugged one of the two optical fibers from the connector, just to look at it.
4) Plugged that optical fiber back in the connector
5) Plugged in the connector with wires into the Dension unit. The radio would now now power on. Everything else works, but when I press power on the radio, the "Vantage Audio" logo appears for a second, then the radio turns off.
6) So, I unplugged the optical connector from the Dension unit and plugged it back into its original configuration in the radio. Still, same result as step 5 (radio does not turn on.)
I will pay good money to someone who can help me figure this out!
Literally, here are the steps that I followed before the radio stopped working:
1) Routed a power cord from the cigarette adapter to fascia (for Dension unit)
2) Unplugged the optical connector from the radio.
3) Unplugged one of the two optical fibers from the connector, just to look at it.
4) Plugged that optical fiber back in the connector
5) Plugged in the connector with wires into the Dension unit. The radio would now now power on. Everything else works, but when I press power on the radio, the "Vantage Audio" logo appears for a second, then the radio turns off.
6) So, I unplugged the optical connector from the Dension unit and plugged it back into its original configuration in the radio. Still, same result as step 5 (radio does not turn on.)
I will pay good money to someone who can help me figure this out!
#92
08-22-2015, 05:11 PM
Not sure how I'd go about doing that...would that require pulling the radio?
#93
08-23-2015, 06:44 PM
What we're trying to do is isolate the Dension as a single device. This removes everything else that could be causing issues on/from the bus.
Have you definitely got the optic cable going into the correct input on the "head unit"?
#94
09-07-2015, 02:22 PM
Db9
SpecOne and Aman, I just have to ask. Have either of you had issues with the GROM unit? I have owned a 2005 DB9 for the last 9 years and really don't drive it because of the whole worthless CD Changer Ipod music issue. I have a whole 5000 miles on it. My car has the worthless 900watt Linn System that I really don't want to completely scrap and the Dension system seems to be troublesome so I have not made the effort to even try it. So, do you guys strongly recommend the GROM unit? Have there been any upgrades to the Dension to make it trouble free? Last thing I want is trouble. I would rather have at least the radio and CD Changer work than nothing. Also, should I be afraid to install it myself? In my area there is really nobody I trust to do this. Believe it or not, in the past I have used Best Buy and have had good results with a Ferrari, Mercedes, Audi, SRT8 and a Porsche TT but it just seems there have been fewer people converting their Astons for the obvious reasons. Anyone's help is appreciated.
BTW, I don't care about seeing the text on my factory screen etc.
BTW, I don't care about seeing the text on my factory screen etc.
#96
09-11-2015, 05:55 PM
Hi guys.
Just wanted to share with you that I finally performed the Dension GW500 installation into my Vantage 2007 as well. What helped me was this forum, enough time and good preparation concerning material - and "a plan".
I managed to get it all to work just as it should. For the Bluetooth feature I decided to get myself a . I am basically able to play back Bluetooth audio from my Android and iOS phones. I am going to add handsfree features sometime later next week.
I tapped the power from the cigarette lighter socket. Really be careful if doing so since you do not want to cause a short between 12V and ground. I did not cut any of the wires but instead I created a small cable adapter that connects between the original cigarette lighter power plug and the cigarette lighter power socket.
iPod integration is working fine. Currently in UI mode. I am using the iPod nano with Lightning to 30-pin Adapter from Apple.
The bypass unit as well as the Bluetooth AUX module and USB port (for external drive) are all located behind the passenger seat in the small compartment area. All cables routed through the center armrest all the way back. It required the cable extension to be installed.
Overall I was very careful, very thorough and took as much time as needed without pushing myself too hard. All in all 5 hours. I did not encounter any major issues. I connected the Dension unit with dip setting 2b (1,4,6 on) and diagram 1C just like others suggested. I did not touch anything on the original CDC. Removing panels was easy as anticipated; a did the trick.
Chris.
Just wanted to share with you that I finally performed the Dension GW500 installation into my Vantage 2007 as well. What helped me was this forum, enough time and good preparation concerning material - and "a plan".
I managed to get it all to work just as it should. For the Bluetooth feature I decided to get myself a . I am basically able to play back Bluetooth audio from my Android and iOS phones. I am going to add handsfree features sometime later next week.
I tapped the power from the cigarette lighter socket. Really be careful if doing so since you do not want to cause a short between 12V and ground. I did not cut any of the wires but instead I created a small cable adapter that connects between the original cigarette lighter power plug and the cigarette lighter power socket.
iPod integration is working fine. Currently in UI mode. I am using the iPod nano with Lightning to 30-pin Adapter from Apple.
The bypass unit as well as the Bluetooth AUX module and USB port (for external drive) are all located behind the passenger seat in the small compartment area. All cables routed through the center armrest all the way back. It required the cable extension to be installed.
Overall I was very careful, very thorough and took as much time as needed without pushing myself too hard. All in all 5 hours. I did not encounter any major issues. I connected the Dension unit with dip setting 2b (1,4,6 on) and diagram 1C just like others suggested. I did not touch anything on the original CDC. Removing panels was easy as anticipated; a did the trick.
Chris.
#97
09-12-2015, 04:38 PM
MatLi, thanks for the good info. Just to be sure are you running the Dension Gateway 500 GW51M02? Are you also using the Dension DBU25GEN radio receiver? Is the Gateway working as advertised?
#98
09-12-2015, 11:42 PM
Hi again.
I am using as following:
-Gateway 500 gw51mo2
-Gateway 500 Extension Kit (AUX, iPod, USB) ext1gw5
-Lightning Adapter for Gateway lia1gw0 (have not installed it since I use the Apple 30-pin to Lightning Adapter)
I am not using the "Dension DBU25GEN", in fact, I don't even know what it is
The above two blue components have been installed onto the existing Aston Vantage 2007 audio system. No other modifications nor components have been added except the Bluetooth to AUX adapter from Amazon as mentioned in my earlier post.
Overall all works pretty fine for me as advertised by Dension. I also find it easy to operate in UI mode via the car controls. Took me just a few moments to read the instructions while operating the audio system at the same time. I mostly use DISC 1 (select playlist - ipod) followed by DISC 5 (toggle between songs after playlist has been selected). DISC 4 option works fine as well (playback mode selection).
Song titles and playlists are displayed correctly. For Bluetooth I am satisfied with the ability to playback audio tracks via the Bluetooth to AUX adapter (from Amazon) via the AUX input selection of the Dension unit. I did not perform any firmware update since my Dension unit was ordered back in July 2015, assuming that it already has the latest firmware installed.
All is good and my wife is happy too since she also paired her IPhone to the Bluetooth to AUX adapter. The adapter can pair multiple devices.
I am using as following:
-Gateway 500 gw51mo2
-Gateway 500 Extension Kit (AUX, iPod, USB) ext1gw5
-Lightning Adapter for Gateway lia1gw0 (have not installed it since I use the Apple 30-pin to Lightning Adapter)
I am not using the "Dension DBU25GEN", in fact, I don't even know what it is
The above two blue components have been installed onto the existing Aston Vantage 2007 audio system. No other modifications nor components have been added except the Bluetooth to AUX adapter from Amazon as mentioned in my earlier post.
Overall all works pretty fine for me as advertised by Dension. I also find it easy to operate in UI mode via the car controls. Took me just a few moments to read the instructions while operating the audio system at the same time. I mostly use DISC 1 (select playlist - ipod) followed by DISC 5 (toggle between songs after playlist has been selected). DISC 4 option works fine as well (playback mode selection).
Song titles and playlists are displayed correctly. For Bluetooth I am satisfied with the ability to playback audio tracks via the Bluetooth to AUX adapter (from Amazon) via the AUX input selection of the Dension unit. I did not perform any firmware update since my Dension unit was ordered back in July 2015, assuming that it already has the latest firmware installed.
All is good and my wife is happy too since she also paired her IPhone to the Bluetooth to AUX adapter. The adapter can pair multiple devices.
#100
09-13-2015, 10:09 AM
Hi guys.
Just wanted to share with you that I finally performed the Dension GW500 installation into my Vantage 2007 as well. What helped me was this forum, enough time and good preparation concerning material - and "a plan".
I managed to get it all to work just as it should. For the Bluetooth feature I decided to get myself a Bluetooth to AUX module from Amazon. I am basically able to play back Bluetooth audio from my Android and iOS phones. I am going to add handsfree features sometime later next week.
I tapped the power from the cigarette lighter socket. Really be careful if doing so since you do not want to cause a short between 12V and ground. I did not cut any of the wires but instead I created a small cable adapter that connects between the original cigarette lighter power plug and the cigarette lighter power socket.
iPod integration is working fine. Currently in UI mode. I am using the iPod nano with Lightning to 30-pin Adapter from Apple.
The bypass unit as well as the Bluetooth AUX module and USB port (for external drive) are all located behind the passenger seat in the small compartment area. All cables routed through the center armrest all the way back. It required the cable extension to be installed.
Overall I was very careful, very thorough and took as much time as needed without pushing myself too hard. All in all 5 hours. I did not encounter any major issues. I connected the Dension unit with dip setting 2b (1,4,6 on) and diagram 1C just like others suggested. I did not touch anything on the original CDC. Removing panels was easy as anticipated; a set of good tools did the trick.
Chris.
Just wanted to share with you that I finally performed the Dension GW500 installation into my Vantage 2007 as well. What helped me was this forum, enough time and good preparation concerning material - and "a plan".
I managed to get it all to work just as it should. For the Bluetooth feature I decided to get myself a Bluetooth to AUX module from Amazon. I am basically able to play back Bluetooth audio from my Android and iOS phones. I am going to add handsfree features sometime later next week.
I tapped the power from the cigarette lighter socket. Really be careful if doing so since you do not want to cause a short between 12V and ground. I did not cut any of the wires but instead I created a small cable adapter that connects between the original cigarette lighter power plug and the cigarette lighter power socket.
iPod integration is working fine. Currently in UI mode. I am using the iPod nano with Lightning to 30-pin Adapter from Apple.
The bypass unit as well as the Bluetooth AUX module and USB port (for external drive) are all located behind the passenger seat in the small compartment area. All cables routed through the center armrest all the way back. It required the cable extension to be installed.
Overall I was very careful, very thorough and took as much time as needed without pushing myself too hard. All in all 5 hours. I did not encounter any major issues. I connected the Dension unit with dip setting 2b (1,4,6 on) and diagram 1C just like others suggested. I did not touch anything on the original CDC. Removing panels was easy as anticipated; a set of good tools did the trick.
Chris.
#101
09-13-2015, 08:44 PM
However, this may already help, I simply created a Y-Adapter using the following connectors; refer to attached images (no need to cut/alter any of the original Aston wires).
#102
09-14-2015, 06:51 AM
I did not take a photo of the installed wire but I'll try to create an adapter today after work just like as I installed it into the car and upload a photo of it later.
However, this may already help, I simply created a Y-Adapter using the following connectors; refer to attached images (no need to cut/alter any of the original Aston wires).
However, this may already help, I simply created a Y-Adapter using the following connectors; refer to attached images (no need to cut/alter any of the original Aston wires).
Thanks!
Ethan
#103
09-16-2015, 09:18 AM
Also, has anyone used the lightning adapter? I am curious if that is worth installing for use with an iphone 6.
Thanks!
Ethan
Thanks!
Ethan
#104
09-19-2015, 08:19 PM
Hi guys, the GROM VOLS604 just arrived, I ordered the bluetooth adapter as well but will not be using the mic because I have the factory bluetooth so I'm planning to keep it and just stream music to the GROM unit only.
Just FYI, I have the regular not premium audio. So I will upgrade the system later, I'm just getting the basics for now.
I'll be reporting back soon after install but I just completed replacing the factory navigation with a garmin 2689 6" portable unit.
Just FYI, I have the regular not premium audio. So I will upgrade the system later, I'm just getting the basics for now.
I'll be reporting back soon after install but I just completed replacing the factory navigation with a garmin 2689 6" portable unit.
#105
09-20-2015, 06:24 PM
So I took a shot at installing the Dension today along with the lightning cable adapter to my 2005 DB9. I was able to get the panels off ok and figured out how to route everything and was able to tap into the ashtray power socket. I tried the dip settings for the Volvo S40 and tried the 1c installation.
I have nav and had a hell of a time disconnecting the cables from the back of the radio display as I did not want to take the entire radio panel off. I hooked it up and when I attempted to try it out, the radio display would blink and say insert disc. I switched the bypass and it eventually said loading and then track 1, but I was unable to skip tracks and I could not hear audio from my iphone with either the lightning cable or auxiliary cable.
It was extremely frustrating and eventually wore my battery down. I then decided it may need a firmware upgrade, but I had no idea how to tell whether the firmware was installed or not as there was nothing on the display. I ended up disconnecting everything and reverting back to the original radio as I figured I had made a mistake somewhere. This was a pain as I got everything back together only to realize the radio did not work. 2 hours later, I figured out I accidentally swapped the cables.
So I am back to square one. A few questions I have before attempting to reinstall:
1. Is it worth trying again or switching to something like the GROM that has been mentioned? I am hesitant to take it somewhere for a professional install as I doubt there have been any shops that have worked on an Aston and/or read this forum about installing the dension.
2. Is this wiring setup correct? The connector on the back of the display is the one I use, not the CD changer or another. I take the original cables out of the adapter. I then take the original cable that has the visible light and put it with the dension cable back into the original adapter and then back into the display connection. I take the other original cable and put it in the splicer along with the other dension cable. Please let me know if I am missing something.
3. How do you tell if everything is working? I tried both the bypass on and off, but nothing came through the stereo. It had power as the blue light on the aux cable was on and would occasionally flash.
4. On the passenger side there is a fiber optic connection behind the carpet. Is this something that I can or should connect to?
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks!
Ethan
I have nav and had a hell of a time disconnecting the cables from the back of the radio display as I did not want to take the entire radio panel off. I hooked it up and when I attempted to try it out, the radio display would blink and say insert disc. I switched the bypass and it eventually said loading and then track 1, but I was unable to skip tracks and I could not hear audio from my iphone with either the lightning cable or auxiliary cable.
It was extremely frustrating and eventually wore my battery down. I then decided it may need a firmware upgrade, but I had no idea how to tell whether the firmware was installed or not as there was nothing on the display. I ended up disconnecting everything and reverting back to the original radio as I figured I had made a mistake somewhere. This was a pain as I got everything back together only to realize the radio did not work. 2 hours later, I figured out I accidentally swapped the cables.
So I am back to square one. A few questions I have before attempting to reinstall:
1. Is it worth trying again or switching to something like the GROM that has been mentioned? I am hesitant to take it somewhere for a professional install as I doubt there have been any shops that have worked on an Aston and/or read this forum about installing the dension.
2. Is this wiring setup correct? The connector on the back of the display is the one I use, not the CD changer or another. I take the original cables out of the adapter. I then take the original cable that has the visible light and put it with the dension cable back into the original adapter and then back into the display connection. I take the other original cable and put it in the splicer along with the other dension cable. Please let me know if I am missing something.
3. How do you tell if everything is working? I tried both the bypass on and off, but nothing came through the stereo. It had power as the blue light on the aux cable was on and would occasionally flash.
4. On the passenger side there is a fiber optic connection behind the carpet. Is this something that I can or should connect to?
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks!
Ethan