(6 DEC 2005) I talked with Sales at Dension USA about iPod connectivity for the S40 and V50...

They were very nice and indicated that the ice>Link:Fibre iPod connector product that they are developing may be ready for the S40/V50 models in April or May 2006...

Here's a link that summarizes the product: http://www.densionusa.com/icelink_fibre_info.htm

When I called, they put me on their wait list...If you're interested in the product, it may not hurt to give 'em a call to: A) get on the list and B) provide some critical mass that may compel faster development by their team...

Their phone # is (USA) 866.822.3673...

The other question that I had for Dension was: Will the ice>Link:Fibre be compatible with Volvo's Premium Sound System package offering for the S40/V50? Answer? Too early to tell, as Dension has a full suite of testing they will need to do with each radio system...My guess is that, since the Premium Sound package uses M.O.S.T modular component fibre technology, it is fairly likely...but that's speculation...

All that said: for me, sooner the better as i'm gonna pull the trigger on a new V50 and think it's time to put my 93 civic si to bed...

I am posting this on both S40 and V50 forums…

JMcB

JMcB,
Thank you for that link. I knew it was just a matter of time before somone came up with the hardware to tie in an Ipod. Since the S40/V50 is a fibre system It is always difficult to explain that this system cannot use standard "analog" inputs.

Keep us posted
:beer:

I've used the icelink in my wife's BMW and I can tell you it is an unbelieveable unit. Very well done, very professional, and you get full use of ipod controls via the car's control systems. Also (atleast on the bimmer) you can display the song name/info on the radio display. Pretty neat huh. Big thumbs up to them, one of the few aftermarket car electronics gimicks I can say that for

:460:

Well here is the word from Volvo as of now:
Dear XXXXXXX,
Thank you for contacting Volvo. Volvo will only be offering an FM transmitter for iPod use in the S40, V50 and XC90. The audio system in the S40 is not equipped with inputs.

Best Regards,

Irene Djimopoulos
Volvo Personal Shopper



...That being said. Here is something interesting to read from and S40 owner that decided not to wait.

That information is incorrect. What is coming out is the FM Transmitter. I have actually wired my iPod into my S40's stereo. It wasn't easy to figure out what I needed to do it, but the install itself was pretty easy once I had the parts.

The Volvo AFM (AM/FM Module) is located behind the back seat. In order to access it, fold the rear seat down. This gives you access to remove the rear cover.

With that removed, you can see the AFM. There is a cable coming out of the right side, closest to the rear of the car. This has two MCX style connectors that connect to the antenna.

What I did, was buy two adapters. Circuit City sells them as something like "VW/BMW/European Car Antenna Adapter." You need two different cables - one male motorola to female MCX, and one female motorola to male MCX. You will also need an FM Modulator.

Those two cables come with plastic snap on housings that don't fit with the AFM. You will have to cut those housings off, being careful not to damage the cable or connector.

After getting the antenna wired in, I ran power from the center console to the back, to power the modulator. I also ran the audio cable up to the front, where the iPod sits. The wiring goes under the back seat, and under the floor mat, so it's not visible.

While this method isn't as good as an actual input like the S60 and other cars use, it's much better than an FM transmitter. I can't control the iPod with the steering wheel, unfortunately, but I've been thinking of building an iPod remote into the steering wheel, where the standard stereo controls are.

FYI here is a bluetooth kit that you can purchase for your Ipod and it can sync with the bluetooth kit for the S40.

(IMG:http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/images/scosche_bluetooth.jpg)

Car-audio supply firm, Scosche industries has developed an iPod add-on that just may lead us to invest in a car audio system that uses that ‘ol wireless Tooth of Blue. The company’s Bluetooth Wireless Interface, which will be available this month for around $250, connects directly to the headphone output connector of an iPod (or other portable digital audio unit) and transmits to an Bluetooth receiver, whether a vehicle’s head unit or home audio system — in CD-quality sound. Sure, it’s pricey, and sure it needs a pricey Bluetooth-capable head unit (or new, pricey high-end luxury vehicle that comes equipped with one). But the joy of crushing our FM-band crapfest solution under foot is worth all four figures, minimum.

http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/gadgets/scosc...-car-122158.php

I posted the quotation below on the edmunds.com forums for the C70 as I just made a deposit on a 2006 C70, but it bears relevance here too for S40 owners.

"I contacted Dension (www.densionusa.com) the other day & they e-mailed me to say that a kit is in the works for the C70/S40 in the near future (2-3 months)."

Believe me, I'm terrified that I just made a deposit on a car that doesn't offer some sort of digital music integration. I have my fingers crossed that Dension comes through for S40/C70 owners. I also ordered the $1,500 audio upgrade, which will be extra painful if I can't integrate digital music.

Good luck all!
:beer:

Hi all.

I’m still looking for a solution to have the capability to plug an auxiliary audio device to my S40 via hard "wiring" and not necessarily an ipod, I've read many post on this forum and else where and I actually understand quite well the limitations of the fiber optic systems.

It seems to me that everyone is trying to connect through conventional means.

But here is what I'm curious about and what I'd like to know:

> How does the CD changer connect to the audio system? Is it a fully integrated unit or could we tap in that relation to bring an additional audio source that would behave like a new CD player? Could it be a low tech solution like switching from CD player to something else plugged in parallel to it? Is that CD player using digital fiber optic connections?

> I read about the audio system not having an auxiliary analog input but do we know if it has an auxiliary digital/fiber optic input? And is it what Dension would try to tap into?

> If this digital fiber auxiliary input exists how direct is it? Is it similar in use to what is found on general audio home systems? Or would it have a special digital signal to communicate various additional data information? Would there be other non car products that could interface with this?

How about the bleu tooth adapter? How does this little guy interface with the audio system?

I’m probably sounding crazy to many out there but I’m just exploring alternatives.
Personaly I'm not too excited about using an fm modulator hard wired in the back seat. What quality do we get with that option?

Greg :beer:

Could this topic be duplicated in the Audio section?
Greg :grin:

Greg you have a good point about the bluetooth. Where does it tie in? I will try and get an answer from Volvo and you do the same. I will call my dealer and ask how they hook the bluetooth kit up later this week.

As for the CD changer...it is integrated (which is why upgrading to the premium sound is not easy after you have the basic package).

I had not moved this to the audio forum simply because it is pretty much relevant to the S40/V50. The other models have either auxilary inputs or a hardwire kit.

Let me know if you find something out.

Hey have anyone noticed the changing of DesionUSA frontpage? http://www.densionusa.com/
Looks like something is going to be released next week. Now just cross our fingers and pray that hopefully it's going to be the ipod connection for MOST system :thumbsup: .

Niko,

Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. I haven’t had a minute to myself recently and I wasn’t able to look into the blue tooth with my dealer. How about you? Any news?

I have to go to the dealer sometime soon because I get a service message on although I had the oil change after 5k miles when my car was in for repair. I asked for the service to be done but I’m not sure they did it now. I also get the double ignition problem many have had repetitively this week for the first time. I have little hope they can do something about that has many have tried to ask for a fix and I haven’t read any yet.
Anyway I’ll ask about the blue tooth then.

Finally you have a good point about this ipod issue being just a problem to new S40 and V50 models but perhaps we could create a shortcut from the audio forum. I was hopping some people who don’t own a S40 or V50 could participate at times… :)

Any way I’ll keep in touch.
Grég :beer:

No news yet. All dealerships in 3 states that I have called know less (combined) about bluetooth than about 5 people on this board.

:puzzled:

Amazing! :blink: But I have heard people who had it installed on other models. Could it be a different link? We need to talk to someone oversea as I think it is more popular there.

The bluetooth hookup just routes sound to the speakers in the front doors. So using it for an iPod connection would be, uh, less than optimal.

I have read that the '07 models will have line-in plugs as well as the ability to play MP3s from CD. I just hope the changes will be retrofitable!

FINALLY IT'S HERE, THE IPOD M.O.S.T. CONNECTION!!!!!!

DICE ELECTRONICS

IT SEEMS AS THOUGH THIS IS AN EXTENSION COMPANY OF DENSION.

Are you serious? ipod only? I have to check this out!
:banana:
Greg

The problem is on the S40, there is no CD Changer input. It is all one unit. There is only one Sub output. If the '07 model has any inputs on the stereo then I will have Volvo put one in my S40...trust me.

It sounds like an other dead end. No availability yet either...
Greg

hi all.
anyone find a solution for this?
i just started my quest to get my ipod running in my single disc stereo (2005 s40) and thus far the outlook is grim. i'm going tomorrow to the dealer to try and understand the limitations a bit better. the lady @ the dealership i spoke with today said it was because the adapter for the s60 is too short to run the cable in the s40. is this accurate? it seems like a simple mod would fix that...

also, are there any better aftermarket bluetooth solutions than the one offered by volvo? i have a sony ericsson p900 (w built in bluetooth)

thanks all!!!
and goodluck to everyone!

dary

Sorry, she is completely clueless. The stereos in the s40 and s60 are completely different animals. The S40's stereos are based on the fibre-optic MOST "standard", and no one has an ipod adapter that's compatible with it yet. All Volvo has for the S40/V50 is an FM transmitter.