Fitting a Dension Gateway (100) to an A4 B6 / B7

[toff]

Hi,

UPDATE: There are obviously quite a few people interested in the Dension Gateway 100 / 300 so I've spoken with Shark_90 and we've set-up a group buy: Please click here to view it.

Before I begin this write-up, can I just say a big thanks to Ben at Shark Performance in Nottingham for his excellent friendly service, great price and super-speedy delivery.
He's an authorised Dension dealer, keeps loads of adapters in stock and has a really good product knowledge! Top bloke, I couldn't recommended him highly enough.

If you are considering fitting an Dension Gateway, it really is worth talking to him before buying - I was just about to buy an old model Dension 100 off eBay, which isn't Dual-CAN compliant and therefore cannot display the menu / track names on the DIS. He put me onto the right model and his prices are great, so bought from him there & then. His name on the forum is Shark_90 or give him a bell on 0871 2211 281.


DOWNLOAD THIS GUIDE AS A PDF:
Click the PDF icon to download this guide in PDF format (useful for printing out to refer to whilst working in your car).


DISCLAIMER: You follow this guide at your own risk! My Dension Gateway has been installed for a month now and my car hasn't burnt to the ground yet, but if yours does as a result of following this guide, I accept no responsibility!



WHICH HEAD UNITS (RADIOS) / DENSION GATEWAYS DO THESE INSTRUCTIONS APPLY TO?
I have an Audi Concert head unit but in principle, these instructions can be applied to the fitting of the Dension 100 to most Audi OEM head units.
Later head units use the Quadlock connector (instead of ISO) but I'm sure you'll figure-out how to insert the the connectors (this only changes step three of this guide).

Obviously you need to make sure you buy the correct Dension adapter for your car & your head unit (speak to Shark_90)
The Dension 300 has quite a lot more options (USB, Bluethooth etc), but in principle the fitting process is the same, so this guide should still be applicable for the most part.



DENSION vs OTHER IPOD ADAPTERS:
For years, I have been fitting Connects2 iPod adapters to my Golfs & various Audis. They are good because you can get them from as little as £50 second-hand however the Dension Gateway really blows the Connects2 out of the water.

The menu system is brilliantly conceived, so much so, that you easily find playlists, albums, artists, genre's and tracks quickly and without lowering your eyes further than the instrument cluster - meaning the road is always in your peripheral vision. Whilst the menu system is fantastic, the main reason I decided to pay more and fit a Dension Gateway: you get to see the track names on the DIS (the Display between the speedo and the rev counter). The name scrolls all the way through once then stays static, here's an example




WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• Large & small Cable ties
• A screwdriver with a star shaped bit (CR-VT-8) for undoing a screw on the radio.
• A screwdriver socket bit for removing the bolts that hold the glovebox in place (a normal socket set should do too - forgot to note the size, sorry).
• A mult-tool (check out the Leatherman!) or a small saw / file.
• Cable striping / crimping / cutting tool.
• Audi radio removal keys (x2 for single DIN radios or x4 for double-DIN radios)
• An O-ring crimp connector (the yellow one in the photo is just illustration, you should use the smallest possible).
• A sheet of foam / padding (flame retardant if possible!)
• A small rug or mat (to rest your radio on / protect your centre console from scratches).
• A 3.5mm male to male cable (if you want to use the AUX connector) - £6.99 from Maplins [product code L29BA] - cheaper on eBay!
• You may also want to purchase the glovebox to aicon connection pipe and valve (they cost about £25 all-in and are worth doing whilst you have the glovebox out! I don't have part numbers, sorry).

STEP 1: REMOVING THE GLOVEBOX
1. Go-round to the passenger side of the car, use your key to pop-off the end panel.


2. Open the glovebox and use the socket screwdriver bit (or socket set) to undo all 5 bolts that hold the glovebox on (three on the top row as pictured and two on the left & right accessed from below the glovebox).


3. Lower the dashboard carefully (raise your legs to support it)


4. Whilst supporting the glovbox, undo the camel-yellow coloured connector at the back of the glovebox's built-in footwell cover




STEP 2: PREPARING THE GLOVEBOX TO ACCEPT THE IPOD CABLE
1. Take the glovebox inside and place it on a soft surface (carpet etc). Inspect the back of the glovebox and decide which part of the inner glovebox you want to keep your iPod in.


You could keep it in the part where the in-built CD changer usually goes.
You could always remove it if you have one - although Dension do sell a CD retention module so you can have both iPod & CD changer connected to the headunit! (That may only be an option on the Gateway 300 - check with Shark_90)
You could use the existing punch-out rectangular hole to save cutting...


I chose to keep my iPod in the upper left-hand cubby hole (it's a nice snug fit)


2. Enlarging the hole: Let me explain.. the Dension to iPod cable has a round DIN connector on one end and a flat iPod connector on the other.
From past experience, it's better to make a hole large enough for the biggest end (iPod connector) to fit through because if you ever need to remove the glovebox from the car in the future (to get to the heater matrix / airflow motors etc) you'll also have to take the radio out and fiddle-around to unplug the smallest end of the cable from the Dension gateway!

Now follows a sequence of photos to show how I enlarged the hole using the Japanese multi-directional saw on my Leatherman (I love my leatherman and yes, I do have the camp leather pouch for it!)
The benefit of hindsight: In hindsight, I would have drilled a hole from the top of the glovebox down into the cubby-hole and enlarged it with the saw, making it invisible from the cabin (that said, the hole I actually made can only been seen when bending down).







3. Keep fettling the hole (ooh-er misses!) until the iPod connector fits. Make sure the rough edges are smoothed (with a file) to prevent chaffing.


Hmm.. perhaps should have spent a bit more time getting the hole straight! Bodge it & scarper!
At this point you may want to hoover-out the glovebox.


Only 30 photos per post so the how-to continues below..

[toff]

STEP 3: REMOVING THE RADIO HEADUNIT:
Now the glovebox has been prepared, we can get on with the fun part!
This is relevant to the Audi Concert headunit, but I'm sure you'll be able to figure out how to apply these instructions to your particular headunit.

1. Begin by pulling the gearstick / shifter away from the centre console. Place a protective mat / rug over the gearstick and the lower centre console (making sure you cover the a/c unit too).

2. Remove the headunit using the radio keys.
NB: Ensure you use the keys the right way round otherwise you could end-up getting them jammed in the headunit!
At this stage, you could place masking tape round the key holes to protect your headunit screen / fascia (especially recommended if you have Sat-Nav!) Sometimes the keys pop-out unexpectedly when pulling the unit out.


3. Pull the radio out, unplug the aerial connector, speed sensor and top ISO connector only (which only contains the CAN buses, CD changer and other data connections) then rest the headunit on the rug.
NB: Do not unplug any other ISO cables otherwise the power may go off to the unit and you may require the radio code (obviously no problem if you have it - some Audi headunits auto-re-code if the headunit is the original unit that came with the car).



STEP 4: TESTING THE DENSION GATEWAY BEFORE FITTING:
I have it on good authority that Dension products are top-notch and reliable.. but it just makes sense to test it works before you fit it.
Don't forget, you may have been supplied with the wrong model if you've bought it off eBay (or failed to consult Shark_90!) - so it's worth doing the test! If you are the happy-go-lucky type, you can skip to step 5!

1. NB: The Dension wiring loom must be connected to ground before it's plugged into the Dension gateway!
Please take a close loot at the photo below; I stripped a bit of the sheath off the black ground wire (it's the only loose cable on the Dension Gateway's cable loom) I then temporarily wrapped it tightly around the security catch of the radio to provide a ground connection whilst performing this test. This is important - failure to provide ground the Dension Gateway may result in it not working / may damage it (I'm unsure- but better safe than sorry).

2. Plug the white end of the iPod cable into the Dension gateway and black end into the iPod (obviously!) Press play on your iPod to start some music playing.

3. Ensuring the black ground wire is securely connected the radio chassis, plug the female end of the Dension cable loom into the radio and the male end into the ISO cable you unplugged earlier.


4.Turn the key in the ignition to the first position only (to turn the electrics on) - remembering that you probably have reverse engaged!
If it doesn't come on automatically, turn the radio on and select the CD changer. You should hear music playing from your iPod! You should also see something similar to the photo below on your DIS:


The Dension Gateway 100 that I fitted has three "audio source" modes:
1. "iPod UI" means the iPod is the audio source & can be controlled using the iPod's own interface.
2. "iPod GW" means the iPod is the audio source & the Dension Gateway has control of the iPod via the menu system (the iPod's own controls cannot be used).
3."Aux" (the Gateway's 3.5mm audio jack is the audio source).

Please consult the Dension instructions if you can't hear your music - you probably need to go to CD6 and select and a different audio source!
If you can't see any menus on the DIS - you have a problem - best ask for help on the forum.
Automatic gearbox owners - you may have to select Park, start the engine and step on the foot-brake to make the idiot foot-brake warning go away (so you can see the DIS in it's normal mode).
If you have an amber warning on your DIS (low fuel, washer fluid low etc) you will have to make these go away before you can see the Dension Gateway menu - it uses the top part of the DIS and the amber warning messages get in the way!


STEP 5: POSTION THE DENSION GATEWAY & ROUTE CABLES TO IT:
1. Getting all of the cables to tuck-away safely (without being trapped) when you push the radio back in is really important, so you need to figure out where to put the Dension Gateway - looking at the photo below, I placed mine in the position you see it in (but behind the plastic obviously!)
Also ensure you don't route the cables trough the side of the plastic head unit cage - they will get crushed / sheared-off when you push the radio in! Route them round the back of the cage (too hard to get photos of I'm afraid!)




STEP 6: WIRE-UP THE GROUND CABLE:
1. Crimp the O-ring connector onto the black ground wire of the Dension loom, ensuring it's a good, tight connection.

2. Using the small star shaped screwdriver bit, un-do a screw from the side of your headunit, place the O-ring over the screw-hole and put the screw back in.
Like I've done, try to use a recessed area (so the O-ring sheath / raised screw head doesn't foul the headunit cage when you push the radio back in).
Double-DIN head units often have screws on the back, which you can also use.




STEP 7: RATTLE-PROOF YOUR DENSION GATEWAY!
1. I unplugged all cables from the Dension Gateway (connected during testing in stage 4) and wrapped the Gateway unit in a sheet of foam rubber - this prevents annoying rattles. It works, I haven't heard a single rattle post installation!





STEP 8: CONNECT THE IPOD (& AUX) CABLES TO THE DENSION GATEWAY:
1. Re-connect the Dension cable loom, the iPod cable to the Dension Gateway.
NB: I also connected a male to male 3.5mm audio cable [product code L29BA] to the Gateway 100's AUX input. You never know when it might come in handy, so you may as well wire it in now!
If you are old, your friends may still own a cassette or MiniDisc player (or a cheapo MP3 player!)


2. At this stage, you can push the head unit back into place (making sure you don't trap any wires).
In the photos below, if you look carefully, you can see the top of the cables / foam rubber, indicating where I positioned the Dension Gateway.


3. I estimated the length of cable needed to reach the back of the glovebox (allowing slack for the re-installation / future removal of the glovebox).
I gathered-up the excess iPod cable & AUX cable and cable-tied it to the metal dashboard support (there are no sharp edges).
NB: If the hole you made in the back of the glovebox is only big enough to accept the white end of the Dension Gateway to iPod cable, you will need to feed it through the glovebox hole before connecting it to the Dension Gateway!)




STEP 9: RE-INSTALL THE GLOVEBOX & ROUTE THE IPOD & AUX CABLES TO IT:
1. Using small cable ties, tie the iPod & AUX cables together every 8cm or so.

2. Get the glovebox and rest it on your legs. Raise your legs to offer the glovebox up and press the iPod & AUX cable into the glovebox's built-in the cable clips.
The clips run along the back of the glovebox and will already contain the a lighting loom. There is only really room for one more cable in the clips (that's why you need to cable-tie the AUX cable to the iPod cable).
You may think I'm being fussy, but you need to keep the cable away from the bare bulb nearby - it could possibly melt a cable (perhaps not - but play it safe anyhow!)



3. Push the cables through the hole you've made in the Glovebox - you did make the hole big enough for the iPod connector to go through didn't you?
Double-check you have enough slack at this point - remembering that your passengers may want to pull your iPod out to choose music (you can do it via the menu in the DIS!).

4. Bolt the glovebox back into place and re-attach the side panel (basically, repeat step one in reverse!)



STEP 10: Place your iPod in it's new cubby-hole and admire your hand work!
Reward yourself with a cuppa or something stiffer!





The Dension Gateway 100 that I fitted has a huge amount of features & menus. It's easy to get working straight away (put it in "iPod UI" mode if you want to give it a blast without learning the menu system).
Whilst the menu system is intuitive, I highly recommend reading the basic instruction sheet a few times!

Here are a few hints: use the head unit's CD6 button to bring up the menu in the DIS where you can select artists, tracks, albums, genre's, play lists and change the audio source / iPod access mode (iPod via it's user interface or iPod via the Dension gateway).
When you're in the menu:
Use Next track >| (or Previous Track |<) to navigate forward / backward through the menu options.
Use Fast Forward >> to select the menu option you want.
Press & hold Rewind << for a few seconds to get back to the main menu (you'd use this when you're searching for a particular track and you get bored and want t go back and choose a playlst instead!)


If you've found this guide useful, please don't forget to click on the REP button (bottom right hand corner of this post) to show your appreciation!

Thank again to Ben at Shark Performance for all his help with this.

Al.

[shark_90]

Thanks toff, great write up!!

Just to clarify a couple of points, the Gateway 300 adds USB to the party but as of yet, not
Bluetooth. Watch this space though, as I believe there may be some things in the pipeline for the 2010 Dension product line-up

As the 300 adds USB functionality, it is also compatible with the new Wi-Drive wireless system, offering automatic synchronisation of your media and other files over wireless directly to the USB! Add a 3G dongle and take advantage of Internet radio live in the car, and use the Wi-Drive as an Internet hotspot! Which gives the kids something to do on those long drives.

As toff said, I'm an authorised Dension dealer and am happy to supply the (correct) units to forum members. Please do get in touch.

Thanks again Toff!

[mark.abersoch]

It looks a very good write up. Im just waiting to see how my pennys even out before i buy one.

The olny question i have is, is the cable long enough to reach to the arm rest to put it in there? Because if i get the iPhone i don't really want to leave it in the glove box whilst im driving. I'd ratehr have it closer to me so i can make some call (hands free of course).

[RickT]

Wicked Write up!

I have also copied the thread into the "HOW TO GUIDE SECTION" for you.

Cheers

Rick

[toff]

Wicked Write up!
I have also copied the thread into the "HOW TO GUIDE SECTION" for you.

Thanks Kindly mate.

I should have probably made the title:
"Fitting a Dension Gateway (100) iPod adapter to an A4 B6 / B7"

So that people can find it when searching for iPod install info - is there any chance you could alter it in both places?

Al.

[benjie]

Bloody good write up... you've persuaded me to get the Gateway 100 for my A4 quattro!

Just need to find a good price for one now!

[danclyon]

Bloody good write up... you've persuaded me to get the Gateway 100 for my A4 quattro!

Just need to find a good price for one now!

Well you know who to ask - it's in the writeup

[crazy88]

Brilliant guide!!! I would really like one of these. I am missing having my iPod in the car with me...6 CD's just isn't enough.

[Marc1]

Wow, great write up Toff

Anyone (Shark ) know if this can be fitted to the B5? A friend has just got a 2.8q and was only asking about Ipod solutions today. Bet he'd love this.