Dension Gateway 500 Firmware Update 1.05 - Beta Test

I have the Beta version of the Dension Gateway 500. If anyone wants to be a Beta tester please contact me via email. This is supposed to fix the problem (in PCM 2.1), where the unit gets stuck in "Loading..." mode. This is the Release Candidate for April.

Did they fix the bug with 1.04 where users couldn't access the config menu after the update? Mine has only gotten stuck on loading once in 2 weeks, and twice it hasn't shown any track names, but only numbers. But it's all very easy to fix, you just change playlists and then change back. - Suneet

I have tried posting the Release Notes but somehow it does not take (it may be too long). Please PM me your email address and I'll send it to you via MS Outlook.

My email is listed on Caymanclub, just click my screen name in this thread and select send email to suneet. - Suneet

I did. Did you receive it?

No... not yet. I pm'd you the address so you can use MS Outlook and attach the notes. Thanks, Suneet

How large is this file? Did you try uploading it to our File Library?

The Release notes (text) file itself is only 8 Kb. I emailed it to MidnightBlue and Suneet.

Then you should easily be able to add it to the message thread here as an attachment. If you email it to me webmaster at planet-9.com I will attach it to this thread as well.

You Got Mail!

Ok I will get it posted, speaking of which, how do you upgrade the firmware in the Dension unit???

Extract the G5MB_UPD.ROM file from the update package and copy to the root of an USB flash drive, then connect the USB drive to the Gateway 500 while it is powered. If there is an iPod connected to Gateway you can leave as it is in any playback mode or status, you do not need to disconnect or stop playback. Update procedure will start automatically within few seconds and takes about 1.5 minutes. Do not disconnect the USB drive within this time. After a successful update G5MB_UPD.ROM is deleted from the USB drive and EES.BIN file will appear with the new software version. If an iPod is connected during the update the iPod screen will light for the second time when the upgrade is completed and the new firmware version appears on the right upper corner of the screen. When finished, it is good to restart the Head Unit and the Gateway 500. No other configuration is necessary, previous settings are kept. === I will test the new firmware tomorrow and report how it works. - Suneet

Can the new firmware be installed from the iPod? I am thinking of running a usb connector to the glove compartment for performing updates when the head unit is pulled next. Would rather not since the iPod is a drive and should be recognized by MOST bus as such. Jesse

Ok I will get the file uploaded into the Files section then.

FYI this 1.05 is still BUGGY. Problems include: 1) Cannot get into config 2) Cannot select items such as artists or albums from the menu I reverted back to 1.0 My install article is up at: http://www.planet-9.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=103

That's strange; mine can and has since 1.0 and 1.04. Version 1.05 reduced the "Loading..." lock up, but it's still there. Have you tried going to disc 6 and then holding the >> button for about 2 seconds until you see "loading..."? That would put you in the Menu selections; pressing the >> again (or the track selection) will show <playlists> <Artists> <Albums> <Songs> etc. Then, pressing (and holding) the >> again for 2 seconds will display your selection (i.e., Artists, Albums, etc.). I guess this "pressing and holding" routine is what ticks me off. I wish Dension could find a better solution. Is this just because the PCM lacks buttons? I appreciate your feed back though.

You can press and hold and get into Artists, etc. but you can't just select it and have the toggle feature dive into the menu/sub-menu automatically as it does on 1.0, load times did seem faster on 1.05 vs. 1.0. Cannot get into the config in 1.05 or 1.04, had to go to 1.0 to get that. I concur the >> button shouldn't be the select button it should be the big knob on the right of the PCM, that makes the most sense.

I agree, I can use the select button on the toggle switch to select songs, but not to get to playlists, artists, etc. Loading times are pretty bearable (~ 2-4 seconds depending on the list) with version 1.0 I'd be more comfortable upgrading to 1.05 if the config issue was resolved. Version 1.05\ V. 1.04 are mainly to quell issues with Mercedes and Audi systems, I bet they're working on a big Porsche release to finally add CDR24 and fix the bugs we have. I mean the release notes for 1.05 say they took "some" measures to fix the loading issue, but nothing really tried and tested yet. I want them to work on a software method to switch to the aux-port, like the navtv unit has. I don't like connecting\disconnecting the ipod every time, esp. not when I'm driving. I usually ask my passengar to do it if available - Suneet

I'll let you know when I hear of a newer version.