DICE power supply.

[mf70]

There are two different power supply issues:

First, to supply 12V power to the DiCE unit alone while updating firmware.

This is best done AWAY from the car. The genuine Volvo DiCE unit, I believe, has a 12V power supply port, but the Chinese DiCE "PRO" that I got had no such port. I was, however, able to successfully update the firmware to the version that matched my VIDA edition by powering the DiCE from a small 12V battery attached through the OBD2 connector.

Second, to supply a constant 12V supply to a DiCE connected to a car while re-programming a module.

AFIK, this is not possible for Chinese DiCE clones. However, if I am wrong, or if you have a working Volvo subscription, the parts of this discussion about supporting the car's 12V supply are pertinent.

[regent]

Apparently, there are several (or at least more than one) different DiCE clone hardware arrangements: mine is built in China, without BT radio; however, it has a fully functional 12 VDC port. There's nothing on it that says 'PRO' and maybe this is what makes it functional

[precopster]

My 12V supply is also functional and is the standard version.

When you go Pro you need to hang with guys named Rameses. A little humor from Nacho Libre.

[xHeart]

The DiCE and VIDA 2014A is working fine with firmware 5.5.2.

I downloaded 5.6.2.mot file last week. It is located in Program File x86/DiCE.

But several attempt to firmware update has returned Error.

I am following the procedure to the T as stated in the VIDA user manual:
- connected to ODB2 port for 12v supply
- USB to laptop
- using VIDA interface

The ERROR hints to external memory.
The laptop has 3GB installed, however the "VIDA" install called for 4GB.

I am suspecting the Error is about 1GB memory shortage which is needed for DiCE hardware function. Would you concur?

[precopster]

I've updated my Dice with only 2GB memory. The firmware update utility; is that part of Vida? Isn't there a separate program in the Vida submenus handling Dice fw update?

[xHeart]

...
First, to supply 12V power to the DiCE unit alone while updating firmware.

This is best done AWAY from the car. The genuine Volvo DiCE unit, I believe, has a 12V power supply port, but the Chinese DiCE "PRO" that I got had no such port. I was, however, able to successfully update the firmware to the version that matched my VIDA edition by powering the DiCE from a small 12V battery attached through the OBD2 connector.

I am still looking for the 12v power supply/adapter. Volvo PN 9512992.

[andybbrown]

I had to strip the cd of content to open a small text file and change the entry under RAM to 512 to represent smaller HD space on my laptop, then save the file and load Vida from those files. I have XP but had to get IE7 and then IE8 after an install to SP3. I can detect faults and erase. I want to know if a firmware upgrade is unnecessary considering I have 2012A Dice Vida loaded for a 1999 xc70.

[precopster]

Had to find that pesky little file and edit it on a 2014a intall last week for a laptop with 2GB RAM. The install file calls for 2.7GB.

Use CTRL F in the file and search for [RAM]

Once that file is edited I unleashed the hounds!!

Not sure if firmware upgrade is dependant on RAM installed value.

[Kazthebassman]

Hello All from this old thread !
Would I be correct, in assuming, the power plug is center pin positive?

For those looking for the plug, ebay has them as "security camera DC plugs", for about a $1. They have small screw terminals where you would attach your wires. 2.1x5.5mm DC Power Plug is what I have. It seems to fit nice although I have not powered it yet.

[Kazthebassman]

In reply to my own question about DICE DC plug polarity, I found that pin 4, of OBD2 (chasis Gnd) is common to the "sleeve" of the DC socket. That would indicate center pin positive. That is the most common configuration, of DC plugs but it is certainly not all encompassing.