Custom Steering Wheel Controls [VT-VZ]

[HoZy]

Hey all, I've been thinking about this idea for some time.

But seeing as I dont have steering wheel controls or an aftermarket headunit that would use them. This is where YOU the rest of JC come into play.

I've Had an idea to disect the users Stereo IR remote, an wire in the steering wheel buttons to the actual press buttons on the remote, EG: 28awg Kynar wire, It'd still run on Battery which lasts ages, An I could make a quick release plug at the end of the remote to keep the remote intact if you want to disconnect from the Steering wheel controls. Sort of a dock like setup under the steering column or fuse panel (Yet to be decided).

I have the technical know how, & the determination to make one of these systems work.

My idea would patch into the IR sensor & mount a secondary sender LED on the Interior light location or on the center console, Depending on the IR output.


Anybody want to be guinea pig? As I know this idea would work, It'd take an hour or three & a couple trips to the local Jaycar 2min up the road... It'd surely cost no more than $15ish an some patience from the first couple of people that are willing.

I'm in S/E suburbs of Melbourne, Hallam to be exact.

If you Have a VS-VZ with aftermarket stereo & keen for a working setup.

Let me know

Cheers
MaT

EDIT:

Added example Image for a VZ-Pioneer setup.

[ephect]

i would be interested in this, i will be in contact with u soon. im happy to guinea pig it, but will be in a couple weeks when im back on my feet

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

I would be willing to grab a working set up....I'm in WA though. My VT has the steering wheel controls but a Clarion HU and I would like to get them working without paying $200+ for a CAT10.

[HoZy]

Awesome guys!

Hopefully I find someone with a VS(stato)/VT-VZ With controls Locally that wants to let me diagnose.

Cheers
MaT

[Fonzie]

I'd do it if i had a spare remote lying around... But from memory, they aren't cheap. I'm pretty sure this has been done... Not sure if it was this forum though.

[Sphinx]

sounds like a bloody good idea hoze man, but keep ya greasy mitts off the calais

[HoZy]

No catches yet! Hopefully in next few days & we can organize something for this weekend.

Cheers
MaT

[Trayner]

I'd do it if i had a spare remote lying around... But from memory, they aren't cheap. I'm pretty sure this has been done... Not sure if it was this forum though.

I saw someone do it on here i think.. not to sure but yeh it all worked

But he like moved the ir sesor so it was like under the centre console pointing towards the stereo and like hid the remote and that

[HoZy]

99 Views, An nothing else. Wow...

[Kernal]

im very interested. I have a VT and the exact same headunit in your pic. But im from sydney. once u perfect it post it up.

[kinga]

or you could just do this....
How do you fit SWI - Jack Pac to VX steering wheels controls and Alpine Stereo??
$64 from ebay,
http://www.pac-audio.com/ do an IR specific model too

[anarklov3r]

haha! ive been planning to do this ever since i first wanted to get a VT/VX, since it would cost next to nothing to mod up the remote control, wouldnt need itonce youve got the steering wheel controls set up, and am too cheap to spend $190 on an adapter!

Good to see you going for it though Ill post up my progress once my car gets rego'd and my sound system goes in!

[HoZy]

Fair enough well I'll throw this idea out the window.

Cheers
MaT

[0081]

I did this many years back in my VS worked well, still have them and just fitted it to dad's VT ss

there is some comprise with some models/brands of decks and i also had to add a very small button on the underside of the factory controls (out of the way and where you normaly cant see) to get the functions i wanted

[marcwolf]

Being a electronic junkie I can possible add some idea's

There is a range of small single chip computers called PicAxes that have build in IR functionality. You can make them send and recieve IR codes. So it would be very easy to make up button matrixes and have the PicAxe convert the button pushes into an IR signal.

Then you can do the same and pick up the IR signals from the other side.

Another idea if you don' mind messing with the remote is to take the remote apart and rewire the steering wheel buttons into it. Then use a length of fibreoptic cable (from a Hi-Fi shop) and glue one end to the remote control IR illuminator and the other end to your stereo. As the fibre optic is very thing and flexible it can be easily hidden around the place.

[ephect]

only thing with fibre is you have to ensure you dont bend it past its refraction point.

i thought i posted what i did, but i did end up doing this mod and its been working a treat for 3years now.