Is alpine the only brand that will work with the radio remote controls on the left side? Do all alpine's work with it?

I tried to find that w/ a search, but the search wasn't working for me.

thanks.

 

All HU's will eliminate the side controls. There are no HU's that I know of that will keep the side controls active other then the OEM radio. You have to purchase a Modifry DCI or something similar to keep the side controls in our car. The Modifry DCI Infrared version can be used on multiple brands of HU's such by flicking some switches on the unit. Check out the modifry.com site for more info. There is also another unit called PAC something I believe that does the same thing.

 

Does everybody agree with this answer? Why can you use an alpine CD changer with other Honda radios, but you can't use an Alpine with the factory controls? Just double checking before I go buy one....

 

No......disagree. Alpine has it's own unit which does the same thing as the PAC (Pinky's unit) or the DCI (Modifry's solution). It is as add on which will run you about $69.00 from Crutchfield. It is programable and works on a wide range of car makes to retain "steering wheel" mounted cntrol

Utah

 

Incorrect. Johngt3 is correct. All headunits on their own will eliminate the side controls. You need additional hardware to regain the side controls. With that said, the Modifry unit is the best, as it is specifically made for the s2000.

 

Alpine does not make an interface but they "officially" recognize the PAC unit as the after-market device to interface Alpine head units to OEM radio controls. As such, Crutchfield sells you the PAC unit if you buy an interface for an Alpine to keep your steering wheel (or in our case, dash) controls working.

 

I'm a stickler for details, sorry. Benefits of each product (IMO) are bolded.

PAC -

• Interfaces to lots of cars, not just S2000
• The IR version works with almost any head unit but it needs to be programmed like a "learning remote", so you must have the factory remote to make it work.
• The IR version only works on some JVC head units (newer JVCs are non-standard remotes so it can't learn the codes)
• The "Wired" version only works on a few head units and must be programmed using a list of available commands, matching up each of your dash controls with one command from the list.
• When used on the S2000 it does not provide a MUTE function
• When used on the S2000 you get Volume plus 2 other commands

The DCI -

• Works only on the S2000
• IR version works on 10 of the most popular head units, no programming (or remote) needed, just set the switches for your head unit
• The IR version works on ALL JVC head units
• Wired version only works on a few head units but no programming needed, just set the switch for the HU brand
• Does provide mute function (two different types with most head units)
• You get Volume plus 6 other commands
• Includes Speed-Controlled-Volume - This included but optional feature adjusts volume based on vehicle speed and is adjustable for how much volume compensation is added. You can set 2 different levels of compensation and switch between them at any time.

 

Thanks guys. Sounds like the DCI is the way to go, although I don't like the fact that you have to buy the device, then spend even more on the harnesses.

Does anybody have a reason other than price they'd suggest the PAC?

 

I'll point out that you need to buy a harness to install an aftermarket
headunit whether you use a DCI or not. If you are going to use a DCI,
you should buy Modifry's harness as it has all the necessary wires, unlike
most of the generic ones. If you are going Alpine, you can use his more
expensive plug'n'play harness, or buy his cheaper harness and splice it to
your headunit's harness yourself.

 

Oh, I was thinking you needed to buy the harness for the stereo and THEN also buy the modifry harness.