I've read the FAQ, but just want to confirm a couple of things before jumping into one solution or the other.

Are the two infrared repeater options (Modifry's DCI & DJ Qube's Audio Controls) the only way to retain my dash controls with an Alpine HU?

Right now I'm leaning towards Modifry's solution because I get to keep my remote and it's less expensive. If I'm going to go with that solution is it better to do it at the same time or can it be done relatively easily later on? I'm trying to spread out the cost a bit.

 

a pac unit will work as well at 1/2 the cost

 

I'll try to be unbiased.

The PAC is cheapest, but check with others who have it before you buy. It provides the basic 4 functions but some people are really annoyed with the "delay" between when you press the button and when the IR command is sent. It can be re-programmed for whatever HU you have, so if you change brands you can use it on the new one. I've not used a PAC, just going by what others have said, so verify all this before you decide.

The DCI gives you instant button response and 4 extra functions by using button combinations. Plus it does speed-controlled volume, which most, but not all, seem to like. It's also about the same installation procedure as the PAC (easy). Since the DCI is pre-programmed for 3 or 4 specific HU brands, the unit you buy will only work on those brands. If you change your HU and it's not one of the "native" brands on your DCI, you can unplug it (wiring remains) and pay me $20 to re-program it for whatever you want.

The DJQube solution is harder to install and the most expensive, but gives you simpler control of the HU because the 5-way button is easier to hit than doing button combinations for functions like "Next MP3 folder". It's also more intuitive, so it's easier to "learn" than the DCI, but doesn't have speed-controlled volume. If you change HU brands I think you'd have to pull it out and send it back, along with your new remote, for re-wiring.

That was reasonably fair, huh? Any mistakes?

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I did a Google search and found this unit, but it's only $20 cheaper than the Modifry solution and from the manual seems more of a pain to set up and gives less functionality.

Is there another one out there that you're referring to?

 

I have used the pac unit in my last car with a pioneer head unit and honeslty it really didn't have a noticable delay. The only thing i missed was the mute button (would shut off the head unit)

I have seen a few DCIs and there is no doubt they are nice (and small compaired to the pac) however they are twice the cost and there WAS a dely in shipments when Lucent was selling them (i beleive that issue has been resoveld)

I agree with Modifry test them both in your local area and decide

 

^ I thought the PAC had a way to handle mute. No?

For the most part, we're doing much better on shipping times with the S2ki marketplace, with over 90% of orders being shipped in the 2-3 day window. Our worst period will probably be this week, where a combination of LudeDude's travel schedule and mine just didn't jive well, so some orders received in the last day won't go out till Thursday or Friday. But even our worst is a heck of a lot better than the "old days".

 

mine didn't mute because i had an aftermarket head unit and rear speakers added



Modifry's unit is great and if i went aftermarket with my new s2k i would have used his - simply saying there is another option

 

I've seen two references now to the PAC being 1/2 the cost of the Modifry unit, but at the only place I could find them online (Crutchfield) they were only $20 cheaper ($70 vs $90). Could you point me to a source where they would be closer to $45 or $50?

 

http://search.ebay.com/pac-swi-x_W0QQsatit...ywordredirectZ1

 

I used the PAC on my Alpine HU on my 2000 GPW, and there was definitely a noticeable delay.