Trying to get someone at Sony to do it is probably a stretch. But one way to do it, at least for current models, is use someplace like the Crutchfield site to get a list of supported accessories. If it includes either the RM-X2S or RM-X4S, you should be fine.

 

Hi 2Kman,

Will your product under development work with the RM-x5s?
RM-x5s is the latest model from Sony but looks like the RM-x3s,x4s (function?).

I currently purchased a late model CDX-M670 receiver and it supports the new RM-x5s. Sign me up as a customer if your product supports RM-x5s..... well, depends on cost.

Very talented members on this board.......

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by mchoi02
[B]Hi 2Kman,

Will your product under development work with the RM-x5s?
RM-x5s is the latest model from Sony but looks like the RM-x3s,x4s (function?).

I currently purchased a late model CDX-M670 receiver and it supports the new RM-x5s.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by jzr
[B]

I think the RM-x2's and 4's are pretty much the same (both wired), but the 5's are wireless.

 

Basically the RM-X2S and RM-X4S are the same. They use the same interface and are basically interchangeable. I am pretty sure that one of them has a couple of extra control functions and that is the difference. They both have the same connector and work the same way.

The RM-X90 is also a wired remote, but it sounds like it has a different connector and is also different in internal operation. I will be doing more research on this remote and looking into supporting decks that are RM-X90 compatible.

The RM-X5S remotes are a wireless version of the RM-X4S. Since there is no wire, it won't fulfill the 'wired' remote concept that my circuit is designed around. The RM-X5S uses an RF signal similar to a keychain style car-alarm remote control. It must have a battery in it for power. There is a possibility that in the future I could make an add-on module for my circuit that would make it emulate an RM-X5S, but more research will have to be done to determine this. There may be some FCC issues related to this as well.

Mchoi02: At this time, the circuit that I have been developing should work with any Sony deck that has a round 1/8" connector on the back. This connector is the same as a headphone connector on a walkman. My interface plugs into this connector, so if the deck has it, it should work. I have not found any reliable method of finding out if a particular deck has the connector other than visual inspection. If you want to know if your deck has the connector you'll have to pop it out and look. On the S2000 this is so easy to do, it only takes about 4 minutes and requires a phillips screwdriver. If anyone wants to look at the back of their deck and report back, it would be very helpful.

As far as pricing goes, I don't know yet. I am planning on making the circuit available to anyone that wants it, but won't know pricing for a couple more weeks. I have to get a final part count, figure out what the smallest quantity of PCB's that I can have made for a reasonable price is, get prices on all of the components and then determine what the costs will be.

 

You can't believe everything you read on the Internet, but here's what I found on a couple websites selling the remotes:
Sony RM-X4S Remote Control
Wired Remote Control Joystick Remote for CDX-M770 * CDX-M670 * CDX-M610 * CDX-CA850 * CDX-CA750 * CDX-CA750X * CDX-CA650 * CDX-CA650X * CDX-CA650V * CDX-C5000R * CDX-L550 * CDX-L450 * MDX-C800REC * MDX-M690 * MDX-CA680 * MDX-CA680X * MDX-CA580 * MDX-C580GN * XR-M510 * XR-CA800 * XR-CA600 * XR-CA600X * XR-CA600V * XR-CA400

RM-X90, "Special unit to suit the following Sony headunits:"
CDX-C90R
CDX-C8000R
CDX-5000R/RV
XR-C7500R
XR-C5300R/RV
XR-C4300R/RV
MDX-C800REC
MDX-C8500R
MDX-C6500R/RV

Most of the RM-X90 decks are weirdo specialty ones, so it's probably not worth messing with it...

 

I can't speak for the CDX M670 but the CDX M750 (and 600, 650, 700) have both the remote (X5S) and a jack for the X4S. I'm currently using mine with the PAC controller, but can't wait for a programmable multifunction.

I just checked the Sony site and it would appear that the new Active Black Panel head units no longer use a wired remote. So this device will not work with them.

 

Here are the 2001 models. I have one 2000 model here too. The sony site says the RMX5 is not RF, it is IR. That would mean you would need to wire a PAC unit inline to send the IR signal. That kind of defeats the purpose of the new remote module, short the addtional functionality. I don't think it will work too well with at least the ABP models. There are two IR pickups on either side of the unit. The only way to get the headunit to see the PAC IR lead was to stick it out 1/4". Sometimes it doesn't respond the first time. You have to hold the button until it changes. Also, PAC does not work with direct sunlight on it at certain times of the day. Kind of like staring down the headlights of an S2k and trying to make out the person driving.

I don't think Sony thought this one out. Hum, we'll give them an IR remote and an IR remote. They wouldn't ever need a hardwired remote. Check out the L3 Technology link.


Definate (I have one. ):
CDX-M750 = yes (RMX4)

Not proven (Crutchfield says)
CDX-CA650X = yes (RMX4)
CDX-CA750X = no (RMX5)
CDX-CA850X = no (RMX5)
CDX-L250 = no (nothing)
CDX-L350 = no (IR only)
CDX-L550X = yes (RMX4)
CDX-M610 = yes (RMX4)
CDX-M620 = no (RMX5)
CDX-MP450X = yes (RMX4)
CDX-C90 = no (RMX90, little silver one)
CDX-CA660X = yes (RMX4)
CDX-CA760X = yes (RMX4)
CDX-CA860X = no (RMX5)
CDX-M670 = no (RMX5)
CDX-M770 = no (RMX5)

 

CDX-M610 does, but it doesn't have the DSP stuff.

I think any one that has a full function IR remote will work with the RMX5. It's just a different shape. BTW: I think the remote that came with our unit is RM-X114 (or something like that). It is different than the RMX4 that they are talking about; although, the RMX5 should still work.

 

Bbsilver, Jzr,

Thanx for the information.

Looks like we have 2 conflicting info on M770 and M670. I'll take S2kman's advice and pop open my radio tomorrow afternoon and post the finding.