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If you look at the specs for the older (first generation) ABP's you'll see they list an optional wired remote. This is what the mod is emulating.
But the newer ones with the silver controls (as opposed to gold) no longer list a wired remote, but a similar stalk control that is IR. Unless they left the jack on the back (highly doubtful) they won't be compatible.
Well, after a couple of days of not really feeling like doing anything, I am back working on the dash controls interface. Just wanted to let people know that work is still progressing. Here is a pic of the circuit on the bench:
On the left is the Sony deck I am using for testing, and above it is the 'S2000 Simulator', a little box I wired up that duplicates the S2000 dash controls. In the middle is the wire-wrap board with the circuit on it and it is currently undergoing testing and measurements. Fine tuning and optimization of both the circuit and the software is proceeding very well. I'll keep you all posted.
I just recently got an Empeg player for my car, and want to retain some sort of control via the dash controls. The tuner module for the empeg has an input for the sony remotes. I'd definately prefer this to doing a custom serial solution.
I am still working on the prototype, wiring is complete and I am testing and optimizing both the components and programming.
As far as the led and 1/8" connector, this would probably work OK, but it would not work with the circuit that I am producing. This circuit does not emulate a sony infra-red remote control. The Sony decks that have 1/8" decks have special circuitry in them that has nothing to do with the infra red remote, therefore wiring up a jack to it's led won't help.
Also, it is possible that the circuit I am creating could do serial based control. After I am completely done with the Sony deck control I may look into this. I have made sure to design the circuit so that the hardware is in place for serial control, however, there is currently no software support for it. If the empeg can receive serial commands at 9600 8N1, then the programming should be relatively easy.
Also, I'd like to mention that when I originally started this project, my intention was to create something for myself to use in my own car. However with all of the interest that I have received in the form of responses on this thread and personal e-mails, I am excited that other people are interested in what I am doing and that I may be able to solve this same problem for others. I am working hard to ensure that I create a solid, reliable, well thought solution. It is taking a lot longer than I expected, but hopefully others will find it useful. I'll keep you posted.
S2Kman,
the work you guys are doing is DEFINITELY impressive!
I for one am very excited about it, and definitely hope you release your creation to those of us without the ability to do it ourselves.
I'm especially impressed with your thoroughness and desire to have everything as optimized as possible, let alone making it work in the first place!
We just finalized the circuit board layout for the dash controls to Sony deck interface today. I'm ordering prototypes on Monday and should have a couple of assembled units by friday to do final testing on. I'll post pictures of them by Monday the 14th!
