Hey everyone-

I just installed the S-pods, and they are GREAT. The only thing is that the "mute" function to the left of the wheel only controls the front speakers, and not the new rear ones. Is there a way to get the "mute" function to control all speakers and not just the front ones? I am installing an Alpine 9851 in about a month, I currently just have the stock HU, is it worth the hassle to re-wire it now? I am installing the Modifry (or PAC) Steering Wheel Interface when the new HU goes in.

Also, what are the differences in the PAC SWI and the Modifry interfaces? They are supposed to do the same thing, but the Modifry is $30 more expensive. What is the reason for the extra $30?

 

Dont bother rewiring it if you only going to install another unit then.. just wait it out because the alpine will mute all speakers...

 

I would NOT get the alpine one because the functions are limited to what's on the dash whereas the Modifry DCI can be fully customizable to add all kinds of added features - furthermore the DCI unit has a speed sensitive volume control

It

 

thanks bass.... I also heard that the DCI functions through the IR on the HU. I have heard that in direct sunlight, it sometimes does not work. Is this true? That would suck in a convertible! I am not really looking for anything custom with all the bells and whistles, I am just looking to maintain the controls that are there now. Is there any difference in the control functions that the two have in common (mute, switch preset, volume up / down, band change)? What sort of extras are included in the Modifry that are not in the PAC? Have you seen both compared? I imagine that the Modifry is a better unit, as it does have the extra features and costs more. Can you tell me more than the modifry has more options? I am just trying to make an informed purchase.

 

I think the PAC SWI-ALP will mimic the Honda controls, but you'll have to confirm with Alpine or PAC. One question to ask them - Do you get BOTH Preset Up AND Track Up functions? The CH button does that now on the Honda radio but only because the head unit uses the same command for both functions. Nearly all after-market head units (including Alpine) use separate commands for Preset Up and Track Up, at least when controlled via the front panel or hand-held remote. In a lot of cases you have to give up one to get the other when using the PAC. It's possible Alpine was smarter than the average bear and changed the wired functions to mimic steering wheel controls (same button does both) but I don't know that.

Functions supported by the DCI:

Vol Up & Dn, as well as Vol repeat (hold volume switch for fast volume change)
Mute (awesome on Alpine 'cause it does CD pause)
Mode - changes between CD, Radio, Aux
AM/FM bands - changes between AM/FM bands
Next and Previous Track (seek up and seek down on radio)
Next and Previous Disk (next and previous radio preset)
The Next and Previous functions also do "repeat", meaning that if you hold "Next Track" the HU will do a "Fast Forward" function.
Auto-volume - changes volume with car's speed (adjustable, 4 settings or off)

There can be problems with IR controls in bright sunlight, particularly since the DCI IR emitter is sometimes hard to mount where it can point directly at the HU face, especially with tilting faces. The problem is that sunlight has lots if IR energy that "blinds" the HU sensor and it takes a really strong IR signal to be seen over the sunlight.

If it turns out to be a problem you can install different or additional IR emitters which you can buy at Radio Shack or elsewhere (if you get stuck finding one let me know I can send you one) I have a regular IR LED installed above the radio door pointing straight down through the crack between the door and dash. It works with the door open or closed and I've never had a problem in bright sunlight.

See more info on the DCI here: http://www.baustnet.com/honda/mods/dci/index.htm
Note that the DCI functions are NOT exactly like the factory functions. Not much choice when you cram 9 functions on 4 buttons.

ALSO - I'm working on a DCI to plug into the back of the new Alpine head units (and Pioneer). At this time I have no clue what functions are supported by the HU. I'll have more info in early June.

 

Modifry-

Please let me know if you develop the one that plugs into the back of the unit before July. Is mounting the IR emitter difficult? I heard that these things are "idiot proof," is this true? What is there to installed one? I usually keep the radio door up, and just operate it via the controls to the left of the wheel.

thanks

John

 

Use the DCI, but just close the radio door and all is good. You can access alll the functions from the console buttons left of your steering wheel./