I am sorry i know this question has been answered a miilion times but i can't find anything under the search function. I know what DCI stands for but what i don't understand is what it does. Can you keep ANY of your dash controls with JUST a lucid wire harness, or you must have the DCI? Is the DCI for added features to the dash controls or is it REQUIRED to make the dash controls work with an aftermarket radio? Sorry to ask this again, but any help is appreciated.

 

DCI = Dash Controller Interface.

http://lucidautomotive.com/cgi-bin/merchan...roduct_Code=dci

 

I know what it stands for but i just don't understand if you need the dci to keep your regular stereo controls or if it just adds features to it. Does the regular harnesslink to the dash controls in ANY way?

 

Yes you need the DCI to keep your dash controls. When you install an aftermarket HU, you lose them completely. THe DCI just happend to provide a few extra features, but yes, you do need it. For the record, I have an alpine HU, with remote, and DCI. I never use the dash controls and just reach over to the Hu itself. But its nice to have I guess.

 

Thanks Dave, thats exactly what i was looking for. By the way i won't be able to make the meet on the 13th so hopefully i will get to put my radio in as soon as i get the DCI.

 

Tony, just let me know when you have some time. I am actually going to help out another member, jeff, from jersey sometime in december (putting in a whole system) so Ill let you know, and I can do yours as well. Ill be in touch.

 

Sorry, I had read your post too quickly.

 

well, i am jumping in here really late, but you know....


Dash Controller Interface - that sorta tells you that it is the interface for your dash controls... thus implying that you need an interface for the dash contols, and that w/o the interface, you have no dash controls...

i really didn't think it was that hard.


still - you don't NEED a DCI to keep the dash controls. there are some other options out there, but i would generally agree that the DCI is the cleanest and easiest to install of the options.
DJ Qube's adds some cooler features, but you've got to send your dash controls awaywhile he works on it and you lose your remote.
the PAC has programability options, but it is fundamentally flawed due to the delays in operation, and it offers no expansion on the stock controls.

 

DJqube has (or had anyway) a core exchange program so you are not left with a hole in your dash.

I agree wholeheartedly on your assessment of the PAC. It's useless.

 

ahh... thanks. i didn't realize he was/is doing core exchanges... i love the idea of his controller, but didn't want to sacrifice the remote and permanently alter my dash controls...