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View Full Version : ? About my radio controls on the steering wheel

BAMF
06-10-2006, 11:44 AM
So, I'm getting ready to upgrade the head unit in my Lesabre. Only problem is I have radio controls mounted on my steering wheel that I DON'T want to stop working. Is there any way to put in an aftermarket deck and make them still work? If not, it there any way to rig up something that'll allow the stock deck to run subs(I doubt it on this one, but I thought I'd ask...)?

Any help is appriciated, thanks!
P057
06-10-2006, 12:09 PM
should be a device that does this on the market, i know its possible but i'd just wait until the big boys come in here with the specifics


as for rigging up the stock deck to play subs? you're going to PREFERABLY want to run an amp no matter what. I have a friend who has it ghetto-rigged to her stock HU through her rear speaker cables and im going to tell you now it does not sound good at all.

if you really need space and dont want an amp plus subs and dont care much about power at all, get one of those powered subwoofers, infinity sells some damned good ones
mbanks21
06-10-2006, 01:00 PM
Pac Swix
TIM TIM TIM
06-10-2006, 01:16 PM
you can run subs off a stock deck, its called a high low converter... cc, bb and any other car audio shop usually has them.... it would depend what deck you went with, some sell the parts to keep stearing wheel controls, some dont... expect to pay a pretty penny if you do swap the deck and keep your steering wheel controls though.... i would just add the high low converter (20 bucks) and call it a day.
BAMF
06-10-2006, 01:52 PM
should be a device that does this on the market, i know its possible but i'd just wait until the big boys come in here with the specifics


as for rigging up the stock deck to play subs? you're going to PREFERABLY want to run an amp no matter what. I have a friend who has it ghetto-rigged to her stock HU through her rear speaker cables and im going to tell you now it does not sound good at all.

if you really need space and dont want an amp plus subs and dont care much about power at all, get one of those powered subwoofers, infinity sells some damned good ones


Well, I mean I WILL have an amp. Thats not the problem. I have the Alpine 700w amp sitting here next to me. I just need a head unit with RCA outputs to connect to the amp.

That PAC SWIX looks fucking sweet, and for only 50 bucks not bad. I'm figuring that might be the best bet, because it'll allow me to get an aftermarket deck and push the door speakers better as well.
TBSpyder
06-10-2006, 03:19 PM
Get the swix and get the aftermarket deck...overall you'll obviously have a much better system than simply running a high/low converter off the factory deck. I've personally never see the big deal with the steering wheel controls... I mean, most decks are less than 12 inches away, is it that hard? Kind of like remote controls for your car stereo. :lol: ;)
kpr10is
06-10-2006, 05:03 PM
Forewarning: There is a delay with the swi-x, and you will probably have to play with mounting spots for the infrared eye, or else it won't work all the time and will have a better response at night than during the day. I highly recommend, if you haven't purchased the radio yet and this is a big issue to you, getting one with a wired remote input, and the corresponsing PAC unit (SWI-PS/SWI-ALP/SWI-ECL) to hardwire. As you can see by those listed PAC model numbers, some Alpines, JVCs, Sonys, Pioneers, and Eclipses have wired remote input, and youll be MUCH more satisfied as compared to the touchiness of the swi-x.

I don't see them being a big issue myself either, but Ive never owned anything but stick, so my right hand is always there. Might be different if I had an auto and wanted to use my left hand for whatever reason.
93ex
06-10-2006, 05:43 PM
My Gf's grand cherokee has wheel controls, and I never really thought too much about it, but I think they are pretty cool now.
mbanks21
06-10-2006, 05:47 PM
I never got the point of a remote for a car radio either. Its less than a foot away from your hand. The SWI(brand) would be better than the SWIX though
BAMF
06-10-2006, 08:15 PM
Well, the main thing is I don't want a steering wheel full of useless controls...that would just suck. So, now I should look for a deck with a WIRED input....sounds pricey...hmm, I'll look around for it.
Notladstyle
06-10-2006, 10:06 PM
steering wheel controls are a big thing for resale and the pacswix interface has no control delay.
P057
06-10-2006, 10:13 PM
I never got the point of a remote for a car radio either. Its less than a foot away from your hand. The SWI(brand) would be better than the SWIX though

I actually found it a lot easier and more comfortable to use a remote, simply because you dont have to have your arm outstretched the whole time if you fall into a folder of mp3s you dont feel in the mood to play.

Its just personal preference.
kpr10is
06-11-2006, 02:36 AM
steering wheel controls are a big thing for resale and the pacswix interface has no control delay.
Agree to disagree. Id like to see a side by side, because every wired one Ive done has had a smaller lag. Also depends on the car and location of the infrared eye.
Notladstyle
06-11-2006, 03:13 AM
Agree to disagree. Id like to see a side by side, because every wired one Ive done has had a smaller lag. Also depends on the car and location of the infrared eye.

define smaller lag?

I know toyota controls use binary signals rather than varied voltage, which takes slightly longer to decode and transmit. But for GM vehicles, its a fixed voltage output for each button which produces no lag.
P057
06-11-2006, 09:15 AM
Agree to disagree. Id like to see a side by side, because every wired one Ive done has had a smaller lag. Also depends on the car and location of the infrared eye.

Everything has lag, thats the problem, its the people who like to want everything perfect and instantaneous that make an issue of it that sucks.

There is only a real problem if the lag is over 500 ms, then you just have slower/cheaper equipment.
kpr10is
06-11-2006, 10:26 AM
define smaller lag?

I know toyota controls use binary signals rather than varied voltage, which takes slightly longer to decode and transmit. But for GM vehicles, its a fixed voltage output for each button which produces no lag.
Smaller lag...less instant...not sure how quick the factory GM controls are, but alot of the cars I do on the side are Nissans, and the Nissan factory controls are literally instant as if you are pushing the buttons on the radio itself. So Ive seen a number of people disappointed in the swi-x and it was a simple warning to the thread creator, because the consistency, accuracy, and speed of the hardwired ones is better in my experiences. Just posting my experience for others, nothing more.
P057
06-11-2006, 10:32 AM
Smaller lag...less instant...not sure how quick the factory GM controls are, but alot of the cars I do on the side are Nissans, and the Nissan factory controls are literally instant as if you are pushing the buttons on the radio itself. So Ive seen a number of people disappointed in the swi-x and it was a simple warning to the thread creator, because the consistency, accuracy, and speed of the hardwired ones is better in my experiences. Just posting my experience for others, nothing more.


I think you're looking to say greater lag.

Lag = slower

therefore smaller lag = quicker
greater lag = slower