Steering Wheel Controls -> USB question

**timebandit** · 09-16-2009, 03:56 PM

Hey guys, I found this part online and had a question about it. My
plan is to completely replace the head unit in my car with a computer,
so I was wondering if I could still use this part even after removing
the head unit. Basically my question is that whether the adapter is
receiving its signals from the steering wheel or from the head unit..
If the head unit is gone, will the buttons on the steering wheel still
work and send a signal to the adapter?

http://indashpc.org/new/adapters/car2pc-maz.html

Thanks in advance!

**afterdigital** · 09-17-2009, 01:46 PM

@timebandit

i'm wondering the same thing. you may want to look over here it seems that with the right wires soldered in may provide the results we are looking for...

**timebandit** · 09-17-2009, 01:54 PM

I couldnt really find anything useful there related to our problem.. I might order it, plug it in, and see the outcome.. Because im SURE that there are many people out there with the same question.. Either that or email the vendor and see what he says..

EDIT:

Just emailed vendor, hopefully will get a response soon!

**timebandit** · 09-17-2009, 02:41 PM

Got an answer!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi,
Our device works only when OEM headunit present,
Hope this helps,
Dmitry/

-----Original Message-----

Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2009 11:02 AM
To: inquiry@car2pc.com
Subject: customer from Car2PC WebPage

Hi,

I had a question about your product.

My plan is to completely replace the head unit in my car with a computer, so
I was wondering if I could still use this part even after removing the head
unit. Basically my question is that whether the adapter is receiving its
signals from the steering wheel or from the head unit..
If the head unit is gone, will the buttons on the steering wheel still work
and send a signal to the computer?

Thanks!

**trinybwoy** · 09-17-2009, 03:29 PM

i would recommend this...
http://www.rcjoycon.com/base_3/menu_...om_board_idx=9

i use it in my 2006 mazda 6.
i have the audio steering wheel controls mapped to it.
it supports up to 10 buttons.
i paid $32 . money WELL spent.

you will have to locate the two wires that run from the steering wheel to the radio, hijack those and tap them into the joycon.
do some configuring , and presto.

**timebandit** · 09-17-2009, 03:43 PM

Hmm.. That seems interesting, I have a few questions though..

1) Does there have to be a Software running in the background all the time?
2) How do you map the keyboard to centrafuse? Does centrafuse have "keybaord shortcuts"?

**trinybwoy** · 09-17-2009, 03:48 PM

1) no 3rd part software is running . the device identifies itself as a usb Keyboard.
2) (a)to program keys into the device , you will use the bundled software. (once the keys have been programmed, u can exit the software and never use it again. until u want to reprogram.
(b) yes centrafuse has kboard shortcuts.

you can assign up to 3-4* keystrokes per "key" pressed.
eg. i have the volume down button on my wheel mapped to "control-alt-delete"
i have the volume up button mapped to "alt+tab"
etc...

**timebandit** · 09-17-2009, 03:54 PM

AAH alright.. makes total sense.. Another question for you then, where ALL the buttons on ur Mazda-6's steering wheel coming down to a single socket? in which u plugged this into? or did you need more than one of these to map ALL your buttons on your steering?

**trinybwoy** · 09-17-2009, 04:08 PM

all the buttons came down to two wires that connected to the back of the radio.
if i remember correctly, is a black and a green wire.

it has been a long while since i have been at the back of the radio.

i will look for some mazda radio wiring for u.
wut model car do u have?

**timebandit** · 09-17-2009, 04:10 PM

Im actually driving an 04 RX-8.. All parts for my CarPC are here and im hoping to get some setting up done this weekend.. But now that this item has arrised, I might be waiting another week to get it setup with the system too.