Who has Steering wheel controls working with a Linux CarPC?

**red_parchel** · 05-05-2010, 09:08 AM

CURRENTLY my truck does not have stock steering wheel controls, BUT I'm fairly confident with the help of ebay I can replace my steering wheel with another OEM wheel with buttons, [along with the other parts needed] but after that I'm not sure what to do. I've seen devices such as the Joycon EX [windows only?]. Has any one tried this product in Linux? does any one know why it wouldn't work?

Does any one have working steering wheel controls on their Linux CarPC? and how? I'm looking for idea's before I run out and buy parts that just won't work [I've got enough of those]

Thanks
-Red

EDIT: I've seen THIS tread, but no one talks about it actually working, I was hoping for a testimonial?

**nasa** · 05-05-2010, 07:09 PM

While my system is out of my car right now (bad screen and hard drive issues):

I did have a working solution for steering wheel control -- it involved the use of a SWIX, USB-UIRT,
and lirc. The SWIX sends ir commands to the UIRT, which then sends messages to your box for lirc
to handle. Fairly straight forward.

Nasa

Although, I will have to reconfigure this once I get my box back up and running...

**red_parchel** · 05-05-2010, 09:03 PM

oooo that's not a bad idea at all. Almost good enough to ebay that steering wheel !

Good input! thanks

**tripzero** · 05-05-2010, 09:08 PM

I plan on doing steering wheel controls by listening to messages on the CAN bus via something like "Nobdy".

**red_parchel** · 05-06-2010, 01:32 PM

The CAN bus eh? dont think i can access that in my 2000 blazer. but i've heard some cool things being done by some VW enthusiasts.

**red_parchel** · 05-20-2010, 09:45 PM

fusion brain? the analog inputs will read resistance? maybe?

**yam125** · 05-24-2010, 03:47 PM

I am thinking about doing something with lirc, that way I just have to hack up a remote control or ir keyboard, then have unlimited buttons, and no tangling wires. I think it is the best option for someone that doesn't have the best steering wheel controls to start out with, or non at all.

but if you have access to wires than you should be able to use fbrain

**gethree** · 06-09-2010, 12:39 AM

Originally Posted by nasa

While my system is out of my car right now (bad screen and hard drive issues):

I did have a working solution for steering wheel control -- it involved the use of a SWIX, USB-UIRT,
and lirc. The SWIX sends ir commands to the UIRT, which then sends messages to your box for lirc
to handle. Fairly straight forward.

Nasa

Although, I will have to reconfigure this once I get my box back up and running...

Which brand of SWI-X were you using? I want to use LinuxICE when I do my setup and I think I'm going to use your idea.. it has a lot of potential!

I'll be using it with a 2010 Mustang GT-500 steering wheel... do you think the one you use will work with this?

Thanks!

David

**CraziFuzzy** · 06-09-2010, 12:49 AM

I'm thinking the Joycon might still work fine with Linux. The configuration software is windows only (so you may need to use a windows laptop or something to configure it), but then I believe it runs as a standard HID device, which SHOULD be supported by linux.

**nasa** · 06-09-2010, 05:28 AM

Originally Posted by gethree

Which brand of SWI-X were you using? I want to use LinuxICE when I do my setup and I think I'm going to use your idea.. it has a lot of potential!

I'll be using it with a 2010 Mustang GT-500 steering wheel... do you think the one you use will work with this?

Thanks!

David

1) I believe it's made by PAC (aren't they the only ones who make it?).
2) see: http://www.pac-audio.com/productSear...2010&YearId=31
3) All the SWIX work basically the same, they take steering wheel button presses and turn them into ir signals. So assuming you get a swix compatible with your car it would work.
4) you will also need this: http://store.mp3car.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=uirt