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Alpine PXA-701 / 700: DIY remote control & PC control
Just an early post to share some work on remote controlling the PXA-70x Multimedia controllers.
Target
For my new install, I have been looking at no headunit. Like many, this has led me down the PC optical > Alpine PXA700 route.
I am also looking to limit the amount of boxes/displays/controllers to a minimum, especially 3rd party, on show.
The RUX controller is therefore being altered to be a "display" only device, within an overhead console. The display will be behind a tinted screen, and will help maintain the "factory look".
Remote controlling
For some time, I was going to "hardwire" the micro switches of the RUX PCB. This would create a lot of wiring within a tight space however.
Time for some good news:
The RUX does not work on a single data bus i.e. every function (display and switches) working off an unknown word protocol. Instead, the RUX uses basic resistor ladders.
This explains why the unit uses a 13 pin connector. As you can all see, this creates opportunities!!
Ideas for implementation
I'm currently working on the following ideas:
1) Build a "passthrough box". This would connect to the PXA and the RUX.
2) Add additional switch panels. Using an exact replica of the resistor ladders, I shall add a couple of switch panels. (My T5 Caravelle has three rows of seats and 2 displays). As these switches are ladders in parallel, there is no real limit. Not all boxes need be the same of course. I'm looking to have 1*full controller for programming, and 1 / 2 "lite" boxes for typical "user" operation.
3) I shall also remote control these switches for PC control. I'm going to do this by using optocouplers controlled by a Phidgets USB device and girder.
PC control will allow some user friendly displays of my 6* user presets - displaying the settings and intended uses - music, movies, driver only, centre screen time alignments etc
Needless to say, you could also make an IR version...
Encoder
More work to do on this. Encoders don't like parallel operation typically.
I have limited time (don't we all) - so may not be able to do much more than share the idea and circuit diagram for now - but will obviously try...
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