Alpine PXA-701 / 700: DIY remote control & PC control

Tony G · 05-07-2008, 07:44 AM

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...

RedGTiVR6 · 05-07-2008, 09:11 AM

So this will all be software controllable?

The way I'm reading it, you're wanting to eliminate boxes....but to do that, you're adding boxes. The RUX is really very thin.

So you're essentially mounting the display of the RUX one place, then mounting the buttons elsewhere....correct?

Tony G · 05-07-2008, 09:29 AM

Hi RedGTiVR6,

More boxes maybe - and you effectively spot an error in my thinking perhaps!

For clarity, I don't want an Alpine unit on view. I don't want buttons in my overhead install. What I want is a discreet interior, with a few buttons added in appropriate places - in the same style and illumination as VW.

Maybe one more box (the passthrough) but hidden..

Maybe sharing my idea on this forum was a bad one - I get really defensive at times like this

P.S. With optocouplers as switches, you can mimic a button push, and you can add graphics to the memories describing your settings.

scott_fx · 05-07-2008, 10:55 AM

I actually think this is a fantastic idea, the reason i ditched the h701 was because i hated the cluttered and space ship feel of the rux controller. if i could have gotten rid of that i would have kept the 701.

a few ideas, instead of using phidgets you could look into fusion brain and have the rux controlled via the computer.

if you want a more permanent display but hidden, you could get a piece of smoked plexi and get a vinyl cutter to cut out 'buttons' on black vinyl to which youd mount to the back of the plexi. then you backlight it with some leds and use the qprox ic's to create a touch sensitive panel

Quote: Originally Posted by Tony G

Hi RedGTiVR6,

More boxes maybe - and you effectively spot an error in my thinking perhaps!

For clarity, I don't want an Alpine unit on view. I don't want buttons in my overhead install. What I want is a discreet interior, with a few buttons added in appropriate places - in the same style and illumination as VW.

Maybe one more box (the passthrough) but hidden..

Maybe sharing my idea on this forum was a bad one - I get really defensive at times like this

P.S. With optocouplers as switches, you can mimic a button push, and you can add graphics to the memories describing your settings.

RedGTiVR6 · 05-07-2008, 11:02 AM

if you can make the Alpine controllable by the computer, and even show the display via the computer, I'll buy one in a new york minute.

However, by it's nature, you need the display of the RUX to be visible, AT LEAST for tuning purposes. If you completely hide it, it's pretty much pointless.

scott_fx · 05-07-2008, 09:20 PM

tuning and volume control. hell, if he could just figure out how to piggy back the volume control then the rux could be hidden