Adaptor: Sony or Kenwood?

Guys, I recently bought a Renault Clio and of course want to instal my empeg in it. Now I don´t want to loose the existing Steering Column Controls, so I got into the job of finding the correct adaptor to be used. I found that Edworthys Renault offers one of the best reliable ones, the problem is that for my 2003 model there seams to be two options, depending on the unit I want to instal: Sony or Kenwood (....empeg??).

First Option: Smart Lead (PC9-101)

"Stalk/Steering Wheel Control Adaptors enable the continued use of car’s existing remote control audio features when using a SONY headunit compatible with RMX-2S/4S remote ports"

Second option: Smart Lead (28-RN003-KEN)

"Adaptor lead to allows the driver to keep the Steering Column Controls when fitted with Kenwood Radios (KDC-6021, KDC-M6021G, KDC-MV6521, KDC-8021, KDC-M9021, KDC-PSW9521)"

Which is the best choice? And an additional questions, is it necessary to have a tuner module to use this adaptor or is it possible to connect directly to the empeg.

The link: https://www.edworthys.co.uk/acatalog/Fitting_Renault.html

Thanks for the help....

James

Noonan, you didn't say whether or not you'd already read this. If you haven't, give it a skim and see if it answers your question or not.

You also didn't say whether or not you have the tuner module for the empeg. It's important to know these things in order to answer the question.

Tony,
I do not have the tuner module, and yes I have already read all it says about the issue in the FAQs. The thing is that I´ve never felt the need of owning a tuner module, but now it seams like it is required not to loose the column controls, am I right?

James

Connecting to the serial port has been done before by someone, but it's not an easy process. Basically it would require you to build your own stick controller interface.

The tuner module route is definitely easier because it has the stick controller interface built-in. Of course the would require you to buy a tuner module, either by buying one on eBay (probably expensive) or waiting for the tuner module kits that Patrick has made to become available again. The tuner module kits are basically DIY kits and require you yourself to solder them together. (there are people on this board that offer to do this for you as a paying service)

thing is that I´ve never felt the need of owning a tuner module, but now it seams like it is required not to loose the column controls, am I right?

If you don't have a tuner module, then you can't use the Sony wired interface.

The infrared options are still available to you, if you can find an infrared converter for your car's steering column controls. Check and see if PAC makes one, or perhaps someone else.

The "smart leads" you showed in the link look like they're all wired versions, not infrared. Of all the items listed on that page, only the Sony one would work, and only if you owned a tuner module.

Hey ! You can use the sony interface and build an simple interface to RS232. There are only a few parts needed and the interface fits in an sub-d plug. The problem is only hijack kernels in version v300 or newer are using the serial port so u cant use the interface, but there will be an option availible soon....
I am using the sony stick control in an audi B4 with empeg Mk1.

All the info needed to build such an interface can be found by using the link I provided the post I made above.

Hey ! You can use the sony interface and build an simple interface to RS232.

If you have access to a microcontroller programmer and know how to use it. I got the feeling from reading his original post that this was unlikely in his case.

Thanks for all your help, I guess I´ll wait for the tuner module to be available again and pick the PC9-101 adaptor. I´ll let you all know about the progress.

James

I guess I´ll wait for the tuner module to be available again

Um, Patrick's making kits now. You should get your order into the queue pretty quick if you're going to be doing it at all. (Link is at top of this page.)

Will do.... thanks!

Jaime