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#258891 - 23/06/2005 22:58 anyone using a connects2 stalk adapter ?
pim
addict

Registered: 14/11/2000
Posts: 474
Loc: The Hague, the Netherlands
I see Connects2 have finally released an Alfa Romeo to Sony stalk adapter, just when I need it!

But, does anyone use an anything-to-Sony stalk adapter? I wonder if current Sony's still use the same old protocol like the one the Empeg understands.

Pim

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#258892 - 23/06/2005 23:06 Re: anyone using a connects2 stalk adapter ? [Re: pim]
robricc
carpal tunnel

Registered: 30/10/2000
Posts: 4931
Loc: New Jersey, USA
I have a Saab to Sony adapter. It works with the empeg when the car's accessory power is off. I never got around to clipping the wire on the harness that provides voltage (apparently not needed).
_________________________
-Rob Riccardelli
80GB 16MB MK2 090000736

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#258893 - 24/06/2005 00:30 Re: anyone using a connects2 stalk adapter ? [Re: robricc]
pim
addict

Registered: 14/11/2000
Posts: 474
Loc: The Hague, the Netherlands
Quote:
I It works with the empeg when the car's accessory power is off.


What do you mean with accessory power off? Ignition off?

Pim

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#258894 - 24/06/2005 04:57 Re: anyone using a connects2 stalk adapter ? [Re: pim]
mtempsch
pooh-bah

Registered: 02/06/2000
Posts: 1996
Loc: Gothenburg, Sweden
Quote:
I see Connects2 have finally released an Alfa Romeo to Sony stalk adapter, just when I need it!

But, does anyone use an anything-to-Sony stalk adapter? I wonder if current Sony's still use the same old protocol like the one the Empeg understands.



Haven't been concerned enough to get one for the Pug, though I did look initially.
So while not 100% sure, I do think they still use the same protocol. Looking at some Sony player features at Crutchfield, most appear capable of using a wired remote, and the only wired remote they seem to carry is the Sony RM-X4S which IIRC works with the empeg.
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/Michael

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#258895 - 24/06/2005 10:49 Re: anyone using a connects2 stalk adapter ? [Re: pim]
robricc
carpal tunnel

Registered: 30/10/2000
Posts: 4931
Loc: New Jersey, USA
Yeah, the ignition has to be off. Otherwise the adapter sends the wrong values.

Could be a problem with the Saab wiring or the adapter. I don't really know. I have been meaning to fix it for over 3 years now.
_________________________
-Rob Riccardelli
80GB 16MB MK2 090000736

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#258896 - 24/06/2005 16:21 Re: anyone using a connects2 stalk adapter ? [Re: pim]
tfabris
carpal tunnel

Registered: 20/12/1999
Posts: 31563
Loc: Seattle, WA
Quote:
But, does anyone use an anything-to-Sony stalk adapter?

My friend Tod uses a GM-to-Sony stalk adapter with his empeg. More on it below...

Quote:
I wonder if current Sony's still use the same old protocol like the one the Empeg understands.

Well, usually when they talk about a wired adapter, they *ARE* talking about the RM-X2S and RM-X4S system (the resistor values). So I'd assume that yes, that's what they're talking about.

On Tod's system, though, there's a problem. For some reason, the resistor values seem to be ever-so-slightly-off on the converter, so that the empeg's interpreter doesn't always quite get the values and the buttons don't always work. Also, the converter seems to send stray values some of the time, causing the player to poltergeist on him, and he's actually had to disable the stalk converter in software until we can fix it or find another solution.

We're not sure where the problem lies. I haven't actually worked on it lately, even though there are now features in Hijack that would help me to track down the exact source of the issue and correct it. It's just been a question of time. Whenever Tod and I get together, we're usually interested in doing something entertaining rather than work on his car stereo.

So even though those anything-to-sony adapters are supposed to work, I'm not sure they're all created equal.
_________________________
Tony Fabris

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#258897 - 08/07/2005 10:10 Re: anyone using a connects2 stalk adapter ? [Re: pim]
pim
addict

Registered: 14/11/2000
Posts: 474
Loc: The Hague, the Netherlands
OK, my pro installer just finished installing my Empeg and a partly new audio system, two days before the main Amersfoort event

He installed the Connects2 SARS001 (Stalk Alfa Romeo Sony 001), and it sort of works.

It's just that all the controls are mixed up. I have 6 buttons on my wheel. This is what happens if I press them:

mute -> select source
src -> pause & mute
+ -> next tune
- -> previous tune
up -> nothing
down -> volume down

So, mute and src are switched, and up/down and plus/minus are switched.

If I change the config.ini stalk parameter from left ot right, only the direction of plus and minus and up and down change. The mixup isn't fixed.

Should this be fixed in software or hardware?

Pim

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#258898 - 08/07/2005 12:28 Re: anyone using a connects2 stalk adapter ? [Re: pim]
mlord
carpal tunnel

Registered: 29/08/2000
Posts: 14472
Loc: Canada
Remap them with Hijack.

[ir_translate]
KNext=...
KPrev=...

Etc..

The Hijack Stalk button names are KOff, KSource, KAtt, KFront, KNext, KPrev, KVolUp, KVolDown, KRear, KBottom, and then all of the same names again with "KS" (for Shifted) instead of plain "K".

Cheers

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#258899 - 14/07/2005 15:54 Re: anyone using a connects2 stalk adapter ? [Re: mlord]
pim
addict

Registered: 14/11/2000
Posts: 474
Loc: The Hague, the Netherlands
My installer fixed the mixup. The leads from the wheel to the adapter were crossed.

The remaining problem is more difficult to tackle, though. Some of the buttons just don't emit anything (as viewed by hijack's Button Display). One button just never works, two others sometimes work (mostly not, though).

My installer was kind enough to temporarily fit a Sony CDX-M9900, and it just worked perfectly.

So maybe Sony did change its protocol? Or my original tuner is broken?

Thanks,
Pim

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#258900 - 14/07/2005 16:42 Re: anyone using a connects2 stalk adapter ? [Re: pim]
pim
addict

Registered: 14/11/2000
Posts: 474
Loc: The Hague, the Netherlands
Hmm, looks a lot like this problem.

Pim

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#258901 - 14/07/2005 16:43 Re: anyone using a connects2 stalk adapter ? [Re: pim]
mlord
carpal tunnel

Registered: 29/08/2000
Posts: 14472
Loc: Canada
Time to play with an ohm-meter, I imagine. Measure the resistance values reported for each button on the device, and compare those with what the Empeg (tuner) expects.

If the range of reported values is outside what it should be, then a conversion network could perhaps be worked out and wired in series to shift them to a more appropriate range.

Or just use the supported Sony RM-X4S stalk.

-ml

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#258902 - 14/07/2005 17:03 Re: anyone using a connects2 stalk adapter ? [Re: mlord]
mlord
carpal tunnel

Registered: 29/08/2000
Posts: 14472
Loc: Canada
I found this circuit diagram for the resistor network of a Sony RM-X2S (apparently the same values as RM-X4S):



Attachments
260142-sony_stalk_schematic.gif (270 downloads)


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#258903 - 14/07/2005 17:05 Re: anyone using a connects2 stalk adapter ? [Re: mlord]
tfabris
carpal tunnel

Registered: 20/12/1999
Posts: 31563
Loc: Seattle, WA
Oh, Mark, what a great image. I'm going to make sure that's stored for the FAQ/Developer guide somehow.
_________________________
Tony Fabris

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#258904 - 14/07/2005 17:12 Re: anyone using a connects2 stalk adapter ? [Re: tfabris]
tfabris
carpal tunnel

Registered: 20/12/1999
Posts: 31563
Loc: Seattle, WA
Okay, added.
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Tony Fabris

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#258905 - 14/07/2005 18:42 Re: anyone using a connects2 stalk adapter ? [Re: mlord]
pim
addict

Registered: 14/11/2000
Posts: 474
Loc: The Hague, the Netherlands
Quote:
Time to play with an ohm-meter, I imagine. Measure the resistance values reported for each button on the device, and compare those with what the Empeg (tuner) expects.


I was thinking of doing that, and now I know what figures to look for, thanks.

But, what would be the best explanation for the fact that a real Sony radio interprets the values right as they are?

Quote:
Or just use the supported Sony RM-X4S stalk.


I remember having seen one in a sellout. I didn't buy it, because it would require me to drill a hole on a very visible place in my leased car. But I regret I didn't buy it, it would have been nice to have one for a reference.

Pim

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