CD Changer Control

Please forgive the blasphemy, but...
I've got an Eclipse in-dash 6 disc changer and I'd like to keep it if possible, as I may want to listen to a CD that I haven't yet "ripped",
or may be travelling with someone who only has CD's. Does anyone know how hard it might be to code software to emulate the
controller? I understand that the physical connection would be the toughest part, as the only output from the EMPEG is serial,
but I've got a bit of experience in Serial-to-parallel (DAC) design, if the software requirements weren't prohibitive. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Jason

_~= Dearing =~_
"WAY too happy about being #1225."

The changer has almost certainly got line-outs, which will feed into the empeg's line inputs. The problem is the cd changer protocol - you'd have to reverse engineer this, then probably implement it on a PIC and hook this up to the empeg serial port. Changer manufacturers don't tend to give out specs, which is the other problem.

Hugo

However, some companies sell remote kits, which would remove the protocol problem..

I know JVC do one for their changers..

Thanks for the quick response.
I think what I can do is keep the current tuner and changer, and add the EMPEG in-between them, so control would still go from the
tuner to the changer, but sound from the changer would go into the EMPEG's Input. The output from the EMPEG would go to the
tuner's input, where the CD changer is now. The only question that remains is: When the EMPEG is powered off, does the audio input
"pass through" straight to the output?
Thanks,
Jason

_~= Dearing =~_
"WAY too happy about being #1225."

No, the inputs don't pass through when it's off. The inputs go into the DSP, which needs to be running to digitise/output them again.

Hugo

I guess in that case, I'll put the two outputs (Changer & EMPEG) on a switch into the tuner.
Thanks for the help.
Jason

_~= Dearing =~_
"WAY too happy about being #1225."

1. Since it doesn't pass through, does that mean that you can EQ your inputs with the DSP?

2. Do you get a full 20Hz-20kHz band through the inputs? I saw somewhere on the empeg site that the pass through was only 20Hz-18kHz?? won't that cut off some of the high end sound comming from a CD player?

3. Does that mean that the output of the mp3s will be 20Hz - 18kHz?

thanks



-CHiP

1. Yes, EQ will work on AUX inputs
2. The sample rate is 44.1khz, 16 bit. This, in theory, gives you 22k bandwidth. Not that you'd be able to hear this, anyway...
3. No, the output is 44.1khz, 16-bit, just like a CD player.

hugo

Take at look at the info. that I have on Sony's UniLink system.

www.eriksen.no

Tommy