I'm seriously considering a 2006 tC. The model they had on the local lot hadn't had its radio installed yet, and I was examining the empty radio bay... nice large unobstructed space to put a multimedia linux computer into (i.e. a hard-drive based music player), I'd love to futz around with something like that.

Does anyone have technical info on what can be done with the new 2006 wheel-mounted audio controls? I'm not much interested in iPods, I use a rio Karma unit that has ogg and FLAC capability. But my real interest is in mapping those wheel-mounted controls to functions on more capable linux computer mounted in the radio bay.

Anyone of similar interests with knowledge of the 2006 tC tech specs, feel free to share... thanks!

 

I don't believe there is much information on the steering wheel controls as of yet. Some believe the available aftermarket adapters (see crutchfield or something) may make its functions universal with most components.

Has anybody with the '06 steering attempted an aftermarket HU install yet? If so, details?

 

moved...

 

no one has 06's yet. at least no one that i've seen post. and normally the steeringwheel controls become useless.

 

um, there are lots of people with 2006 tC's. i have one!

jeffk, see these links: https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=68642
http://home.cfl.rr.com/icdedppl/faq.html#c20

the PAC SWI-X isn't compatible with all HU's, but not sure if it'll work with what you need it to work with considering you want to use them with a linux machine. so, i guess we won't know until you try it out for everyone

 

I've been searching for dimensions and other specs on the empty radio bay for the tC, anyone have a link. I'd like to see if the powerful and widely available mini-ITX computer motherboards and a few other components could be made to fit inside.

A picture of an empty tc radio bay would also be useful, if anyone has one from a previous radio installation.. Thanks.

 

So how does this work? You buy an aftermarket stereo that has an infra-red remote and you connect the PAC to your Scion's steering-wheel controls and it will then act as an infra-red remote to control your aftermarket stereo?

 

The PAC SWI-X is compatible with any head unit that has remote control capabilities. It has an IR transmitter that must be mounted somewhere out in front of the radio where it can transmit the signal to the face of the radio.

The IR is a little smaller than an alarm LED. I typically will mount them in the console of a vehicle pointing at the radio.

Then, it's just a matter of programming the functions to do what you want. Like a 'learning' remote for home. You press the fuction on the steering wheel control, then press the funtion you want it to perform on the aftermarket radio's remote control. You can make it perform any of the functions you want as long as it's a function on the remote from the aftermarket radio.

I have my cruise control 'paddle' wired to an SWI-X as the steering wheel remote for my stereo in my tC.

I'd like to re-silkscreen the lettering on the cruise 'paddle' to reflect the functions I've programmed it for. Anyone know who would do this type of work?

 

edited

 

I'm sorry. I meant silkscreening.

As far as specs, the factory cruise switch (paddle) on the steering wheel has 4 positions and throws a different resistance for each funtion. I'm not sure what those values are. I let the SWI-X 'learn' them. I can find out if needed.

I would think what needs done is to come up with a switch that can be added to the steering wheel. In a comfortable, easily operated position. One that is shaped to the contours of the wheel. Maybe there is something available from a different car that would match-up. Then of coarse the wiring.

If you do have such a thing in mind, I would try it out. I'm not real thrilled with the location of the factory cruise paddle. and would like to change it.

As a side note on the PAC steering wheel control adapters. Alot of aftermarket manufacturers are offering radios that have ports in the back for external IR senders(for like rear seat operation).PAC also has now(or soon to be released) a version that will plug into the back of the aftermarket radio's IR port So there is no mounting or drilling needed for the SWI-X's IR transmitter.

 

Word on the street is that the 06 headunit has 3.5mm line-in on the front of the stereo.