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Keep those steering wheel controls!
 The PAC SWI-X interface allows you to use your steering wheel controls with any aftermarket car stereo that has wireless remote capability. |
Most owners of the latest MPV agree upon one glaring design "opportunity" ? the gearshift on the steering column sticks out way too far. Particularly while in "D", the stalk makes accessing the audio controls a bit awkward, for the factory system, as well as the Alpine.
Because of the obstruction, I've come to rely on the steering wheel mounted audio controls. Unfortunately, when you remove the factory radio, the steering wheel controls cease to function. That is, unless you opt to install the PAC SWI-X Steering Wheel Radio Control Interface. Once installed and programmed, this adapter accepts the commands from the steering wheel controls and converts them to IR signals. As long as the new receiver accepts IR commands, which the IVA-D300 does, full steering-wheel-remote-functionality will be retained.
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Much to my dismay, I discovered that IVA-D300 does not come supplied with the infrared (IR) remote needed to program the SWI-X. I was surprised that a receiver of this level did not include a remote, but I guess the thought is with a touch-screen monitor, a remote would be redundant. In all honesty, other than the initial programming of the interface, I have yet to have need for a handheld remote. Fortunately, I recalled that my good friend across the street also had an Alpine receiver in his Accord, and as luck would have it, his Alpine remote worked perfectly with my IVA-D300. If you're not as fortunate to have an Alpine-remote-equipped-friend living close by, the optional RUE-4187 IR remote is only $20.
 I mounted the SWI-X IR repeater on the installation kit. |
I used my loaner remote to "teach" the SWI-X interface the translation from Mazda to Alpine controls. If you've ever programmed a "learning" universal remote control, the process is very similar. In the programming mode, I first pressed the "volume up" button on the steering wheel, and then pressed the corresponding button on the Alpine remote. The interface "learns" the command. I then repeated the process for volume down, mute, next track/station and source commands. I placed the IR repeater from the SWI-X on the installation kit near the IR sensor for the Alpine to check for a compatible location. Once confirmed, I drilled a small hole in the install kit to mount the repeater. If you have become accustomed to using your vehicles steering wheel audio controls, definitely consider purchasing an SWI-X when replacing the factory radio.
Peter Logan is Crutchfield's Technology Training Manager, and believes everyone needs a Mac, TiVo™ and satellite radio.
