Aftermarket Stereo without losing Steering Coloum Controls

[Colesboy]

Hi Guys,
just wondering if anybody has had any luck in getting an aftermarket stereo to work with the steering coloum stereo controls? I am looking to buy one with Ipod connectivity but I don't want to loose the use of steering coloum stereo controls. I have talked to a sales rep at JB Hifi 2 yrs ago and they said that it was not possible but does anyone know if a company has figured out how to do it yet? I have an 2007 LT series Zetec Hatch. Thanks for your help

[warbo]

This can be done, I did it in my LR 5 years ago, pretty much u need to make sure ur new headunit has a remote, you then install the control box into the wiring loom of the steering controls, and then u have to put an ir sender somewhere that will be picked up by the headunit. U then have to teach the control box the commands off the remote, once setup all done and works a treat.

Only problem being i cannot for the life of me remember what the control box is called, but cost me about $1OO odd at the time

[foxtrot3]

Hi. The thing you need is a "cat 10" interface which works on most aust delivered cars ( http://www.thecat.net.au/cat10.htm ) and even though it doesnt list the focus it may be worth calling them or checking with autobarn or brisbane car radio. There is another unit supplied by stinger but is is a real pita to program. Cheers MD

[FESTEC]

Cat10 will not work only desgined for BA AU MAZDA 3 VX VT VS Models as stinger Australia actually had this made them self.

What you need is a pacswixjack (this will work with any jvc, alpine, clarion, kenwood radio hence the jack bit at the end of the pacswix) you will then need to buy a radio from the above mentioned brands that has the 3.5mm jack on it for the steering wheel controls or the wires for the steering wheel controls as the pacswicjack plugs into the jack or wires into the harness and then wires into the car's wiring harness and then needs to be programmed this bit can be a pain in the ****.

Only bad thing that I found was when I had one with my Alpine CDA-9887 it was a little slow to respond, but still worked..

Not sure how it goes with the other 3 brands as I only use Alpine.

Also you can get one for pioneer and eclipse radios but not sure of the part number.

If you want call Stinger and speak to Lockie or Trav and they can help you out with the part number for the last two.

But at the end of the day it can be done and has been able to be done for the last 4-5 years...

Hope that helps