Re: Aftermarket Head-Unit Installation for the Compleat Idiot

[Willie Anderson <willie.anderson@analog.com>]

John Kilpatrick asked:

> Can you use the pre-installed cable to controll a Clarion
> aftermarket changer? I installed a Clarion 7375, so I now
> i could install a Clarion changer, but it'd be cool if I
> didn't have to run any cables.

and the answer is a definite "maybe".  It simply depends upon the
requirement for the Clarion headunit and deck.  There are
essentially 3 possibilities:

1) You cannot, because the Clarion rig needs more wires than exist
in the OEM cable.

2) You can, but you will need to either hack up or make adapters for
one or both ends of the OEM cable.

3) You can and the OEM cable works perfectly as is.

With 1), you are SOL.

With 2), you can do it, but you'll need to do the soldering either
inside the car if you hack the OEM cable (yuck), or you will need to
make an adapter for the OEM cable (run around town, find the
adapter(s), solder, etc. - also yuck)

With 3), you are styling, but I'm betting against it.  Also, you
will need to have wiring diagrams for the OEM cable to try this, I
think.

So compare to the hour or so of work with routing the changer cable,
and you see why I chose to route the aftermarket cable. And I didn't
even have precise instructions to guide me :-).

Good luck, whatever you do,
-- 
Willie Anderson