Firstly, is this possible or does it use a single connection for all of them and modulate the signal?

If it is possible, does anyone have a good source for info on where to locate the wires and which are which?

My hope is to use the "mute" button for....something else

Thanks in advance for any assistance

 

I don't want to modify this wheel, but I would like to see a button on each side to activate the directionals for about 3 blinks (lane changes).

 

I would assume its possible, you'd just have to find and follow the wiring diagram. In the end its just a signal.

 

So...check this sticky post from Astral:

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ghlight=wiring

I know there is a diagram in that post that shows which wires are the ones you need to tap. I've done it but I can't remember which ones are it, sorry.

Anyway, steering controls use a "resistor network" which means that all of them (at least the buttons on the left side of the wheel) are connected to those 2 wires. Anytime you press one of the buttons it will give you a different electrical resistance on the wires. You can check this out with a multimeter and record the values, or you can look at the service manual, which has the acceptable value ranges for each button.

What you use to interpret these values is up to you. You can try an arduino module if you want to make things easy...or you can build something much simpler yourself depending on your electronics skills.

Hope this helps.

 

I prefer the radio switch to actually switch between stations instead of only the 6 you programmed. I mean come on, the programmed ones I can push on the radio display with one push. If I'm traveling and want to find another station or something other than those 6 I have to continually tune in all the while until I find something till the next suck *** songs plays.

Nissan has this in their vehicles right, not sure why Mazda couldn't of done the same.

 

nawzzzzzzzzzzzzz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!??????????????

 

Thanks for all the info guys So I'd have to intercept the signal then make a relay box? bleh, sounds like too much work for all I need. I was hoping for a simple "Cut X wires and patch into them".


Close! Scramble boost for my boost controller.

 

 

Mawnee - what are you trying to drive? It's not difficult to pick up the signal and enable the relay when it's in a certain range, but the radio will still mute/unmute when you press the button. Is your OE radio still installed?

 

Yea still stock radio. I"m trying to make use of the button for my scramble boost(boost controller runs preset higher boost setting for x seconds). Its a wire from the boost controller that you short to ground to make the signal. So for me to use the mute button, I'd have to make a relay box to intercept the mute button signal, which then activates the short to ground circuit.




"Shut up!"

 

So, you need to tap the SWC wire as it goes into the back of the radio. The DC voltage on the wire will vary as the buttons are pressed. You have two options here. One, build a circuit board with a window comparator on it with a relay drive output, or buy a Metra ASWC. While it is designed to translate OE SWC signals into an aftermarket radio, it could also be told to look for a specific button press in an OE environment and drive a relay when that button is pressed. The wiring is fairly simple, and the programming process will take about 2 minutes. Since you are using it in conjunction with the OE radio, however, you will need to remove a part on the board (I can tell you how if you are up for it). Let me know if you want to go forward and I will provide assistance as you need it.

 

Thanks for all the advice and the offer. Unfortunately I have a bad back and throughout my turbo build and install the worst on my back was laying upside down twisted under the dash. Now That I know how much is involved I'm going to have to go the lazy route. I'm just going to put a button next to the traction control. Two wires, a quick poke with a drill bit and done

 

I have to admit that your approach is smarter!

 

just watch out you don't snap your back when you hit the button LOL

 

Can use the faceplate on the stereo too, the part where the Mini Disc would go. That is where my *edited to protect the innocent* is....

 

you should try pressing and holding those buttons, it works quite nicely!