Alpine CDA-9855. Now what?

[buncombe]

So I have finally decided on the Alpine CDA-9855. Now I am trying to figure out what to order from newministuff.com and, as usual, am begging for help!

I have ordered the HK option on my new cabrio. I also have an ipod which I would like to listen to in my Mini-- but I do NOT want the iPod adaptor, since I want to control my iPod from the iPod itself, not through the Head Unit. I also have a MFSW steering wheel, which is what is causing the big problems:

Which do I want to order-- or do I order both? here are the choices:

-Alpine to Boost MSFW adaptor for 3 Spoke Steering Wheel [does this work with the HK]?
-HK Enabler with mode adjust

So: do I buy both or just the second? Does the second come with the necessary equipment for hooking it up to the MFSW (still want to control basic functions if not the iPod with the steering wheel)

Do I need the facia adaptor in addition to these? And do I need the Aerial Adaptor?

Please help! This is so complicated (for me at least).
Thanks in advance!

[mikeythemini]

You need a facia & aerial adaptor,
you need a HK enabler
The problem is the MFSW - As your model does not have an R after it then it won't have mfsw capability this seems to apply across Alpines USA range.
The only solution I know of is the SWIX a universal USA made device that needs splicing into a wire in your steering column, then a small IR LED mounting facing the stereo.
How do you plan on connecting the ipod? Has that unit got an aux input

[buncombe]

Aww man! I am so disappointed. So I need to look for Alpine units with an R?

How can I get the SWIX thing? Is that hard to find?

The reason I chose this particular model is that is has an aux input. I was hoping to run the line out through the toggle switch section of my Mini.

Arrgh! I don't suppose you could recommend a few different models (I don't care about the brand but am biased a wee bit towards Alpines) that would solve this issue? The splicing bit with the SWIX thing makes me feel a little... eh. I'm looking for a new HU, not a used want, and will spend up to 600 dollars to get one that integrates MSFW and the Aux option. Anything extra is good, too, like mp3 cd capability. But the array of options out there are daunting!

I also understand that blitzsafe.com sells MFSW compents. If I choose to get one from those folks then all I need after that from the newministuff.com site is the facia, aerial, and the HK enabler, right?

This is such a mess.

[buncombe]

Just a quick note... I know that there's that big FAQ which is very handy indeed but am looking for suggestions because all of these different HUs seem so similar. So I just wanted you all to know I'm not ignoring the FAQ, even if I'm collosally confused!

[buncombe]

Also: Any info on the 2005 Sonys?

[buncombe]

Sorry! One more question:

The Alpine web site claims some of their (non-R-ending) head units are "steering remote ready." How is this different from the MFSW functionality?

[mikeythemini]

Point me to some models on their site & I will check it for you, last years didnt list steering remotre sockets

[mikeythemini]

I take it all back - looks like Alpine USA have finally started putting this feature in
Sorry for the wrong info, all systems go
Order the mfsw adaptor too, unless you can find one your side (I understand the exchange rate makes my prices seem dear)
If you order the HK enabler & mfsw adaptor then I build them into 1 harness to make fitting easier & knock a few quid of the price

[mikeythemini]

Goes to modify my model list at the top of this forum ......

[buncombe]

ALL RIGHT!!! I am so excited about this now. I get the HU I want and you supply everything to make it work! Yay! Just to be clear: Your MFSW adaptor will work all right with the Alpine, right? I mean, their "steering wheel interface" won't be different enough so the MFSW adaptor I buy through you wn't work or anything? Would much prefer to buy all the additional bits and bobs through you rather than ordering the steering wheel adaptor through Herman Electronics.

I'll emal you when I'm ready to buy and give you a reminder of who I am!

[mikeythemini]

Can't see them making the protocol different for USA models - at the moment just glad for your side that you finally get the feature

[hugh1]

Just spoke to Alpine Customer Service yesterday because I was equally confused, and here's what they told me:

The CDA 9855, 9853, and 9851s still require the PAC-SWI (PAC is the company, SWI is Steering Wheel Interface) but they do not need the line of sight infra red device like the 9847s and some of the other lower # ones do. Maybe they should have written 'oem steering remote ALMOST ready' on their website.

Hugh

[mikeythemini]

Try https://www.newministuff.com/new/sho...ductshow&id=80
These are plug & play & require NO programming or splicing to the car
& the price is dropping as I speak

[hugh1]

Sounds like when I was talking to Alpine, they never heard of your interface. All they mentioned was the PAC-SWI. If I get one of those Alpines, I'll keep yours in mind.
hugh