VAG CD Changer Simulator - Remote Control
(last modified 02.10.2005)

 Contents:

Archos Jukebox:
The Archos players contain a feature of remote control, independant if they are operating with the original Archos or the Rockbox firmware.

The CDC simulator offers the possibility to remote control the AJB via the CDC control keys of the radio/navigation system.

Attention:
Some Archos models do not have a possibility to be remote controlled, or the corresponding remote pin is internally not connected. Please check this with Archos.
 
 

Key assignment
car
manufacturer
 Radio/navigation system Key and Archos functions
VW
 MCD
MFD
Beta V, Gamma V
Beta IV, Gamma IV
New Beetle
RN-S2
RCD300		 MCD keys 1, MCD keys 2
MFD keys 1, MFD keys 2
Beta V/Gamma V keys 1, Beta V/Gamma V keys 2
Beta IV/Gamma IV keys
New Beetle keys
RN-S2 keys
RCD300 keys
Audi
 Chorus II, Concert II, Symphony II
Navi Plus
Concert I
Symphony I		 Chorus II/Concert II/Symphony II keys
Navi Plus keys 1, Navi Plus keys 2
Concert I keys
Symphony I keys
Skoda
 Skoda Symphony
Skoda Stream		 Skoda Symphony keys
not available
Seat
 Aura V3, Aura CD not available

It is not possible to realise more commands than this, because the remote interface of the AJB does not contain more commands.

Together with the additional features, offered by the Rockbox firmware (Archos firmware extension for car use (Rockbox)), there are all requirements fullfilled to let the AJB disappear completely from the car cockpit (e.g. under the seat, into the trunk etc.). In case, that can lower the risc that the AJB might get stolen.
 


Tested Archos Modells:
 
 
Archos Modell
Power Supply
Remote Control ok ?
Studio Player 6000 (6GB)
9V
yes
Studio Player 20GB
9V
yes
Recorder V1 10GB
9V
yes
Recorder V1 20GB
9V
yes
Recorder V2
6V
(see also power supply and audio quality)
yes
Gmini 220
??
no

This list might not be complete, because unfortunately I don't receive feedback from every user !


Open interface for other players:
Since HW V1.3 it is possible to remote control other audio devices via a own add-on board.
Such add-on boards can not be ordered from me, but need to be developed and adapted for the acc. player on your own.

Following there is a description of the open interface:
 

Connection
 via J3 and J4

Pins J3:
Pin 1 = Vcc (+5V)
Pin 6 = UART TXD (serial transmit line of the uC on the simulator board)
Pin 8 = GND

Pins J4:
Pin 1 = XTAL1 (crystal clock 1 of the uC on the simulator board)
Pin 2 = XTAL2 (crystal clock 2 of the uC on the simulator board)
Mechanical
  • The add-on board is "plugged" onto the simulator board.
  • The 3 points (J3, J4 and a 3,2mm hole) are the supports for that board.
  • All 3 points are within the 2,54mm grid, so a breadboard can be used.
Protocol
  • The serial remote control commands, that are sent to an Archos MP3 player, are available on J3/6.
  • Parameters: 9600Bd, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, LSB first.
  • Each key press on the radio creates only one serial code.
  • There are only serial codes transmitted, if they are implemented for the acc. radio (see key assignment)
  • Serial codes:
    • 0xC1 = Start/Pause
    • 0xC2 = Stop
    • 0xC4 = Track back
    • 0xC8 = Track forward
    • 0xD0 = Volume Up
    • 0xE0 = Volume Down
Add-On Board
  • With the signals on J3 and J4, it is possible to realise another uC circuit on the add-on board.
  • Additional HW (peripherals) might be needed on the add-on board.
  • The SW of the uC evaluates the serial commands on J3/6 and converts them into commands, that can be understood by the connected player.
Example
 Tevion MD41535 MP3 CD Portable:
  • Circuit (follows)
  • Atmel 90S2313 SW (follows)
other ? If somebody developed further remote controls, please let me know and send me the schematics + SW. I thankfully will put them here...

 

Apple iPod:
I was now able to find out how the Apple iPod protocol looks like. So it would now be possible to implement a remote control for the iPod.
Unfortunately I'm missing a iPod for testing.