• Introduction
• Features
• Hardware and connection
• PC Software to control the "CDC Remote" HW by RS232
• Operating the "CDC Remote" HW via keys
• Firmware for the "CDC Remote" HW
• Supported CD changer functions
• Possible applications

That requires to be able to operate the CDC by a input device.
In the car, the CDC is operated via the keys on the car radio.
So it's obvious to simulate the interface between radio and CDC in a way, that makes it possible to remote control the CDC.

• Operation via serial RS232 interface e.g. from a PC.
• Operation via keys.
• The firmware supports either serial control or control by digital inputs.
• Output of CD changer information via RS232 e.g. to a PC.

Basically the connection is done as follows:

• The audio lines of the CDC (left/right channel, audio GND) are connected to any audio input (e.g. amplifier, Aux-In of a car radio etc.).
• The CDC receives its power (+12V permanent, 12V CDC power control, digital GND) from a 12V DC power supply.
• Connector J1 of the "CDC Remote" is connected to the corresponding pins of the CDC connector.
• On connector J4, the "CDC Remote" HW can be controlled via RS232 (e.g. by a PC).
• Furthermore (e.g.) a PC receives information about the current play situation of the CD changer via RS232 on connector J4.
• An additional board with push button keys (schematics included in the download) can be connected to connector J2 to control the "CDC Remote" HW by key presses.

• Principle connection schematic
• General technical information

• This SW in conjunction with the "CDC Remote" HW gives full access to control all functions of the CD changer by a PC.
• Further technical information to the communication protocol can be found here .
• Following information from the CD changer is displayed in the window:
• Current CD number
• Current track number
• Current play time in minutes and seconds
• Status of the CD changer

• An additional board is necesssary to operate the "CDC Remote" by push buttons.
• HW documentation (Schematics, PCB data, part lists) are available in the download area.
• This add-on board is then simply connected to J2 of the "CDC Remote" module.
• If the CD changer information should be shown on a display, an additional display module will be necessary. That module must be able to convert the serial information coming from the "CDC Remote" into data that is suitable to control the display (e.g. serial data to LCD display converter).

• The firmware for the "CDC Remote" HW is not available for download on this homepage.
• If you are interested, please get in contact with me
• The firmware history can be found here .

Use of the CD changer

• in conjunction with a non VAG car radio with AUX input (operation by push buttons, optional with/without display unit).
• in conjunction with a car PC (operation and display of CDC information via RS232, control done e.g. by PC Software).
• as home CD changer (operation by push buttons, optional with/without display unit).
• as home CD changer in conjunction with a multimedia PC (operation and display of CDC information via RS232, control done e.g. by PC Software).