Hooray! My queue # has finally arrived...

I'm looking to install the Mk.2 as a secondary (aux) unit to feed into a Kenwood HU (KMD-X92), which I'll use to replace my VW Passat's standard (Premium V) HU in order to get line-ins.

I've looked at several HUs and Kenwood is far-and-away my first choice for this project. (I have also considered adding and splicing into VW's CD changer, and using the Empeg as the only HU, and don't care for these options.)

However, I'm concerned about Empeg's use of a Kenwood remote -- I fear *both* units would be listening to commands from the remote, with possibly weird results.

(I doubt it matters, but the Kenwood unit comes with a different remote, RM-505, than the Empeg's KCA-R6A. I couldn't find any tech details about these remotes.)

Q: Will there indeed be problems with a Kenwood HU + Mk.2 setup? Has anybody attempted this? (Er, wouldn't it be limiting for Empeg if they can't recommend purchase to any customers who might want to plug into a Kenwood HU?)

I know an Empeg-branded remote upgrade is on the way, and I'm willing to live with short-term annoyances if a long-term solution is coming...

Q: Will the new remote use different signal encoding than Kenwood?

Q: If so, will it be possible to set the Mk.2 IR receiver to ignore the Kenwood signals (e.g. and only respond to Empeg-brand remotes)?

Thanks for any advice!

I'm running a Kenwood 315S head unit and an Empeg, and yes, their remote commands are the same. It's actually a benefit to me, because I don't have to carry around 2 remotes in my car. I don't really use the remote for any of the head unit functions though, there's no need. The only real conflict is if you use the volume buttons on the Empeg remote, you change both. My solution: don't use the volume buttons on the remote -- why bother? None of the "important" Empeg buttons (*, ff/rw, next/prev, play/pause, numbers, OK, etc.) affect the head unit while my Empeg is playing. And the CD/MD/CH source button selects the Empeg anyway (on my head) so that doesn't conflict either. I haven't run into any undesired effects from this setup.

And, you can always cover the remote sensor of your head unit if there are real conflicts. Using a remote for head unit commands seems silly when it's right in front of you...


-Tony
MkII 080000554

This won't be a problem with the new empeg remotes as we will be using our own codeset in this case.

Hugo

Any time estimates as to availability of the new remotes?

Tom Hitchcock

Greetings!

And also if the remote IR codeset will be configurable through an ini file? (It seems that, if you are making new code sets, they might be located where they can be attacked by another remote...)

Paul G.
Q# 15189
Status: In Customs Hell - 26 Sept 2000 (36GB Green)

No, it won't be configurable through a file - it's a kernel driver change. That sort of thing is a wishlist item I'm afraid.

Hugo

Thanks for everyone's comments. My Kenwood HU is already on the way and I've also placed my Mk.2 order.

I'm *really* looking forward to having a minidisc receiver combined with an Empeg unit -- no CD's in the car! Hope the dual installs aren't too hairy...

so will empeg be releasing a good steering wheel remote, the kenwood is junk, i bought a pioneer, i want to see if i can use that somehow

Any ideas? i t actually fits a steering wheel well and isn't just stuck on... a lot better for my style of driving.

Otherwise i guess iw ill try to transplant parts, but i thought i recalled someone getting other remotes to work with the empeg?

anyone?

No plans for a steering wheel remote, no. The pioneer can probably be made to work, but it would require kernel hacking - and we don't really have time to look into it at the moment I'm afraid :(

Hugo

well have a look at it, it is by far the best steering wheel remote on teh market. honestly, and for someone like me, that is real handy.

I know you guys are crazy tight on space, if i could code i would try, but anyway, here is a link to it, it was $35 retail, it mounts to the inside, and is fastened with as tarp, i can show you a pic of it on if you or anyoen cares, it blends, and is very convenient.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/Pioneer/CDA/CarProducts/CarProductDetails/0,1429,94,00.html

I would really appreciate that look too, I am replacing my Pioneer head unit with the Empeg and really like my steering wheel remote too. Like Rockstar says, it really is the best I have found to be out there...and I paid a pretty $$$ for it to boot....

Technoweenie
12 GB Blue / Red MK2

The problem with this is the IR transmit frequency of the Pioneer is different to that of the Kenwood. I am not even sure that the empeg will even "hear" the Pioneer.

One of the few remaining Mk1 owners... #00015

Yes, I have already experienced this with my own deck...even though they are both Pioneer products, some functions on the remote don't correspond with the applicable funtion on my deck...I aways found that a bit frustrating....Now a bit of wishful thinking, maybe Empeg could include their new remote in my box since I still don't have my player as of yet???? ha ha

Technoweenie
12 GB Blue / Red MK2