XDP4000X-Archive.digest.vol-al
February 04, 2005 - March 16, 2006
> >I just ran across this while looking for info on the serial port on the
> >XDP-210EQ:
> >
> >210EQ - Has tri 20-bit burr brown DACs
> >
>
>The 210EQ does NOT have 20-bit Burr-Brown D/As. I did research on the
>actual chips inside before and posted what they were--if you look in the
>list archives you should find my post. Roland M.
>
>
Here is the post regarding the CORRECT information for the D/A setup in the
210EQ:
http://www.matronics.com/searching/getmsg_script.cgi?INDEX=3219961?KEYS=210eq?LISTNAME=XDP4000X?HITNUMBER=25?SERIAL=1055363493?SHOWBUTTONS=YES
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Roland M" <mdx400(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | Re: XDP4000X-List Digest: 3 Msgs - 02/01/05 |
>
>
>
>speaking of which, if anyone has a spare XR-C900 head unit, i'll gladly
>take it off your hand.
>
>heck, i'll take a working faceplate off the C900 if you have it.
>
>been ebaying and i missed out on 3 diff ones... GRRRRRRRR
>
Yep I still got mine, its in the closet at home, even have the manuals for
it still too. Excellent condition too. Also have an XR-C9100 that is in
very good condition. (The C9100 doesn't have the copper shielded chassis or
LA tape heads the C900 had but it does have the newer design (that of the
late 90's with the swing shuttle and the source button in the middle of the
rotary encoder); and it has CD-Text support.)
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Roland M" <mdx400(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | XDP-210EQ schematics |
>
>Also, if anyone has the PDF schematics for this unit, I'd love to see
>them.
>
>I was thinking I ran across them somewhere but didn't save them.
>
>For those interested, here is inside shots of the unit:
>
>http://users.757.org/~ethan/pics/geek/incoming/xdp210eq/
>
>What... is... the EXTRA IO PORT FOR!!!
I've tried to find out if anything useful can come of the "EXTRA I/O" port
before, but it appears there is nothing useful at all... It is for
servicing the unit but the service manual for the 210EQ doesn't even
describe it any further either. The test equipment used to service the unit
must come with its own "secret" documentation only available to Sony
techs/repair facilities.
I think all it does is allow control and tests to be run on the unit without
having a HU. I could be wrong about that, but I think that is all it does.
Even if you could gain access to it, I doubt there is much you can do with
it.
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Roland M" <mdx400(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | Various hackery (XDP-210EQ) |
>
>Hello all.
>
>I have a XDP-210EQ, and am using it with an analog changer. The analog
>Sony changer is too loud, and on loudly mastered CDs the XDP-210EQ makes
>click noises as the channel peaks out. Anyone else experience this?
>
Yep I've noticed that from my CDX-T60 analog changer on some peaks on some
discs. I'm going to (eventually, one day) get a pair of analog RCA
attenuators from Parts Express. They sell them in various dB increments for
fairly low cost. I'm thinking the 1dB ones will do fine as 3dB might be too
much? Anyhow I think a pair of those will cure the problem. For me, what
I've always done is simply stick to my digital changer (CDX-828) for certain
discs where I know the problem will occur. Also in the HU (CDX-7850) it
doesn't seem to happen either, despite the fact that it uses analog output
as well. The signal from the T60 is just a little "hot" I guess.
>Next up. I tried to hook a DVD player into the optical input, just to see
>what would happen. It doesn't seem to go digital unlss the unilink device
>tells the EQ that it's digital.
>
Right, exactly. Every UniLink slave device has an "UniLink Audio" setting
in the code it transmits to/from the Master. On digital changers there is a
switch which allows the unit to output digital and ALSO sets this firmware
"switch" to tell the Master and the DSP that it is in "DIGITAL OUTPUT" mode.
Same goes for the HU, except when you switch to radio from a unit
outputting digital (like the C900 or C90) then it tells the XDP that it is
in ANALOG out mode again.
All analog-only changers and analog-only HUs have their firmware code
permanently set to "ANALOG OUTPUT" mode which means whenever you switch to
one of these sources on the UniLink bus the XDP will "expect" that the
signal will be analog and disable the digital input(s).
>So then I got the schematic for one of the digital ouput equipped unilink
>changers. According to the schematic (828 changer perhaps?) there is a pin
>on one chip that controls analog ro digital mode. There also is the
>standard SPDIF to TOSLINK output conversion.
>
>So I've been trying to get schematics for teh MDX-757 changer to see if it
>would be possible to retrofit that changer with a digital output.
>
Yeah I see where you are going with this--the CDX-757 is an MX changer,
right? Meaning it can do MP3 playback? It can be done, yes I think so,
particularly because that series of changer (828/838/727/737/etc.) is very
closely related and are almost identical mechanically/physically. However,
the thing I always wondered was about the MP3 support... Because MP3s would
utilise an MP3 decoder/processor that digital information from the MP3s may
never be accessible in S/PDIF PCM format on the board anywhere; furthermore
it might not accompany the regular CD-Audio S/PDIF stream even if it were
accessible meaning you'd only get digital output from CDs and not MP3s.
It's worth a try though, if you have the time and resources because you
might well get it to work.
>By any chance does anyone on here have access to the Sony repair site with
>the schematics? I'd like to see the 757 changer schematics to perhaps
>develop a digital optical output. I'd also like to see the difference
>between the digital source selector and the analog source selector (XA-C30
>and XA-C30D I think ? or is it XA-U30D). Mainly just to see what can be
>done.
>
Yeah you'd just need to buy the 757 service manual and also the service
manual for one of the same family digital out changers (828/838/848X would
do) and you could probably figure it out. Unfortunately I've never seen any
of those manuals online anywhere; so you might have to fork out the $10-$15
each that Sony wants for them.
There was no XA-C30D or XA-U30D... The XA-C30 was a dual purpose
replacement for the XA-U20 and XA-U40 MCAs. The U20 had two UniLink ports
on it (for attaching 2 changers to one HU) and the U40 had 4 (allowing 4
changers). The C30 has three ports on it. The digital unit you are
referring to is the XA-U40D and it is VERY rare and therefore carries a VERY
high value with it if you ever do happen to find one.
Converting a C30 into a digital unit wouldn't really be *that* hard (because
all you'd need to do is access the relays that switch the audio ins and outs
and connect a network of Toslink I/O to it) but it would require a fair bit
of work and would probably be best to make it an external module of somesort
added on to the unit instead of trying to remove all the RCAs on the board.
The hardest part would just be making the Toslink network that is triggered
by the relays in the analog MCA.
>Lastly, the XDP-210EQ has some sort of serial port. Anyone know what this
>is for? What it does? Was there any software to communicate with it like
>the XDP-4000X?
>
See my other reply for info on this. Not really useful--I've searched
around for info to no avail. you might be more lucky though...
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Roland M" <mdx400(at)hotmail.com> |
>
>has anyone messed with the internals of the unilink
>cable? i was wondering which wires provided the remote
>turn on.
>
UniLink, is not actually a "simple" CD-changer protocol as is used by some
manufacturers (particularly the older changer protocols used in car
audio)... There are no "wires" which provide remote turn on in UniLink.
Rather it is a "computer-based" protocol which uses bi-directional serial
data to communicate to/from the Master (HU) and Slave (CD/MD Changers,
XDP/DSP units, TV Tuners, etc.) devices.
The simplest way to get remote turn on, of course is via the blue remote
wire on the HU which is used for amps; also if you have an XDP unit it will
have its own remote output that can also be used.
The rest of the protocol, meaning what is actually carried on the cable, is
very loosely/poorly documented apart from what the Sony engineers in Japan
know; and little is available to the public. There are a few UniLink
projects out there on the net and many people have been quite successful in
doing things with the bus. For more information I suggest you do a search
on google or similar search engine and see what you find.
As a side note, the UniLink cable carries 8-pins IIRC. The main two are
power (B+ and ground) and then the others carry various other data. One was
a SIRCS line I think (Sony Infrared Conrol System which is essentially IR
controls transmitted via wire/electrical signal) and one was serial I/O data
I believe. A few others are ground I think--can't remember them all but any
service manual for any UniLink device will quickly reveal what each pin
does.
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Ethan <telmnstr(at)757.org> |
| Subject: | Re: XDP4000X-List Digest: 3 Msgs - 02/01/05 |
> Pin compatible? Meaning can you swap out an 210EQ for a 4k? Yes. Any unit
> that can control the 210EQ (any UniLink master that has "DSP Control"
> essentially) can also control the 4000x. There are some exceptions but that
> would mainly pertain to the very early UniLink masters which were designed
> to go with the U50D only. (For instance my MDX-400, if I were using it as a
> master with it's pre-amp box cannot properly control the 210EQ and it would
> follow that it can't control the 4000X, but it can control the U50D
> properly).
> Roland M.
I meant the actual DAC IC in the 210eq and the 4000x, could you replace
the DAC ICs in the 210eq with the same ones that are in the 4000x.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Roland M" <mdx400(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | Re: XDP4000X-List Digest: 3 Msgs - 02/01/05 |
>
>
> > Pin compatible?
>
>I meant the actual DAC IC in the 210eq and the 4000x, could you replace
>the DAC ICs in the 210eq with the same ones that are in the 4000x.
>
I think that is highly doubtful, the two have completely different circuit
designs. The D/As aren't even the same brand (Crystal Semiconductor in the
4000x and AKM in the 210EQ) so I think it is VERY unlikely something like
that could be done.
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Ethan <telmnstr(at)757.org> |
| Subject: | Re: XDP4000X-List Digest: 3 Msgs - 02/01/05 |
> I think that is highly doubtful, the two have completely different circuit
> designs. The D/As aren't even the same brand (Crystal Semiconductor in the
> 4000x and AKM in the 210EQ) so I think it is VERY unlikely something like
> that could be done.
> Roland M.
Ah okay... AKM makes some DAC ICs used in some decent modern DVD players
(24bit/96khz I think?)
Any knowledge about the extra IO port on the xdp210eq? It looks like it
might be close to the unilink bus judging by the schematics for the unit.
Was there windows software or at least some way to talk to the unit via
rs232? I guess it would be possible to talk to it using the GNUNILINK
software, but you would have to reverse engineer the EQ/DSP portions of
the unilink protocol and emulate a head unit... nasty.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Ethan <telmnstr(at)757.org> |
| Subject: | Various hackery (XDP-210EQ) |
> Yep I've noticed that from my CDX-T60 analog changer on some peaks on some
> discs. I'm going to (eventually, one day) get a pair of analog RCA
> attenuators from Parts Express. They sell them in various dB increments for
> fairly low cost. I'm thinking the 1dB ones will do fine as 3dB might be too
> much? Anyhow I think a pair of those will cure the problem. For me, what
Interesting, I will have to look into these.
> All analog-only changers and analog-only HUs have their firmware code
> permanently set to "ANALOG OUTPUT" mode which means whenever you switch to
> one of these sources on the UniLink bus the XDP will "expect" that the
> signal will be analog and disable the digital input(s).
Did you work for Sony or repair them? Are you positive they don't reuse
the master controller IC in multiple models, just leaving the digital
switch pin disconnected? This was my hope, to convert a analog only
changer like the CDX757MX (might be wrong model) to support digital output
without filtering the unilink bus data.
I really wish I could turn on digital input for the XT-40V too :-(
> Yeah I see where you are going with this--the CDX-757 is an MX changer,
> right? Meaning it can do MP3 playback? It can be done, yes I think so,
> particularly because that series of changer (828/838/727/737/etc.) is very
> closely related and are almost identical mechanically/physically. However,
> the thing I always wondered was about the MP3 support... Because MP3s would
> utilise an MP3 decoder/processor that digital information from the MP3s may
> never be accessible in S/PDIF PCM format on the board anywhere; furthermore
> it might not accompany the regular CD-Audio S/PDIF stream even if it were
> accessible meaning you'd only get digital output from CDs and not MP3s.
> It's worth a try though, if you have the time and resources because you
> might well get it to work.
I figure the table top mp3 capable cd players probably do S/PDIF .... I
guess it depends on how they implemented it.
> Yeah you'd just need to buy the 757 service manual and also the service
> manual for one of the same family digital out changers (828/838/848X would
> do) and you could probably figure it out. Unfortunately I've never seen any
> of those manuals online anywhere; so you might have to fork out the $10-$15
> each that Sony wants for them.
I've already got the changer manual fo the 828, via online. My friend
ordered some CDs from Russia full of Sony service manuals that probably
come from that online site open to repair techs. With any luck the XT40V
and 757MX manuals will be on there.
> There was no XA-C30D or XA-U30D... The XA-C30 was a dual purpose
> replacement for the XA-U20 and XA-U40 MCAs. The U20 had two UniLink ports
> on it (for attaching 2 changers to one HU) and the U40 had 4 (allowing 4
> changers). The C30 has three ports on it. The digital unit you are
> referring to is the XA-U40D and it is VERY rare and therefore carries a VERY
> high value with it if you ever do happen to find one.
Schematics would be good enough :-) The C30 uses relays?
> Converting a C30 into a digital unit wouldn't really be *that* hard (because
> all you'd need to do is access the relays that switch the audio ins and outs
> and connect a network of Toslink I/O to it) but it would require a fair bit
> of work and would probably be best to make it an external module of somesort
> added on to the unit instead of trying to remove all the RCAs on the board.
> The hardest part would just be making the Toslink network that is triggered
> by the relays in the analog MCA.
Actually, switching toslink ports would be dead easy. a 4 gang
optoisolator module, 4 toslink RX'ers and one Toslink TX'er and a few caps
should be all that is required.
> See my other reply for info on this. Not really useful--I've searched
> around for info to no avail. you might be more lucky though...
> Roland M.
I found the schematics on the site for this list, it appears to be tied
into Unilink somehow. Doh doh doh.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Matt Dralle <dralle(at)matronics.com> |
| Subject: | Various hackery (XDP-210EQ) |
>
>Actually, switching toslink ports would be dead easy. a 4 gang
>optoisolator module, 4 toslink RX'ers and one Toslink TX'er and a few caps
>should be all that is required.
>
> > See my other reply for info on this. Not really useful--I've searched
> > around for info to no avail. you might be more lucky though...
> > Roland M.
>
>I found the schematics on the site for this list, it appears to be tied
>into Unilink somehow. Doh doh doh.
Here's the link to my Toslink splitter/combiner. The reason I made this is
exactly the reason you're talking about. I wanted to switch between fiber
optic outputs and only had a C30 for the unilink part. Works great.
http://www.matronics.com/xdp-4000x/TOSLINK-Combiner-Splitter/TOSLINKCombiner-Splitter-Rev2.pdf
Matt Dralle
Matt G Dralle | Matronics | PO Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
925-606-1001 V | 925-606-6281 F | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
http://www.matronics.com/ WWW | Featuring Products For Aircraft
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Ethan <telmnstr(at)757.org> |
| Subject: | Various hackery (XDP-210EQ) |
> Here's the link to my Toslink splitter/combiner. The reason I made this is
> exactly the reason you're talking about. I wanted to switch between fiber
> optic outputs and only had a C30 for the unilink part. Works great.
> http://www.matronics.com/xdp-4000x/TOSLINK-Combiner-Splitter/TOSLINKCombiner-Splitter-Rev2.pdf
> Matt Dralle
Cool! I guess only the active changer actually outputs digital data.
I wish I could find schematics for the XT-40V, that would be interesting.
I wish there was a way to trigger the head unit optical in upon video1
input being selected.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | dralle(at)matronics.com (Matt Dralle) |
"RE: XDP4000X-List: Various hackery (XDP-210EQ)" (Feb 8, 9:09pm)
| Subject: | Various hackery (XDP-210EQ) |
>--------------
>
>> Here's the link to my Toslink splitter/combiner. The reason I made this is
>> exactly the reason you're talking about. I wanted to switch between fiber
>> optic outputs and only had a C30 for the unilink part. Works great.
>> http://www.matronics.com/xdp-4000x/TOSLINK-Combiner-Splitter/TOSLINKCombiner-Splitter-Rev2.pdf
>> Matt Dralle
>
>Cool! I guess only the active changer actually outputs digital data.
>
Yes, any of the Sony car changers only output light when the changer
is actually playing. Otherwise, the LED output is turned off. This is
fortunate, since switching would be a lot harder, actually nearly
impossible without some active circuitry. BTW, this isn't the normal
mode-of-operation for most Toslink devices. For example, a normal
DVD player for home use doesn't turn off the LED output and there is
always carrier signal even if there isn't modulation.
>I wish I could find schematics for the XT-40V, that would be interesting.
>I wish there was a way to trigger the head unit optical in upon video1
>input being selected.
The head unit determins whether or not the slave supports digital output
by reading a particular data packet sequence sent when the Unilink
slave initilizes. It would be nearly impossible to hack the XT-40V to
send the "I do digital output" sequence instead of the "I do analog output"
sequence.
Unfortunately I don't have a service manual for the XT-40V, but here's
one for the XA-U40D just for fun:
http://www.matronics.com/xdp-4000x/XA-U40DServiceManual.pdf
Best Regards,
Matt Dralle
--
Matt G. Dralle | Matronics | P.O. Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
925-606-1001 Voice | 925-606-6281 FAX | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
http://www.matronics.com/ W.W.W. | Featuring Products For Aircraft
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Tony Antoniou" <larz(at)s054.aone.net.au> |
| Subject: | Various hackery (XDP-210EQ) |
I'd have to take a look at the schematic of the C30 but I imagine it
wouldn't be too much harder. You could place an AND gate between the last
inverter/buffer and OR gate input with the other AND input being the line
select taken from a logic point in the Unilink C30 box (assuming that I've
got it right when I assume that the Unilink protocol itself has the on/off
signalling in a serial packet of some sort and not in a dedicated on/off
signal).
Adios,
Tony
--------------- TAMA - The Strongest Name in Drums ---------------
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com
[mailto:owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Matt Dralle
Subject: RE: XDP4000X-List: Various hackery (XDP-210EQ)
Yes, any of the Sony car changers only output light when the changer
is actually playing. Otherwise, the LED output is turned off. This is
fortunate, since switching would be a lot harder, actually nearly
impossible without some active circuitry. BTW, this isn't the normal
mode-of-operation for most Toslink devices. For example, a normal
DVD player for home use doesn't turn off the LED output and there is
always carrier signal even if there isn't modulation.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Ethan <telmnstr(at)757.org> |
| Subject: | Various hackery (XDP-210EQ) |
> Unfortunately I don't have a service manual for the XT-40V, but here's
> one for the XA-U40D just for fun:
> http://www.matronics.com/xdp-4000x/XA-U40DServiceManual.pdf
> Best Regards,
> Matt Dralle
Is that incomplete? I notice there are no schematic diagrams, but it does
have the chip? Or is the chip the only thing in there?
Is that chip (the uPD75004GB-749-3B4) the same IC found in the other
source selectors?
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Roland M" <mdx400(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | Various hackery (XDP-210EQ) |
> > All analog-only changers and analog-only HUs have their firmware code
> > permanently set to "ANALOG OUTPUT" mode which means whenever you switch
>to
> > one of these sources on the UniLink bus the XDP will "expect" that the
> > signal will be analog and disable the digital input(s).
>
>Did you work for Sony or repair them? Are you positive they don't reuse
>the master controller IC in multiple models, just leaving the digital
>switch pin disconnected? This was my hope, to convert a analog only
>changer like the CDX757MX (might be wrong model) to support digital output
>without filtering the unilink bus data.
>
haha, no I never worked for Sony or [professionally] repaired stuff. What I
meant however wasn't that the IC was permanently set to analog, just that
the changer is physically [to the normal user], "permanently" set that way.
I'm pretty sure doing what you propose *would* work, and by tinkering you
could get the changer to change to digital out mode.
>I really wish I could turn on digital input for the XT-40V too :-(
Yeah that is a tough one, but why is that important? (Out of curiousity)
For DVD playback? (Keep in mind you'd only be able to use a PCM-converted
(2-ch) stream in the case of DVD playback. Meaning Dolby Digital would be
fine if you set the player to PCM/2ch, but DTS would not unless the player
had a built in DTS decoder (i.e. has 6 ch. analog out as well).)
>Schematics would be good enough :-) The C30 uses relays?
Yep it sure it does... For one thing I've taken apart my Blaupunkt
CDC-BRIDGE (identical/interchangeable with the XA-U40 (analog) MCA in case
you were wondering) and seen the relays in there.
Something has to change what analog input RCA pair is going to the output
pair! Secondly, though I don't use the RCAs on it because I only have one
analog device (T60) connected to it anyway (828 goes to CHANGER digital in;
MDX-400 goes to MASTER digital in and it works fine, surprisingly), I can
hear the relays clicking everytime I change sources/changers. So I would
assume the C30 also has to use relays to accomplish audio switching.
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Roland M" <mdx400(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | Various hackery (XDP-210EQ) |
>
>Yes, any of the Sony car changers only output light when the changer
>is actually playing. Otherwise, the LED output is turned off.
This is true, but with one small "caveat"... The LED output on any changer
I've used is ON whenever the changer is *active* period. It doesn't matter
if it is the active source selected, only if it is doing *something*. That
is, if you put in a cartridge and it starts checking the discs for presence
and CustomFile info, the changer WILL have its optical out on, eventhough it
is outputting mute. Also if the changer is moving the mechanism to the rest
position after it has been turned off/the source switched, it will still
have its output on until it is *completely* inactive.
So, if you went from one changer to another and both were hooked up to the
same digital input (could be accomplished with a passive optical combiner if
we're only talking about 2 devices) there would be a period where both
inputs would be on. The output of the changer still going to rest and the
one of the newly activated changer. This would create a "mute-gap" because
of the garble on the optical line, for a few moments, until the other turned
off completely. The time of this gap will depend on what disc the "dead"
changer was on (how long it takes it to get back to the rest position).
Also don't insert a new cartridge into the one changer while the other is
playing because you'll have to wait for the changer to check all the discs
before it turns off its output, creating a rather lengthy period where you
cannot effectively use the digital input!
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | DB <dbotel6500(at)rogers.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Various hackery (XDP-210EQ) |
Roland M wrote:
> Yeah that is a tough one, but why is that important? (Out of curiousity)
>
>For DVD playback? (Keep in mind you'd only be able to use a PCM-converted
>(2-ch) stream in the case of DVD playback. Meaning Dolby Digital would be
>fine if you set the player to PCM/2ch, but DTS would not unless the player
>had a built in DTS decoder (i.e. has 6 ch. analog out as well).)
>
>
Hi Roland,
Due to the delay effects of the XDP4K, you will probably not be able to
use a DVD player, or watch
movies, due to the lenghty delay that the XDP causes. (It processes the
signal, but delays it enough that
the picture does not sync with the sound)
I think matt tried this, and this was the problem. So no digital video.
(I'd assume analog ins would suffer
the same sync fate though) :-(
Daniel
--
Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Ethan <telmnstr(at)757.org> |
| Subject: | Re: Various hackery (XDP-210EQ) |
> Due to the delay effects of the XDP4K, you will probably not be able to
> use a DVD player, or watch
> movies, due to the lenghty delay that the XDP causes. (It processes the
> signal, but delays it enough that
> the picture does not sync with the sound)
> I think matt tried this, and this was the problem. So no digital video.
> (I'd assume analog ins would suffer
> the same sync fate though) :-(
> Daniel
I was the one that mentioned it. I only have a 210EQ at this point and
there isn't a noticeable delay. I guess it might be possible to come up
with a video delay to allow video with the 4000. Just add a tivo and your
set :-)
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Matt Dralle <dralle(at)matronics.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Various hackery (XDP-210EQ) |
At 02:28 AM 2/11/2005 Friday, you wrote:
>
>Roland M wrote:
>
> > Yeah that is a tough one, but why is that important? (Out of curiousity)
> >
> >For DVD playback? (Keep in mind you'd only be able to use a PCM-converted
> >(2-ch) stream in the case of DVD playback. Meaning Dolby Digital would be
> >fine if you set the player to PCM/2ch, but DTS would not unless the player
> >had a built in DTS decoder (i.e. has 6 ch. analog out as well).)
> >
> >
>Hi Roland,
>
>Due to the delay effects of the XDP4K, you will probably not be able to
>use a DVD player, or watch
>movies, due to the lenghty delay that the XDP causes. (It processes the
>signal, but delays it enough that
>the picture does not sync with the sound)
>
>I think matt tried this, and this was the problem. So no digital video.
>(I'd assume analog ins would suffer
>the same sync fate though) :-(
>
>Daniel
Yup, that's true. Both analog and digital input delay the signal about .5
seconds. I might be just full of it, but it seems like the longer the 4k
is on the longer the delay becomes. I have a DVD player connected in
through the analog input. It is disconcerting watching the video with the
sound delayed, but its a little 7" screen and I've kind of gotten to used
to it and it doesn't really bother me all that much.
Matt
Matt G Dralle | Matronics | PO Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
925-606-1001 V | 925-606-6281 F | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
http://www.matronics.com/ WWW | Featuring Products For Aircraft
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Mark Laird" <mark_laird(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | Various hackery (XDP-210EQ) |
Maybe I've got this wrong, but since you have to enter a distance for the
time alignment, doesn't it send the audio signal to the furthest speaker
first? For example, if you have one channel set for 100 ft. and another at 0
ft. the channel at 100 ft. would get its signal first since it needs more
time to reach you than the one at 0 ft. So, assuming the default signals in
the 4000x are all set at a distance of 0 (feet, inches, whatever it is...)
then by default all signals have the maximum delay. If you take all the
channels and time align to the largest distance possible, wouldn't you be
speeding up the delay in the audio for all signals? Hopefully, whatever the
max distance is will speed it up by .5 seconds. Of course, this can only
work if the 4000x does time alignment based off of an absolute control, and
doesn't just compare the distances to each other. Am I wrong? Anyone tried
it already?
Mark
Original:
Yup, that's true. Both analog and digital input delay the signal about .5
seconds. I might be just full of it, but it seems like the longer the 4k
is on the longer the delay becomes. I have a DVD player connected in
through the analog input. It is disconcerting watching the video with the
sound delayed, but its a little 7" screen and I've kind of gotten to used
to it and it doesn't really bother me all that much.
Matt
Matt G Dralle | Matronics | PO Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
925-606-1001 V | 925-606-6281 F | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
http://www.matronics.com/ WWW | Featuring Products For Aircraft
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Ethan <telmnstr(at)757.org> |
| Subject: | PIN 24!! CDX-757MX |
1.27 SUBJ_HAS_UNIQ_ID Subject contains a unique ID
Okay, according to the schematic diagrams my friend bought off of some
Russian guy (Sony, get a clue)...
Pin 24 on IC 201 (System Controller) DOUT_SEL = digital output. L = DOUT
Still digging to see where the S/PDIF would be pulled from pin 85 on
IC101... that is, assuming there isn't an issue with the mp3 decoder IC
operating independantly of the standard CD audio decoder...
BTW, http://users.757.org/~telmnstr/pics/cdx757mx_sm.pdf
--
// Ethan O'Toole
// http://users.757.org/~ethan
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Carl Renaghan <orudus(at)yahoo.com> |
| Subject: | Alpine AI Net cables |
I never got the XDP-210 to work with my C90, and
unfortunately I have put it up on ebay without playing
with the EQ.
But someone posted a 'question to seller' stating that
the Alpine cable will not work with the XDP-210. Any
truth to this? If so I might have to re-install the HU
and EQ for a couple days to play around with it before
auction end. Thanks.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Roland M" <mdx400(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | Alpine AI Net cables |
>
>I never got the XDP-210 to work with my C90, and
>unfortunately I have put it up on ebay without playing
>with the EQ.
>
>But someone posted a 'question to seller' stating that
>the Alpine cable will not work with the XDP-210. Any
>truth to this? If so I might have to re-install the HU
>and EQ for a couple days to play around with it before
>auction end. Thanks.
>
I dunno about that. The Alpine cable should work fine. I have an Alpine
Ai-Net (bluish coloured with the Alpine writing on it) in my UniLink system
and it works fine. The cables for Ai-Net, UniLink and JVC's J-Link are all
electrically identical--they have the same connectors (some are right angled
on some cables though) and are all wired "straight through" with no
resistance, from what I know.
You can try another cable because perhaps the cable is defective independent
of it being Ai-Net or not, but if the cable is good the units should both
work.
The 210EQ should power up and be operable from the C90 if everything is
connected right. If one or the other doesn't power up there is likely a
problem with one of the units I would think.
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Roland M" <mdx400(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | Interesting XDP-210EQ spotted... |
Not really that interesting but whilst browsing about eBay I encountered a
210EQ that does not look like any other 210EQ I've ever seen. Instead of
the text/labels on top of the unit it just has the huge S O N Y logo on it
and nothing else!?
It might be a sticker I guess but it doesn't look like it, then again the
picture isn't that great either and there is only one picture/angle to see
the top of the unit in the auction. In fact from the other angle it looks
like the top is white painted not silver like the rest of the unit (and
other 210EQs).
Perhaps it was once used in a Sony demo vehicle of some sort? I wonder...
Anyhow if anyone wants a look see, here's the link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14931&item=5754855219
(Not my auction or anything just stumbled across it.)
Roland M.
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | justinjbaron(at)comcast.net |
Hello
Does anyone know if the 1st generation XES system can be used with either the Sony
AUX input or multi-source adapters?
Thanks
Justin
Hello
Does anyone know if the 1st generation XES system can be used with either the Sony
AUX input or multi-source adapters?
Thanks
Justin
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Bobby" <bobbybraun(at)comcast.net> |
| Subject: | XM Radio quality |
Hey guys, just wanted to share with you all some of my thoughts on XM,
now that I just got it installed into my car.
A couple weeks ago I purchased a Sony XT-XM1 listed as NIB off of Ebay.
Unfortunately it ended up to be obviously used but it is in good shape
(seller's ID is JDPawn for anyone who is curious), damned sellers...
Anyways, that's another story.
So today I got it all installed and activated and I don't know what to
think, I'm just disappointed I guess. The sound is very bass heavy
(which when I have time with my laptop and my 4000x this will be fixed),
and the highs sound overly compressed, almost giving you that muffled
digitized under water sound you'll hear on bad mp3's or streaming audio
off the net.
I remember hearing about how XM radio was considered near CD quality
sound, but I'm having a hard time even listening to it over standard FM,
sure the signal isn't as dynamically compressed and doesn't fade in and
out along the way, and you gotta love no commercials, but I really
dislike the sound of overly digitized music.
What are some your thoughts on this, am I too picky, or is this
something others have noticed as well?
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | DB <dbotel6500(at)rogers.com> |
| Subject: | Re: XM Radio quality |
Thank you, Bobby...
I was seriously considering the hidden box Unilink kit, but I have also
heard
that the sound was not as good as CD quality...(maybe if the sound is
cutoff
at 16k+...)
If it's gonna sound like a bad MP3 (like 128k and less), I'll definatly
pass. On
our aftermarket stereo systems, we're gonna hear everything, including
stuff that
most people can't hear on a stock system...
No wonder they are promoting the FM modulated kits. You wouldn't hear the
highs anyway... ;-)
D
Bobby wrote:
>
>Hey guys, just wanted to share with you all some of my thoughts on XM,
>now that I just got it installed into my car.
>
>A couple weeks ago I purchased a Sony XT-XM1 listed as NIB off of Ebay.
>Unfortunately it ended up to be obviously used but it is in good shape
>(seller's ID is JDPawn for anyone who is curious), damned sellers...
>Anyways, that's another story.
>
>So today I got it all installed and activated and I don't know what to
>think, I'm just disappointed I guess. The sound is very bass heavy
>(which when I have time with my laptop and my 4000x this will be fixed),
>and the highs sound overly compressed, almost giving you that muffled
>digitized under water sound you'll hear on bad mp3's or streaming audio
>off the net.
>
>I remember hearing about how XM radio was considered near CD quality
>sound, but I'm having a hard time even listening to it over standard FM,
>sure the signal isn't as dynamically compressed and doesn't fade in and
>out along the way, and you gotta love no commercials, but I really
>dislike the sound of overly digitized music.
>
>What are some your thoughts on this, am I too picky, or is this
>something others have noticed as well?
>
>
>
>
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Matt Dralle <dralle(at)matronics.com> |
| Subject: | Re: XM Radio quality |
Yup, I echo your sentiments regarding XM to a 'T'. Audio quality is about
that of a standard MP3 at 64bps. The distortion at the high freqs is
pretty horrible. Interestingly, it hasn't always been that way. When I
got my first XM radio, the quality was pretty darn close to a 128Mbs
MP3. What has happened is that over the last year or so, they've added a
bunch of new channels like localized weather and traffic and have
consequently adjusted the allocation of the skinny little 12mhz band such
that pretty much all of the channels now suffer from this same
problem. One channel that hasn't seemed to suffer is "77" which is called
Audio Visions. I'm not sure why this channel has been spared the reduction
in BW, but since I listen to it a lot I can't complain.
That all being said, I still LOVE XM radio and haven't even turned FM on in
the 2 or 3 years I've had it. No matter how compressed it gets, its still
better than FM over all. I highly recommend it.
Matt Dralle
Livermore CA
At 04:25 PM 3/5/2005 Saturday, you wrote:
>
>Hey guys, just wanted to share with you all some of my thoughts on XM,
>now that I just got it installed into my car.
>
>A couple weeks ago I purchased a Sony XT-XM1 listed as NIB off of Ebay.
>Unfortunately it ended up to be obviously used but it is in good shape
>(seller's ID is JDPawn for anyone who is curious), damned sellers...
>Anyways, that's another story.
>
>So today I got it all installed and activated and I don't know what to
>think, I'm just disappointed I guess. The sound is very bass heavy
>(which when I have time with my laptop and my 4000x this will be fixed),
>and the highs sound overly compressed, almost giving you that muffled
>digitized under water sound you'll hear on bad mp3's or streaming audio
>off the net.
>
>I remember hearing about how XM radio was considered near CD quality
>sound, but I'm having a hard time even listening to it over standard FM,
>sure the signal isn't as dynamically compressed and doesn't fade in and
>out along the way, and you gotta love no commercials, but I really
>dislike the sound of overly digitized music.
>
>What are some your thoughts on this, am I too picky, or is this
>something others have noticed as well?
>
>
Matt G Dralle | Matronics | PO Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
925-606-1001 V | 925-606-6281 F | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
http://www.matronics.com/ WWW | Featuring Products For Aircraft
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Randy Visentine <randyman(at)gmail.com> |
| Subject: | Anyone have a Computer installed in their car? |
Hey gang,
I posted this idea a while back, but no one responded. Who has a
computer actually mounted in their car? I don't know if you have
heard of the new Mac "mini", but it will fit DIRECTLY into a 1-Din
dash opening, and has a front "slot load" CD-R/DVD-R Superdrive, and
an optional 80Gig HD.
This seems like a Mobile Install "match made in heaven". My thinking
is to have the MAC Mini replicate what the lovely XDP-4000x already
does, and use a 8-channel DA (like a Firewire Audio Interface), and
send a seperate output channel to each amp input (just like the XDP
does now). I would use software apps in the Mac to actually perform
the DSP to the signal (EQ, Delay, Crossover, etc discretely for each
channel).
The "source" signal would be Mac's "I-Tunes" software, and I would
need to add and app called "JACK OSX" to allow me to send I-Tunes'
audio to the secondary application for the DSP processing, and for
assigning the 8 channels to the 8 discrete outputs. This way, I can
have I-Tunes run as an audio Jukebox, and the "master" volume would be
controlled from I-Tunes. Then, if I need to make an audio adjustment
(crossover, swap to 5.1 audio, change time-alignment, etc), I would
open the secondary program, and do any DSP changes there.
All you need is an appropriate power supply, a readily available
motorized 7" TOUCHSCREEN LCD with VGA connections, and stash a
Bluetooth micro-keyboard under your seat. Add a USB GPS sensor, and
some software, and you also have instant GPS Navigation! Pop in a DVD
movie, and you can have 5.1 surround and video! Rip you ENTIRE CD
collection onto the 80Gig HD, and even add external Firewire HD's if
needed (add a FW hub). You also have wireless file transfers, and
wireless Internet surfing options, and just anything a computer could
do in general - all in your car!
With my C90 starting to act squirrely on certain CD's, and the XDP-4K
having its limited crossover options and awkward programmability, this
seems to be a likely solution for an "upgrade" IMO. As long as the
DA's in the soundcard are good, I don't think quality would be any
less than the XDP4K. I have some RME Audio interfaces in my audio DAW
PC's, and I may do something like their Fireface or something like the
M-Audio 410 FW (4 ins, 10 BALANCED +4dBu outs!). +4dBu outputs will
put any 8V RCA outs to shame. I believe these untis use good DA's (I
know the RME does), and the RME actually has a REAL WORLD S/N of like
-108dB on the outs! Oh yeah - 24 BITS, too!!!! (I have LOTS of stuff
I produce/record in 24 bit format that I could play w/o dithering back
down to 16bit CD-R standards).
I also know there are some PC "Micro-ATX" style form factors that may
work, also. But the Mac Mini is a PERFECT fit for in-dash, and the
base model is only $499! With more RAM and the 80Gig HD, I think it
jumps to ~$650 or less. Add a LCD Touchscreen for ~$450, and the
soundcard and GPS sensor for about ~$600, and you are still below the
cost of a new C90+XDP4K! Also considering the Phatbox is like $800 -
and you are still stuck with the C90's sub-par daytime display - I
think a Mac Mini seems really affordable, and REALLY cool.
PS - I realize I COULD send the XDP-4K a SPDIF Toslink signal from an
external USB-to-SPDIF box, BUT then I would still have to have a
Unilink HU for volume and power functions. If I do this Mac install,
I WILL NOT have any other "standard" radio stuff in my car (no CD
changers, no external EQ's, no Head Unit). Just the Mac Mini, and the
LCD display in my dash (I have a 2-Din opening).
Any thoughts, or suggestions? I know MANY people have done the Mac
Mini mobile installs, I just can't find any specifics (like what
software would I need to replicate the XDP4K's processing, etc).
Thanks for any input and ideas...
Another special thanks to Matt for keeping this list up and running. 8-)
--
Randy V.
Houston, TX
Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy Guy
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | justinjbaron(at)comcast.net |
| Subject: | Re: Anyone have a Computer installed in their car? |
Randy
You seem to have covered all points in the system concept. What firewire box are
you going to end up using? Are you a software programmer?
Is the mac mini truly only 1DIN? I just haven't looked at the dimensions yet.
I can help you buy a mac mini if you are interested. I work for a technology reseller.
If you like, email me directly and I will send you my contact information.
Take care
Justin
-------------- Original message --------------
>
> Hey gang,
>
> I posted this idea a while back, but no one responded. Who has a
> computer actually mounted in their car? I don't know if you have
> heard of the new Mac "mini", but it will fit DIRECTLY into a 1-Din
> dash opening, and has a front "slot load" CD-R/DVD-R Superdrive, and
> an optional 80Gig HD.
>
> This seems like a Mobile Install "match made in heaven". My thinking
> is to have the MAC Mini replicate what the lovely XDP-4000x already
> does, and use a 8-channel DA (like a Firewire Audio Interface), and
> send a seperate output channel to each amp input (just like the XDP
> does now). I would use software apps in the Mac to actually perform
> the DSP to the signal (EQ, Delay, Crossover, etc discretely for each
> channel).
>
> The "source" signal would be Mac's "I-Tunes" software, and I would
> need to add and app called "JACK OSX" to allow me to send I-Tunes'
> audio to the secondary application for the DSP processing, and for
> assigning the 8 channels to the 8 discrete outputs. This way, I can
> have I-Tunes run as an audio Jukebox, and the "master" volume would be
> controlled from I-Tunes. Then, if I need to make an audio adjustment
> (crossover, swap to 5.1 audio, change time-alignment, etc), I would
> open the secondary program, and do any DSP changes there.
>
> All you need is an appropriate power supply, a readily available
> motorized 7" TOUCHSCREEN LCD with VGA connections, and stash a
> Bluetooth micro-keyboard under your seat. Add a USB GPS sensor, and
> some software, and you also have instant GPS Navigation! Pop in a DVD
> movie, and you can have 5.1 surround and video! Rip you ENTIRE CD
> collection onto the 80Gig HD, and even add external Firewire HD's if
> needed (add a FW hub). You also have wireless file transfers, and
> wireless Internet surfing options, and just anything a computer could
> do in general - all in your car!
>
> With my C90 starting to act squirrely on certain CD's, and the XDP-4K
> having its limited crossover options and awkward programmability, this
> seems to be a likely solution for an "upgrade" IMO. As long as the
> DA's in the soundcard are good, I don't think quality would be any
> less than the XDP4K. I have some RME Audio interfaces in my audio DAW
> PC's, and I may do something like their Fireface or something like the
> M-Audio 410 FW (4 ins, 10 BALANCED +4dBu outs!). +4dBu outputs will
> put any 8V RCA outs to shame. I believe these untis use good DA's (I
> know the RME does), and the RME actually has a REAL WORLD S/N of like
> -108dB on the outs! Oh yeah - 24 BITS, too!!!! (I have LOTS of stuff
> I produce/record in 24 bit format that I could play w/o dithering back
> down to 16bit CD-R standards).
>
> I also know there are some PC "Micro-ATX" style form factors that may
> work, also. But the Mac Mini is a PERFECT fit for in-dash, and the
> base model is only $499! With more RAM and the 80Gig HD, I think it
> jumps to ~$650 or less. Add a LCD Touchscreen for ~$450, and the
> soundcard and GPS sensor for about ~$600, and you are still below the
> cost of a new C90+XDP4K! Also considering the Phatbox is like $800 -
> and you are still stuck with the C90's sub-par daytime display - I
> think a Mac Mini seems really affordable, and REALLY cool.
>
> PS - I realize I COULD send the XDP-4K a SPDIF Toslink signal from an
> external USB-to-SPDIF box, BUT then I would still have to have a
> Unilink HU for volume and power functions. If I do this Mac install,
> I WILL NOT have any other "standard" radio stuff in my car (no CD
> changers, no external EQ's, no Head Unit). Just the Mac Mini, and the
> LCD display in my dash (I have a 2-Din opening).
>
> Any thoughts, or suggestions? I know MANY people have done the Mac
> Mini mobile installs, I just can't find any specifics (like what
> software would I need to replicate the XDP4K's processing, etc).
> Thanks for any input and ideas...
>
> Another special thanks to Matt for keeping this list up and running. 8-)
>
> --
> Randy V.
> Houston, TX
> Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy Guy
>
Randy
You seem to have covered all points in the system concept. What firewire box are
you going to end up using? Are you a software programmer?
Is the mac mini truly only 1DIN? I just haven't looked at the dimensions yet.
I can help you buy a mac mini if you are interested.I work for a technology reseller.
If you like, email me directly and I will send you my contact information.
Take care
Justin
-------------- Original message --------------
-- XDP4000X-List message posted by: Randy Visentine
Hey gang,
I posted this idea a while back, but no one responded. Who has a
computer actually mounted in their car? I don't know if you have
heard of the new Mac "mini", but it will fit DIRECTLY into a 1-Din
dash opening, and has a front "slot load" CD-R/DVD-R Superdrive, and
an optional 80Gig HD.
This seems like a Mobile Install "match made in heaven". My thinking
is to have the MAC Mini replicate what the lovely XDP-4000x already
does, and use a 8-channel DA (like a Firewire Audio Interface), and
send a seperate output channel to each amp input (just like the XDP
does now). I would use software apps in the Mac to actually perform <
BR> the DSP to the signal (EQ, Delay, Crossover, etc discretely for each
channel).
The "source" signal would be Mac's "I-Tunes" software, and I would
need to add and app called "JACK OSX" to allow me to send I-Tunes'
audio to the secondary application for the DSP processing, and for
assigning the 8 channels to the 8 discrete outputs. This way, I can
have I-Tunes run as an audio Jukebox, and the "master" volume would be
controlled from I-Tunes. Then, if I need to make an audio adjustment
(crossover, swap to 5.1 audio, change time-alignment, etc), I would
open the secondary program, and do any DSP changes there.
All you need is an appropriate power supply, a readily available
motorized 7" TOUCHSCREEN LCD with VGA connections, and stash a
Bluetooth micro-keyboard under your seat. Add a USB GPS sensor, and
some software, and you also have ins
tant GPS Navigation! Pop in a DVD
movie, and you can have 5.1 surround and video! Rip you ENTIRE CD
collection onto the 80Gig HD, and even add external Firewire HD's if
needed (add a FW hub). You also have wireless file transfers, and
wireless Internet surfing options, and just anything a computer could
do in general - all in your car!
With my C90 starting to act squirrely on certain CD's, and the XDP-4K
having its limited crossover options and awkward programmability, this
seems to be a likely solution for an "upgrade" IMO. As long as the
DA's in the soundcard are good, I don't think quality would be any
less than the XDP4K. I have some RME Audio interfaces in my audio DAW
PC's, and I may do something like their Fireface or something like the
M-Audio 410 FW (4 ins, 10 BALANCED +4dBu outs!). +4dBu outputs will
put any 8V RCA outs to shame. I believe t
hese untis use good DA's (I
know the RME does), and the RME actually has a REAL WORLD S/N of like
-108dB on the outs! Oh yeah - 24 BITS, too!!!! (I have LOTS of stuff
I produce/record in 24 bit format that I could play w/o dithering back
down to 16bit CD-R standards).
I also know there are some PC "Micro-ATX" style form factors that may
work, also. But the Mac Mini is a PERFECT fit for in-dash, and the
base model is only $499! With more RAM and the 80Gig HD, I think it
jumps to ~$650 or less. Add a LCD Touchscreen for ~$450, and the
soundcard and GPS sensor for about ~$600, and you are still below the
cost of a new C90+XDP4K! Also considering the Phatbox is like $800 -
and you are still stuck with the C90's sub-par daytime display - I
think a Mac Mini seems really affordable, and REALLY cool.
PS - I realize I COULD send the XDP-4K a SPDIF Tos
link signal from an
external USB-to-SPDIF box, BUT then I would still have to have a
Unilink HU for volume and power functions. If I do this Mac install,
I WILL NOT have any other "standard" radio stuff in my car (no CD
changers, no external EQ's, no Head Unit). Just the Mac Mini, and the
LCD display in my dash (I have a 2-Din opening).
Any thoughts, or suggestions? I know MANY people have done the Mac
Mini mobile installs, I just can't find any specifics (like what
software would I need to replicate the XDP4K's processing, etc).
Thanks for any input and ideas...
Another special thanks to Matt for keeping this list up and running. 8-)
--
Randy V.
Houston, TX
Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy Guy
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Randy Visentine <randyman(at)gmail.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Anyone have a Computer installed in their car? |
Hey Justin (and anyone else),
I'm doing my research, and I am just looking for people who have
already done something simular (using ANY form of PC/Mac/Laptop -
whatever). This would be my first mobile computer install, and I'm
sure I am overlooking a few items. I got to see a Mac MINI in person
earlier this week, and it appears to be 1-Din (6.5" x 2" and 6.5"
deep). I believe standard DIN is 7" x 2" IIRC. Should fit. The
Slot-Load CD/DVD drive really rounds out this application nicely IMO.
One of my main concerns is what software I will need for the 8-channel
DSP processing (to replace the XDP-4K) ? I'm thinking Mac's included
"Garage Band" software may be able to "limp by" for this task. I run
Steinberg's "Nuendo 2.1" on my PC's, and it would do the trick - but
it is a $1200 program. This would also be MY FIRST MACINTOSH and my
first venture in OSX. I am fairly competent at building and tweaking
PC's and tweaking Windows XP/2000/98/ME, but I have NEVER messed with
a Mac.
For the Soundcard, I'm looking at either an M-Audio Firewire 410 (4
inputs, and EIGHT +4dBu outputs in a fairly compact chassis with
descent D/A's - $399), or possibly trying to squeeze an RME Fireface
800 in my Tacoma (the Fireface is a 19" 1U Rack Mount unit with 8
KILLER D/A converters - ~$1300). There are a few others, too. I'm a
HUGE RME fan, but I have never used their Firewire units, and I have
only used RME's PCI cards with a PC (not a MAC). Even Apogee
Rosetta800 conversion is an option (althogh a VERY expensive one -
like $3500 for 8-channels!!!).
Actually finding somewhere that STOCKS the 7" Touchscreen Display
w/VGA is virtually impossible - even in Houston! I know there are a
few different models avalible via mail order - but at $400-$500 - I'd
REALLY like to feel its "Touchscreen" accuracy, and see how the video
quality is IN PERSON. Here is a link I found:
http://www.digitalww.com/DWW-700M.htm . Fully motorized (retracts
into the dash when not in use), and has a VGA input, AND a TV-Tuner
built in! USB out for the Mouse "Touchscreen" Control, too! Has
anyone used a LCD touchscreen they were happy with in a mobile
install?
I am also curious on GPS Navigation software and GPS USB hardware for
this application.
I am surely trying to cover all of my bases - buit there is still a
LOT of stuff I am not sure about. Before I start ploping down a few
grand, I need to make sure all of my theroies and foresight are
in-check.
Thanks for ANY further input on this very exciting venture (well,
exctiting for me at least!). I hope I get some responses - even
though I am asking for info to get me away from the XDP-4K - I can
understand any reluctance on XDP-4K users' parts to help me "move on"
with my killer audio system. Just think - I may have an XDP-4K and
C-90 for sale CHEAP if this Mac install works out !!! Maybe to your
benefit?
Later,
Randy V.
Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy-Guy
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | DJholl98(at)aol.com |
| Subject: | Re: Anyone have a Computer installed in their car? |
wow that mac mini looks awesome for in-car use. IM thinking about using one
myself now... though just as a computer not for sound. it seems like a steal
at that price and you could mount it behind the dash and just cut a thin slot
for the cd. randy my one question for you would be do you think it would be
powerful enough to run all the software you would need for EQ/X-over/multiple
outputs etc.
have you thought about using a micro PC and just mounting an external drive
in a DIN slot, if you already have the software for PC it would save you a lot
of money and be easier to setup.
good luck
Dave
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Randy Visentine <randyman(at)gmail.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Anyone have a Computer installed in their car? |
Hey Dave (and all),
I'm sure the Mac Mini will do at least 8 channels of X-Over, EQ, and
Delay. Even my ~5 year old Dell 700MHz Celeron will do that! The MAC
Mini's FSB is a bit slow, but I'm sure this is WAY more power than an
XDP-4K could even think about having (considering the XDP-4K design is
now over 10 years old IIRC)... I am indeed looking into Mico-ATX "PC"
systems, too. But I think the Mac Mini will be easier in the end, and
it just looks cool, too (smooth silver face w/CD Slot)...
PS - This will be going into a 1999 Tacoma 4x4 X-Tra Cab - so space is
a luxury. The xtra-cab is reserved for the Sub Box (4 x 10" HE-2's -
with the BD1500.1 mounted on the side), and enough room for 1
passenger crammed in there. The only "extra" room I have is the 2-Din
Dash opening (Mac Mini and LCD Display), and under the 2 bucket seats
(Soundcard breakout box will go under 1 seat, and my Mid/High amp
squeezes in under the passenger seat). That's it. I need my Glove
Box and center console for stowage. So a 2-part Micro-ATX system may
be out of the question (Unless there is a Micro-ATX that will fit into
a SINGLE DIN opening?). Does anyone know of such a beast? Actually -
once I remove my dual Sony 10-disc changers, I may have enough room so
squeeze a Micro-ATX system IN-BETWEEN the driver's seat and the sub
box (where the CD-Changers are now - facing vertically +
side-by-side). I forgot the CD-Changers will be removed, and I will
have that extra space.
Again, my main concerns are the LCD Touchscreen ($500 is a big wad of
change to take a risk on w/o seeing the display and using the
"touchscreen" in person). Even Car Toys and places like that don't
carry stuff like this. I'm REALLY hoping someone here has some "hands
on" and "eyes on" experience with ANY brand of Touch-screen LCD.
Anyone? I'd figure with $2400 worth of C90 Head Unit and XDP-4K
processor in our systems, we would have more elaborate video systems
on this forum?
The "Garage Band" software is included with the Mac, and I believe
"Jack OSX" is cheap, or free (this allows I-Tunes to send its audio to
the secondary DSP application, and THEN to the soundcard's outs after
DSP processing). I-Tunes is also included with the Mac. I *THINK*
alI would need would be the GPS software, the GPS hardware (USB
device), the Soundcard, and LCD Display. I just know it is not going
to be THAT easy. I'm trying to dig in and see what I'm overlooking...
I'll surely need help there! I'm sure I can handle the 12V DC power
supply - I'll make one if I need to...
Thanks for the replys - guys! Please keep them coming, and do
yourself a favor. CHECK OUT THE MAC MINI !!! I am a DIEHARD PC guy
with 3 ground-up builds, dozens of HD and RAM upgrades, and countless
OS re-installs under my belt - but this Mac Mini is just too perfect
for my requirements. Perfect enough for me to consider buying a MAC -
even though I know NOTHING about them. That should tell you how
PERFECT the Mac Mini is for this application. I just need HELP
rounding up all the lovely details.
You guys rock.
Randy V.
Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy Guy
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | justinjbaron(at)comcast.net |
| Subject: | Re: Anyone have a Computer installed in their car? |
Cool project.
In my reading, I noticed also that M-Audio sells a $100 firewire optical audio
output device. Could also be interesting to see the mini integrated into existing
audio systems as a dash-mounted source device, even if you leave the processing
for a downstream unit.
So you have given me some inspiration as well..
Take care
-------------- Original message --------------
>
> Hey Justin (and anyone else),
>
> I'm doing my research, and I am just looking for people who have
> already done something simular (using ANY form of PC/Mac/Laptop -
> whatever). This would be my first mobile computer install, and I'm
> sure I am overlooking a few items. I got to see a Mac MINI in person
> earlier this week, and it appears to be 1-Din (6.5" x 2" and 6.5"
> deep). I believe standard DIN is 7" x 2" IIRC. Should fit. The
> Slot-Load CD/DVD drive really rounds out this application nicely IMO.
>
> One of my main concerns is what software I will need for the 8-channel
> DSP processing (to replace the XDP-4K) ? I'm thinking Mac's included
> "Garage Band" software may be able to "limp by" for this task. I run
> Steinberg's "Nuendo 2.1" on my PC's, and it would do the trick - but
> it is a $1200 program. This would also be MY FIRST MACINTOSH and my
> first venture in OSX. I am fairly competent at building and tweaking
> PC's and tweaking Windows XP/2000/98/ME, but I have NEVER messed with
> a Mac.
>
> For the Soundcard, I'm looking at either an M-Audio Firewire 410 (4
> inputs, and EIGHT +4dBu outputs in a fairly compact chassis with
> descent D/A's - $399), or possibly trying to squeeze an RME Fireface
> 800 in my Tacoma (the Fireface is a 19" 1U Rack Mount unit with 8
> KILLER D/A converters - ~$1300). There are a few others, too. I'm a
> HUGE RME fan, but I have never used their Firewire units, and I have
> only used RME's PCI cards with a PC (not a MAC). Even Apogee
> Rosetta800 conversion is an option (althogh a VERY expensive one -
> like $3500 for 8-channels!!!).
>
> Actually finding somewhere that STOCKS the 7" Touchscreen Display
> w/VGA is virtually impossible - even in Houston! I know there are a
> few different models avalible via mail order - but at $400-$500 - I'd
> REALLY like to feel its "Touchscreen" accuracy, and see how the video
> quality is IN PERSON. Here is a link I found:
> http://www.digitalww.com/DWW-700M.htm . Fully motorized (retracts
> into the dash when not in use), and has a VGA input, AND a TV-Tuner
> built in! USB out for the Mouse "Touchscreen" Control, too! Has
> anyone used a LCD touchscreen they were happy with in a mobile
> install?
>
> I am also curious on GPS Navigation software and GPS USB hardware for
> this application.
>
> I am surely trying to cover all of my bases - buit there is still a
> LOT of stuff I am not sure about. Before I start ploping down a few
> grand, I need to make sure all of my theroies and foresight are
> in-check.
>
> Thanks for ANY further input on this very exciting venture (well,
> exctiting for me at least!). I hope I get some responses - even
> though I am asking for info to get me away from the XDP-4K - I can
> understand any reluctance on XDP-4K users' parts to help me "move on"
> with my killer audio system. Just think - I may have an XDP-4K and
> C-90 for sale CHEAP if this Mac install works out !!! Maybe to your
> benefit?
>
> Later,
> Randy V.
> Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy-Guy
>
Cool project.
In my reading, I noticed also that M-Audio sells a $100 firewire optical audio
output device. Could also be interesting to see the mini integrated into existing
audio systems as a dash-mounted source device, even if you leave the processing
for a downstream unit.
So you have given me some inspiration as well..
Take care
-------------- Original message --------------
-- XDP4000X-List message posted by: Randy Visentine
Hey Justin (and anyone else),
I'm doing my research, and I am just looking for people who have
already done something simular (using ANY form of PC/Mac/Laptop -
whatever). This would be my first mobile computer install, and I'm
sure I am overlooking a few items. I got to see a Mac MINI in person
earlier this week, and it appears to be 1-Din (6.5" x 2" and 6.5"
deep). I believe standard DIN is 7" x 2" IIRC. Should fit. The
Slot-Load CD/DVD drive really rounds out this application nicely IMO.
One of my main concerns is what software I will need for the 8-channel
DSP processing (to replace the XDP-4K) ? I'm thinking Mac's included
"Gar
age Band" software may be able to "limp by" for this task. I run
Steinberg's "Nuendo 2.1" on my PC's, and it would do the trick - but
it is a $1200 program. This would also be MY FIRST MACINTOSH and my
first venture in OSX. I am fairly competent at building and tweaking
PC's and tweaking Windows XP/2000/98/ME, but I have NEVER messed with
a Mac.
For the Soundcard, I'm looking at either an M-Audio Firewire 410 (4
inputs, and EIGHT +4dBu outputs in a fairly compact chassis with
descent D/A's - $399), or possibly trying to squeeze an RME Fireface
800 in my Tacoma (the Fireface is a 19" 1U Rack Mount unit with 8
KILLER D/A converters - ~$1300). There are a few others, too. I'm a
HUGE RME fan, but I have never used their Firewire units, and I have
only used RME's PCI cards with a PC (not a MAC). Even Apogee
Rosetta800 conversion is an option (althogh a VER
Y expensive one -
like $3500 for 8-channels!!!).
Actually finding somewhere that STOCKS the 7" Touchscreen Display
w/VGA is virtually impossible - even in Houston! I know there are a
few different models avalible via mail order - but at $400-$500 - I'd
REALLY like to feel its "Touchscreen" accuracy, and see how the video
quality is IN PERSON. Here is a link I found:
http://www.digitalww.com/DWW-700M.htm . Fully motorized (retracts
into the dash when not in use), and has a VGA input, AND a TV-Tuner
built in! USB out for the Mouse "Touchscreen" Control, too! Has
anyone used a LCD touchscreen they were happy with in a mobile
install?
I am also curious on GPS Navigation software and GPS USB hardware for
this application.
I am surely trying to cover all of my bases - buit there is still a
LOT of stuff I am not sure about
. Before I start ploping down a few
grand, I need to make sure all of my theroies and foresight are
in-check.
Thanks for ANY further input on this very exciting venture (well,
exctiting for me at least!). I hope I get some responses - even
though I am asking for info to get me away from the XDP-4K - I can
understand any reluctance on XDP-4K users' parts to help me "move on"
with my killer audio system. Just think - I may have an XDP-4K and
C-90 for sale CHEAP if this Mac install works out !!! Maybe to your
benefit?
Later,
Randy V.
Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy-Guy
cs.com/
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Paul Chambers" <xdp4000x(at)lists.bod.org> |
| Subject: | XM Radio quality |
Those local traffic channels are the poster children for over-compressed
audio... They're barely intelligible, particularly over any kind of road
noise. They also seem to be at a much lower audio level, to make matters
worse.
Let's hope that the recently-launched third satellite gives them more
bandwidth to play with, and the audio quality improves. Heck, if they're
going to raise the subscription fee, my expectations are going to rise right
along with it ;)
Paul
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com
> [mailto:owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf
> Of Matt Dralle
> Sent: Saturday, March 05, 2005 5:20 PM
> To: xdp4000x-list(at)matronics.com
> Subject: Re: XDP4000X-List: XM Radio quality
>
>
>
> Yup, I echo your sentiments regarding XM to a 'T'. Audio
> quality is about that of a standard MP3 at 64bps. The
> distortion at the high freqs is pretty horrible.
> Interestingly, it hasn't always been that way. When I got my
> first XM radio, the quality was pretty darn close to a 128Mbs
> MP3. What has happened is that over the last year or so,
> they've added a bunch of new channels like localized weather
> and traffic and have consequently adjusted the allocation of
> the skinny little 12mhz band such that pretty much all of the
> channels now suffer from this same problem. One channel that
> hasn't seemed to suffer is "77" which is called Audio
> Visions. I'm not sure why this channel has been spared the
> reduction in BW, but since I listen to it a lot I can't complain.
>
> That all being said, I still LOVE XM radio and haven't even
> turned FM on in the 2 or 3 years I've had it. No matter how
> compressed it gets, its still better than FM over all. I
> highly recommend it.
>
> Matt Dralle
> Livermore CA
>
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Paul Chambers" <xdp4000x(at)lists.bod.org> |
| Subject: | Help! C-90 faceplate emitting continuous tone? |
0.51 PLING_QUERY Subject has exclamation mark and question mark
My car has been sitting awhile, and the battery ran flat. I fully recharged
it, but now when I turn on the ignition, the C-90's faceplate just emits a
continuous tone and does not turn on the display. It's not inverter whine,
but some sort of error signal. When I turn off the ignition, the tone stops,
and after a few seconds I get the 'remove faceplace' two-tone reminder
beeps, as normal.
I pushed several of the faceplate buttons to see if that had any effect. The
eject did, the faceplate dropped as normal. But it won't retract...
Anyone know what's going on? How do I get it to behave itself again? Just
when I'm about to sell the car too, darn it...
Paul
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Randy Visentine <randyman(at)gmail.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Help! C-90 faceplate emitting continuous tone? |
Have you "reset" the C90 w/ the Reset button?
Randy V.
Houston, TX
Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy Guy
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Carl Renaghan <orudus(at)yahoo.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Help! C-90 faceplate emitting continuous tone? |
I had this problem when I plugged in a dead XDP-210 to
my C90. If I unplugged the EQ, and reset teh C90, it
went away.
--- Paul Chambers wrote:
>
>
> My car has been sitting awhile, and the battery ran
> flat. I fully recharged
> it, but now when I turn on the ignition, the C-90's
> faceplate just emits a
> continuous tone and does not turn on the display.
> It's not inverter whine,
> but some sort of error signal. When I turn off the
> ignition, the tone stops,
> and after a few seconds I get the 'remove faceplace'
> two-tone reminder
> beeps, as normal.
>
> I pushed several of the faceplate buttons to see if
> that had any effect. The
> eject did, the faceplate dropped as normal. But it
> won't retract...
>
> Anyone know what's going on? How do I get it to
> behave itself again? Just
> when I'm about to sell the car too, darn it...
>
> Paul
>
>
>
> http://www.matronics.com/archives
>
>
>
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | DJholl98(at)aol.com |
Hi
Does anyone know what the average price for a XA-U40D on eBay is?
I have only seen one a while ago, and I think that went for close to $300
Dave
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Matt Dralle <dralle(at)matronics.com> |
| Subject: | Nice Sony C90 Faceplate on EBay... |
This seems like a great deal for someone in the market for a C90 faceplate...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39763&item=5760271245&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW
Matt
Matt G Dralle | Matronics | PO Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
925-606-1001 V | 925-606-6281 F | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
http://www.matronics.com/ WWW | Featuring Products For Aircraft
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | DJholl98(at)aol.com |
| Subject: | Re: Nice Sony C90 Faceplate on EBay... |
Hey matt thanks a lot for telling everyone!!!!!
now I'll have to pay twice as much!!!
;oP
BTW i might be listing a NEW! XA-U40D next week if anyone is interested
Dave
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Roland M" <mdx400(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Anyone have a Computer installed in their car? |
>
>Hey Dave (and all),
>
>I am indeed looking into Mico-ATX "PC"
>systems, too. But I think the Mac Mini will be easier in the end, and
>it just looks cool, too (smooth silver face w/CD Slot)...
>
>So a 2-part Micro-ATX system may
>be out of the question (Unless there is a Micro-ATX that will fit into
>a SINGLE DIN opening?). Does anyone know of such a beast? Actually -
>once I remove my dual Sony 10-disc changers, I may have enough room so
>squeeze a Micro-ATX system IN-BETWEEN the driver's seat and the sub
>box (where the CD-Changers are now - facing vertically +
>side-by-side). I forgot the CD-Changers will be removed, and I will
>have that extra space.
>
>
>You guys rock.
>
>Randy V.
>Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy Guy
Actually a Micro ATX PC is considered a little (relatively) large these
days. Flex ATX was always smaller than Micro ATX but was never used very
much. SFF PCs (which use proprietary motherboards and are all manufacturer
specific designed) are quite a bit smaller but are more expensive.
But I don't think there is even an SFF that will fit into something as small
as a 1 DIN opening! That is a very small space to fit into! But there is
another form factor that so-called "CarPC" users do use, IIRC it is called
"mini ITX".
However most of the Mini ITX following is like a "homebrew" or "DIY" crowd.
If you know how to build a regular (ATX, etc.) PC from the ground up (which
isn't hard really but not something everyone knows how to do), then building
a 1-DIN mini ITX PC isn't that much harder, though sometimes it does require
some custom fabrication, etc.
There are, I believe, some commercially or semi-commercially made 1 DIN
CarPCs though. But they are more expensive than putting together your own
solution.
I'd suggest doing a 'net search for CarPC or Car PC or something similar;
you should bring up quite a bit of information and at least a handful of
forums--there are many people that do this but it isn't so popular that
you'd see it in cars of the masses.
I've seen installs from the very basic all the way to the
very-integrated/very-advanced on such forums, if you're interested in adding
a Windows based solution to your car I'd suggest you at least check into it.
Best of luck!
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Roland M" <mdx400(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | Help! C-90 faceplate emitting continuous tone? |
>
>
>My car has been sitting awhile, and the battery ran flat. I fully recharged
>it, but now when I turn on the ignition, the C-90's faceplate just emits a
>continuous tone and does not turn on the display. It's not inverter whine,
>but some sort of error signal. When I turn off the ignition, the tone
>stops,
>and after a few seconds I get the 'remove faceplace' two-tone reminder
>beeps, as normal.
>
>I pushed several of the faceplate buttons to see if that had any effect.
>The
>eject did, the faceplate dropped as normal. But it won't retract...
>
>Anyone know what's going on? How do I get it to behave itself again? Just
>when I'm about to sell the car too, darn it...
>
>Paul
>
>_-
Did you try doing a hardware reset? Locate the RESET button on the unit
*usually* it is underneath the faceplate... Simply remove the FP and then
find the button and press it with a pen/pencil; see if that works.
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Roland M" <mdx400(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Nice Sony C90 Faceplate on EBay... |
>
>Hey matt thanks a lot for telling everyone!!!!!
>now I'll have to pay twice as much!!!
>;oP
>BTW i might be listing a NEW! XA-U40D next week if anyone is interested
>Dave
>
LOL
As for the U40D, yeah I think $300 is the average price for one of those.
Waaaay too rare and waaay to expensive (but it is because of the rarity).
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | =?windows-1257?Q?Dzintars_L=EEcis?= <dzintars.licis(at)tl.lv> |
| Subject: | Anyone have a Computer installed in their car? |
Here I will give some ideas for what it could look like in real life:
http://www.x86-secret.com/articles/cm/g5m100-n/itxpm-9.htm
http://www.ipcmax.com/product_info.php?cPath=29&products_id=213
http://www.ipcmax.com/product_info.php?products_id=67
http://www.itox.com/pages/products/mothers/boards.php
http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/Kustom_PCs_Shop_MiniITX___Flex_Cases_6.h
tml
Best Regards
Dzintars Licis
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com
[mailto:owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Roland M
Subject: Re: XDP4000X-List: Anyone have a Computer installed in their car?
>
>Hey Dave (and all),
>
>I am indeed looking into Mico-ATX "PC"
>systems, too. But I think the Mac Mini will be easier in the end, and
>it just looks cool, too (smooth silver face w/CD Slot)...
>
>So a 2-part Micro-ATX system may
>be out of the question (Unless there is a Micro-ATX that will fit into
>a SINGLE DIN opening?). Does anyone know of such a beast? Actually -
>once I remove my dual Sony 10-disc changers, I may have enough room so
>squeeze a Micro-ATX system IN-BETWEEN the driver's seat and the sub
>box (where the CD-Changers are now - facing vertically +
>side-by-side). I forgot the CD-Changers will be removed, and I will
>have that extra space.
>
>
>You guys rock.
>
>Randy V.
>Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy Guy
Actually a Micro ATX PC is considered a little (relatively) large these
days. Flex ATX was always smaller than Micro ATX but was never used very
much. SFF PCs (which use proprietary motherboards and are all manufacturer
specific designed) are quite a bit smaller but are more expensive.
But I don't think there is even an SFF that will fit into something as small
as a 1 DIN opening! That is a very small space to fit into! But there is
another form factor that so-called "CarPC" users do use, IIRC it is called
"mini ITX".
However most of the Mini ITX following is like a "homebrew" or "DIY" crowd.
If you know how to build a regular (ATX, etc.) PC from the ground up (which
isn't hard really but not something everyone knows how to do), then building
a 1-DIN mini ITX PC isn't that much harder, though sometimes it does require
some custom fabrication, etc.
There are, I believe, some commercially or semi-commercially made 1 DIN
CarPCs though. But they are more expensive than putting together your own
solution.
I'd suggest doing a 'net search for CarPC or Car PC or something similar;
you should bring up quite a bit of information and at least a handful of
forums--there are many people that do this but it isn't so popular that
you'd see it in cars of the masses.
I've seen installs from the very basic all the way to the
very-integrated/very-advanced on such forums, if you're interested in adding
a Windows based solution to your car I'd suggest you at least check into it.
Best of luck!
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Randy Visentine <randyman(at)gmail.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Anyone have a Computer installed in their car? |
Cool. Thanks for the links! The PC "DIY" is a no-brainer for me (I
have 3 PC builds and countless upgrades under my belt), but looking at
the combination of form-factor, style, and COST - the Mac Mini wins
hands down. I AM a PC guy - but this Mac Mini appears to be the
single best Computer option for my limited space and "1-DIN"
requirements.
Here is another example of a Mac Mini install.
http://tunertricks.com/blog/index.php?p=40
It appears they are using an Alpine PXA-H701 for the audio DSP, but
I-Tunes feeds the PXA-H701 from the Mac Mini.
I have a feeling my idea of using the Mac Mini AS the DSP and Signal
Processing is a fairly unique idea. I can't find a whole lot of info
on that paritcular part. This can't be much different than using the
Multi-track Nuendo Software I use frequently (on my DAW PC's) - It
would entail adding "plug-in procesing" to 4 discreet pairs of audio,
and then passing these 4 discreet pairs of "Processed audio"
(Time-Aligned, EQ'ed, Crossover, etc) to the 8-channel Firewire Audio
Interface, then to my amps. I'm relly hoping to eliminate any kind of
"standard audio gear" from my system - just the Mac Mini, the
soundcard, and my amps.
I'm becoming more comfortable investing in touchscreen LCD's, as I
have read quite a few positive reviews, and I have seen an install or
2 on "Unique Whips" where they use touchscreens on some very
high-dollar installs...
I'm still in research mode, so my install will still be a few months away...
Thanks for the input, and keep any further ideas streaming along
(ESPECIALLY Mac software for my DSP/Processing ideas).
Later,
Randy V
Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy Guy
>
> Here I will give some ideas for what it could look like in real life:
> http://www.x86-secret.com/articles/cm/g5m100-n/itxpm-9.htm
> http://www.ipcmax.com/product_info.php?cPath=29&products_id=213
> http://www.ipcmax.com/product_info.php?products_id=67
> http://www.itox.com/pages/products/mothers/boards.php
> http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/Kustom_PCs_Shop_MiniITX___Flex_Cases_6.h
> tml
>
> Best Regards
> Dzintars Licis
>
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Roland M" <mdx400(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Anyone have a Computer installed in their car? |
>
>Cool. Thanks for the links! The PC "DIY" is a no-brainer for me (I
>have 3 PC builds and countless upgrades under my belt), but looking at
>the combination of form-factor, style, and COST - the Mac Mini wins
>hands down. I AM a PC guy - but this Mac Mini appears to be the
>single best Computer option for my limited space and "1-DIN"
>requirements.
>
>Later,
>
>Randy V
>Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy Guy
Here are some more links you might want to check out...
www.mp3car.com
and
www.mini-itx.com
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Paul Chambers" <xdp4000x(at)lists.bod.org> |
| Subject: | Anyone have a Computer installed in their car? |
Here's another link for the mix:
http://www.logisysus.com/
Paul
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com
> [mailto:owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf
> Of Dzintars Licis
> Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2005 1:34 PM
> To: xdp4000x-list(at)matronics.com
> Subject: RE: XDP4000X-List: Anyone have a Computer installed
> in their car?
>
> =?windows-1257?Q?Dzintars_L=EEcis?=
> -->
>
> Here I will give some ideas for what it could look like in real life:
> http://www.x86-secret.com/articles/cm/g5m100-n/itxpm-9.htm
> http://www.ipcmax.com/product_info.php?cPath=29&products_id=213
> http://www.ipcmax.com/product_info.php?products_id=67
> http://www.itox.com/pages/products/mothers/boards.php
> http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/Kustom_PCs_Shop_MiniITX___
> Flex_Cases_6.h
> tml
>
> Best Regards
> Dzintars Licis
>
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Paul Chambers" <xdp4000x(at)lists.bod.org> |
| Subject: | Help! C-90 faceplate emitting continuous tone? |
Yep, I did give that a try. Got me a little further, as it spat out the CD
in the head unit, and I can now raise the faceplate to the normal position
again. Also tried Carl's suggestion of disconnecting the Unilink bus (which
I did at the XDP4000X, as it's much easier to get to in my install). Didn't
help, same behavior.
I think I'm going to have to disassemble the dash to try cycling power to
the head unit.
The only thing I can think that's different this time is that the battery
went flat while the faceplate wasn't on the head unit, so when power came
back, the FP wasn't there for the head unit to talk to. I've run the battery
flat before, never had a problem, but the faceplate's always been on the
unit when power was restored...
Paul
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com
> [mailto:owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Roland
> M
> Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2005 11:00 AM
> To: xdp4000x-list(at)matronics.com
> Subject: RE: XDP4000X-List: Help! C-90 faceplate emitting continuous
> tone?
>
>
> Did you try doing a hardware reset? Locate the RESET button on the
> unit *usually* it is underneath the faceplate... Simply remove the
> FP and then find the button and press it with a pen/pencil; see if
> that works.
>
> Roland M.
>
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Randy Visentine <randyman(at)gmail.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Anyone have a Computer installed in their car? |
Thanks guys! After taking a closer look, some of these PC solutions
may just fit the bill. Mounting Depth is a concern, but I'd be much
happier with my purchase if I knew how to fix/upgrade the computer
(opposed to the Mac Mini which is a bear to upgrade from what I hear).
I'm a PC guy at heart 8-)
I'm still looking for software options for GPS and the Audio DSP. I
guess if I go the PC route, I can run some of my current Audio
Software, as I am already familiar with it. The M-Audio FW 410 is
looking pretty good for the audio card.
Later,
Randy V.
Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy Guy
wrote:
>
> Here's another link for the mix:
> http://www.logisysus.com/
>
> Paul
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Matt Dralle <dralle(at)matronics.com> |
| Subject: | Fwd: eBay - Item Not Won, Similar Items Found: Sony CDX-C90 |
Detatchable Face with case
>
>Unfortunately, your bid did not win the following item from cbmpet:
>
>Sony CDX-C90 Detatchable Face with case - Item #5760271245
>Final price: $262.00
Holy crap, that C90 faceplate went for $262 on ebay. I bailed at $61.27 -
and I'm *known* for my crazy bidding on ebay... Those C90 faceplates are
about as valuable as gold!
Matt
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Carl Renaghan <orudus(at)yahoo.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Fwd: eBay - Item Not Won, Similar Items Found: Sony |
CDX-C90 Detatchable Face with case
Thats insane. I have noticed the price of C90 has gone
up in the last few months. I sold mine for a large
profit. I will most likely get back in if it comes
down.
--- Matt Dralle wrote:
>
>
>
> >
> >Unfortunately, your bid did not win the following
> item from cbmpet:
> >
> >Sony CDX-C90 Detatchable Face with case - Item
> #5760271245
> >Final price: $262.00
>
>
> Holy crap, that C90 faceplate went for $262 on ebay.
> I bailed at $61.27 -
> and I'm *known* for my crazy bidding on ebay...
> Those C90 faceplates are
> about as valuable as gold!
>
> Matt
>
>
>
>
> http://www.matronics.com/archives
>
>
>
__________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Scott Thibault <tbone7467(at)yahoo.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Fwd: eBay - Item Not Won, Similar Items Found: Sony |
CDX-C90 Detatchable Face with case
glad I got 2 then
Dralle
>
>Unfortunately, your bid did not win the following item from cbmpet:
>
>Sony CDX-C90 Detatchable Face with case - Item #5760271245
>Final price: $262.00
Holy crap, that C90 faceplate went for $262 on ebay. I bailed at $61.27 -
and I'm *known* for my crazy bidding on ebay... Those C90 faceplates are
about as valuable as gold!
Matt
---------------------------------
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Randy Visentine <randyman(at)gmail.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Fwd: eBay - Item Not Won, Similar Items Found: Sony |
CDX-C90 Detatchable Face with case
Geese! $262 is almost 1/2 of what I paid for my C90 Used! I can't
see spending a ton more on my C90/XDP4K to keep them up and running.
Not to mention - $262 for a display you can't even read (lol). I have
had quite a few "near misses" while trying to "shade" the display with
my hands while driving just so I can see the clock! Not too safe.
I'd opt to apply the $262 towards "upgrading" to a full PC install
with a high-contrast 7" widescreen :-) . Just my thoughts, as I like
to see what is going on (and DVD Navigation will be integrated in the
same display).
Randy V
Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy Guy
wrote:
>
> glad I got 2 then
>
Matt Dralle
>
> >
> >Unfortunately, your bid did not win the following item from cbmpet:
> >
> >Sony CDX-C90 Detatchable Face with case - Item #5760271245
> >Final price: $262.00
>
> Holy crap, that C90 faceplate went for $262 on ebay. I bailed at $61.27 -
> and I'm *known* for my crazy bidding on ebay... Those C90 faceplates are
> about as valuable as gold!
>
> Matt
>
> ---------------------------------
>
>
--
Randy V.
Houston, TX
Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy Guy
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Matt Dralle <dralle(at)matronics.com> |
| Subject: | Update to XDP-4000x Website... |
I added some additional links to my XDP-4000x website today regarding both
the type of RS232 cable required to communicate with the XDP-4000x as well
as some information and sources for a USB-to-RS232 adapter for laptops that
don't have the built in DB9 style serial port.
http://www.matronics.com/xdp4000x/#cables
FYI,
Matt Dralle
Matt G Dralle | Matronics | PO Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
925-606-1001 V | 925-606-6281 F | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
http://www.matronics.com/ WWW | Featuring Products For Aircraft
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | DJholl98(at)aol.com |
| Subject: | Re: Update to XDP-4000x Website... |
Hi matt
Thanks so much for keeping the site up, if i hadn't accidentally found your
site i wouldn't have ever been turned on to the 4000x.
i want to build one of your combiner circuits, but im not sure exactly where
all the wires go. do you have a diagram that stupid people with little
knowledge about building circuits would understand.
Thanks again
Dave
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Roland M" <mdx400(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | The new mobile ES??? |
"This year we've dramatically expanded both the performance and the feature
content of our Xplod Specialty Series to exceed the expectations of our
customer as well as mobile electronics retailers," said Andrew Sivori,
director of marketing for mobile electronics at Sony Electronics.
Okay so it isn't exactly "mobile ES"... BUT has anyone seen these new units
from Sony? They have a new ES "type" line called the "Specialty Series".
Really they look quite impressive compared to what Sony has offered in the
past years. We all know that most of the Xplod units (with the exception of
maybe the MEX-5DI/3DI, MEX-1HD, and CDX-MP70) have been pretty horrible.
Last year Sony introduced DRIVE-S which touted a seemingly an optimistic S/N
of over 100db; however I've heard quite a few good things about DRIVE-S.
This year all the "Specialty Series" units incorporate DRIVE-S HX (seems
like a combination of the former and the "HX" from the "HX DSP" name they
used to use before changing the HX DSP name to "EQ7" and "DSO").
They are kind of vague on the differences between regular DRIVE-S and
DRIVE-S HX, except to say it is improved.
Also the higher level units, both those in the Specialty Series and a few in
the normal series have dual "24-bit multi-segmented Burr-Brown by Texas
Instruments" D/A converters!
All models have sub output; either dedicated or (on lower models) via a
switchable rear pre-amp out (switches to SW in the menu).
Almost every model is MP3/ATRAC3/ATRAC3plus capable as well, I noticed.
Now don't get me wrong none are really a "replacement" for a unit like the
C90; but these are some serious improvements by Sony on their car audio
line. I don't need to buy another HU right now, but if I were buying one
for another car, I would seriously be considering either CDX-F7815 or the
CDX-M8815; they look quite good really. Again not as a replacement of a
very high end deck like a C90 but as far as mainstream decks go it looks
like Sony is right back in it! Finally after like 5 years!
All the initial reviews I've been reading for these decks are good; 'course
no one has had one for very long to know about reliability but they do seem
very much improved from the past Xplod efforts.
Curiously, last year there were the units that ended in the "5" which simply
meant different face illumination. This year the same face illumination
differences also follows with the 5 ending but all the 5 ending units are
also Specialty Series. So, for example the CDX-F7810 has red illumination
and DRIVE-S; whereas the F7815 has blue illumination and is Specialty Series
and has DRIVE-S HX. Both have the Burr-Brown D/As though, I believe.
Anyway here are the press releases (the first one with the regular gear has
pictures of all the new units available--click on the side frame).
Regular units:
http://news.sel.sony.com/pressrelease/5488
Specialty Series units:
http://news.sel.sony.com/pressrelease/5505
Anyway hopefully no one has posted this already (don't remember reading
anything about it here).
Opinions anyone?
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Tony Antoniou" <larz(at)s054.aone.net.au> |
| Subject: | The new mobile ES??? |
My only disappointment is that they haven't bothered to improve on their
Minidisc line as well. I currently have the MDX-C8900 and I'm fearful of
what might happen when replacement optical units are no longer available to
repair it considering that in three more years, it will be ten years old and
that's when spares are usually discontinued for products.
Otherwise, they have finally woken up to themselves and tried fiercely
competing with Pioneer and the like with their "flashy" units to regain
their stance in the market. Personally, I could care less for the flash as I
seek quality all 'round, but since 2000, I always felt that Sony dropped the
ball with their line - especially when they no longer bothered with Mobile
ES. The Xplod series, in an attempt to be funky, lost its elegance
altogether. Here's hoping they'll slowly come full circle.
Adios,
Tony
--------------- TAMA - The Strongest Name in Drums ---------------
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com
[mailto:owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Roland M
Subject: XDP4000X-List: The new mobile ES???
"This year we've dramatically expanded both the performance and the feature
content of our Xplod Specialty Series to exceed the expectations of our
customer as well as mobile electronics retailers," said Andrew Sivori,
director of marketing for mobile electronics at Sony Electronics.
Okay so it isn't exactly "mobile ES"... BUT has anyone seen these new units
from Sony? They have a new ES "type" line called the "Specialty Series".
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Matt Dralle <dralle(at)matronics.com> |
| Subject: | [Please Read] Matronics Email Server Upgrade... |
Dear Listers,
I will be upgrading the Matronics Email Server this weekend. This includes
some hardware improvements - more memory, faster, more capable processors -
as well as a complete operating system upgrade from scratch. I hope to
have both the old system and the new system running at the same time to
minimize the actual impact of the upgrade.
Hopefully there will be little actual downtime during the transition, but a
few posts may get lost in the shuffle. If you don't see your post show up
on the List in the normal amount of time (plus a little bit), then please
just try posting it again.
Upgrading the Matronics Email Server operating system (from Redhat Linux
7.2 to Redhat Linux WS 4) is a sizeable undertaking and requires a great
deal of work to port all of the utilities, programs, and scripts over to
the new system. As I've already mentioned, both the old and new systems
will be on line at the same time, so interruption should be held to an
absolute minimal. You might see a couple of odd test messages during the
cut-over or other odd messages; please just ignore them.
I have setup a new System Status Web Page that I will use to update List
Members on the current status of the email and web systems. Please refer
to it as often as you like:
http://www.matronics.com/SystemStatus/
Thank you for your continued support of the List Services at
Matronics! Its your yearly Contributions that make these major upgrades
possible!
Best regards,
Matt Dralle
Matronics Email List Administrator
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Matt Dralle <dralle(at)matronics.com> |
| Subject: | [Please Read] Matronics Email Server Upgrade Complete! |
Dear Listers,
The upgrade of the Matronics Email Server can be considered complete at
this time. All known issues related to the upgrade process have been
resolved and email services are running normal. The Nightly Digest
processing has not yet been tested and will wait for tonight's update.
If you encounter any odd behavior with respect to the Matronics Email
Server over the next few days, please contact me via email at
dralle(at)matronics.com or if that fails try dralle(at)speakeasy.net.
Thanks to everyone for being patient through this arduous process of a
major system upgrade!
Matt Dralle
Email List Administrator
At 12:37 PM 4/16/2005 Saturday, Matt Dralle wrote:
>Dear Listers,
>
>I will be upgrading the Matronics Email Server this weekend. This
>includes some hardware improvements - more memory, faster, more capable
>processors - as well as a complete operating system upgrade from
>scratch. I hope to have both the old system and the new system running at
>the same time to minimize the actual impact of the upgrade.
>
>Hopefully there will be little actual downtime during the transition, but
>a few posts may get lost in the shuffle. If you don't see your post show
>up on the List in the normal amount of time (plus a little bit), then
>please just try posting it again.
>
>Upgrading the Matronics Email Server operating system (from Redhat Linux
>7.2 to Redhat Linux WS 4) is a sizeable undertaking and requires a great
>deal of work to port all of the utilities, programs, and scripts over to
>the new system. As I've already mentioned, both the old and new systems
>will be on line at the same time, so interruption should be held to an
>absolute minimal. You might see a couple of odd test messages during the
>cut-over or other odd messages; please just ignore them.
>
>I have setup a new System Status Web Page that I will use to update List
>Members on the current status of the email and web systems. Please refer
>to it as often as you like:
>
> http://www.matronics.com/SystemStatus/
>
>
>Thank you for your continued support of the List Services at
>Matronics! Its your yearly Contributions that make these major upgrades
>possible!
>
>Best regards,
>
>Matt Dralle
>Matronics Email List Administrator
Matt G Dralle | Matronics | PO Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
925-606-1001 V | 925-606-6281 F | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
http://www.matronics.com/ WWW | Featuring Products For Aircraft
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "John Anderson" <jbanderson69(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | RE: using sony's 6-disc or 10-disc changer to play MP3s??? |
ok,
my local stereo shop recommended the following changers to use w/my
c90/xdp4k setup:
CDX-T70MX OR CDX--757MX
my question is whether anyone has used these to play mp3s thru their c90 and
if so, how is the c90 for playing mp3s? is is difficult to navigate between
folders? do u see much of the song titles? do the cd's u make for the
changers need to be recorded a certain way and which id3 tags should be
used?
thanks,
john
c90/xdp4k/brax/dyn
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | DB <dbotel6500(at)rogers.com> |
| Subject: | Re: RE: using sony's 6-disc or 10-disc changer to |
play MP3s???
John,
I'd get the 757MX...I used a T70MX and got nothing but problems. It was
driving me nuts!
Sony swapped it out for the 10 disc unit, and all was well again.
Not sure on the C90, but I know that it will show song titles, but
probably using
the ID3v1 tags...I used the deck for a short time, and I don't think
you can navigate
between folders...
D
John Anderson wrote:
>
>ok,
>
>my local stereo shop recommended the following changers to use w/my
>c90/xdp4k setup:
>
>CDX-T70MX OR CDX--757MX
>
>
>my question is whether anyone has used these to play mp3s thru their c90 and
>if so, how is the c90 for playing mp3s? is is difficult to navigate between
>folders? do u see much of the song titles? do the cd's u make for the
>changers need to be recorded a certain way and which id3 tags should be
>used?
>
>thanks,
>john
>c90/xdp4k/brax/dyn
>
>
>
>
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "John Anderson" <jbanderson69(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | RE: using sony's 6-disc or 10-disc changer to play MP3s |
Ugh...no folder navigation...that's going to be a pretty big challenge then.
how is the sound quality of the 10 disc player? is it even close the SQ of
the built in player?
From: DB <dbotel6500(at)rogers.com>
Subject: Re: XDP4000X-List: RE: using sony's 6-disc or 10-disc changer to
play MP3s???
John,
I'd get the 757MX...I used a T70MX and got nothing but problems. It was
driving me nuts!
Sony swapped it out for the 10 disc unit, and all was well again.
Not sure on the C90, but I know that it will show song titles, but
probably using
the ID3v1 tags...I used the deck for a short time, and I don't think
you can navigate
between folders...
D
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Mike Piccin" <mpiccin2(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | My C90 keeps heating up CDs... |
I was on a long trip in my car and had my arsenal of CDs ready to listen
too. So an hour and a half into the trip and my C90 starts acting up....it
would get about 2/3rds the way through the CDs and start skipping and then I
woudl get a "DISC ERROR". When I pulled the CD out of the deck they would
be on really hot...almost too hot to touch! So I would try another CD and
20 minutes later the smae thing.
Why is the C90 making the CDs so hot? Do I have to clean it (since its
never been cleaned since I have owned it for the last 3 years)?
Since I live it Canada do I have to send it the United States to get it
fixed....and how much does it cost?
Sorry about all the questions but I don;t want to lose my beloved c90/4000x
combo.
Thanks,
Mike
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Matt Dralle <dralle(at)matronics.com> |
| Subject: | Re: My C90 keeps heating up CDs... |
I've noticed the same heating issues with my two C90 installations. I
think the heating problem is more an indication of the lack of airflow
behind the dashboard and perhaps the use of the car's heater. I would try
putting some sort of muffin fan underneath the dash blowing cool air up on
the C90 and see if that helps the problem. In my car installation, there
is so little room behind the dash that the display on the C90 starts to
change color after its been on for a while. I rarely play CDs in the C90
itself, although I do from time to time, but I've not had the problem
you're describing. My CDs do come out of the C90 pretty hot, though.
Best regards
Matt Dralle
At 07:56 AM 4/24/2005 Sunday, you wrote:
>
>I was on a long trip in my car and had my arsenal of CDs ready to listen
>too. So an hour and a half into the trip and my C90 starts acting up....it
>would get about 2/3rds the way through the CDs and start skipping and then I
>woudl get a "DISC ERROR". When I pulled the CD out of the deck they would
>be on really hot...almost too hot to touch! So I would try another CD and
>20 minutes later the smae thing.
>
>Why is the C90 making the CDs so hot? Do I have to clean it (since its
>never been cleaned since I have owned it for the last 3 years)?
>
>Since I live it Canada do I have to send it the United States to get it
>fixed....and how much does it cost?
>
>Sorry about all the questions but I don;t want to lose my beloved c90/4000x
>combo.
>
>Thanks,
>Mike
Matt G Dralle | Matronics | PO Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
925-606-1001 V | 925-606-6281 F | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
http://www.matronics.com/ WWW | Featuring Products For Aircraft
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | DB <dbotel6500(at)rogers.com> |
| Subject: | Re: RE: using sony's 6-disc or 10-disc changer to |
play MP3s
Put it this way:
The Audio quality is pretty decent, considering that it was mostly used
for MP3
playback. ;-) If it sounded bad or ugly, it would've got the heave-ho
for me.
If you want a way to contain 7 albums on a CD, it's the only way to go. For
critical listening, the headunit, or the changer with the digital out
would be best,
but by no means is the MP3 changer a slouch in the audio department.
D
John Anderson wrote:
>
>Ugh...no folder navigation...that's going to be a pretty big challenge then.
>how is the sound quality of the 10 disc player? is it even close the SQ of
>the built in player?
>
>From: DB <dbotel6500(at)rogers.com>
>Subject: Re: XDP4000X-List: RE: using sony's 6-disc or 10-disc changer to
> play MP3s???
>
>
>John,
>
>I'd get the 757MX...I used a T70MX and got nothing but problems. It was
>driving me nuts!
>
>Sony swapped it out for the 10 disc unit, and all was well again.
>
>Not sure on the C90, but I know that it will show song titles, but
>probably using
>the ID3v1 tags...I used the deck for a short time, and I don't think
>you can navigate
>between folders...
>
>D
>
>
>
>
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Mike Piccin" <mpiccin2(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | Re: My C90 keeps heating up CDs... |
Matt, I did notice that too once in the winter when I had my heater on,
pushing air through the duct just above the deck. The heat was causing the
deck to warm up. I think the heat causes the CDs to expand, in turn, it
can't pick-up the laser properly.
I'm wondiering why the C90 getting so hot in the first place? I don't
remeber it ever being like this. Is there any way to clean the C90?
----Original Message Follows----
From: Matt Dralle <dralle(at)matronics.com>
Subject: Re: XDP4000X-List: My C90 keeps heating up CDs...
Date: Sun, 24 Apr 2005 09:10:36 -0700
I've noticed the same heating issues with my two C90 installations. I
think the heating problem is more an indication of the lack of airflow
behind the dashboard and perhaps the use of the car's heater. I would try
putting some sort of muffin fan underneath the dash blowing cool air up on
the C90 and see if that helps the problem. In my car installation, there
is so little room behind the dash that the display on the C90 starts to
change color after its been on for a while. I rarely play CDs in the C90
itself, although I do from time to time, but I've not had the problem
you're describing. My CDs do come out of the C90 pretty hot, though.
Best regards
Matt Dralle
At 07:56 AM 4/24/2005 Sunday, you wrote:
>
>I was on a long trip in my car and had my arsenal of CDs ready to listen
>too. So an hour and a half into the trip and my C90 starts acting
up....it
>would get about 2/3rds the way through the CDs and start skipping and then
I
>woudl get a "DISC ERROR". When I pulled the CD out of the deck they would
>be on really hot...almost too hot to touch! So I would try another CD and
>20 minutes later the smae thing.
>
>Why is the C90 making the CDs so hot? Do I have to clean it (since its
>never been cleaned since I have owned it for the last 3 years)?
>
>Since I live it Canada do I have to send it the United States to get it
>fixed....and how much does it cost?
>
>Sorry about all the questions but I don;t want to lose my beloved
c90/4000x
>combo.
>
>Thanks,
>Mike
Matt G Dralle | Matronics | PO Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
925-606-1001 V | 925-606-6281 F | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
http://www.matronics.com/ WWW | Featuring Products For Aircraft
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "John Anderson" <jbanderson69(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | using sony's 6-disc or 10-disc changer to play MP3s |
Well that sounds better, alternatively, is there a preferred changer that
uses the digital out? Which input would I use on my C90? If there are
problems w/heat, etc, it might be a better way to play multiple cd's. also,
I could continue to look for cheaper options for MP3 play, like a used
Phatbox, for example.
From: DB <dbotel6500(at)rogers.com>
Subject: Re: XDP4000X-List: RE: using sony's 6-disc or 10-disc changer to
play MP3s
Put it this way:
The Audio quality is pretty decent, considering that it was mostly used
for MP3
playback. ;-) If it sounded bad or ugly, it would've got the heave-ho
for me.
If you want a way to contain 7 albums on a CD, it's the only way to go. For
critical listening, the headunit, or the changer with the digital out
would be best,
but by no means is the MP3 changer a slouch in the audio department.
D
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | DB <dbotel6500(at)rogers.com> |
| Subject: | Re: using sony's 6-disc or 10-disc changer to play |
MP3s
I had a CDX-C91 changer with digital output in my car, and used it with
a Xa-C30 multiple
CD changer controller to do the changer control splitting with the
XDP-4000. I had the 2 changers in the car running, and had no problems
at all!
http://www.cardomain.com/item/SONXAC30
If you use the XDP-4000, you can plug in the changer there. On the
CDX-C90, the changer
control plug is on the back of the deck. You can plug in the XA-C30 to
the head unit as well,
and control multiple changers as well.
The CDX-C91's optical output is meant for the XDP-4000, and sony's line
of DSP/EQ units.
It will not directly connect to the head unit via optical cable. (only
via analog RCA's)
The Phatbox is NOT a cheap option, however. :-(
D
John Anderson wrote:
>
>Well that sounds better, alternatively, is there a preferred changer that
>uses the digital out? Which input would I use on my C90? If there are
>problems w/heat, etc, it might be a better way to play multiple cd's. also,
>I could continue to look for cheaper options for MP3 play, like a used
>Phatbox, for example.
>
>
>From: DB <dbotel6500(at)rogers.com>
>Subject: Re: XDP4000X-List: RE: using sony's 6-disc or 10-disc changer to
>play MP3s
>
>
>Put it this way:
>
>The Audio quality is pretty decent, considering that it was mostly used
>for MP3
>playback. ;-) If it sounded bad or ugly, it would've got the heave-ho
>for me.
>
>If you want a way to contain 7 albums on a CD, it's the only way to go. For
>critical listening, the headunit, or the changer with the digital out
>would be best,
>but by no means is the MP3 changer a slouch in the audio department.
>
>D
>
>
>
>
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | DJholl98(at)aol.com |
| Subject: | C90+4000X and MP3's |
Ok i have a question, why go to all the trouble of installing a C90/4000x if
you will be using it to play MP3's. what is the point of having a top of
the line system and playing low quality audio through it.
IM not trying to put anyone down, i just think that it defeats the purpose
of having a great system.
Dave
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "David" <d.lengacher(at)mchsi.com> |
| Subject: | hooking up a new c-90 xdp-4000 |
anything i need to know? its been 5 years since i messed with one and this ones
never been hooked up.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | DB <dbotel6500(at)rogers.com> |
| Subject: | Re: C90+4000X and MP3's |
Hmm...Not sure if I want to get into this one, but there's a few
arguments to be made:
- MP3's encoded at a decent bitrate will sound as good as a CD. Not
opinion, but fact.
- MP3s also sound better than any XM "digital" broadcast.
- A car is a noisy enviroment to begin with, so what are the chances of
you really enjoying
the dynamic range that the XDP4K would provide you with?
- You can have your cake and eat it too, by having multiple sources (i.e
MP3, CD audio, etc)
There are many MP3s that are made that are indeed low quality, but you
cannot use the brush
to paint them ALL low quality. By adding an MP3 source, you are not
downgrading your system
to a bad system; it will still be a great system...
My opinion would be: don't knock it 'till you tried it. :-)
D
DJholl98(at)aol.com wrote:
>
>
>Ok i have a question, why go to all the trouble of installing a C90/4000x if
>you will be using it to play MP3's. what is the point of having a top of
>the line system and playing low quality audio through it.
>IM not trying to put anyone down, i just think that it defeats the purpose
>of having a great system.
>
>Dave
>
>
>
>
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Mark Laird" <mark_laird(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | hooking up a new c-90 xdp-4000 |
Just be careful not to drool on it.
mmmmmmm.....new 4000X
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com
[mailto:owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of David
Subject: XDP4000X-List: hooking up a new c-90 xdp-4000
anything i need to know? its been 5 years since i messed with one and this
ones never been hooked up.
--
--
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Scott Walters <scott(at)packetpushers.com> |
| Subject: | Re: C90+4000X and MP3's |
> Ok i have a question, why go to all the trouble of installing a C90/4000x if
> you will be using it to play MP3's. what is the point of having a top of
> the line system and playing low quality audio through it.
> IM not trying to put anyone down, i just think that it defeats the purpose
> of having a great system.
Dr. Walters here (I am not really a Dr. but will play one on this list).
I fear you have been afflicted with Audiophile Nervosa. A terrible
condition for music lovers. You actually become unable to enjoy music
because of sound quality.
http://www.stereophile.com/thinkpieces/51/
The purpose of a great system (any system really) is to enjoy music. If a
great system inhibits the ability to enjoy music, than the afflicted
subject needs serious medical attention.
My recommended treatment is for you to send me all of your high-end gear,
and listen to only low-fi systems. If and when the love of music returns,
I will slowly return your gear.
--
Scott Walters
-PacketPusher
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | DJholl98(at)aol.com |
| Subject: | Re: C90+4000X and MP3's |
Ok I guess I gave people the wrong idea... I am not even close to being an
audiophile.... though I might be someday if I ever get my damn system
finished!!! (but then again I wouldn't have anything left to do but listen to
music
on it, and where is the fun in that)
I wasn't trying to knock mp3's or the people that use them, I just figured
that if you have a 4000x you are not a "normal" person and would be looking for
the best sound quality possible. though I'm sure I probably couldn't tell
the difference between a good mp3 and a cd anyway. also how easy is it to
navigate 100's of mp3 files on a c90 when you cant see a damn thing :o)
OK im going to shut up now before I get myself into any more trouble.... and
just wait for my $2000 speaker cables to come in so I can finish my
system....
Dave
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Carl Renaghan <orudus(at)yahoo.com> |
| Subject: | Re: C90+4000X and MP3's |
Don't be ashamed, just your opinion. I happen to
agree, to a point. I don't like hearing "good" music
when it is encoded to MP3 and played on a superior
system. When I play I
like to hear ALL of what was recorded.
You can tell the difference. MP3 is a lossy
compression scheme, so it wil not sound exactly like a
CD: maybe to some ears, but not mine.
My 2 cts
--- DJholl98(at)aol.com wrote:
> DJholl98(at)aol.com
>
> Ok I guess I gave people the wrong idea... I am not
> even close to being an
> audiophile.... though I might be someday if I ever
> get my damn system
> finished!!! (but then again I wouldn't have anything
> left to do but listen to music
> on it, and where is the fun in that)
> I wasn't trying to knock mp3's or the people that
> use them, I just figured
> that if you have a 4000x you are not a "normal"
> person and would be looking for
> the best sound quality possible. though I'm sure I
> probably couldn't tell
> the difference between a good mp3 and a cd anyway.
> also how easy is it to
> navigate 100's of mp3 files on a c90 when you cant
> see a damn thing :o)
> OK im going to shut up now before I get myself into
> any more trouble.... and
> just wait for my $2000 speaker cables to come in so
> I can finish my
> system....
> Dave
>
>
>
> http://www.matronics.com/xdp4000x-list
> http://www.matronics.com/xdp4000x-list/subscribe
> http://www.matronics.com/xdp4000x-list/search
> http://www.matronics.com/browselist/xdp4000x-list
> http://www.matronics.com/archives
> http://www.matronics.com/xdp4000x-list/download
>
>
>
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "David" <d.lengacher(at)mchsi.com> |
| Subject: | Re: hooking up a new c-90 xdp-4000 |
ok looking at the wiring i have 2 questions. this unit needs illumination
hooked up? and is it best to hook the remote off the xdp 4000 to the amp or
off the deck?
----- Original Message -----
From: "David" <d.lengacher(at)mchsi.com>
Subject: XDP4000X-List: hooking up a new c-90 xdp-4000
>
> anything i need to know? its been 5 years since i messed with one and this
> ones never been hooked up.
>
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "David" <d.lengacher(at)mchsi.com> |
| Subject: | Re: hooking up a new c-90 xdp-4000 |
also to listen to the radio i have to hook up both the rca and fiber optic
cable correct?
----- Original Message -----
From: "David" <d.lengacher(at)mchsi.com>
Subject: XDP4000X-List: hooking up a new c-90 xdp-4000
>
> anything i need to know? its been 5 years since i messed with one and this
> ones never been hooked up.
>
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | DB <dbotel6500(at)rogers.com> |
| Subject: | Re: hooking up a new c-90 xdp-4000 |
Yep, both have to be wired up for the radio audio, as well as the CD audio.
As for the remotes, I keep them wired together, as I suspect that the remote
from the radio also turns on the XDP, no?
D
David wrote:
>
>also to listen to the radio i have to hook up both the rca and fiber optic
>cable correct?
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "David" <d.lengacher(at)mchsi.com>
>To:
>Subject: XDP4000X-List: hooking up a new c-90 xdp-4000
>
>
>
>
>>
>>anything i need to know? its been 5 years since i messed with one and this
>>ones never been hooked up.
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "David" <d.lengacher(at)mchsi.com> |
| Subject: | Re: hooking up a new c-90 xdp-4000 |
well thats where i was getting confused to a degree from the way its drawn
out it has a wire from the remote out to the amp.there is nothing on the xdp
4000 saying its a remote turn on so i figure that is taken care of in the
buss cable?
----- Original Message -----
From: "DB" <dbotel6500(at)rogers.com>
Subject: Re: XDP4000X-List: hooking up a new c-90 xdp-4000
>
> Yep, both have to be wired up for the radio audio, as well as the CD
> audio.
>
> As for the remotes, I keep them wired together, as I suspect that the
> remote
> from the radio also turns on the XDP, no?
>
> D
>
> David wrote:
>
>>
>>also to listen to the radio i have to hook up both the rca and fiber optic
>>cable correct?
>>----- Original Message -----
>>From: "David" <d.lengacher(at)mchsi.com>
>>To:
>>Subject: XDP4000X-List: hooking up a new c-90 xdp-4000
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>>
>>>anything i need to know? its been 5 years since i messed with one and
>>>this
>>>ones never been hooked up.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "David" <d.lengacher(at)mchsi.com> |
| Subject: | Re: hooking up a new c-90 xdp-4000 |
lol i just feel kinda stupid and nervous about it because 6 years after i
get it im finally putting it in. so over the years that i had it i forgot
ALOT about it
----- Original Message -----
From: "DB" <dbotel6500(at)rogers.com>
Subject: Re: XDP4000X-List: hooking up a new c-90 xdp-4000
>
> Yep, both have to be wired up for the radio audio, as well as the CD
> audio.
>
> As for the remotes, I keep them wired together, as I suspect that the
> remote
> from the radio also turns on the XDP, no?
>
> D
>
> David wrote:
>
>>
>>also to listen to the radio i have to hook up both the rca and fiber optic
>>cable correct?
>>----- Original Message -----
>>From: "David" <d.lengacher(at)mchsi.com>
>>To:
>>Subject: XDP4000X-List: hooking up a new c-90 xdp-4000
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>>
>>>anything i need to know? its been 5 years since i messed with one and
>>>this
>>>ones never been hooked up.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Randy Visentine <randyman(at)gmail.com> |
| Subject: | Re: hooking up a new c-90 xdp-4000 |
I just use the XDP's REMOTE as my main system remote. I don't even
use the C90's Remote wire. The Illumination wire is only for the DIM
function (Display dims when +12V is applied), and with a C90 is a
totally useless feature.
You will need the wireless remote to setup the clock, etc. Save your
XDP settings onto your PC as a backup, or for quick reference of
forgotten parameters. You can also name the XDP presets when the PC
is connected. Just a few tips that came to mind.
Enjoy your new toy!
Randy V.
Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy-Guy
On 4/27/05, David wrote:
>
> lol i just feel kinda stupid and nervous about it because 6 years after i
> get it im finally putting it in. so over the years that i had it i forgot
> ALOT about it
--
Randy V.
Houston, TX
Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy Guy
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "David" <d.lengacher(at)mchsi.com> |
| Subject: | Re: hooking up a new c-90 xdp-4000 |
thank you!!! im glad this place exists. i tried getting software from sony
and they couldnt help. the place i got this set up from gave their software
away so i thought i was going to have a $1000 paper weight lol.i originally
got this for a much larger system but women and job security sort of
happered that..anyway thank you for all the help. im sure when i start
tuning it ill be back here asking more simple user questions as the
installer at the place i got it from has also forgotten alot lol.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Randy Visentine" <randyman(at)gmail.com>
Subject: Re: XDP4000X-List: hooking up a new c-90 xdp-4000
>
> I just use the XDP's REMOTE as my main system remote. I don't even
> use the C90's Remote wire. The Illumination wire is only for the DIM
> function (Display dims when +12V is applied), and with a C90 is a
> totally useless feature.
>
> You will need the wireless remote to setup the clock, etc. Save your
> XDP settings onto your PC as a backup, or for quick reference of
> forgotten parameters. You can also name the XDP presets when the PC
> is connected. Just a few tips that came to mind.
>
> Enjoy your new toy!
>
> Randy V.
> Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy-Guy
>
> On 4/27/05, David wrote:
>>
>> lol i just feel kinda stupid and nervous about it because 6 years after i
>> get it im finally putting it in. so over the years that i had it i forgot
>> ALOT about it
> --
> Randy V.
> Houston, TX
> Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy Guy
>
>
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Roland M" <mdx400(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | Re: using sony's 6-disc or 10-disc changer to play MP3s |
>
>The Phatbox is NOT a cheap option, however. :-(
>
>D
>
Isn't that thing getting cheaper now though? I see the Kenwood Music Kegs
(based on the Phatbox but for Kenwood interface), refurbed, and at something
like $150-$200 US depending on the size/capacity of the HDD/cartridge
included. That's a lot cheaper than it used to be, new, and when it came
out... I would hope that the "standard" Phatbox has gone down in price
similarly (while perhaps not as low since you might not get a refurbished
one).
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "John Anderson" <jbanderson69(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | RE: CD Changer w/digital out to connect to xdp4k...was |
mp3 changer
ok,
so, if i don't go w/a MP3 changer, is it hard to find a Sony changer w/a
digital output that can connect to my xdp4k? I know that Sony has stopped
making these, and if so, which is the recommended piece, especially in terms
of shock resistance and durability? Also, do any of the changers play
recorded Cd-rs? my c90 has problems w/some recorded discs, and sometimes i
get pops and crackles while playing these discs.
Finally, if anyone has one of these changer for sale in good condition,
please let me know, as I would definitely like to find a way to play more
cd's in my car.
thanks,
John
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Ethan <telmnstr(at)757.org> |
| Subject: | Re: RE: CD Changer w/digital out to connect to |
xdp4k...was mp3 changer
> ok,
> so, if i don't go w/a MP3 changer, is it hard to find a Sony changer w/a
> digital output that can connect to my xdp4k? I know that Sony has stopped
> making these, and if so, which is the recommended piece, especially in terms
> of shock resistance and durability? Also, do any of the changers play
> recorded Cd-rs? my c90 has problems w/some recorded discs, and sometimes i
> get pops and crackles while playing these discs.
> Finally, if anyone has one of these changer for sale in good condition,
> please let me know, as I would definitely like to find a way to play more
> cd's in my car.
> thanks,
> John
I don't believe any MP3 capable changer has optical outputs. A few months
back I posted some infos that show the 757 changer looks to have the
needed circuitry inside to drive optical output, it's just not wired to
the port and analog/digital switch.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Roland M" <mdx400(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | RE: CD Changer w/digital out to connect to xdp4k...was |
mp3
changer
>
>
>ok,
>
>so, if i don't go w/a MP3 changer, is it hard to find a Sony changer w/a
>digital output that can connect to my xdp4k? I know that Sony has stopped
>making these, and if so, which is the recommended piece, especially in
>terms
>of shock resistance and durability? Also, do any of the changers play
>recorded Cd-rs? my c90 has problems w/some recorded discs, and sometimes i
>get pops and crackles while playing these discs.
>
>thanks,
>John
Off hand I can think of the following that had the optical output...
CDX- 91, 805, 828, 838 and 848X
The 91 is pretty old-skool at this point. It was an excellent changer but
keep in mind finding one it will almost always been used and because of the
age of the design, it will be used for several years no doubt. I hear the
error correction on it wasn't as good as the newer ones so you might want to
take that into account.
The CDX-805 and up are all pretty much the same internally, the differences
vary mainly in cosmetics. The 828 has a different door/front panel; the 838
is the same as the 828 but it is red instead of sliver and the 848X is also
red but has a larger plastic door with no window (looks kind of toy-like
really). I believe they may have switched from manufacturing in Japan after
the 828 as well, but I could be wrong.
All of the above changers have a form of ESP (Electronic Shock
Protection/memory buffer). However starting with the 828 Sony changed from
ESP to Advanced ESP--a better strategy for filling/emptying the buffer which
also had better power consumption characteristics (why that matters in a car
I have no idea but that is what Sony had claimed).
As for error correction, I can comment that my CDX-828 is almost amazing on
that point. It reads through most scratches perfectly. It doesn't like
fingerprints or smudges/smears on the disc, however. But as long as the
disc is clean the 828 is pretty darn good at reading scratched/damaged
discs. I have one CD where the last track, I cannot get it to play in ANY
CD player I own (even computer CD and DVD -ROM drives where error correction
is paramount) without skipping in this one certain spot. However in the 828
it plays perfectly. I actually wanted that track on a MiniDisc I was making
once and couldn't get it to read properly anywhere so I had to make the
recording off the digital output in the car!
Anyway hope that info helps. You can find pretty much any of these changers
on eBay, by the way. I think nowadays they sell in the $100 US range, used.
If you're really lucky you can sometimes find a brand new one.
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "John Anderson" <jbanderson69(at)hotmail.com> |
Roland,
thanks for the info! does the CDX-828 play recorded CD's w/out problem as
well?
is anyone on this list thinking about selling their cdx-828? :-) ..since i
cant find any on ebay....
regards,
John
From: "Roland M" <mdx400(at)hotmail.com>
Subject: RE: XDP4000X-List: RE: CD Changer w/digital out to connect to
xdp4k...was
mp3
changer
>
>
>ok,
>
>so, if i don't go w/a MP3 changer, is it hard to find a Sony changer w/a
>digital output that can connect to my xdp4k? I know that Sony has stopped
>making these, and if so, which is the recommended piece, especially in
>terms
>of shock resistance and durability? Also, do any of the changers play
>recorded Cd-rs? my c90 has problems w/some recorded discs, and sometimes
i
>get pops and crackles while playing these discs.
>
>thanks,
>John
Off hand I can think of the following that had the optical output...
CDX- 91, 805, 828, 838 and 848X
The 91 is pretty old-skool at this point. It was an excellent changer but
keep in mind finding one it will almost always been used and because of the
age of the design, it will be used for several years no doubt. I hear the
error correction on it wasn't as good as the newer ones so you might want to
take that into account.
The CDX-805 and up are all pretty much the same internally, the differences
vary mainly in cosmetics. The 828 has a different door/front panel; the 838
is the same as the 828 but it is red instead of sliver and the 848X is also
red but has a larger plastic door with no window (looks kind of toy-like
really). I believe they may have switched from manufacturing in Japan after
the 828 as well, but I could be wrong.
All of the above changers have a form of ESP (Electronic Shock
Protection/memory buffer). However starting with the 828 Sony changed from
ESP to Advanced ESP--a better strategy for filling/emptying the buffer which
also had better power consumption characteristics (why that matters in a car
I have no idea but that is what Sony had claimed).
As for error correction, I can comment that my CDX-828 is almost amazing on
that point. It reads through most scratches perfectly. It doesn't like
fingerprints or smudges/smears on the disc, however. But as long as the
disc is clean the 828 is pretty darn good at reading scratched/damaged
discs. I have one CD where the last track, I cannot get it to play in ANY
CD player I own (even computer CD and DVD -ROM drives where error correction
is paramount) without skipping in this one certain spot. However in the 828
it plays perfectly. I actually wanted that track on a MiniDisc I was making
once and couldn't get it to read properly anywhere so I had to make the
recording off the digital output in the car!
Anyway hope that info helps. You can find pretty much any of these changers
on eBay, by the way. I think nowadays they sell in the $100 US range, used.
If you're really lucky you can sometimes find a brand new one.
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Stylnconcepts(at)aol.com |
| Subject: | Re: RE: cdx-828... |
does anyone have 1 foot for an 828...one of mine got broken in a head on
collision. I need to replace this.
Paul
________________________________________________________________________________
| Subject: | Re: RE: cdx-828... |
In a message dated 5/5/2005 3:32:01 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
Stylnconcepts(at)aol.com writes:
does anyone have 1 foot for an 828...one of mine got broken in a head on
collision. I need to replace this.
Paul
I only have a couple of CDX-805's layin around......... :(
Dan
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "David" <d.lengacher(at)mchsi.com> |
| Subject: | how do i get my xdp 4000 to take files? |
i dont have a lap top so i have to long run the cable from inside to outside. how
do i get the xdp 4000 to take the files? i cant tell what i am doing with it
and my xdp 4000 manual doesnt explain anything. does the software here expire?
i am excited and lost lol. i named my files new 1 for each setting in the x
over and eq shouldnt it say that as i scan through? thanks in advance.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "David" <d.lengacher(at)mchsi.com> |
| Subject: | Re: how do i get my xdp 4000 to take files? |
let me restate the problem so im not missing anything. the new file name
doesnt appear in the unit (still sounds yucky) . when i try com ports 1 or 2
says it cannot find target when i select 3 or 4 it asks me about the "com
port" properties yet lets me go into the software. i just found the manual
here but i dont know about the if the name appears in the deck or the
computer program only.
----- Original Message -----
From: "David" <d.lengacher(at)mchsi.com>
Subject: XDP4000X-List: how do i get my xdp 4000 to take files?
>
> i dont have a lap top so i have to long run the cable from inside to
> outside. how do i get the xdp 4000 to take the files? i cant tell what i
> am doing with it and my xdp 4000 manual doesnt explain anything. does the
> software here expire? i am excited and lost lol. i named my files new 1
> for each setting in the x over and eq shouldnt it say that as i scan
> through? thanks in advance.
>
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | DB <dbotel6500(at)rogers.com> |
| Subject: | Re: how do i get my xdp 4000 to take files? |
David,
Make certain that you are using a null-modem cable. It cannot be any
ordinary serial cable.
D
David wrote:
>
>let me restate the problem so im not missing anything. the new file name
>doesnt appear in the unit (still sounds yucky) . when i try com ports 1 or 2
>says it cannot find target when i select 3 or 4 it asks me about the "com
>port" properties yet lets me go into the software. i just found the manual
>here but i dont know about the if the name appears in the deck or the
>computer program only.
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "David" <d.lengacher(at)mchsi.com>
>To:
>Subject: XDP4000X-List: how do i get my xdp 4000 to take files?
>
>
>
>
>>
>>i dont have a lap top so i have to long run the cable from inside to
>>outside. how do i get the xdp 4000 to take the files? i cant tell what i
>>am doing with it and my xdp 4000 manual doesnt explain anything. does the
>>software here expire? i am excited and lost lol. i named my files new 1
>>for each setting in the x over and eq shouldnt it say that as i scan
>>through? thanks in advance.
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Roland M" <mdx400(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | Re: how do i get my xdp 4000 to take files? |
>
>David,
>
>Make certain that you are using a null-modem cable. It cannot be any
>ordinary serial cable.
>
>D
>
Also if you already have a regular ("straight-through") serial cable,
instead of buying a whole new cable you can simply buy a null-modem adapter
that fits on the cable end and essentially makes the cable into a null-modem
cable.
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Roland M" <mdx400(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | Re: RE: cdx-828... |
>
>does anyone have 1 foot for an 828...one of mine got broken in a head on
>collision. I need to replace this.
>
>Paul
Foot? My changer doesn't have any "feet" I don't think... Are you
referring to mounting brackets or does your changer actually have some kind
of feet on it?
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Roland M" <mdx400(at)hotmail.com> |
>
>
>Roland,
>
>thanks for the info! does the CDX-828 play recorded CD's w/out problem as
>well?
>
>is anyone on this list thinking about selling their cdx-828? :-) ..since i
>cant find any on ebay....
>
>regards,
>John
>
Hmm, well it plays CD-Rs no problem (nearly all CD players do anyway) but it
cannot play CD-RWs (at least the ones I've tried anyway).
As for finding one, don't give up. Just because something isn't on eBay
today doesn't mean another won't pop up soon. Usually a lot sooner than you
think, so keep checking.
I did find a CDX-838 doing a quick search on eBay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=85808&item=5771852303&rd=1
The 838 is identical to the 828 with the exception of the colour (red
instead of silver/champagne).
One thing I would recommend if you do end up buying one online from someone
on eBay is to ensure that that shipment is insured. Back when I got my 828
it was used from someone on eBay as well. I assumed the seller would insure
it and he didn't. Apparently the changers aren't hard to damage in
shipping... It was shipped in its original box but the changer jammed and
the pickup would not read discs properly when I got it. Seller denied
responsibility but luckily the unit was still under warranty and the seller
had the receipt. So he sent the receipt and I sent it in to Sony and it was
fixed and has worked perfectly since, but if it wasn't under warranty and/or
if the guy didn't have the receipt I'd have been screwed... So just a tip
regarding shipping.
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Stylnconcepts(at)aol.com |
| Subject: | Re: RE: cdx-828... |
yes i am speaking of the mounting tabs...or feet
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Stylnconcepts(at)aol.com |
| Subject: | Re: RE: cdx-828... |
i think the mounts are the same
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Scott Thibault <tbone7467(at)yahoo.com> |
--> XDP4000X-List message posted by: Scott Thibault
Will this work with the CDX-C90?? I think the answer was no but cant remeber I
have been noticing on Ebay that a lot of sellers claim that it works with unilink
decks? I am looking to get the xav-7w to use as a monitor and cant seem to
find a XT-40v Tv tuner. I see a ton of the XT-63V.
---------------------------------
Stay connected, organized, and protected. Take the tour
________________________________________________________________________________
| Subject: | Re: XDP4000X-List Digest: 1 Msgs - 05/17/05 |
--> XDP4000X-List message posted by: Sqxpert(at)aol.com
e take me off this mailing list
thanks
tim
sqxpert(at)aol.com
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Roland M" <mdx400(at)hotmail.com> |
>From: Scott Thibault <tbone7467(at)yahoo.com>
>Reply-To: xdp4000x-list(at)matronics.com
>To: xdp4000x-list(at)matronics.com
>Subject: XDP4000X-List: XT-63V
>Date: Tue, 17 May 2005 22:29:19 -0700 (PDT)
>
>
>Will this work with the CDX-C90?? I think the answer was no but cant
>remeber I have been noticing on Ebay that a lot of sellers claim that it
>works with unilink decks? I am looking to get the xav-7w to use as a
>monitor and cant seem to find a XT-40v Tv tuner. I see a ton of the XT-63V.
>
I thought the sole purpose of the XT-63V was that it was to be used with the
XAV-7W. The 63V was designed to work with the 7W but with the 7W
controlling it. The C90 was not meant to control the 63V. In fact Sony
even specifially stated with the 63V that it was only to be used with the 7W
at that time and not other UniLink decks. However it might well work
despite this, perhaps inperfectly (similar to how XDP units behave when
connected to HUs with built-in DSP or HX-DSP which were not meant to control
an XDP because of the built-in DSP unit).
If you have both a C90 and a 7W I can't see how it could hurt to try.
Because even if it didn't work with the C90 controlling it, the 7W would
definitely control it.
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Scott Thibault <tbone7467(at)yahoo.com> |
well I might just have to try. the deal I was working on for a 7w fell through
so I am still looking. I am really likeing the new deck also with touch screen.
hopefully I will get my c90 back from sony soon so I can start installing what
I have
>From: Scott Thibault
>Reply-To: xdp4000x-list(at)matronics.com
>To: xdp4000x-list(at)matronics.com
>Subject: XDP4000X-List: XT-63V
>Date: Tue, 17 May 2005 22:29:19 -0700 (PDT)
>
>
>Will this work with the CDX-C90?? I think the answer was no but cant
>remeber I have been noticing on Ebay that a lot of sellers claim that it
>works with unilink decks? I am looking to get the xav-7w to use as a
>monitor and cant seem to find a XT-40v Tv tuner. I see a ton of the XT-63V.
>
I thought the sole purpose of the XT-63V was that it was to be used with the
XAV-7W. The 63V was designed to work with the 7W but with the 7W
controlling it. The C90 was not meant to control the 63V. In fact Sony
even specifially stated with the 63V that it was only to be used with the 7W
at that time and not other UniLink decks. However it might well work
despite this, perhaps inperfectly (similar to how XDP units behave when
connected to HUs with built-in DSP or HX-DSP which were not meant to control
an XDP because of the built-in DSP unit).
If you have both a C90 and a 7W I can't see how it could hurt to try.
Because even if it didn't work with the C90 controlling it, the 7W would
definitely control it.
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Matt Dralle <dralle(at)matronics.com> |
| Subject: | Sony VLP-VW12HT Projector Problem - Off Topic, But Useful |
If
You Need It...
I had some problems with my Sony VPL-VW12HT LCD Projector and had to do a
little corrective surgery to get it working again. Here's a nifty web page
on what I had to do...
http://www.matronics.com/SonyVPL-VW12HTRepair/
Thought you guys might find it interesting...
Matt
Matt G Dralle | Matronics | PO Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
925-606-1001 V | 925-606-6281 F | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
http://www.matronics.com/ WWW | Featuring Products For Aircraft
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Scott Thibault <tbone7467(at)yahoo.com> |
here is what I read about the Xt-63v:
Sony XT-63V TV Tuner
click here to view an enlarged imageWrite a review for this item. CarDomain Overview
Add the XT-63V to any UniLink compatible Sony head unit for mobile TV reception.
The diversity circuit with 4 separate antenna inputs ensures excellent off-air
reception. Two glass-mount dipole antennas are included. UniLink pass-through
connections allow an additional UniLink component, such as a CD changer, to
be used in addition to the TV tuner. There's also an auxiliary A/V input with
source switching. Compatible with most Sony UniLink head units, including the
XAV-7W in-dash monitor. Includes A/V connection cable, UniLink connection cable,
and two glass-mount dipole antennas.
Features
Diversity System with 4 Antenna Inputs
Includes Twin Dipole Antennas
UniLink Head Unit Controlled
UniLink Pass-Through for Additional Accessory
A/V Input with Source Switching
Channel 2 69 NTSC Reception
Dimensions: 5 1/2" L x 7 3/8" W x 1 3/16" H
also there was a xt-v70??
Roland M wrote:
>From: Scott Thibault
>Reply-To: xdp4000x-list(at)matronics.com
>To: xdp4000x-list(at)matronics.com
>Subject: XDP4000X-List: XT-63V
>Date: Tue, 17 May 2005 22:29:19 -0700 (PDT)
>
>
>Will this work with the CDX-C90?? I think the answer was no but cant
>remeber I have been noticing on Ebay that a lot of sellers claim that it
>works with unilink decks? I am looking to get the xav-7w to use as a
>monitor and cant seem to find a XT-40v Tv tuner. I see a ton of the XT-63V.
>
I thought the sole purpose of the XT-63V was that it was to be used with the
XAV-7W. The 63V was designed to work with the 7W but with the 7W
controlling it. The C90 was not meant to control the 63V. In fact Sony
even specifially stated with the 63V that it was only to be used with the 7W
at that time and not other UniLink decks. However it might well work
despite this, perhaps inperfectly (similar to how XDP units behave when
connected to HUs with built-in DSP or HX-DSP which were not meant to control
an XDP because of the built-in DSP unit).
If you have both a C90 and a 7W I can't see how it could hurt to try.
Because even if it didn't work with the C90 controlling it, the 7W would
definitely control it.
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Roland M" <mdx400(at)hotmail.com> |
>
>here is what I read about the Xt-63v:
>Sony XT-63V TV Tuner
>Add the XT-63V to any UniLink compatible Sony head unit for mobile TV
>reception.
Hmm that is interesting, I've never seen it as listed as such (being
connected to "any" UniLink compatible HU), but that is what it says there.
Ordering from CarDomain/SoundDomain (where that info came from) you could
probably return it if it didn't work (you could probably return it there
anyway I think).
This is the Crutchfield archive page:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-5dVvTaLEDKW/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=166350&id=essential_info&i=158XT63V
It doesn't mention anything except the 7W as being connected to it. In the
extended information tab I *swear* before Crutchfield had a warning about it
being unable to be connected to other Sony HUs, but that doesn't show now so
who knows?
There is a small flaw in the line it can be connected to "any UniLink
compatible HU" though, and that is that there were lots of HUs that had
UniLink *changer* control but did not feature TV and/or DSP control as well.
TV/DSP control was mainly reserved for mobile ES units, for the most part
(though there might have been non-ES units featuring one or both).
Again, I think the only way to know for certain is to actually try it out
and see. Since it seems no one here has attempted it, if you choose to do
it then you become the guinea pig I guess. But really it at least *seems*
to me that it should work. Did you try downloading the manual(s) for the
63V and checking in there?
>also there was a xt-v70??
>
As for there being an XT-70V, I know of no UniLink Sony mobile TV tuner that
got that model designation for the North American market. Though there may
well have been a 70V either in Europe or Japan, but I have no idea myself.
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Ethan <telmnstr(at)757.org> |
The XT-40V TV tuner require a deck that can control a mobile TV tuner....
My MDX-C150 wouldn't run my XT-40V, but the MDX-C8900 has no problems.
When I had the XT-40V on my MDX-C150, it would show track and title
information, but there was no way to activate the TV tuner/video input..
the C150 just has MD/CD/TUNER buttons... the C8900 has a source button
that takes you thru all of the inputs.
PErhaps the 63V is different... but Sony themselves told me the C150 would
drive the XT-40V, and it wouldn't.
I think the 8900 says "TV CONTROL" in small print, as well as DSP
control...
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Scott Thibault <tbone7467(at)yahoo.com> |
where can I get the manual at?
>
>here is what I read about the Xt-63v:
>Sony XT-63V TV Tuner
>Add the XT-63V to any UniLink compatible Sony head unit for mobile TV
>reception.
Hmm that is interesting, I've never seen it as listed as such (being
connected to "any" UniLink compatible HU), but that is what it says there.
Ordering from CarDomain/SoundDomain (where that info came from) you could
probably return it if it didn't work (you could probably return it there
anyway I think).
This is the Crutchfield archive page:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-5dVvTaLEDKW/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=166350&id=essential_info&i=158XT63V
It doesn't mention anything except the 7W as being connected to it. In the
extended information tab I *swear* before Crutchfield had a warning about it
being unable to be connected to other Sony HUs, but that doesn't show now so
who knows?
There is a small flaw in the line it can be connected to "any UniLink
compatible HU" though, and that is that there were lots of HUs that had
UniLink *changer* control but did not feature TV and/or DSP control as well.
TV/DSP control was mainly reserved for mobile ES units, for the most part
(though there might have been non-ES units featuring one or both).
Again, I think the only way to know for certain is to actually try it out
and see. Since it seems no one here has attempted it, if you choose to do
it then you become the guinea pig I guess. But really it at least *seems*
to me that it should work. Did you try downloading the manual(s) for the
63V and checking in there?
>also there was a xt-v70??
>
As for there being an XT-70V, I know of no UniLink Sony mobile TV tuner that
got that model designation for the North American market. Though there may
well have been a 70V either in Europe or Japan, but I have no idea myself.
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Roland M" <mdx400(at)hotmail.com> |
>
>where can I get the manual at?
>
Almost all Sony manuals can be found here, just by typing in the model
number in the box...
http://www.iq.sony.com/srvs/sosdocs/default.asp?src=sonysupport
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Ethan <telmnstr(at)757.org> |
> As for there being an XT-70V, I know of no UniLink Sony mobile TV tuner that
> got that model designation for the North American market. Though there may
> well have been a 70V either in Europe or Japan, but I have no idea myself.
> Roland M.
I actually saw a XT-40V that was much larger than mine at a Sony outlet
store, IIRC...
So I think there are two physically different XT-40Vs, but I'm not sure. I
could be mistaken, I could be thinking of the 67V or something... but to
the best of my memory I was thinking "So thats a XT-40V" ... then when I
bought one from eBay it arrived much smaller than the one I saw there in
South Carolina.
-- Ethan
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Roland M" <mdx400(at)hotmail.com> |
>
>I actually saw a XT-40V that was much larger than mine at a Sony outlet
>store, IIRC...
>
>So I think there are two physically different XT-40Vs, but I'm not sure. I
>could be mistaken, I could be thinking of the 67V or something... but to
>the best of my memory I was thinking "So thats a XT-40V" ... then when I
>bought one from eBay it arrived much smaller than the one I saw there in
>South Carolina.
>
> -- Ethan
Hmm from what you're saying it sounds like you might be confused between
seeing two XT-40Vs and an XT-U400V and an XT-40V. The two are nearly
identical and it may be that the older U400V was larger. This is just one
possibility I can think of, it might be that there were actually two
different sized revisions of the 40V (though I've never heard of that or
seen that before myself).
Mistaking the 63V and 40V is nearly impossible though so that couldn't be
it--the 63V is silver and the 40V is black.
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Ethan <telmnstr(at)757.org> |
> Hmm from what you're saying it sounds like you might be confused between
> seeing two XT-40Vs and an XT-U400V and an XT-40V. The two are nearly
> identical and it may be that the older U400V was larger. This is just one
> possibility I can think of, it might be that there were actually two
> different sized revisions of the 40V (though I've never heard of that or
> seen that before myself).
> Mistaking the 63V and 40V is nearly impossible though so that couldn't be
> it--the 63V is silver and the 40V is black.
> Roland M.
Ah yes! Good chance it was indeed the U-400V.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Scott Thibault <tbone7467(at)yahoo.com> |
here is what I am wondering, is there any advantage to the having the xt-63v over
the xt-40v. besides that we know the cdx-c90 works with the xt-40v 100%. I
have a chance to get either for like 150 and a little less for the 40v
>
>I actually saw a XT-40V that was much larger than mine at a Sony outlet
>store, IIRC...
>
>So I think there are two physically different XT-40Vs, but I'm not sure. I
>could be mistaken, I could be thinking of the 67V or something... but to
>the best of my memory I was thinking "So thats a XT-40V" ... then when I
>bought one from eBay it arrived much smaller than the one I saw there in
>South Carolina.
>
> -- Ethan
Hmm from what you're saying it sounds like you might be confused between
seeing two XT-40Vs and an XT-U400V and an XT-40V. The two are nearly
identical and it may be that the older U400V was larger. This is just one
possibility I can think of, it might be that there were actually two
different sized revisions of the 40V (though I've never heard of that or
seen that before myself).
Mistaking the 63V and 40V is nearly impossible though so that couldn't be
it--the 63V is silver and the 40V is black.
Roland M.
---------------------------------
Stay connected, organized, and protected. Take the tour
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Scott Walters <scott(at)packetpushers.com> |
| Subject: | OT FS Car Auction |
I thought some of the car audio enthusiasts might be interested in
this auction. I used the C90/4000 setup with a three-way up front and
loved it.
1992 Toyota Camry LE
100+sq Feet Dynamat Extreme
QLogic Kicks
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4553235297&category=6017&sspagename=WDVW
I realize I am pushing some Netiquette with this post, but I'd
love to see the car go to an enthusiast. And I have my flame suit handy.
--
Scott Walters
-PacketPusher
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "WB Corp South" <wbsouth(at)comcast.net> |
| Subject: | OT FS Car Auction |
Obviously the C90/4000 combo was worth more than the car itself. Wise
choice on removing them before sale :).
If it were me "pimping" the sale on this car, I would have spent the extra
day putting it back together. Probably would have gotten you an extra 300
or so at the end of the auction.
And one more thing. Where on God's green earth did you get that vinyl for
the back seat? Looks like it came from a taxi cab.
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com
[mailto:owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Scott Walters
Subject: XDP4000X-List: OT FS Car Auction
-->
I thought some of the car audio enthusiasts might be interested in
this auction. I used the C90/4000 setup with a three-way up front and loved
it.
1992 Toyota Camry LE
100+sq Feet Dynamat Extreme
QLogic Kicks
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=455323529
7&category=6017&sspagename=WDVW
I realize I am pushing some Netiquette with this post, but I'd love
to see the car go to an enthusiast. And I have my flame suit handy.
--
Scott Walters
-PacketPusher
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "mrblackc2003(at)yahoo.com" <mrblackc2003(at)yahoo.com> |
I just bought this amp from a user of a different forum, but haven't
yet had the chance to test it out. In the mean time I was sharing my
purchase with some others on another forum and I now have a guy who,
after looking at the internals of the amp, claims that the amp won't put
out more than 1500 watts regardless of how it's wired. This to me
seems a little odd considering the things I've heard about this amp, let
alone the original sticker price when the thing was new. I'm curious if
anyone has any specifics on this amp. He seems to be pretty interested
in the type of outputs in the amp, claiming to see 4 TO-247 output
mosfets per channel, and that it only uses TO-220 fets along the power
supply. Can anyone verify this?
I want to believe the amp is capable of more than 1500 rms, but
then again this guy seems to know what he's talking about too. Anyone out
there with some other facts or insight?
---------------------------------
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | DJholl98(at)aol.com |
do you have the manual?
in there it says it puts out 1000w RMS per channel minimum @ 1 ohm and 4000w
bridged @ 2ohm
Dave
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "mrblackc2003(at)yahoo.com" <mrblackc2003(at)yahoo.com> |
Yeah, I have that, and that is indeed what it says it'll do, but they're saying
the amp is overrated. I'm just looking for proof for or otherwise.
do you have the manual?
in there it says it puts out 1000w RMS per channel minimum @ 1 ohm and 4000w
bridged @ 2ohm
Dave
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Roland M" <mdx400(at)hotmail.com> |
>
>
>Yeah, I have that, and that is indeed what it says it'll do, but they're
>saying the amp is overrated. I'm just looking for proof for or otherwise.
>
While it may not be unusual to see Sony overrating their amps in recent
years (with all the Xplod garbage prior to this year especially) their older
amps were usually fairly rated, if not underrrated a bit. Since the 2000R
was probably the highest-model car amp Sony ever made for the North American
market, I would hope that their rating was legitimate on it! Especially
considering the price (as you mentioned).
But to find out for sure... Have it bench tested--thats the only way I can
think of that you can be 100% sure about its output.
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Scott Thibault <tbone7467(at)yahoo.com> |
if your not happy with it. I might be willing to take that off your hands
Yeah, I have that, and that is indeed what it says it'll do, but they're saying
the amp is overrated. I'm just looking for proof for or otherwise.
do you have the manual?
in there it says it puts out 1000w RMS per channel minimum @ 1 ohm and 4000w
bridged @ 2ohm
Dave
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "mrblackc2003(at)yahoo.com" <mrblackc2003(at)yahoo.com> |
Ha ha, we'll see. If I ever decide to sell, I'll keep you in mind. =)
if your not happy with it. I might be willing to take that off your hands
Yeah, I have that, and that is indeed what it says it'll do, but they're saying
the amp is overrated. I'm just looking for proof for or otherwise.
do you have the manual?
in there it says it puts out 1000w RMS per channel minimum @ 1 ohm and 4000w
bridged @ 2ohm
Dave
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Scott Thibault <tbone7467(at)yahoo.com> |
hahahaha thanks man. so did you get the ref speakers also??
Ha ha, we'll see. If I ever decide to sell, I'll keep you in mind. =)
if your not happy with it. I might be willing to take that off your hands
Yeah, I have that, and that is indeed what it says it'll do, but they're saying
the amp is overrated. I'm just looking for proof for or otherwise.
do you have the manual?
in there it says it puts out 1000w RMS per channel minimum @ 1 ohm and 4000w
bridged @ 2ohm
Dave
---------------------------------
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "mrblackc2003(at)yahoo.com" <mrblackc2003(at)yahoo.com> |
I did not, for now I'm just going to run my Infinity Perfects till they play no
more. They've held up pretty well with my current amp, and I'm happy with their
sound.
I got this amp just because I had the chance and it seemed like a pretty good deal
for something so rare.
Scott Thibault wrote:
hahahaha thanks man. so did you get the ref speakers also??
Ha ha, we'll see. If I ever decide to sell, I'll keep you in mind. =)
if your not happy with it. I might be willing to take that off your hands
Yeah, I have that, and that is indeed what it says it'll do, but they're saying
the amp is overrated. I'm just looking for proof for or otherwise.
do you have the manual?
in there it says it puts out 1000w RMS per channel minimum @ 1 ohm and 4000w
bridged @ 2ohm
Dave
---------------------------------
---------------------------------
Get on-the-go sports scores, stock quotes, news & more. Check it out!
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Matt Dralle <dralle(at)matronics.com> |
| Subject: | Fwd: XDP-4000X for sale |
>From: "Andres F. Collazos" <andysound(at)hotmail.com>
>Subject: XDP-4000X for sale
>Date: Fri, 08 Jul 2005 08:15:29 -0400
>
>Hello Matt,
>
>I did find your web site on the XDP-4000X mods and software over a
>Google search for svc manuals.
>I have one of the initial XDP-4000X that was never installed in a
>vehicle, and is in very good condition.
>If you're interested or know someone that may be, I'm willing to
>sell it for $150.00 + S & H.
>I think it's a pretty good deal...!
>Well, thanks anyway for your time.
>
>Brgds,
>Fede.
4000x Listers,
This fellow has a NIB xdp-4000x for sale for $150. I already have
two spares, or I'd jump on this myself! I don't think he's on the 4k
List, so contact him directly at his email address shown above.
Matt Dralle
List Admin
Matt G Dralle | Matronics | PO Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
925-606-1001 V | 925-606-6281 F | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
http://www.matronics.com/ WWW | Featuring Products For Aircraft
________________________________________________________________________________
| Subject: | Re: Fwd: XDP-4000X for sale |
I just sent him an email asking for it..... I need a spare!!
Dan
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | DJholl98(at)aol.com |
| Subject: | Re: Fwd: XDP-4000X for sale |
ME TOO :oP
Hey Dan have you got your morels installed yet???
Dave
________________________________________________________________________________
| Subject: | Re: Fwd: XDP-4000X for sale |
In a message dated 7/8/2005 11:02:54 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
DJholl98(at)aol.com writes:
ME TOO :oP
Hey Dan have you got your morels installed yet???
Dave
You know...... i have not even done anything with them...... I ended up
buying an older Lexus SC400 tho..... that'd love to have the spare XDP and
another set tho :P
Dan
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Randy Visentine <randyman(at)gmail.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Fwd: XDP-4000X for sale |
I e-mailed this guy at like 1PM. I still haven't heard back (like 10
hours ago now)?
Randy V.
On 7/8/05, NOTGSXR(at)aol.com wrote:
>
>
> In a message dated 7/8/2005 11:02:54 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
> DJholl98(at)aol.com writes:
>
> ME TOO :oP
>
> ====================================================================
>
>
--
Randy V.
Houston, TX
Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy Guy
________________________________________________________________________________
| Subject: | Re: Fwd: XDP-4000X for sale |
In a message dated 7/8/2005 11:14:43 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
randyman(at)gmail.com writes:
I e-mailed this guy at like 1PM. I still haven't heard back (like 10
hours ago now)?
Randy V.
Damn...... he beat me..... :(
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "WB Corp South" <wbsouth(at)comcast.net> |
| Subject: | Pioneer ODR Remote |
I have an extra CPX-1021 remote for the ODR heads (RS-K1 and RS-D2). It's
in near new condition.
I would ask $40.00 U.S. plus shipping for it.
Pictures are here: http://mywebpages.comcast.net/wbsouth/ODRREMOTE.JPG
I accept Paypal and can ship worldwide. Email with questions.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "David" <d.lengacher(at)mchsi.com> |
| Subject: | how common is it |
my computer wont recignize my xdp 4000 all of the sudden kept giving me a bad com
reading on the peq then wouldnt even go into it. couldnt locate divice.....
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Bobby" <bobbybraun(at)comcast.net> |
| Subject: | how common is it |
Have you installed any new hardware recently? You might have two
devices fighting for the same port.
Check for hardware conflicts under device manager in the control panel.
I've ran into this issue a few times using a USB->Serial adapter, you
can always try changing the com port assignment.
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com
[mailto:owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of David
Subject: XDP4000X-List: how common is it
my computer wont recignize my xdp 4000 all of the sudden kept giving me
a bad com reading on the peq then wouldnt even go into it. couldnt
locate divice.....
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "David" <d.lengacher(at)mchsi.com> |
| Subject: | Re: how common is it |
i was in there making adjustments i closed it then reopened it then got the
"could not find unit" error. this really erks me this thing hasnt been used
but for maybe 2 months lol and something tells me if its the intellegence
board or the main board its going to end up being junk anyway lol gotta love
sony
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bobby" <bobbybraun(at)comcast.net>
Subject: RE: XDP4000X-List: how common is it
>
> Have you installed any new hardware recently? You might have two
> devices fighting for the same port.
>
> Check for hardware conflicts under device manager in the control panel.
> I've ran into this issue a few times using a USB->Serial adapter, you
> can always try changing the com port assignment.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com
> [mailto:owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of David
> To: xdp4000x-list(at)matronics.com
> Subject: XDP4000X-List: how common is it
>
>
> my computer wont recignize my xdp 4000 all of the sudden kept giving me
> a bad com reading on the peq then wouldnt even go into it. couldnt
> locate divice.....
>
>
>
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "David" <d.lengacher(at)mchsi.com> |
| Subject: | Re: how common is it |
i have another question though the software i download seems to go berserk
at times could it be a bad software issue?
----- Original Message -----
From: "David" <d.lengacher(at)mchsi.com>
Subject: Re: XDP4000X-List: how common is it
>
> i was in there making adjustments i closed it then reopened it then got
> the
> "could not find unit" error. this really erks me this thing hasnt been
> used
> but for maybe 2 months lol and something tells me if its the intellegence
> board or the main board its going to end up being junk anyway lol gotta
> love
> sony
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Bobby" <bobbybraun(at)comcast.net>
> To:
> Subject: RE: XDP4000X-List: how common is it
>
>
>>
>> Have you installed any new hardware recently? You might have two
>> devices fighting for the same port.
>>
>> Check for hardware conflicts under device manager in the control panel.
>> I've ran into this issue a few times using a USB->Serial adapter, you
>> can always try changing the com port assignment.
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com
>> [mailto:owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of David
>> To: xdp4000x-list(at)matronics.com
>> Subject: XDP4000X-List: how common is it
>>
>>
>> my computer wont recignize my xdp 4000 all of the sudden kept giving me
>> a bad com reading on the peq then wouldnt even go into it. couldnt
>> locate divice.....
>>
>>
>>
>
>
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "David" <d.lengacher(at)mchsi.com> |
| Subject: | Re: how common is it |
bahh its software issue lol my least favorite issue ever. i need the
software where it isnt evaluation and sony is no help
----- Original Message -----
From: "David" <d.lengacher(at)mchsi.com>
Subject: Re: XDP4000X-List: how common is it
>
> i have another question though the software i download seems to go berserk
> at times could it be a bad software issue?
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "David" <d.lengacher(at)mchsi.com>
> To:
> Subject: Re: XDP4000X-List: how common is it
>
>
>>
>> i was in there making adjustments i closed it then reopened it then got
>> the
>> "could not find unit" error. this really erks me this thing hasnt been
>> used
>> but for maybe 2 months lol and something tells me if its the intellegence
>> board or the main board its going to end up being junk anyway lol gotta
>> love
>> sony
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Bobby" <bobbybraun(at)comcast.net>
>> To:
>> Subject: RE: XDP4000X-List: how common is it
>>
>>
>>>
>>> Have you installed any new hardware recently? You might have two
>>> devices fighting for the same port.
>>>
>>> Check for hardware conflicts under device manager in the control panel.
>>> I've ran into this issue a few times using a USB->Serial adapter, you
>>> can always try changing the com port assignment.
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com
>>> [mailto:owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of David
>>> To: xdp4000x-list(at)matronics.com
>>> Subject: XDP4000X-List: how common is it
>>>
>>>
>>> my computer wont recignize my xdp 4000 all of the sudden kept giving me
>>> a bad com reading on the peq then wouldnt even go into it. couldnt
>>> locate divice.....
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
>
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "David" <d.lengacher(at)mchsi.com> |
| Subject: | xp driver issue? |
the 4kcontrol sees my xdp fine. i uninstalled the dsc and reinstalled it but whatever
is messed up stayed messed up. it did this before i had the set up installed.
(i was tinkering with the program) and the only way i could get it to open
was to reformat my computer. i am in the process of getting an old school
win 98 se lap top though
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Randy Visentine <randyman(at)gmail.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Fwd: XDP-4000X for sale |
Has ANYBODY recieved any replies from this guy? I e-mailed him like
45 minutes after I saw Matt's initial post, and still no reply, and I
re-sent him an e-mail this afternoon... I'm rebuilding the motor on
my "parked" 87 4-Runner, and this will be a perfect addition to it!
Two XDP-4K systems in 2 different trucks!!!
Anyway...
Randy V.
On 7/8/05, NOTGSXR(at)aol.com wrote:
>
>
> In a message dated 7/8/2005 11:14:43 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
> randyman(at)gmail.com writes:
>
> I e-mailed this guy at like 1PM. I still haven't heard back (like 10
> hours ago now)?
>
> Randy V.
>
>
> Damn...... he beat me..... :(
>
>
>
--
Randy V.
Houston, TX
Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy Guy
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Matt Dralle <dralle(at)matronics.com> |
| Subject: | List Digest Truncation Fixed!! |
Dear Listers,
I finally figured out today what was causing the occasional
truncation of the daily List Digest emails. Seems that every once in
a while a message would contain a single "." (period) on line all by
itself. The mailers would see this and assume that this was the
universal emailer signal for "end of message", and consequently
wouldn't process any of the rest of the Digest message.
I've put in a filter today to remove any of these sequences so we
should be back in business on the Digests.
Best regards,
Matt Dralle
Matronics Email List Admin.
Matt G Dralle | Matronics | PO Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
925-606-1001 V | 925-606-6281 F | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
http://www.matronics.com/ WWW | Featuring Products For Aircraft
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Paul Chambers" <xdp4000x(at)lists.bod.org> |
| Subject: | List Digest Truncation Fixed!! |
Just as an FYI - there's a '-i' switch on the sendmail executable that
achieves the same end...
Paul
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com
> [mailto:owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Matt
> Dralle
> Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2005 10:10 AM
> To: dralle(at)matronics.com
> Subject: XDP4000X-List: List Digest Truncation Fixed!!
>
>
>
>
> Dear Listers,
>
> I finally figured out today what was causing the occasional truncation
> of the daily List Digest emails. Seems that every once in a while a
> message would contain a single "." (period) on line all by itself.
> The mailers would see this and assume that this was the universal
> emailer signal for "end of message", and consequently wouldn't process
> any of the rest of the Digest message.
>
> I've put in a filter today to remove any of these sequences so we
> should be back in business on the Digests.
>
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Scott Thibault <tbone7467(at)yahoo.com> |
| Subject: | CDX-C90 and the XAV-7W |
Mark did you ever get this to work? I just got my XT-40V the other day now I am
on to the screen as the 7w is cheaper on ebay I want to go this route more then
ever. let me know
Match: #20Message: #1821From: "Woudsma, Mark" <csmcgrn(at)comcast.net>Subject:
RE: XDP4000X-List Digest: 2 Msgs - 03/30/04Date: Mar 31, 2004
Roland
I am aware of this. Im not planning on connecting the 40V to the XAV-7W via
the unilink, only its video output.
The data bus for the c90 would be like this C90 - 40V - 4000X- CDX-805.
Video generated by the 40V's character generator would feed the 7W's aux
video in, along with DVD player video on aux input 2. Front audio outs of
the 7W would feed the 40V's aux audio in so I could use its built in AM/FM
tuner. There will be no changer, etc connected to the 7W on its unilink bus.
Mark
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | CSMCGRN <csmcgrn(at)sbcglobal.net> |
| Subject: | WTB: Sony XT-40V |
im looking for a new~er model Sony XT-40v TV tuner unit. I have one already, but
its not working like I'd hoped. Does anyone have one laying around?
thanks Mark W
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Jamie Hanrahan" <jeh(at)cmkrnl.com> |
| Subject: | WTB: *defective* CDX-C90 faceplate |
That's right, I want to buy a dead one! Display dead, face cracked, I don't
care. I just want one to work on before I open my real working one.
Please reply directly to me at jeh(at)cmkrnl.com . Thank you.
--- Jamie Hanrahan
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Todd Merley" <merl_wm(at)netllc.net> |
| Subject: | Need a good home... |
Due to compounding circumstances I am having to put my working XDP4000 up for
sale. If anyone is interested please reply to this email. I can send pictures
upon request, as the unit now is out of the vehicle. Thanks,
Todd
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "steven brown" <fsksdb(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | Need a good home... |
what price EMAIL fsksdb(at)hotmail.com
>From: "Todd Merley" <merl_wm(at)netllc.net>
>Reply-To: xdp4000x-list(at)matronics.com
>To:
>Subject: XDP4000X-List: Need a good home...
>Date: Sat, 27 Aug 2005 09:27:55 -0500
>
>
> Due to compounding circumstances I am having to put my working XDP4000
>up for sale. If anyone is interested please reply to this email. I can send
>pictures upon request, as the unit now is out of the vehicle. Thanks,
>
>
> Todd
>
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Matt Dralle <dralle(at)matronics.com> |
| Subject: | Matronics Web Server Upgrade Today Tuesday 09/06/05 5pm |
PDT
Dear Listers,
I will be taking the Matronics Web Server down for a few hours today,
Tuesday September 6 2005 for a chassis upgrade. Archive browsing and
searching along with subscription services will be unavailable for
be processed normally during the upgrade. Please check the Matronics
System Status Page for updates (although this page resides on the web
server and won't be available during the upgrade):
http://www.matronics.com/SystemStatus/
Matt Dralle
Matronics Email List Admin.
Matt G Dralle | Matronics | PO Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
925-606-1001 V | 925-606-6281 F | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
http://www.matronics.com/ WWW | Featuring Products For Aircraft
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Dick Brussee" <djpbruss(at)xs4all.nl> |
| Subject: | Putting CDX-C90R and XDP-4000X up for sale |
Hello XDP4000 list,
My new car had the Harman Kardon system in it, so there is no room for my CDX-C90R
and the XDP4000X. I hate to do this, because I love this equipment, but it's
just laying there in the boxes....
I have three C90's (1 new, 1 used, 1 with a digit missing on the screen) and two
XDP-4000X's (both used) all are european versions
I also have the digital switch U40-D and a C30 and a U40 analog. two MDX-65 and
a 10 changer and a 6 MP3 changer. I have all the cables and boxes....
Just want to know who is interested and what I can ask for this....
Kind regards,
Dick Brussee
The Netherlands
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Scott Thibault <tbone7467(at)yahoo.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Putting CDX-C90R and XDP-4000X up for sale |
I might be interested
Hello XDP4000 list,
My new car had the Harman Kardon system in it, so there is no room for my CDX-C90R
and the XDP4000X. I hate to do this, because I love this equipment, but it's
just laying there in the boxes....
I have three C90's (1 new, 1 used, 1 with a digit missing on the screen) and two
XDP-4000X's (both used) all are european versions
I also have the digital switch U40-D and a C30 and a U40 analog. two MDX-65 and
a 10 changer and a 6 MP3 changer. I have all the cables and boxes....
Just want to know who is interested and what I can ask for this....
Kind regards,
Dick Brussee
The Netherlands
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | CSMCGRN <csmcgrn(at)sbcglobal.net> |
| Subject: | Sony XT-40V For Sale * NIB* |
2.33 FROM_LOCAL_NOVOWEL From": localpart.has.series.of.non-vowel.letters(at)roxy.matronics.com
Hello Everyone.
Its sure quiet on here these days.
I have a basically brand new sony Xt-40V for sale, that I recently bought off Ebay.
Never permanently installed, just tested. Box is a bit dog-eared from all
the shelf years. Manual.power cable and 6ft unilink included.
$150.
Paypal Prefered, shipping from Bay Area, CA via UPS or USPS.
________________________________________________________________________________
| Subject: | Wanted: XDP-4000X |
Is anybody selling a XDP-4000X? I had my XDP-210EQ stolen and am looking to upgrade.
Thank you for any replies.
Dirk
dirk.ross@t-mobile.com
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Ethan <telmnstr(at)757.org> |
| Subject: | XT-40V schematics? |
I was curious if anyone has the XT-40v schematics?
I'm kind of poking around, I'd like to be able to do fiber optic input
during video1. I *think* the 210EQ has standard SPDIF input assuming you
can get one to go active.
I'm looking to see if the GNUnilink project can be used to perhaps emulate
a digital CD changer. This leaves the issue of not being on video1 though.
I'm also curious as to what is inside of the XT-40V in the way of
controller chips, and unused pins.
I can see just looking at the 210EQ that the unit can actually support 5
digital inputs. 2 digital outputs are supported (but not wired). I'm sure
the firmware masked in ROM will never allow this.
Anywho thanks in advance.
--
// Ethan O'Toole
// http://users.757.org/~ethan
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Ethan <telmnstr(at)757.org> |
| Subject: | Sony mobile ES optical inputs, GNUnilink, etc |
Hello all,
A few months ago I purchased an el-cheapo mobile DVD player to hook to my
XT-40V, DSP210EQ and MD-8900. I tested a el-cheapo home DVD player on an
inverter and it worked okay.
The unit I picked (TView) had EVERYTHING I wanted. Remote sensor, small
enough, slot load... I'm fairly happy with it with one really bad
exception. Audio quality. It's bad. I've tracked it down, and the output
from the DAC seems to be fine, but the JRC opamp output has distortion.
Everything is surface mount, so changing the values of the bias resistors
would be a horrible hassle. I'm guessing it's engineering error, but maybe
mine is defective (Model 1005 I think).
The unit features a SPDIF output. I could easily add a TOSLINK output, I
even have spare LED transmitter modules in a drawer. This would allow me
to connect the DVD player to the 210EQ, assuming I could get the digital
input to go active.
A while ago I was looking into this, and I realized I could hook a
Phillips DVD player to my Minidisc deck, and as long as the video wasn't
in the dolby mode I believe I was able to get audio (5.1 versus
2 channel?).
So my train of thought is to try to get the GNUnilink adaptor working in
place of my analog CD changer. If I can get the device built and in place,
I can log the data bus and contribute much information to the Unilink
hackers, such as 210EQ operation and XT-40v operation. Also, if I can come
up with schematics to my CD changer I should be able to modify it so that
it becomes a higher model that supports optical output by shorting out the
one controller chip pin that tells the bus controller IC it's in digital
mode. With this byte it should be possible to get GNUnilink to emulate the
digital changer, thus making the digitial input availible.
One question though. Is the 210EQ optical input standard TOSLINK 2
channel? The schematic for the 210EQ shows a sample rate converter, so I'm
assuming (which can be bad) that it's a full implementation of a TOSLink
interface? The TOSLink input in the 210EQ immediately hits an IC with
microcontroller control so my idea of perhaps swapping the internal data
from the digital input and analog input (past the DAC) when the DVD player
is on is no good. I'm guessing that the digital inputs will be turned off
under microcontroller control (but not 100% positive).
Has anyone with a Sony optical car changer ever tried to plug another
device (minidisc player, dvd player, etc) into the optical input on the
210EQ while the CD player was playing? If so, could you share your
results?
The last issue is that sitting on CD changer to get DVD audio will cause
the TVs to all sit on the blue screen showing the blank track information.
My fix for this is to have the remote output (like an amp output) switch
the video input to the screens from the XT-40V to the DVD player when the
DVD player is on.
Any insight would be appreciated!
--
// Ethan O'Toole
// http://users.757.org/~ethan
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Amit Desai" <amit(at)c4ppy.net> |
| Subject: | Sony XES Z50 and amps forsale |
Hi.
I have a Sony XES Z50 source and some 3 XES M50 amps forsale.
They are all boxed and in excellent condition. All hardware and cable bags
are still sealed.
If anyone is interested, Please contact me.
Amit
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Ethan <telmnstr(at)757.org> |
Anyone know of any CDX-828 or other Sony digital Unilink changers for sale
cheap? My attempts at getting the ?CDX-725? firmware to trigger the 210EQ
to go digital didn't go so well. Then a friend stepped on one of the
boards from my CDX-725 and cracked it. Ooops.
My only real goal is to capture the unilink traffic so I can make the open
source GNUnilink adaptor tell the 210EQ that it's digital, so I can use a
DVD player's digital output with the 210EQ.
Granted, I could just buy a better DVD player that has quality analog
outputs, but no adventure in that.
--
// Ethan O'Toole
// http://users.757.org/~ethan
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Matt Dralle <dralle(at)matronics.com> |
At 12:01 PM 11/29/2005 Tuesday, you wrote:
>
>
>Anyone know of any CDX-828 or other Sony digital Unilink changers for sale
>cheap? My attempts at getting the ?CDX-725? firmware to trigger the 210EQ
>to go digital didn't go so well. Then a friend stepped on one of the
>boards from my CDX-725 and cracked it. Ooops.
>
>My only real goal is to capture the unilink traffic so I can make the open
>source GNUnilink adaptor tell the 210EQ that it's digital, so I can use a
>DVD player's digital output with the 210EQ.
>
>Granted, I could just buy a better DVD player that has quality analog
>outputs, but no adventure in that.
>
>--
> // Ethan O'Toole
> // http://users.757.org/~ethan
Ethan,
Below is a code snippet from my 8051 controller-based Full Unilink Slave Emulation.
In it, you will find all the great mysteries of proper Unilink initialization.
Basically, there is a single bit in one of the init bytes that signals
the head unit whether the input will be analog or digital. This is commented
well in my code below. I also included a couple of other nifty things that make
my Unilink emulation 100% Sony compatible such as the Slave Break device calculation.
Party on,
Matt Dralle
// If Packet Checksum is
good, process it...
if( packet_checksum( PacketIn, PacketPtrIn, IN_INTERRUPT ) )
{
// Here we got a Master Time
Poll, but we hadn't yet receved
// an Anyone command. This
indicates that the deck was soft-
// powered down, and the
master has just started re-polling
// slaves without initializing
the bus. If we don't answer
// any Master polls that
are sent to us within 1 retry (2 requests)
// the Master will reinit
the bus and all addresses will need
// to be reassiged.
if( !AppointsComplete ) // Split these Ifs Statements
to speed up Normal Operation
{ // xx 10 01 12 xx 00
- Time Poll to Slave XX
if( Valid_EEPROM_Data && (strncmp( PacketIn + 1, "\020\001\022", 3 )
== 0) )
{
AppointsComplete = 1; // We're Done Init'ing our
Slaves
LinkOn = ON; // Turn on next external
Slave's BusOn line
}
}
if( !AppointsComplete )
{ // Anyone? Command from
Master
// 18 10 01 02 2b 00
if( strncmp( PacketIn, "\030\020\001\002\053\000", SHORT ) == 0 )
{
// Skip Slaves that are disabled.
while( !Slave[ SlavePtr ].Enabled ) SlavePtr++;
// Got an Anyone command
so forget about any
// previously assigned addresses
from the Master.
Valid_EEPROM_Data = 0;
PacketOut[ DST ] = MASTER;
PacketOut[ CMD1 ] = 0x8c; // Init string Command
switch( Slave[ SlavePtr ].Group )
{
/*
Sample Slave Inits:
DA SA
C1 C2 P1 D1 D2 D3 D4 P2 ZB
--------------------------------
Phatbox: 10 31
8c 00 cd 04 a8 1f af 47 00 HD-Based Player
Sony CDX-848X 10 31
8c 00 cd 0c a8 1f af 4f 00 10-disc CD Changer - Digital Mode
Sony CDX-848X 10 31
8c 00 cd 04 a8 1f af 47 00 10-disc CD Changer - Analog Mode
Sony CDX-606 10 31
8c a0 6d 04 a8 25 a0 de 00 10-disc CD Changer - Analog only
Sony MDX-40 10 d2
8c 00 6e 04 48 00 00 ba 00 4-disc MD Changer
XA-300 10 81
8c 00 1d 00 00 40 00 5d 00 AUX Input Slave on XA-300
10 31
8c 00 cd 04 a8 20 a0 39 00 CD 1 Input Slave on XA-300
10 32
8c 00 ce 04 a8 20 a0 3a 00 CD 2 Input Slave on XA-300
10 33
8c 00 cf 04 a8 20 a0 3b 00 CD 3 Input Slave on XA-300
*/
case GROUP_TUNER: // Load Tuner Init Profile
PacketOut[ SRC ] = GROUP_TUNER;
PacketOut[ CMD2 ] = 0x00; //
PacketOut[ D1 ] = 0x0d; // xxxx1xxx = Digital
Output, xxxx0xxx = Analog Output
PacketOut[ D2 ] = 0x20; // HIGH Nib = Internal/External
(xx01 = Int, xx10 = Ext)
PacketOut[ D3 ] = 0x10; // HIGN Nib = Custom File
(xx01 = Yes, xx10 = No)
PacketOut[ D4 ] = 0xaf; // HIGH Nib = Number of
discs supported (0 = 1 disc), LOW Nib = Extended Init (0=N 0xf=Y)
break;
case GROUP_CASS: // Load Cassette Changer
Init Profile
PacketOut[ SRC ] = GROUP_CASS;
PacketOut[ CMD2 ] = 0x00; //
PacketOut[ D1 ] = 0x0d; // xxxx1xxx = Digital
Output, xxxx0xxx = Analog Output
PacketOut[ D2 ] = 0x20; // HIGH Nib = Internal/External
(xx01 = Int, xx10 = Ext)
PacketOut[ D3 ] = 0x10; // HIGN Nib = Custom File
(xx01 = Yes, xx10 = No)
PacketOut[ D4 ] = 0xaf; // HIGH Nib = Number of
discs supported (0 = 1 disc), LOW Nib = Extended Init (0=N 0xf=Y)
break;
case GROUP_MD: // Load MD Changer Init
Profile
PacketOut[ SRC ] = GROUP_MD;
PacketOut[ CMD2 ] = 0x00; //
PacketOut[ D1 ] = 0x04; // xxxx1xxx = Digital
Output, xxxx0xxx = Analog Output
PacketOut[ D2 ] = 0x48; // HIGH Nib = Internal/External
(xx01 = Int, xx10 = Ext)
PacketOut[ D3 ] = 0x1f; // HIGN Nib = Custom File
(xx01 = Yes, xx10 = No)
PacketOut[ D4 ] = 0xa0; // HIGH Nib = Number of
discs supported (0 = 1 disc), LOW Nib = Extended Init (0=N 0xf=Y)
break;
case GROUP_AUX: // Load Auxiliary Init Profile
PacketOut[ SRC ] = GROUP_AUX;
PacketOut[ CMD2 ] = 0x00; //
PacketOut[ D1 ] = 0x0d; // xxxx1xxx = Digital
Output, xxxx0xxx = Analog Output
PacketOut[ D2 ] = 0x20; // HIGH Nib = Internal/External
(xx01 = Int, xx10 = Ext)
PacketOut[ D3 ] = 0x10; // HIGN Nib = Custom File
(xx01 = Yes, xx10 = No)
PacketOut[ D4 ] = 0xaf; // HIGH Nib = Number of
discs supported (0 = 1 disc), LOW Nib = Extended Init (0=N 0xf=Y)
break;
case GROUP_CD:
default: // Load CD Changer Init
Profile
PacketOut[ SRC ] = GROUP_CD;
PacketOut[ CMD2 ] = 0x00; //
PacketOut[ D1 ] = 0x04; // xxxx1xxx = Digital
Output, xxxx0xxx = Analog Output
PacketOut[ D2 ] = 0xa8; // HIGH Nib = Internal/External
(xx01 = Int, xx10 = Ext)
PacketOut[ D3 ] = 0x1f; // HIGN Nib = Custom File
(xx01 = Yes, xx10 = No)
PacketOut[ D4 ] = 0xaf; // HIGH Nib = Number of
discs supported (0 = 1 disc), LOW Nib = Extended Init (0=N 0xf=Y)
break;
}
PacketLenOut = MEDIUM;
add_checksum(); // Overlay calculated check
sum(s)
UnilinkDataOutEnable(); // Put SPI MISO pin into
Push-Pull (normal) mode
SFRPAGE = SPI0_PAGE;
SPI0DAT = PacketOut[0];
PacketPtrOut = 1;
}
// Appoint - Command From
Master (Assign slave new Address & Serial)
// 10 02
else if( strncmp( PacketIn + 1, "\020\002", 2 ) == 0 )
{
// Master assigned new address
Slave[ SlavePtr ].Address = PacketIn[ DST ];
// Master assigned new Device
number
Slave[ SlavePtr ].Device = PacketIn[ CMD2 ];
PacketOut[ SRC ] = PacketIn[ DST ];
PacketLenOut = MEDIUM;
add_checksum(); // Overlay calculated check
sum(s)
UnilinkDataOutEnable(); // Put SPI MISO pin into
Push-Pull (normal) mode
SFRPAGE = SPI0_PAGE;
SPI0DAT = PacketOut[0];
PacketPtrOut = 1;
SlavePtr++;
}
// Appoint Adtl Info Request
From Master to SPECIFIC SLAVE
// Slave responds with additional
information. This appears
// to be triggered by bit
0000x000 in the D4 byte of the
// Appoint initialization
string.
// 10 01 05
else if( strncmp( PacketIn + 1, "\020\001\005", 3 ) == 0 )
{
PacketOut[ DST ] = MASTER;
PacketOut[ SRC ] = Slave[ SlavePtr - 1 ].Address;
PacketOut[ CMD1 ] = 0x8d; // Additional Init string
Command
PacketOut[ CMD2 ] = 0xf0; //
PacketOut[ D1 ] = 0x00; //
PacketOut[ D2 ] = 0x00; //
PacketOut[ D3 ] = 0x00; //
PacketOut[ D4 ] = 0x00; //
PacketLenOut = MEDIUM;
add_checksum(); // Overlay calculated check
sum(s)
UnilinkDataOutEnable(); // Put SPI MISO pin into
Push-Pull (normal) mode
SFRPAGE = SPI0_PAGE;
SPI0DAT = PacketOut[0];
PacketPtrOut = 1;
}
// Appoint End From Master
(Type 1) to BROADCAST
// 18 10 01 04 2d 00
else if( strncmp( PacketIn, "\030\020\001\004\055\000", 6 ) == 0 )
{
}
// Wait for first free slave-transmit
sequence, then enable LinkON
else if( SlavePtr == SLAVE_COUNT && PacketPtrIn == 1 )
{
AppointsComplete = 1; // We're Done Init'ing our
Slaves
LinkOn = ON; // Turn on next external
Slave's BusOn line
Update_EEPROM_Data = 1; // Signal Main() that NV
parameters need to be written out
}
}
else if( PacketIn[ DST ] == BROADCAST ) // Packet's for Broadcast
{
switch( PacketIn[ SRC ] )
{
case MASTER: // From Master
switch( PacketIn[ CMD1 ] )
{
case 0x01: // Master Requests
switch( PacketIn[ CMD2 ] )
{
case 0x15: // Response to a Slave
Break
// Find which slave
did the Slave Break...
for( SlavePtr = 0; SlavePtr < SLAVE_COUNT; SlavePtr++
)
{ // Slave X Response
to Master Poll
if( !Slave[ SlavePtr ].Enabled ) continue;
// Skip Slaves that aren't Enabled
if( Slave[ SlavePtr ].SlaveBreak == SLAVE_BREAK_PENDING
)
{
PacketOut[ DST ] = MASTER;
PacketOut[ SRC ] = BROADCAST;
PacketOut[ CMD1 ] = 0x82;
// Slave Break Response String
PacketOut[ CMD2 ] = 0x00;
//
PacketOut[ D1 ] = 0x00; //
PacketOut[ D2 ] = 0x00; //
PacketOut[ D3 ] = 0x00; //
PacketOut[ D4 ] = 0x00; //
// HIGH
Nib of the device number tells us which PacketOut
// byte
to use in a Slave Break response. It also
// will
indicate whether or not the LOW Nib should be
// shifted
left by 4 places or not. The device number
// assigned
by the master at Appoint and is in the
// CMD2,
D1, D2, D3, or D4byte of the PacketOut. Devices
// are
according to the following table:
//
/*
------------------------
---- DEVICE NUMBERS ----
------------------------
Logical Encode Assign Packet_Byte High/Low_Nib
--------------------------------------------------------
0 0x10 0x01 CMD2 (3) H
1 0x20 0x02 CMD2 (3) H
2 0x40 0x04 CMD2 (3) H
3 0x80 0x08 CMD2 (3) H
4 0x01 0x11 CMD2 (3) L
5 0x02 0x12 CMD2 (3) L
6 0x04 0x14 CMD2 (3) L
7 0x08 0x18 CMD2 (3) L
8 0x10 0x21 D1 (5) H
9 0x20 0x22 D1 (5) H
10 0x40 0x24 D1 (5) H
11 0x80 0x28 D1 (5) H
12 0x01 0x31 D1 (5) L
13 0x02 0x32 D1 (5) L
14 0x04 0x34 D1 (5) L
15 0x08 0x38 D1 (5) L
16 0x10 0x41 D2 (6) H
17 0x20 0x42 D2 (6) H
18 0x40 0x44 D2 (6) H
19 0x80 0x48 D2 (6) H
20 0x01 0x51 D2 (6) L
21 0x02 0x52 D2 (6) L
22 0x04 0x54 D2 (6) L
23 0x08 0x58 D2 (6) L
24 0x10 0x61 D3 (7) H
25 0x20 0x62 D3 (7) H
26 0x40 0x64 D3 (7) H
27 0x80 0x68 D3 (7) H
28 0x01 0x71 D3 (7) L
29 0x02 0x72 D3 (7) L
30 0x04 0x74 D3 (7) L
31 0x08 0x78 D3 (7) L
32 0x10 0x81 D4 (8) H
33 0x20 0x82 D4 (8) H
34 0x40 0x84 D4 (8) H
35 0x80 0x88 D4 (8) H
36 0x01 0x91 D4 (8) L
37 0x02 0x92 D4 (8) L
38 0x04 0x94 D4 (8) L
39 0x08 0x98 D4 (8) L */
//
// These
are then mapped into the Slave Break Response Packet as
// follows:
//
/*
00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10
-------------------------------------
01 : 00 00 00 10 PP 00 00 00 00 PP 00
02 : 00 00 00 20 PP 00 00 00 00 PP 00
04 : 00 00 00 40 PP 00 00 00 00 PP 00
08 : 00 00 00 80 PP 00 00 00 00 PP 00
11 : 00 00 00 01 PP 00 00 00 00 PP 00
12 : 00 00 00 02 PP 00 00 00 00 PP 00
14 : 00 00 00 04 PP 00 00 00 00 PP 00
18 : 00 00 00 08 PP 00 00 00 00 PP 00
21 : 00 00 00 00 PP 10 00 00 00 PP 00
22 : 00 00 00 00 PP 20 00 00 00 PP 00
24 : 00 00 00 00 PP 40 00 00 00 PP 00
28 : 00 00 00 00 PP 80 00 00 00 PP 00
31 : 00 00 00 00 PP 01 00 00 00 PP 00
32 : 00 00 00 00 PP 02 00 00 00 PP 00
34 : 00 00 00 00 PP 04 00 00 00 PP 00
38 : 00 00 00 00 PP 08 00 00 00 PP 00
41 : 00 00 00 00 PP 00 10 00 00 PP 00
42 : 00 00 00 00 PP 00 20 00 00 PP 00
44 : 00 00 00 00 PP 00 40 00 00 PP 00
48 : 00 00 00 00 PP 00 80 00 00 PP 00
51 : 00 00 00 00 PP 00 01 00 00 PP 00
52 : 00 00 00 00 PP 00 02 00 00 PP 00
54 : 00 00 00 00 PP 00 04 00 00 PP 00
58 : 00 00 00 00 PP 00 08 00 00 PP 00
61 : 00 00 00 00 PP 00 00 10 00 PP 00
62 : 00 00 00 00 PP 00 00 20 00 PP 00
64 : 00 00 00 00 PP 00 00 40 00 PP 00
68 : 00 00 00 00 PP 00 00 80 00 PP 00
71 : 00 00 00 00 PP 00 00 01 00 PP 00
72 : 00 00 00 00 PP 00 00 02 00 PP 00
74 : 00 00 00 00 PP 00 00 04 00 PP 00
78 : 00 00 00 00 PP 00 00 08 00 PP 00
81 : 00 00 00 00 PP 00 00 00 10 PP 00
82 : 00 00 00 00 PP 00 00 00 20 PP 00
84 : 00 00 00 00 PP 00 00 00 40 PP 00
88 : 00 00 00 00 PP 00 00 00 80 PP 00
91 : 00 00 00 00 PP 00 00 00 01 PP 00
92 : 00 00 00 00 PP 00 00 00 02 PP 00
94 : 00 00 00 00 PP 00 00 00 04 PP 00
98 : 00 00 00 00 PP 00 00 00 08 PP 00 */
//
// For
example, if our Master assigned us device number
//
"0x28", then our Slave Break response PacketOut will be:
//
10 18 82 00 xx 80 00 00 00 xx 00
// The
address "0x41" would be:
//
10 18 82 00 xx 00 10 00 00 xx 00
// The
address "0x32" would be:
//
10 18 82 00 xx 02 00 00 00 xx 00
// Believe
it or not, this one line of code will correctly calculate the
// proper
slave break response device number and stick it in the correct
// byte
in the packet...
PacketOut[ ((Slave[ SlavePtr ].Device & 0xf0)
< 0x20) ? CMD2 : (((Slave[ SlavePtr ].Device & 0xf0) >> 5) + PARITY1) ] = \
(Slave[ SlavePtr ].Device & 0x10)
? (Slave[ SlavePtr ].Device & 0x0f) : ((Slave[ SlavePtr ].Device
// Set
the next phase of the Slavebreak
Slave[ SlavePtr ].SlaveBreak = SLAVE_BREAK_READY;
PacketLenOut = MEDIUM;
add_checksum(); // Overlay
calculated check sum(s)
UnilinkDataOutEnable(); //
Put SPI MISO pin into Push-Pull (normal) mode
SFRPAGE = SPI0_PAGE;
SPI0DAT = PacketOut[0];
PacketPtrOut = 1;
SlavePtr = SLAVE_COUNT; //
Only one Slavebreak at a time!
continue;
}
}
break;
}
break;
}
break;
}
}
else if( PacketIn[ DST ] == MASTER ) // Packet's for the Master
{
}
else
{
for( SlavePtr = 0; SlavePtr < SLAVE_COUNT; SlavePtr++ )
{
if( !Slave[ SlavePtr ].Enabled ) continue; //
Skip Slaves that aren't Enabled
if( PacketIn[ DST ] == Slave[ SlavePtr ].Address )
// Packet's For Slave X
{
switch( PacketIn[ CMD1 ] )
{
case 0x01: // Master-to-Slave Request
// Master Request...
if( Slave[ SlavePtr ].SlaveBreak == SLAVE_BREAK_PENDING )//
Something went wrong on the bus and left us hanging, so clear
{
Slave[ SlavePtr ].SlaveBreak = SLAVE_BREAK_IDLE;
DoSlaveBreak = 0;
}
switch( PacketIn[ CMD2 ] )
{
case 0x12:
// Time Poll Request To Slave X
PacketOut[ DST ] = MASTER;
PacketOut[ SRC ] = Slave[ SlavePtr ].Address;
PacketOut[ CMD1 ] = 0x00;
PacketOut[ CMD2 ] = Slave[ SlavePtr ].Mode;
PacketLenOut = SHORT;
add_checksum();
Slave[ SlavePtr ].SlaveBreak = SLAVE_BREAK_DOTX;
UnilinkDataOutEnable();
// Put SPI MISO pin into Push-Pull (normal) mode
SFRPAGE = SPI0_PAGE;
SPI0DAT = PacketOut[0];
PacketPtrOut = 1;
SlavePtr = SLAVE_COUNT;
// Only one Slavebreak at a time
break;
case 0x13: // Request Time Poll (Master gave us permission
to talk on the bus following our SlaveBreak...)
if( PacketQueueStatusOut == QUEUED && Slave[ SlavePtr
].SlaveBreak == SLAVE_BREAK_READY )
{
memcpy( PacketOut, PacketBufferOut[ PacketQueueOutPost
], PacketLenBufferOut[ PacketQueueOutPost ] );
PacketLenOut = PacketLenBufferOut[ PacketQueueOutPost
];
add_checksum();
Slave[ SlavePtr ].SlaveBreak = SLAVE_BREAK_DOTX;
UnilinkDataOutEnable();
// Put SPI MISO pin into Push-Pull (normal) mode
SFRPAGE = SPI0_PAGE;
SPI0DAT = PacketOut[0];
PacketPtrOut = 1;
SlavePtr = SLAVE_COUNT;
// Only one Slavebreak at a time
if( PacketQueueOutPost < BUFFEROUT ) PacketQueueOutPost++;
else PacketQueueOutPost = 0;
if( PacketQueueOutPost == PacketQueueOutPre )
{
PacketQueueStatusOut = EMPTY;
}
continue;
}
break;
default:
break;
}
break;
default:
break;
}
}
}
}
}
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Jim Hunton" <jimh(at)ntgi.com> |
| Subject: | Dumb mistake, deleted Digital Sound creator software |
Hi,
I accidentally deleted my Digital Sound Creator software from my laptop
and I can't find original CDROM. Does anyone have a copy that I can
download?
Thanks,
Jim
Jim Hunton
The Network Technology Group, Inc.
1793 Lafayette St. Suite 210
Santa Clara, CA 95050
(408)832-0643
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Matt Dralle <dralle(at)matronics.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Dumb mistake, deleted Digital Sound creator |
software
Go here:
http://www.matronics.com/xdp4000x-list/
and scroll to the bottom. All the distributions are available there.
Matt
At 07:58 PM 11/30/2005 Wednesday, you wrote:
>
>Hi,
>
>I accidentally deleted my Digital Sound Creator software from my laptop
>and I can't find original CDROM. Does anyone have a copy that I can
>download?
>
>Thanks,
>
>Jim
>
>Jim Hunton
>The Network Technology Group, Inc.
>1793 Lafayette St. Suite 210
>Santa Clara, CA 95050
>(408)832-0643
>
>
Matt G Dralle | Matronics | PO Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
925-606-1001 V | 925-606-6281 F | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
http://www.matronics.com/ WWW | Featuring Products For Aircraft
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Randy Visentine <randyman(at)gmail.com> |
| Subject: | XA-D211 Optical Output Adaptor NIB on eBay! |
See it here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item5843741238&fromMakeTracktrue
And is it just me, or has there been a TON of C90's on eBay lately? Our
babies are getting old!
--
Randy V.
Houston, TX
Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy Guy
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Randy Visentine <randyman(at)gmail.com> |
| Subject: | Use a Car PC with XDP-4000x - What about UNILINK? |
Hello,
I am still heavily reserching a "Car PC" to replace my C90. It would
function as a Music Server w/ a large HD, a DVD-Navigation unit, DVD-Movie
player, and have regular old PC functionallity. I was initially planning on
using an 8-output Firewire soundcard to act as the discrete outputs to each
amp, and process the DSP inside the PC with Audio Software Plug-Ins (make a
seperate "Track" for each set of outs, and insert appropriate DSP plug-ins
on each track for EQ, Crossover, and delay).
Well, I have been noticing just how much I really like the XDP-4000x's DAC's
and EQ. So smooth w/o being harsh, but still "Quick". So, is there any way
to have a PC Talk to the XDP-4k's Unilink port to control Volume and EQ/DSP
preset selection (I'd be removing the C90)? I know I could theoretically
hook up the XDP's Serial Port to the PC, and change DSP presets from the DSC
software, but I'd still need a way to send a "Turn On" signal to the XDP, as
well as a way to control the Volume. I would only need one Toslink Input to
be active, but input switching would be a killer option, too.
I recall reading about Gnu-Link or something. Would this do what I need?
Not much comes up on Google for "Gnu-Link/Unilink/Sony", and I thought this
was more for CD-Players and stuff? If I could retain the XDP-4K, this would
save me over $500 on a Firewire Soundcard, AND the XDP would still probably
sound better (would also lessen the PC's CPU load)!
Spending $200-$300 on a Unilink-to-PC converter that would allow this to
happen is not out of the question... I am even willing to pay for any
correspondence if any tricky programming is needed for the XDP-4k's Unilink
Protocol.
Even a standalone Unilink controller would be fine as long as I have a
tactile Volume control, and a way to change DSP presets (and access to one
Toslink Input). I am no good at programming and "Reverse Engineering" code,
but I can easily build a PC. Making harnesses or adaptors is cake - but
having to program anything is a bit above my head right now.
Thanks a million for any insight. I have a feeling if I can make this
happen (with your help), I will dive into this project very very soon.
Otherwise, it will linger for a while longer, and my C-90's display will
continue to be 100% un-readable during the day ;-) ...
--
Randy V.
Houston, TX
Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy Guy
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Matt Dralle <dralle(at)matronics.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Sony C90s on EBay... |
At 07:27 PM 12/18/2005 Sunday, you wrote:
>
>And is it just me, or has there been a TON of C90's on eBay lately? Our
>babies are getting old!
>
>--
>Randy V.
>Houston, TX
>Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy Guy
And, and to think there still isn't really anything out there that touches the
C90 for quality or class. Sony continues its downward spirl in to consumer grade
cheap crap. If I had to do a new install today, I don't know what I would
pick. Amazing.
Matt
Matt G Dralle | Matronics | PO Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
925-606-1001 V | 925-606-6281 F | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
http://www.matronics.com/ WWW | Featuring Products For Aircraft
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Matt Dralle <dralle(at)matronics.com> |
| Subject: | XMRadio Sound Quality Sucks... |
I've had XM radio since near its introduction a few years ago. I have the XT-XM1
on both of my C90 systems as well as couple PCR USB controlled units and a
number of the Delco Xfi boxes. I listen to primarily two channels, "Audio Visions"
on 77 and "BPM" on 81. While the sound quality on 77 seems to have remained
fairly consistent, the quality on 81 just continues to degrade in my opinion.
81 plays Pop Dance music and there is a lot of synthesized digital music
with a lot of highs. It seems like they are compressing the channel so much
that a 32bps Internet radio channel sounds about as good. My 128bps MP3s sound
fantastic in comparison. Frankly, AM radio sounds about as good as BPM and
most of the XM channels these days. I know they have a really small channel bandwidth
for all of the XM stuff - something like 12.5Mhz - but still they keep
adding all of this crap (weather, traffic, bla bla bla) to the channel line
up and continue turning the bps down on all the music channels.
I've written XM numerous emails and even talked to them on the phone once about
the fidelity issues. It was so aggravating; all they kept repeating was "Its
digital quality; you must have a problem with the way you have it connected...".
I've gotten that both on the phone and over email. Its like they refuse
to admit how crappy the quality is.
Am I alone in this, or have others noticed it too?
Matt
Livermore, CA
Matt G Dralle | Matronics | PO Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
925-606-1001 V | 925-606-6281 F | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
http://www.matronics.com/ WWW | Featuring Products For Aircraft
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Matt Dralle <dralle(at)matronics.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Use a Car PC with XDP-4000x - What about |
UNILINK?
Certainly an interesting project idea. GNUlink is the "Changer-side" emulation.
What you're talking about is the "Master-side" emulation of the Unilink protocol.
There have been no projects on the web that I am aware of that address
Master-side emulation. I have personally done nearly a full Changer-side reverse
engineering of the Unilink protocol and have embedded code running that
works well. It is 100% custom code and does not utilize any other projects code
found on the web. With the experience I got in reversing the changer-side
emulation, I was thinking the other day that writing a master-side emulator would
be kind of an interesting project. But, this is a formidable task and would
take a fair amount of time and programming. Something I might try in the future,
but not till I finish the changer-side emulator. By the way, I have full
CD-Changer emulation working including full Track, Artist, and Listing functions
working. MD-Changer emulation is mostly working but I still have a few
things left to get going. One problematic thing about the Unilink protocol is
that its not particularly tightly emulated or specified it would seem. There
are lots of what-ifs and good-enoughs in the protocols and support for various
functions. Timing also seems to be equally lax and inconsistent from head unit
to head unit. It all makes for a rather perplexing reverse engineering task.
Matt
At 07:51 PM 12/18/2005 Sunday, you wrote:
>
>Hello,
>
>I am still heavily reserching a "Car PC" to replace my C90. It would
>function as a Music Server w/ a large HD, a DVD-Navigation unit, DVD-Movie
>player, and have regular old PC functionallity. I was initially planning on
>using an 8-output Firewire soundcard to act as the discrete outputs to each
>amp, and process the DSP inside the PC with Audio Software Plug-Ins (make a
>seperate "Track" for each set of outs, and insert appropriate DSP plug-ins
>on each track for EQ, Crossover, and delay).
>
>Well, I have been noticing just how much I really like the XDP-4000x's DAC's
>and EQ. So smooth w/o being harsh, but still "Quick". So, is there any way
>to have a PC Talk to the XDP-4k's Unilink port to control Volume and EQ/DSP
>preset selection (I'd be removing the C90)? I know I could theoretically
>hook up the XDP's Serial Port to the PC, and change DSP presets from the DSC
>software, but I'd still need a way to send a "Turn On" signal to the XDP, as
>well as a way to control the Volume. I would only need one Toslink Input to
>be active, but input switching would be a killer option, too.
>
>I recall reading about Gnu-Link or something. Would this do what I need?
>Not much comes up on Google for "Gnu-Link/Unilink/Sony", and I thought this
>was more for CD-Players and stuff? If I could retain the XDP-4K, this would
>save me over $500 on a Firewire Soundcard, AND the XDP would still probably
>sound better (would also lessen the PC's CPU load)!
>
>Spending $200-$300 on a Unilink-to-PC converter that would allow this to
>happen is not out of the question... I am even willing to pay for any
>correspondence if any tricky programming is needed for the XDP-4k's Unilink
>Protocol.
>
>Even a standalone Unilink controller would be fine as long as I have a
>tactile Volume control, and a way to change DSP presets (and access to one
>Toslink Input). I am no good at programming and "Reverse Engineering" code,
>but I can easily build a PC. Making harnesses or adaptors is cake - but
>having to program anything is a bit above my head right now.
>
>
>Thanks a million for any insight. I have a feeling if I can make this
>happen (with your help), I will dive into this project very very soon.
>Otherwise, it will linger for a while longer, and my C-90's display will
>continue to be 100% un-readable during the day ;-) ...
>
>--
>Randy V.
>Houston, TX
>Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy Guy
>
Matt G Dralle | Matronics | PO Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
925-606-1001 V | 925-606-6281 F | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
http://www.matronics.com/ WWW | Featuring Products For Aircraft
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Ethan <telmnstr(at)757.org> |
| Subject: | Re: Use a Car PC with XDP-4000x - What about UNILINK? |
The project is called GNUnilink. I'm told there is a Winamp plugin that
will allow you to control Winamp (windows mp3 player) via the head unit
buttons, and perhaps show the title information.
I've heard the XDP-4000x adds a bit of a delay to audio, so unless you can
somehow unsync video then movie playback thru it will be troublesome.
Matt hooked me up with the codes that should tell Sony products that the
changer is in "digital" mode versus "analog" mode, but when looking at the
PIC source for the GNUnilink project, what they are throwing at the
headunit looks quite a bit shorter...
GNUnilnk tells the headunit that there is a changer attached, and button
presses on the headunit can be relayed out of the GNUnilink adaptor via
RS232.
It's based on a PIC microcontroller, really cheap.
--
// Ethan O'Toole
// http://users.757.org/~ethan
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Ethan <telmnstr(at)757.org> |
| Subject: | Re: Use a Car PC with XDP-4000x - What about UNILINK? |
> Certainly an interesting project idea. GNUlink is the "Changer-side"
> emulation. What you're talking about is the "Master-side" emulation of
> the Unilink protocol. There have been no projects on the web that I am
> aware of that address Master-side emulation. I have personally done
> nearly a full Changer-side reverse engineering of the Unilink protocol
> and have embedded code running that works well. It is 100% custom code
> and does not utilize any other projects code found on the web. With the
> experience I got in reversing the changer-side emulation, I was thinking
> the other day that writing a master-side emulator would be kind of an
> interesting project. But, this is a formidable task and would take a
> fair amount of time and programming. Something I might try in the
> future, but not till I finish the changer-side emulator. By the way, I
> have full CD-Changer emulation working including full Track, Artist, and
> Listing functions working. MD-Changer emulation is mostly worki!
> ng but I still have a few things left to get going. One problematic thing about
the Unilink protocol is that its not particularly tightly emulated or specified
it would seem. There are lots of what-ifs and good-enoughs in the protocols
and support for various functions. Timing also seems to be equally lax
and inconsistent from head unit to head unit. It all makes for a rather perplexing
reverse engineering task.
> Matt
The other day I was wondering why you had completed all of that code. I
was looking around your web page to see if you had implemented it in any
projects, and saw none :-)
For my project, that is a DVD player on the video1 input on the XT-40V,
but using the TOSLINK input on the 210EQ, I was going to use a signal from
GNUnilink to tell a video switch to switch the LCD monitors away from the
XT40V and onto the DVD player. A weak hack...
It's kind of wierd. I was working to reverse the changer I had to throw
the digital flag so I could try to capture it, then a friend stepped on it
and broke it. Then the other day my MDX-C8900 quit playing MD's, I can
hear the head searching around but it hardly ever comes back. I was
thinking man my Sony system isn't doing too good, I'm stuck listening to
local radio.
More incentive to get the DVD player working I guess.
-- Ethan
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Ethan <telmnstr(at)757.org> |
| Subject: | Re: XA-D211 Optical Output Adaptor NIB on eBay! |
> http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item5843741238&fromMakeTracktrue
> And is it just me, or has there been a TON of C90's on eBay lately? Our
> babies are getting old!
Not a C90 owner, but that adaptor looks fairly standard? Many portables
use the 1/8" tip optical TOSLink connection, and the square connector is
standard?
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Matt Dralle <dralle(at)matronics.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Use a Car PC with XDP-4000x - What about |
UNILINK?
At 08:34 PM 12/18/2005 Sunday, you wrote:
>
>
>> Certainly an interesting project idea. GNUlink is the "Changer-side"
>> emulation. What you're talking about is the "Master-side" emulation of
>> the Unilink protocol. There have been no projects on the web that I am
>> aware of that address Master-side emulation. I have personally done
>> nearly a full Changer-side reverse engineering of the Unilink protocol
>> and have embedded code running that works well. It is 100% custom code
>> and does not utilize any other projects code found on the web. With the
>> experience I got in reversing the changer-side emulation, I was thinking
>> the other day that writing a master-side emulator would be kind of an
>> interesting project. But, this is a formidable task and would take a
>> fair amount of time and programming. Something I might try in the
>> future, but not till I finish the changer-side emulator. By the way, I
>> have full CD-Changer emulation working including full Track, Artist, and
>> Listing functions working. MD-Changer emulation is mostly worki!
>> ng but I still have a few things left to get going. One problematic thing
about the Unilink protocol is that its not particularly tightly emulated or specified
it would seem. There are lots of what-ifs and good-enoughs in the protocols
and support for various functions. Timing also seems to be equally lax
and inconsistent from head unit to head unit. It all makes for a rather perplexing
reverse engineering task.
>> Matt
>
>The other day I was wondering why you had completed all of that code. I
>was looking around your web page to see if you had implemented it in any
>projects, and saw none :-)
>
>For my project, that is a DVD player on the video1 input on the XT-40V,
>but using the TOSLINK input on the 210EQ, I was going to use a signal from
>GNUnilink to tell a video switch to switch the LCD monitors away from the
>XT40V and onto the DVD player. A weak hack...
>
>It's kind of wierd. I was working to reverse the changer I had to throw
>the digital flag so I could try to capture it, then a friend stepped on it
>and broke it. Then the other day my MDX-C8900 quit playing MD's, I can
>hear the head searching around but it hardly ever comes back. I was
>thinking man my Sony system isn't doing too good, I'm stuck listening to
>local radio.
>
>More incentive to get the DVD player working I guess.
>
> -- Ethan
I'm actually working on an affordable Unilink controlled Hard Drive-based MP3 player.
Similar to the Phatnoise Phatbox, but way more affordable. Not ready
to release anything publicly just yet. Hardware MP3 player is working great.
Hope to work more on the whole project more over the holidays. I'm thinking
of maybe selling kits or something along those lines. A co-release would be a
generic Unilink emulator that would give you relay outputs for major functions
from the head unit like Track-forward/backward, etc. I'm so close to having
some cool stuff to share. I really need to spend a little bit more time on it
all.
Matt
Matt G Dralle | Matronics | PO Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
925-606-1001 V | 925-606-6281 F | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
http://www.matronics.com/ WWW | Featuring Products For Aircraft
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Matt Dralle <dralle(at)matronics.com> |
| Subject: | Re: XA-D211 Optical Output Adaptor NIB on eBay! |
At 08:37 PM 12/18/2005 Sunday, you wrote:
>
>
>> http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item5843741238&fromMakeTracktrue
>> And is it just me, or has there been a TON of C90's on eBay lately? Our
>> babies are getting old!
>
>Not a C90 owner, but that adaptor looks fairly standard? Many portables
>use the 1/8" tip optical TOSLink connection, and the square connector is
>standard?
The XA-D210/211 is a special little deal Sony came out with just for the C90.
The part that plugs into the C90 is actually an electrical interface that powers
the LED and provides the modulation. I already broke one off on my C90 and
had to get a spare. Why they couldn't have just put a standard TOSLINK output
on the back, I will never know. Certainly would have made things a lot simpler
and more reliable.
Matt
Matt G Dralle | Matronics | PO Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
925-606-1001 V | 925-606-6281 F | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
http://www.matronics.com/ WWW | Featuring Products For Aircraft
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | DB <dbotel6500(at)rogers.com> |
| Subject: | Re: XA-D211 Optical Output Adaptor NIB on eBay! |
Bah! You beat me to the punch. The adapter is far from being standard.
On the other hand, why didn't sony just go with the coaxial output that
would've
been cheaper to implement? I guess someone had to push the whole toslink
format... :-P
D
Matt Dralle wrote:
>
>At 08:37 PM 12/18/2005 Sunday, you wrote:
>
>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>>http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item5843741238&fromMakeTracktrue
>>>And is it just me, or has there been a TON of C90's on eBay lately? Our
>>>babies are getting old!
>>>
>>>
>>Not a C90 owner, but that adaptor looks fairly standard? Many portables
>>use the 1/8" tip optical TOSLink connection, and the square connector is
>>standard?
>>
>>
>
>
>The XA-D210/211 is a special little deal Sony came out with just for the C90.
The part that plugs into the C90 is actually an electrical interface that powers
the LED and provides the modulation. I already broke one off on my C90 and
had to get a spare. Why they couldn't have just put a standard TOSLINK output
on the back, I will never know. Certainly would have made things a lot simpler
and more reliable.
>
>Matt
>
>
>Matt G Dralle | Matronics | PO Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
>925-606-1001 V | 925-606-6281 F | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
>http://www.matronics.com/ WWW | Featuring Products For Aircraft
>
>
>
>
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Ethan <telmnstr(at)757.org> |
| Subject: | Re: XA-D211 Optical Output Adaptor NIB on eBay! |
> The XA-D210/211 is a special little deal Sony came out with just for the
> C90. The part that plugs into the C90 is actually an electrical
> interface that powers the LED and provides the modulation. I already
> broke one off on my C90 and had to get a spare. Why they couldn't have
> just put a standard TOSLINK output on the back, I will never know.
> Certainly would have made things a lot simpler and more reliable.
> Matt
Ouch. Let me guess, it didn't come with the deck either. Guess it's 3
pins? VCC, GND and Data?
-- Ethan
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | dralle(at)matronics.com (Matt Dralle) |
"Re: XDP4000X-List: XA-D211 Optical Output Adaptor NIB on eBay!" (Dec 18,
9:26pm)
| Subject: | Re: XA-D211 Optical Output Adaptor NIB on eBay! |
>--------------
>
>
>> The XA-D210/211 is a special little deal Sony came out with just for the
>> C90. The part that plugs into the C90 is actually an electrical
>> interface that powers the LED and provides the modulation. I already
>> broke one off on my C90 and had to get a spare. Why they couldn't have
>> just put a standard TOSLINK output on the back, I will never know.
>> Certainly would have made things a lot simpler and more reliable.
>> Matt
>
>Ouch. Let me guess, it didn't come with the deck either. Guess it's 3
>pins? VCC, GND and Data?
>--------------
Nope, extra cost option. Roughly about $40 back in the day as I
recall. Three pins it is. You guess it!
Coax output would have made the most sense.
Matt
--
Matt G. Dralle | Matronics | P.O. Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
925-606-1001 Voice | 925-606-6281 FAX | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
http://www.matronics.com/ W.W.W. | Featuring Products For Aircraft
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Randy Visentine <randyman(at)gmail.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Use a Car PC with XDP-4000x - What about UNILINK? |
That sounds cool Matt! And, yes, you are exactly correct - I need to
replicate the "Master" Unilink functions, as if I install a Car-PC, the C90
would no longer be part of my system (just the Car-PC, and the XDP-4k
connected via TOSLINK). The XDP-4k is 100% useless w/o a Unilink master,
and once I get a 7" LCD Touch-Screen Display in my dash, the C-90 MUST go!!!
The beauty of this config is: Full 7" COLOR touch-screen display that you
can actually READ (lol), DVD-Navigation (I still get lost in my hometown of
31 years!), as much music data as you can possibly think of (even in WAVE
format if desired - 400Gig, 1TB, or more, easy as pie), AND still
retain 100% of the XDP-4K's SQ (the C90 really has nothing to do with the
sound if an XDP-4k is used).
I was aware of the XDP's latency/delay issues, and DVD Movies would be few
and far-between (I usually DRIVE when I'm in my Truck). I might rig-up a
seperate analog connection from the Car-PC to a dedicated "DVD-Movie"
speaker set somewhere in my truck (bypass the XDP alltogether for
DVD-Movies) - but I doubt I'd watch DVD's more than once a year -
seriously... I'm not concerned about that in the least for now.
I am VERY serious about paying for time and resources to make this
PC-to-Unilink control happen, but I don't want it to turn into a $500
project on my dime. I am also slightly worried about a Car PC's Toslink
output. The Toslink would most certainly be a 24 bit SPDIF signal. Maybe
using a software Dithering plug-in to bring it back to 16-Bits would do the
trick - but the Optical Transmitter might still be sending 24 bit
Data (16bit Data with 8 Bits of "0" placeholders?). I guess I could scrouge
up an old 16bit Toslink soundcard, and use a PCI-Riser to install it into
the Car-PC - but then I can expect Driver issues and such (only really old
cards would be strictly 16 bit). I'll do some experimenting with a "24-bit
Capable" SPDIF soundcard, and see if dithering to 16-bits in Software still
results in a 24-bit output data stream...
I toally spaced: Actually, I believe I hooked up my Roland VS-2480
hard-disk recorder to my XDP-4000k a long long time ago (the C-90 was still
connected, I just plugged my Roland into the XDP's Head-Unit Toslink
input). I know for a fact it outputs 24-Bit SPDIF DATA, and I believe it
worked just fine (I'm assuming the XDP simply truncated to 16 bits - that is
OK for Car use IMO. We are not hearing those lovely Reverb Tails while
driving 95 MPH down the freeway lol ). I'll double-check this next time I'm
at our rehearsal room (Tues or Wed).
More pondering and experimenting to come :-)
A big THANKS for any more input.
Randy V.
On 12/18/05, Matt Dralle wrote:
>
>
--
Randy V.
Houston, TX
Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy Guy
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "David Kennedy" <dkenned1(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | Use a Car PC with XDP-4000x - What about UNILINK? |
Keeping the XDP4000x is probably the more difficult route.
I've been looking into the software that will let you do all of the audio
processing with the PC. So instead of just having a 2 channel 10 band
parametric, you can have one for each channel, plus a graphic, and reverb
and delay, or whatever you want.
You then just use the PC to take analog or digital in depending on your
sound card, process it and break it out into however many channels you need
(or have on your sound card)
The only downside here would be that you'd need a PC to do the dvd/cd/etc
and another one to do the audio due to CPU requirements.
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com
[mailto:owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Randy
Visentine
Subject: Re: XDP4000X-List: Use a Car PC with XDP-4000x - What about
UNILINK?
That sounds cool Matt! And, yes, you are exactly correct - I need to
replicate the "Master" Unilink functions, as if I install a Car-PC, the C90
would no longer be part of my system (just the Car-PC, and the XDP-4k
connected via TOSLINK). The XDP-4k is 100% useless w/o a Unilink master,
and once I get a 7" LCD Touch-Screen Display in my dash, the C-90 MUST go!!!
The beauty of this config is: Full 7" COLOR touch-screen display that you
can actually READ (lol), DVD-Navigation (I still get lost in my hometown of
31 years!), as much music data as you can possibly think of (even in WAVE
format if desired - 400Gig, 1TB, or more, easy as pie), AND still
retain 100% of the XDP-4K's SQ (the C90 really has nothing to do with the
sound if an XDP-4k is used).
I was aware of the XDP's latency/delay issues, and DVD Movies would be few
and far-between (I usually DRIVE when I'm in my Truck). I might rig-up a
seperate analog connection from the Car-PC to a dedicated "DVD-Movie"
speaker set somewhere in my truck (bypass the XDP alltogether for
DVD-Movies) - but I doubt I'd watch DVD's more than once a year -
seriously... I'm not concerned about that in the least for now.
I am VERY serious about paying for time and resources to make this
PC-to-Unilink control happen, but I don't want it to turn into a $500
project on my dime. I am also slightly worried about a Car PC's Toslink
output. The Toslink would most certainly be a 24 bit SPDIF signal. Maybe
using a software Dithering plug-in to bring it back to 16-Bits would do the
trick - but the Optical Transmitter might still be sending 24 bit
Data (16bit Data with 8 Bits of "0" placeholders?). I guess I could scrouge
up an old 16bit Toslink soundcard, and use a PCI-Riser to install it into
the Car-PC - but then I can expect Driver issues and such (only really old
cards would be strictly 16 bit). I'll do some experimenting with a "24-bit
Capable" SPDIF soundcard, and see if dithering to 16-bits in Software still
results in a 24-bit output data stream...
I toally spaced: Actually, I believe I hooked up my Roland VS-2480
hard-disk recorder to my XDP-4000k a long long time ago (the C-90 was still
connected, I just plugged my Roland into the XDP's Head-Unit Toslink
input). I know for a fact it outputs 24-Bit SPDIF DATA, and I believe it
worked just fine (I'm assuming the XDP simply truncated to 16 bits - that is
OK for Car use IMO. We are not hearing those lovely Reverb Tails while
driving 95 MPH down the freeway lol ). I'll double-check this next time I'm
at our rehearsal room (Tues or Wed).
More pondering and experimenting to come :-)
A big THANKS for any more input.
Randy V.
On 12/18/05, Matt Dralle wrote:
>
>
--
Randy V.
Houston, TX
Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy Guy
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Randy Visentine <randyman(at)gmail.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Use a Car PC with XDP-4000x - What about UNILINK? |
This is what I initially planned on, but if keeping the XDP-4k would be
remotely possible, I'd prefer that - at least at first.
If I did use the Car-PC as a DSP unit, I was going to use Nuendo or Cubase,
as I am very familiar with them, and I already use Nuendo on my DAW with a
good selection of nice VST/DX plug-ins. I think I might be able to squeeze
enough DSP out of a fairly powerful Car-PC. All I'd need is a descent
linear-phase filter to act as a crossover x4, a delay to act a speaker
alignment x4, and a 5-10 bands of linear phase parametric EQ for the Main
feed (like the XDP does). There should be a way to get the PC's audio to
play back into a VST Input in Nuendo/Cubase. Apply (insert) the Main EQ to
this input. Assign this input to 4 stereo "Tracks". Apply
(insert) discrete filters and delay to each pair of outs - just like the
XDP-4K. Assign each pair of "Tracks" to a pair of hardware outputs on the
soundcard, and hook up to your amps. Save a few different scenes to act as
"DSP Presets" (Driver, Passenger, etc). I'd probably find some way to make
a "Real Volume Knob" somewhere using a MIDI controller, as the Multiface
responds to MIDI commands. The 7" LCD Touch-Screen display I was looking at
has a built-in AM/FM + TV tuner, so I can simply return its analog outputs
back into the Multiface's inputs for these sources (it has 8 inputs).
For the soundcard, I was planning on using my RME Multiface with eight +4dBu
outs and ~105dB S/N (requires a PCI card and a PCI-Riser for a Car-PC) (
http://www.rme-audio.com/english/hdsp/multifa.htm ), or possibly an
M-Audio FW410 (Firewire, but the converters aren't fantastic). The
Multiface is rather compact (1/2 rack and very short), and I have another
all-digital "Digiface" I use on my PC-DAW in conjunction with ouboard ADAT
AD/DA's (so I can afford to loose the Multiface, and put it in my truck).
What were you planning on using for the DSP and soundcard?
I'm still on the fence on keeping the XDP-4K. Obviously, my descision is
based on the ability to control the XDP-4k's Unilink from a Car-PC, and if
the availible DSP power in a modern Car-PC will be adequate (not enough room
for 2 Car-PC's). Either way, a Car-PC will be in my future, and the C90
will go into my other Truck's Sony System (currently a C910 + XDP-210EQ).
If I end up not needing the XDP-4k, I'll also put it into the other truck!
It's funny: I STILL haven't finished my Door Panels (like a 2 year
"project" now) - but I bet this major system upgrade would motivate me to
finish them! :-)
Rock on...
Randy V.
On 12/19/05, David Kennedy wrote:
>
> >
>
> Keeping the XDP4000x is probably the more difficult route.
>
> I've been looking into the software that will let you do all of the audio
> processing with the PC. So instead of just having a 2 channel 10 band
> parametric, you can have one for each channel, plus a graphic, and reverb
> and delay, or whatever you want.
>
> You then just use the PC to take analog or digital in depending on your
> sound card, process it and break it out into however many channels you
> need
> (or have on your sound card)
>
> The only downside here would be that you'd need a PC to do the dvd/cd/etc
> and another one to do the audio due to CPU requirements.
--
> Randy V.
> Houston, TX
> Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy Guy
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Ethan <telmnstr(at)757.org> |
| Subject: | Re: Use a Car PC with XDP-4000x - What about UNILINK? |
> This is what I initially planned on, but if keeping the XDP-4k would be
> remotely possible, I'd prefer that - at least at first.
I while ago I had looked into converting the Behringer units for mobile
use. They can be controlled via MIDI, and I wrote some simple utilities
for Linux that could kick them thru their settings.
I was looking at the 31 band EQ.. Ultra-Graph Pro perhaps. The 1u ones.
Also looking into their crossover product. They aren't regarded as the top
of the line, but the equipment is cheap. They seem to use the same
platform underneath various products and use different software to build
the different products.
> If I did use the Car-PC as a DSP unit, I was going to use Nuendo or Cubase,
> as I am very familiar with them, and I already use Nuendo on my DAW with a
> good selection of nice VST/DX plug-ins. I think I might be able to squeeze
> enough DSP out of a fairly powerful Car-PC. All I'd need is a descent
-snip-
WILD!
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Jamie Hanrahan" <jeh(at)cmkrnl.com> |
| Subject: | XA-D211 Optical Output Adaptor NIB on eBay! |
> Nope, extra cost option. Roughly about $40 back in the day
> as I recall. Three pins it is. You guess it!
Seems to me that it wouldn't be too difficult to kluge up one of these, if
necessary. Rip the Toslink output jack out of something otherwise useless
(any of the never-to-be-sufficiently-damned Sony DAT decks with single-motor
transport, for example). It can't be that difficult to go from their
digital output to the drive for an LED.
> Coax output would have made the most sense.
>
> Matt
The advantage of Toslink is that it eliminates any possibility of ground
loop issues between the HU and the EQ.
--- Jamie Hanrahan
________________________________________________________________________________
| Subject: | Re: Sony C90s on EBay... |
In a message dated 12/18/2005 10:53:47 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
dralle(at)matronics.com writes:
And, and to think there still isn't really anything out there that touches
the C90 for quality or class. Sony continues its downward spirl in to
consumer grade cheap crap. If I had to do a new install today, I don't know what
I
would pick. Amazing.
Matt
Me either..... it's just scary.
Dan
________________________________________________________________________________
| Subject: | Re: Use a Car PC with XDP-4000x - What about UNILINK? |
In a message dated 12/18/2005 11:43:41 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
dralle(at)matronics.com writes:
I'm actually working on an affordable Unilink controlled Hard Drive-based
MP3 player. Similar to the Phatnoise Phatbox, but way more affordable. Not
ready to release anything publicly just yet. Hardware MP3 player is working
great. Hope to work more on the whole project more over the holidays. I'm
thinking of maybe selling kits or something along those lines. A co-release
would be a generic Unilink emulator that would give you relay outputs for major
functions from the head unit like Track-forward/backward, etc. I'm so close
to having some cool stuff to share. I really need to spend a little bit
more time on it all.
Matt
we are eagerly and patiently waiting :)
Thanks Matt.
Dan
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Ethan <telmnstr(at)757.org> |
| Subject: | Re: Sony C90s on EBay... |
> And, and to think there still isn't really anything out there that touches
> the C90 for quality or class. Sony continues its downward spirl in to
> consumer grade cheap crap. If I had to do a new install today, I don't know
what I
> would pick. Amazing.
> Matt
How is Alpine doing these days? I know little to nothing about their
product lines, but when I was looking at other equipment I came across
Alpine units that did 4 x 4 matrix switching for in-vehicle use, and other
crazy stuff.
Does Alpine make good stuff? They had CD changers that could play Video
CDs, they have DVD changers that actually talk on their bus unlike Sony.
I don't know if they make high-end components like the 4000 from Sony.
Also I have a movie about sweatshops and the guy points to an Alpine car
stereo, evidentially they are made in a mudhole sweatshop (then again,
what isn't).
I know I use an A/D/S/ amplifier, and the build quality isn't very good...
but they seem to be regarded as some of the best designed amps of the
time.
-- Ethan
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Scott Thibault <tbone7467(at)yahoo.com> |
| Subject: | Re: XA-D211 Optical Output Adaptor NIB on eBay! |
still number one in the sony department. I just got mine back for sony all fixed
up. now I got 2 working faceplates
See it here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item5843741238&fromMakeTracktrue
And is it just me, or has there been a TON of C90's on eBay lately? Our
babies are getting old!
--
Randy V.
Houston, TX
Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy Guy
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Scott Thibault <tbone7467(at)yahoo.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Sony C90s on EBay... |
i agree it is kinda nice to hear so much from the group
At 07:27 PM 12/18/2005 Sunday, you wrote:
>
>And is it just me, or has there been a TON of C90's on eBay lately? Our
>babies are getting old!
>
>--
>Randy V.
>Houston, TX
>Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy Guy
And, and to think there still isn't really anything out there that touches the
C90 for quality or class. Sony continues its downward spirl in to consumer grade
cheap crap. If I had to do a new install today, I don't know what I would pick.
Amazing.
Matt
Matt G Dralle | Matronics | PO Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
925-606-1001 V | 925-606-6281 F | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
http://www.matronics.com/ WWW | Featuring Products For Aircraft
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Scott Thibault <tbone7467(at)yahoo.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Use a Car PC with XDP-4000x - What about UNILINK? |
I like your Idea and i had the some one my self but i think I might attack it a
little diffrent. I currently have a sony Viao vgn-s460 laptop that at I will
introduce to my system. the way that i intended this was with the xa-300 and
a cable that will allow mw to project the laptops display on to my screen in the
car. I might also think about abbing a touch screen to that to control the
laptop. this way I have the c90 the car pc this will keep my deck on the cutting
edge since teh laptop can play dvd's an MP3 an what ever comes out in the future.
there might be flaws in my thinking at this stage as it is a work in progress
but I am still researching it.
Hello,
I am still heavily reserching a "Car PC" to replace my C90. It would
function as a Music Server w/ a large HD, a DVD-Navigation unit, DVD-Movie
player, and have regular old PC functionallity. I was initially planning on
using an 8-output Firewire soundcard to act as the discrete outputs to each
amp, and process the DSP inside the PC with Audio Software Plug-Ins (make a
seperate "Track" for each set of outs, and insert appropriate DSP plug-ins
on each track for EQ, Crossover, and delay).
Well, I have been noticing just how much I really like the XDP-4000x's DAC's
and EQ. So smooth w/o being harsh, but still "Quick". So, is there any way
to have a PC Talk to the XDP-4k's Unilink port to control Volume and EQ/DSP
preset selection (I'd be removing the C90)? I know I could theoretically
hook up the XDP's Serial Port to the PC, and change DSP presets from the DSC
software, but I'd still need a way to send a "Turn On" signal to the XDP, as
well as a way to control the Volume. I would only need one Toslink Input to
be active, but input switching would be a killer option, too.
I recall reading about Gnu-Link or something. Would this do what I need?
Not much comes up on Google for "Gnu-Link/Unilink/Sony", and I thought this
was more for CD-Players and stuff? If I could retain the XDP-4K, this would
save me over $500 on a Firewire Soundcard, AND the XDP would still probably
sound better (would also lessen the PC's CPU load)!
Spending $200-$300 on a Unilink-to-PC converter that would allow this to
happen is not out of the question... I am even willing to pay for any
correspondence if any tricky programming is needed for the XDP-4k's Unilink
Protocol.
Even a standalone Unilink controller would be fine as long as I have a
tactile Volume control, and a way to change DSP presets (and access to one
Toslink Input). I am no good at programming and "Reverse Engineering" code,
but I can easily build a PC. Making harnesses or adaptors is cake - but
having to program anything is a bit above my head right now.
Thanks a million for any insight. I have a feeling if I can make this
happen (with your help), I will dive into this project very very soon.
Otherwise, it will linger for a while longer, and my C-90's display will
continue to be 100% un-readable during the day ;-) ...
--
Randy V.
Houston, TX
Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy Guy
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Scott Thibault <tbone7467(at)yahoo.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Use a Car PC with XDP-4000x - What about UNILINK? |
Matt what is your purpose for the reverse engineering?
Certainly an interesting project idea. GNUlink is the "Changer-side" emulation.
What you're talking about is the "Master-side" emulation of the Unilink protocol.
There have been no projects on the web that I am aware of that address Master-side
emulation. I have personally done nearly a full Changer-side reverse
engineering of the Unilink protocol and have embedded code running that works
well. It is 100% custom code and does not utilize any other projects code found
on the web. With the experience I got in reversing the changer-side emulation,
I was thinking the other day that writing a master-side emulator would be
kind of an interesting project. But, this is a formidable task and would take
a fair amount of time and programming. Something I might try in the future, but
not till I finish the changer-side emulator. By the way, I have full CD-Changer
emulation working including full Track, Artist, and Listing functions working.
MD-Changer emulation is mostly worki!
ng but I still have a few things left to get going. One problematic thing about
the Unilink protocol is that its not particularly tightly emulated or specified
it would seem. There are lots of what-ifs and good-enoughs in the protocols
and support for various functions. Timing also seems to be equally lax and inconsistent
from head unit to head unit. It all makes for a rather perplexing reverse
engineering task.
Matt
At 07:51 PM 12/18/2005 Sunday, you wrote:
>
>Hello,
>
>I am still heavily reserching a "Car PC" to replace my C90. It would
>function as a Music Server w/ a large HD, a DVD-Navigation unit, DVD-Movie
>player, and have regular old PC functionallity. I was initially planning on
>using an 8-output Firewire soundcard to act as the discrete outputs to each
>amp, and process the DSP inside the PC with Audio Software Plug-Ins (make a
>seperate "Track" for each set of outs, and insert appropriate DSP plug-ins
>on each track for EQ, Crossover, and delay).
>
>Well, I have been noticing just how much I really like the XDP-4000x's DAC's
>and EQ. So smooth w/o being harsh, but still "Quick". So, is there any way
>to have a PC Talk to the XDP-4k's Unilink port to control Volume and EQ/DSP
>preset selection (I'd be removing the C90)? I know I could theoretically
>hook up the XDP's Serial Port to the PC, and change DSP presets from the DSC
>software, but I'd still need a way to send a "Turn On" signal to the XDP, as
>well as a way to control the Volume. I would only need one Toslink Input to
>be active, but input switching would be a killer option, too.
>
>I recall reading about Gnu-Link or something. Would this do what I need?
>Not much comes up on Google for "Gnu-Link/Unilink/Sony", and I thought this
>was more for CD-Players and stuff? If I could retain the XDP-4K, this would
>save me over $500 on a Firewire Soundcard, AND the XDP would still probably
>sound better (would also lessen the PC's CPU load)!
>
>Spending $200-$300 on a Unilink-to-PC converter that would allow this to
>happen is not out of the question... I am even willing to pay for any
>correspondence if any tricky programming is needed for the XDP-4k's Unilink
>Protocol.
>
>Even a standalone Unilink controller would be fine as long as I have a
>tactile Volume control, and a way to change DSP presets (and access to one
>Toslink Input). I am no good at programming and "Reverse Engineering" code,
>but I can easily build a PC. Making harnesses or adaptors is cake - but
>having to program anything is a bit above my head right now.
>
>
>Thanks a million for any insight. I have a feeling if I can make this
>happen (with your help), I will dive into this project very very soon.
>Otherwise, it will linger for a while longer, and my C-90's display will
>continue to be 100% un-readable during the day ;-) ...
>
>--
>Randy V.
>Houston, TX
>Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy Guy
>
Matt G Dralle | Matronics | PO Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
925-606-1001 V | 925-606-6281 F | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
http://www.matronics.com/ WWW | Featuring Products For Aircraft
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Bobby" <bobbybraun(at)comcast.net> |
| Subject: | XMRadio Sound Quality Sucks... |
I'm there with ya. I just cancelled my XM subscription a couple weeks
ago due to my frustration with how bad it sounded. I could never listen
to it for any extended period of time because it just sounded so bad. I
guess for that reason the selection of music available never really had
a chance to grow on me. I'll just have to do a better job at keeping my
changer selection up to date from here on out.
And I ran into the same issue as you when trying to address my
frustration with XM about the terrible sound quality. I called them up
to comment about the bad SQ twice while I had service with them, once
just out of the blue while I was driving down the freeway when I started
to wonder if there was any hope for it to get better, and again when
they asked what my reasoning was for canceling the service. Both times
they tried to tell me that there must be something wrong with my
equipment or how I had it installed, because they 'never' hear anything
but rave reviews about the sound quality of their format. Terribly
frustrating...
Bobby
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com
[mailto:owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Matt
Dralle
Subject: XDP4000X-List: XMRadio Sound Quality Sucks...
I've had XM radio since near its introduction a few years ago. I have
the XT-XM1 on both of my C90 systems as well as couple PCR USB
controlled units and a number of the Delco Xfi boxes. I listen to
primarily two channels, "Audio Visions" on 77 and "BPM" on 81. While
the sound quality on 77 seems to have remained fairly consistent, the
quality on 81 just continues to degrade in my opinion. 81 plays Pop
Dance music and there is a lot of synthesized digital music with a lot
of highs. It seems like they are compressing the channel so much that a
32bps Internet radio channel sounds about as good. My 128bps MP3s sound
fantastic in comparison. Frankly, AM radio sounds about as good as BPM
and most of the XM channels these days. I know they have a really small
channel bandwidth for all of the XM stuff - something like 12.5Mhz - but
still they keep adding all of this crap (weather, traffic, bla bla bla)
to the channel line up and continue turning the bps down on all the
musi!
c channels.
I've written XM numerous emails and even talked to them on the phone
once about the fidelity issues. It was so aggravating; all they kept
repeating was "Its digital quality; you must have a problem with the way
you have it connected...". I've gotten that both on the phone and over
email. Its like they refuse to admit how crappy the quality is.
Am I alone in this, or have others noticed it too?
Matt
Livermore, CA
Matt G Dralle | Matronics | PO Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
925-606-1001 V | 925-606-6281 F | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
http://www.matronics.com/ WWW | Featuring Products For Aircraft
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Matt Dralle <dralle(at)matronics.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Use a Car PC with XDP-4000x - What about |
UNILINK?
The purpose? A full Unilink controlled MP3 hard drive player, of course! And,
well, just to see if I could actually do it. It was pretty fun, but a real head
scratcher. Full, robust, compatible Unilink emulation is quite a coding project.
I'm also supporting multiple devices as well, e.g. more than one CD changer
appearance with a single connection to the bus. Not exactly sure what
purpose this will serve, but nonetheless the code to support it is there and working.
I really started this project back before Phatnoise came out with the
Phatbox or at least before I'd heard of it. Now its more of an exercise in proving
I can actually engineer and program the whole thing. Might be nice to
sell some kits or something.
Matt
At 03:14 PM 12/19/2005 Monday, you wrote:
>
>Matt what is your purpose for the reverse engineering?
>
>
>Certainly an interesting project idea. GNUlink is the "Changer-side" emulation.
What you're talking about is the "Master-side" emulation of the Unilink protocol.
There have been no projects on the web that I am aware of that address Master-side
emulation. I have personally done nearly a full Changer-side reverse
engineering of the Unilink protocol and have embedded code running that works
well. It is 100% custom code and does not utilize any other projects code found
on the web. With the experience I got in reversing the changer-side emulation,
I was thinking the other day that writing a master-side emulator would be
kind of an interesting project. But, this is a formidable task and would take
a fair amount of time and programming. Something I might try in the future, but
not till I finish the changer-side emulator. By the way, I have full CD-Changer
emulation working including full Track, Artist, and Listing functions working.
MD-Changer emulation is mostly worki!
>ng but I still have a few things left to get going. One problematic thing about
the Unilink protocol is that its not particularly tightly emulated or specified
it would seem. There are lots of what-ifs and good-enoughs in the protocols
and support for various functions. Timing also seems to be equally lax and inconsistent
from head unit to head unit. It all makes for a rather perplexing
reverse engineering task.
>
>Matt
>
>
>At 07:51 PM 12/18/2005 Sunday, you wrote:
>>
>>Hello,
>>
>>I am still heavily reserching a "Car PC" to replace my C90. It would
>>function as a Music Server w/ a large HD, a DVD-Navigation unit, DVD-Movie
>>player, and have regular old PC functionallity. I was initially planning on
>>using an 8-output Firewire soundcard to act as the discrete outputs to each
>>amp, and process the DSP inside the PC with Audio Software Plug-Ins (make a
>>seperate "Track" for each set of outs, and insert appropriate DSP plug-ins
>>on each track for EQ, Crossover, and delay).
>>
>>Well, I have been noticing just how much I really like the XDP-4000x's DAC's
>>and EQ. So smooth w/o being harsh, but still "Quick". So, is there any way
>>to have a PC Talk to the XDP-4k's Unilink port to control Volume and EQ/DSP
>>preset selection (I'd be removing the C90)? I know I could theoretically
>>hook up the XDP's Serial Port to the PC, and change DSP presets from the DSC
>>software, but I'd still need a way to send a "Turn On" signal to the XDP, as
>>well as a way to control the Volume. I would only need one Toslink Input to
>>be active, but input switching would be a killer option, too.
>>
>>I recall reading about Gnu-Link or something. Would this do what I need?
>>Not much comes up on Google for "Gnu-Link/Unilink/Sony", and I thought this
>>was more for CD-Players and stuff? If I could retain the XDP-4K, this would
>>save me over $500 on a Firewire Soundcard, AND the XDP would still probably
>>sound better (would also lessen the PC's CPU load)!
>>
>>Spending $200-$300 on a Unilink-to-PC converter that would allow this to
>>happen is not out of the question... I am even willing to pay for any
>>correspondence if any tricky programming is needed for the XDP-4k's Unilink
>>Protocol.
>>
>>Even a standalone Unilink controller would be fine as long as I have a
>>tactile Volume control, and a way to change DSP presets (and access to one
>>Toslink Input). I am no good at programming and "Reverse Engineering" code,
>>but I can easily build a PC. Making harnesses or adaptors is cake - but
>>having to program anything is a bit above my head right now.
>>
>>
>>Thanks a million for any insight. I have a feeling if I can make this
>>happen (with your help), I will dive into this project very very soon.
>>Otherwise, it will linger for a while longer, and my C-90's display will
>>continue to be 100% un-readable during the day ;-) ...
>>
>>--
>>Randy V.
>>Houston, TX
>>Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy Guy
>>
>
>
>Matt G Dralle | Matronics | PO Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
>925-606-1001 V | 925-606-6281 F | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
>http://www.matronics.com/ WWW | Featuring Products For Aircraft
>
>
Matt G Dralle | Matronics | PO Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
925-606-1001 V | 925-606-6281 F | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
http://www.matronics.com/ WWW | Featuring Products For Aircraft
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Scott Thibault <tbone7467(at)yahoo.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Use a Car PC with XDP-4000x - What about UNILINK? |
just music or video too? that might be nice
The purpose? A full Unilink controlled MP3 hard drive player, of course! And, well,
just to see if I could actually do it. It was pretty fun, but a real head
scratcher. Full, robust, compatible Unilink emulation is quite a coding project.
I'm also supporting multiple devices as well, e.g. more than one CD changer
appearance with a single connection to the bus. Not exactly sure what purpose
this will serve, but nonetheless the code to support it is there and working.
I really started this project back before Phatnoise came out with the Phatbox
or at least before I'd heard of it. Now its more of an exercise in proving I
can actually engineer and program the whole thing. Might be nice to sell some
kits or something.
Matt
At 03:14 PM 12/19/2005 Monday, you wrote:
>
>Matt what is your purpose for the reverse engineering?
>
>
>Certainly an interesting project idea. GNUlink is the "Changer-side" emulation.
What you're talking about is the "Master-side" emulation of the Unilink protocol.
There have been no projects on the web that I am aware of that address Master-side
emulation. I have personally done nearly a full Changer-side reverse
engineering of the Unilink protocol and have embedded code running that works
well. It is 100% custom code and does not utilize any other projects code found
on the web. With the experience I got in reversing the changer-side emulation,
I was thinking the other day that writing a master-side emulator would be
kind of an interesting project. But, this is a formidable task and would take
a fair amount of time and programming. Something I might try in the future, but
not till I finish the changer-side emulator. By the way, I have full CD-Changer
emulation working including full Track, Artist, and Listing functions working.
MD-Changer emulation is mostly worki!
>ng but I still have a few things left to get going. One problematic thing about
the Unilink protocol is that its not particularly tightly emulated or specified
it would seem. There are lots of what-ifs and good-enoughs in the protocols
and support for various functions. Timing also seems to be equally lax and inconsistent
from head unit to head unit. It all makes for a rather perplexing
reverse engineering task.
>
>Matt
>
>
>At 07:51 PM 12/18/2005 Sunday, you wrote:
>>
>>Hello,
>>
>>I am still heavily reserching a "Car PC" to replace my C90. It would
>>function as a Music Server w/ a large HD, a DVD-Navigation unit, DVD-Movie
>>player, and have regular old PC functionallity. I was initially planning on
>>using an 8-output Firewire soundcard to act as the discrete outputs to each
>>amp, and process the DSP inside the PC with Audio Software Plug-Ins (make a
>>seperate "Track" for each set of outs, and insert appropriate DSP plug-ins
>>on each track for EQ, Crossover, and delay).
>>
>>Well, I have been noticing just how much I really like the XDP-4000x's DAC's
>>and EQ. So smooth w/o being harsh, but still "Quick". So, is there any way
>>to have a PC Talk to the XDP-4k's Unilink port to control Volume and EQ/DSP
>>preset selection (I'd be removing the C90)? I know I could theoretically
>>hook up the XDP's Serial Port to the PC, and change DSP presets from the DSC
>>software, but I'd still need a way to send a "Turn On" signal to the XDP, as
>>well as a way to control the Volume. I would only need one Toslink Input to
>>be active, but input switching would be a killer option, too.
>>
>>I recall reading about Gnu-Link or something. Would this do what I need?
>>Not much comes up on Google for "Gnu-Link/Unilink/Sony", and I thought this
>>was more for CD-Players and stuff? If I could retain the XDP-4K, this would
>>save me over $500 on a Firewire Soundcard, AND the XDP would still probably
>>sound better (would also lessen the PC's CPU load)!
>>
>>Spending $200-$300 on a Unilink-to-PC converter that would allow this to
>>happen is not out of the question... I am even willing to pay for any
>>correspondence if any tricky programming is needed for the XDP-4k's Unilink
>>Protocol.
>>
>>Even a standalone Unilink controller would be fine as long as I have a
>>tactile Volume control, and a way to change DSP presets (and access to one
>>Toslink Input). I am no good at programming and "Reverse Engineering" code,
>>but I can easily build a PC. Making harnesses or adaptors is cake - but
>>having to program anything is a bit above my head right now.
>>
>>
>>Thanks a million for any insight. I have a feeling if I can make this
>>happen (with your help), I will dive into this project very very soon.
>>Otherwise, it will linger for a while longer, and my C-90's display will
>>continue to be 100% un-readable during the day ;-) ...
>>
>>--
>>Randy V.
>>Houston, TX
>>Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy Guy
>>
>
>
>Matt G Dralle | Matronics | PO Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
>925-606-1001 V | 925-606-6281 F | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
>http://www.matronics.com/ WWW | Featuring Products For Aircraft
>
>
Matt G Dralle | Matronics | PO Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
925-606-1001 V | 925-606-6281 F | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
http://www.matronics.com/ WWW | Featuring Products For Aircraft
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Matt Dralle <dralle(at)matronics.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Use a Car PC with XDP-4000x - What about |
UNILINK?
Just music for now. Video imposes a whole new class of performance requirement.
The Unilink breakout adapter might be a cool way of unilink-ing most any kind
of device, though. Think about having relay closures for "pressing" buttons
on most any kind of device...
Matt
At 10:44 AM 12/20/2005 Tuesday, you wrote:
>
>just music or video too? that might be nice
>
>
>The purpose? A full Unilink controlled MP3 hard drive player, of course! And,
well, just to see if I could actually do it. It was pretty fun, but a real head
scratcher. Full, robust, compatible Unilink emulation is quite a coding project.
I'm also supporting multiple devices as well, e.g. more than one CD changer
appearance with a single connection to the bus. Not exactly sure what purpose
this will serve, but nonetheless the code to support it is there and working.
I really started this project back before Phatnoise came out with the Phatbox
or at least before I'd heard of it. Now its more of an exercise in proving
I can actually engineer and program the whole thing. Might be nice to sell some
kits or something.
>
>Matt
>
>
>At 03:14 PM 12/19/2005 Monday, you wrote:
>>
>>Matt what is your purpose for the reverse engineering?
>>
>>
>>Certainly an interesting project idea. GNUlink is the "Changer-side" emulation.
What you're talking about is the "Master-side" emulation of the Unilink protocol.
There have been no projects on the web that I am aware of that address
Master-side emulation. I have personally done nearly a full Changer-side reverse
engineering of the Unilink protocol and have embedded code running that works
well. It is 100% custom code and does not utilize any other projects code found
on the web. With the experience I got in reversing the changer-side emulation,
I was thinking the other day that writing a master-side emulator would be
kind of an interesting project. But, this is a formidable task and would take
a fair amount of time and programming. Something I might try in the future,
but not till I finish the changer-side emulator. By the way, I have full CD-Changer
emulation working including full Track, Artist, and Listing functions working.
MD-Changer emulation is mostly worki!
>>ng but I still have a few things left to get going. One problematic thing about
the Unilink protocol is that its not particularly tightly emulated or specified
it would seem. There are lots of what-ifs and good-enoughs in the protocols
and support for various functions. Timing also seems to be equally lax and
inconsistent from head unit to head unit. It all makes for a rather perplexing
reverse engineering task.
>>
>>Matt
>>
>>
>>At 07:51 PM 12/18/2005 Sunday, you wrote:
>>>
>>>Hello,
>>>
>>>I am still heavily reserching a "Car PC" to replace my C90. It would
>>>function as a Music Server w/ a large HD, a DVD-Navigation unit, DVD-Movie
>>>player, and have regular old PC functionallity. I was initially planning on
>>>using an 8-output Firewire soundcard to act as the discrete outputs to each
>>>amp, and process the DSP inside the PC with Audio Software Plug-Ins (make a
>>>seperate "Track" for each set of outs, and insert appropriate DSP plug-ins
>>>on each track for EQ, Crossover, and delay).
>>>
>>>Well, I have been noticing just how much I really like the XDP-4000x's DAC's
>>>and EQ. So smooth w/o being harsh, but still "Quick". So, is there any way
>>>to have a PC Talk to the XDP-4k's Unilink port to control Volume and EQ/DSP
>>>preset selection (I'd be removing the C90)? I know I could theoretically
>>>hook up the XDP's Serial Port to the PC, and change DSP presets from the DSC
>>>software, but I'd still need a way to send a "Turn On" signal to the XDP, as
>>>well as a way to control the Volume. I would only need one Toslink Input to
>>>be active, but input switching would be a killer option, too.
>>>
>>>I recall reading about Gnu-Link or something. Would this do what I need?
>>>Not much comes up on Google for "Gnu-Link/Unilink/Sony", and I thought this
>>>was more for CD-Players and stuff? If I could retain the XDP-4K, this would
>>>save me over $500 on a Firewire Soundcard, AND the XDP would still probably
>>>sound better (would also lessen the PC's CPU load)!
>>>
>>>Spending $200-$300 on a Unilink-to-PC converter that would allow this to
>>>happen is not out of the question... I am even willing to pay for any
>>>correspondence if any tricky programming is needed for the XDP-4k's Unilink
>>>Protocol.
>>>
>>>Even a standalone Unilink controller would be fine as long as I have a
>>>tactile Volume control, and a way to change DSP presets (and access to one
>>>Toslink Input). I am no good at programming and "Reverse Engineering" code,
>>>but I can easily build a PC. Making harnesses or adaptors is cake - but
>>>having to program anything is a bit above my head right now.
>>>
>>>
>>>Thanks a million for any insight. I have a feeling if I can make this
>>>happen (with your help), I will dive into this project very very soon.
>>>Otherwise, it will linger for a while longer, and my C-90's display will
>>>continue to be 100% un-readable during the day ;-) ...
>>>
>>>--
>>>Randy V.
>>>Houston, TX
>>>Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy Guy
>>>
>>
>>
>>Matt G Dralle | Matronics | PO Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
>>925-606-1001 V | 925-606-6281 F | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
>>http://www.matronics.com/ WWW | Featuring Products For Aircraft
>>
>>
>
>
>Matt G Dralle | Matronics | PO Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
>925-606-1001 V | 925-606-6281 F | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
>http://www.matronics.com/ WWW | Featuring Products For Aircraft
>
>
Matt G Dralle | Matronics | PO Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
925-606-1001 V | 925-606-6281 F | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
http://www.matronics.com/ WWW | Featuring Products For Aircraft
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Ethan <telmnstr(at)757.org> |
| Subject: | Re: Use a Car PC with XDP-4000x - What about |
UNILINK?
> Just music for now. Video imposes a whole new class of performance
> requirement. The Unilink breakout adapter might be a cool way of
> unilink-ing most any kind of device, though. Think about having relay
> closures for "pressing" buttons on most any kind of device...
> Matt
One thing I thought about doing (before you started talking :-) was to try
to take the GNUnilink style project where they pass RS232 words out for
button presses, then run it into another PIC that can do the "learning
remote" type stuff, and talk to the cheapy dvd player I have.
The DVD player I have that I want to put in the car is cheap, and the
analog audio is horrible. There is a design flaw or a flaw with mine in
regards to the opamp that comes from the DAC. I want to use digital audio
output, and thus my venture into that.
When the XT40V is connected and video1 selected there would be no way to
use the digital input for the changer, since the XT40V has no provisions
for digital audio input. So I figured I would use a changer emulator, and
when that is selected (at least the GNUnilink project) it has a pin that
you can use to tell that changer is selected. I'd then use that to control
a A/B video switch, moving the video from the XT40V to the DVD player.
A hack, but it would work.
I had posted on the Unilink board a while ago, wondering... When the deck
is in changer mode, the faceplate beeps when you press buttons, as if the
deck knows what is availible as far as functions. In the Video1 mode,
nothing beeps. So it was my assumption that decks that do TV control know
that in video1 mode no button data is to be passed.
Also, I was kind of bummed that the XT40V didn't do anything with the
210EQ I have... I was hoping at least text information would come up, but
at last you have to program the EQ curve thru the stupid head unit, the TV
displays are blank.
There is an aux-IO port on the 210EQ, never seen any description of what
it was for.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Scott Thibault <tbone7467(at)yahoo.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Use a Car PC with XDP-4000x - What about UNILINK? |
here is some links that might be of interest for the car PC idea:
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=25760
www.farrage.net
From: Randy Visentine <randyman(at)gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Use a Car PC with XDP-4000x - What about UNILINK?
That sounds cool Matt! And, yes, you are exactly correct - I need to
replicate the "Master" Unilink functions, as if I install a Car-PC, the C90
would no longer be part of my system (just the Car-PC, and the XDP-4k
connected via TOSLINK). The XDP-4k is 100% useless w/o a Unilink master,
and once I get a 7" LCD Touch-Screen Display in my dash, the C-90 MUST go!!!
The beauty of this config is: Full 7" COLOR touch-screen display that you
can actually READ (lol), DVD-Navigation (I still get lost in my hometown
of
31 years!), as much music data as you can possibly think of (even in WAVE
format if desired - 400Gig, 1TB, or more, easy as pie), AND still
retain 100% of the XDP-4K's SQ (the C90 really has nothing to do with the
sound if an XDP-4k is used).
I was aware of the XDP's latency/delay issues, and DVD Movies would be few
and far-between (I usually DRIVE when I'm in my Truck). I might rig-up a
seperate analog connection from the Car-PC to a dedicated "DVD-Movie"
speaker set somewhere in my truck (bypass the XDP alltogether for
DVD-Movies) - but I doubt I'd watch DVD's more than once a year -
seriously... I'm not concerned about that in the least for now.
I am VERY serious about paying for time and resources to make this
PC-to-Unilink control happen, but I don't want it to turn into a $500
project on my dime. I am also slightly worried about a Car PC's Toslink
output. The Toslink would most certainly be a 24 bit SPDIF signal. Maybe
using a software Dithering plug-in to bring it back to 16-Bits would do the
trick - but the Optical Transmitter might still be sending 24 bit
Data (16bit Data with 8 Bits of "0" placeholders?). I guess I could scrouge
up an old 16bit Toslink soundcard, and use a PCI-Riser to install it into
the Car-PC - but then I can expect Driver issues and such (only really old
cards would be strictly 16 bit). I'll do some experimenting with a "24-bit
Capable" SPDIF soundcard, and see if dithering to 16-bits in Software still
results in a 24-bit output data stream...
I toally spaced: Actually, I believe I hooked up my Roland VS-2480
hard-disk recorder to my XDP-4000k a long long time ago (the C-90 was still
connected, I just plugged my Roland into the XDP's Head-Unit Toslink
input). I know for a fact it outputs 24-Bit SPDIF DATA, and I believe it
worked just fine (I'm assuming the XDP simply truncated to 16 bits - that
is
OK for Car use IMO. We are not hearing those lovely Reverb Tails while
driving 95 MPH down the freeway lol ). I'll double-check this next time
I'm
at our rehearsal room (Tues or Wed).
More pondering and experimenting to come :-)
A big THANKS for any more input.
Randy V.
On 12/18/05, Matt Dralle wrote:
>
>
>
--
Randy V.
Houston, TX
Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy Guy
---------------------------------
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Matt Dralle <dralle(at)matronics.com> |
| Subject: | Carver Cinema 5.1 Speaker System... |
Hey guys,
Not sure if any of you are interested in this, but I just threw up a new website
on the Carver Cinema 5.1 and 5.2 speaker systems. I scanned in all of the owners
manuals, schematics, and service bulletins for the 5.1 system and put them
up on the site in .jpg and PDF formats. If you've wanted these, its the only
place to get them these days. These are really sweet speaker systems for home
use and, if you can find them, you can get a killer deal usually. I recently
picked up a set of 5.2's for around $300 on Ebay!! Amazing speakers.
http://www.matronics.com/Carver/
If you have manuals and/or schematics on the 5.2's, please let me know. I'd love
to add them to the site as well.
Best regards,
Matt Dralle
Matt G Dralle | Matronics | PO Box 347 | Livermore | CA | 94551
925-606-1001 V | 925-606-6281 F | dralle(at)matronics.com Email
http://www.matronics.com/ WWW | Featuring Products For Aircraft
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | DJholl98(at)aol.com |
| Subject: | Sony DSC freezing up |
Hi
I have just bought a new laptop to setup my 4000x it doesn't have a serial
port so i bought a usb adaptor. every time i try to start up sony's dsc it
freezes up. 4kcontrol seems to work ok. has any one else had this problem?
should i try a diferent usb adaptor?
also i have a quite loud constant background hiss that seems to be coming
from the 4000k any ideas what could be causing that?
Thanks
Dave
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "David" <d.lengacher(at)mchsi.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Sony DSC freezing up |
debug it i was told by a computer nut after i fixxed my problem (i bought an
old win 98 laptop works great) but i was told in xp you can use debug to fix
the dll's
----- Original Message -----
From: <DJholl98(at)aol.com>
Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2006 7:20 PM
Subject: XDP4000X-List: Sony DSC freezing up
>
> Hi
> I have just bought a new laptop to setup my 4000x it doesn't have a serial
> port so i bought a usb adaptor. every time i try to start up sony's dsc it
> freezes up. 4kcontrol seems to work ok. has any one else had this
> problem?
> should i try a diferent usb adaptor?
> also i have a quite loud constant background hiss that seems to be coming
> from the 4000k any ideas what could be causing that?
>
> Thanks
> Dave
>
>
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Scott Thibault <tbone7467(at)yahoo.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Sony DSC freezing up |
what about win compatibility mode as that software was made for win 98 an 2000
debug it i was told by a computer nut after i fixxed my problem (i bought an
old win 98 laptop works great) but i was told in xp you can use debug to fix
the dll's
----- Original Message -----
From:
Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2006 7:20 PM
Subject: XDP4000X-List: Sony DSC freezing up
>
> Hi
> I have just bought a new laptop to setup my 4000x it doesn't have a serial
> port so i bought a usb adaptor. every time i try to start up sony's dsc it
> freezes up. 4kcontrol seems to work ok. has any one else had this
> problem?
> should i try a diferent usb adaptor?
> also i have a quite loud constant background hiss that seems to be coming
> from the 4000k any ideas what could be causing that?
>
> Thanks
> Dave
>
>
---------------------------------
Bring words and photos together (easily) with
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | bobbybraun(at)comcast.net |
| Subject: | Re: Sony DSC freezing up |
Did you make sure that the comm port you assigned the USB>Serial adapter to is
open and free from conflicts? View properties under device manager to view your
device and ensure that the comm port it is assigned to is not already being
used by any other peripherals on your computer. Also ensure that the comm port
chosen matches the one you are selecting with the Sony DSC program. Also,
it wouldn't hurt to ensure that you are running under Windows 98 compatibility
with the DSC executable. Lastly, close all programs running in the background.
Best of luck!
-------------- Original message --------------
From: "David" <d.lengacher(at)mchsi.com>
>
> debug it i was told by a computer nut after i fixxed my problem (i bought an
> old win 98 laptop works great) but i was told in xp you can use debug to fix
> the dll's
> ----- Original Message -----
> From:
> To:
> Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2006 7:20 PM
> Subject: XDP4000X-List: Sony DSC freezing up
>
>
> >
> > Hi
> > I have just bought a new laptop to setup my 4000x it doesn't have a serial
> > port so i bought a usb adaptor. every time i try to start up sony's dsc it
> > freezes up. 4kcontrol seems to work ok. has any one else had this
> > problem?
> > should i try a diferent usb adaptor?
> > also i have a quite loud constant background hiss that seems to be coming
> > from the 4000k any ideas what could be causing that?
> >
> > Thanks
> > Dave
> >
> >
>
>
Did you make sure that the comm port you assigned the USBSerial adapter to is open
and free from conflicts? View properties under device manager to view your
device and ensure that the comm port it is assigned to is not already being used
by any other peripherals on your computer. Also ensure that the comm port
chosen matches the one you are selecting with the Sony DSC program.Also, it wouldn't
hurt to ensure that you are running under Windows 98 compatibility with
the DSC executable. Lastly, close all programs running in the background. Best
of luck!
-------------- Original message --------------
From: "David" d.lengacher(at)mchsi.com
-- XDP4000X-List message posted by: "David"
debug it i was told by a computer nut after i fixxed my problem (i bought an
old win 98 laptop works great) but i was told in xp you can use debug to fix
the dll's
----- Original Message -----
From: <DJHOLL98(at)AOL.COM>
To:
Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2006 7:20 PM
Subject: XDP4000X-List: Sony DSC freezing up
-- XDP4000X-List message posted by: DJholl98(at)aol.com
Hi
I have just bought a new laptop to setup my 4000x it doesn't have a serial
port so i bought a usb adaptor. every time i try to start up sony's dsc it
&
gt; freezes up. 4kcontrol seems to work ok. has any one else had this
problem?
should i try a diferent usb adaptor?
also i have a quite loud constant background hiss that seems to be coming
from the 4000k any ideas what could be causing that?
Thanks
Dave
>
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "David Kennedy" <dkenned1(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | Sony DSC freezing up |
I think I was the one who suggested the old windows 98 laptop, but my laptop
now, IBM X20 and DSC works fine under windows XP.
However I'm not using a serial/USB converter, the X20 has a real serial port
on it. If you are using the serial/USB converter this might be a source of
the problem too. Bobbybrauns' advice below is a good first start.
Just putting in the .02 that eliminates XP as the issue
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com
[mailto:owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of
bobbybraun(at)comcast.net
Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2006 8:36 PM
Subject: Re: XDP4000X-List: Sony DSC freezing up
Did you make sure that the comm port you assigned the USB>Serial adapter to
is open and free from conflicts? View properties under device manager to
view your device and ensure that the comm port it is assigned to is not
already being used by any other peripherals on your computer. Also ensure
that the comm port chosen matches the one you are selecting with the Sony
DSC program. Also, it wouldn't hurt to ensure that you are running under
Windows 98 compatibility with the DSC executable. Lastly, close all
programs running in the background. Best of luck!
-------------- Original message --------------
From: "David" <d.lengacher(at)mchsi.com>
>
> debug it i was told by a computer nut after i fixxed my problem (i bought
an
> old win 98 laptop works great) but i was told in xp you can use debug to
fix
> the dll's
> ----- Original Message -----
> From:
> To:
> Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2006 7:20 PM
> Subject: XDP4000X-List: Sony DSC freezing up
>
>
> >
> > Hi
> > I have just bought a new laptop to setup my 4000x it doesn't have a
serial
> > port so i bought a usb adaptor. every time i try to start up sony's dsc
it
> > freezes up. 4kcontrol seems to work ok. has any one else had this
> > problem?
> > should i try a diferent usb adaptor?
> > also i have a quite loud constant background hiss that seems to be
coming
> > from the 4000k any ideas what could be causing that?
> >
> > Thanks
> > Dave
> >
> >
>
>
Did you make sure that the comm port you assigned the USBSerial adapter to
is open and free from conflicts? View properties under device manager to
view your device and ensure that the comm port it is assigned to is not
already being used by any other peripherals on your computer. Also ensure
that the comm port chosen matches the one you are selecting with the Sony
DSC program.Also, it wouldn't hurt to ensure that you are running under
Windows 98 compatibility with the DSC executable. Lastly, close all programs
running in the background. Best of luck!
-------------- Original message --------------
From: "David" d.lengacher(at)mchsi.com
-- XDP4000X-List message posted by: "David"
debug it i was told by a computer nut after i fixxed my problem (i bought
an
old win 98 laptop works great) but i was told in xp you can use debug to
fix
the dll's
----- Original Message -----
From: <DJHOLL98(at)AOL.COM>
To:
Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2006 7:20 PM
Subject: XDP4000X-List: Sony DSC freezing up
-- XDP4000X-List message posted by: DJholl98(at)aol.com
Hi
I have just bought a new laptop to setup my 4000x it doesn't have a serial
port so i bought a usb adaptor. every time i try to start up sony's dsc it
&
gt; freezes up. 4kcontrol seems to work ok. has any one else had this
problem?
should i try a diferent usb adaptor?
also i have a quite loud constant background hiss that seems to be coming
from the 4000k any ideas what could be causing that?
Thanks
Dave
>
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Roland M" <mdx400(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | Sony DSC freezing up |
>
>Hi
>I have just bought a new laptop to setup my 4000x it doesn't have a serial
>port so i bought a usb adaptor. every time i try to start up sony's dsc it
>freezes up. 4kcontrol seems to work ok. has any one else had this problem?
>should i try a diferent usb adaptor?
>also i have a quite loud constant background hiss that seems to be coming
>from the 4000k any ideas what could be causing that?
>
>Thanks
>Dave
>
Hmm, I had a problem with using a certain program on my computer (which does
have a serial port) and it was easily solved. The program was to control
Sony ES receivers via their RS-232 port but I kept getting some weird
exception error and the program crashing before it even loaded up.
The solution was to get a file, mscomm32.ocx. This file may or may not be
on your system already, you can do a file search to look for it.
Then (this is assuming you put it in the C:\ root directory) open the run
box on XP (Start---->Run; or Windows Key + R) and type in "regsvr32
c:\mscomm32\mscomm32.ocx".
After I did that the program worked fine. This may or may not work for you
however, but it is worth a try I'd say.
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Roland M" <mdx400(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | URAL CDD Transport/Digital Processor/EQ... |
Hey I thought this might be of interest to list members.
Dunno if anyone has heard of it before but it's a Russian head unit that has
digital processing/time alignment/eq with six 7V pre-amp outs, MP3/WMA
capable and firmware upgradeable.
Seem elemental Designs has become the 1st distributor for North America.
They are billing it as the "world's most advanced in-dash CD unit" though I
can't really say I know enough about it to back that up.
Doesn't look like it has much on a C90/4000X combo but as I said I didn't
look into it that much...
Here's the product link. MSRP is $700 US or some such, they're having a
promotional sale for it for the first little while though...
http://www.edesignaudio.com/ural.php
There are pictures of the whole package and stuff on this thread at ICIX
forums...
http://www.icixsound.com/vb/showthread.php?t=21731
Cool metal briefcase it comes in!
To me it looks a little more hyped than it needs to be, but yeah I dunno
much about this thing really.
Anyway have a look if you want!
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Randy Visentine <randyman(at)gmail.com> |
| Subject: | Re: URAL CDD Transport/Digital Processor/EQ... |
Looks really cool, Roland! I'm researching the links you posted. They say
they will have an ATAPI/HDD adaptor to allow direct connection of 2.5" HD's
for use as a Music Server! Too cool.
Do you know anything about the Crossover and EQ? Are they "Linear Phase"
algorithms like the XDP, or just plain jane digital filters (like most
crappy DSP)? Any word on the converters?
This is another option to my Car PC Quest - but I REALLY think I'll need
GPS! That might be the straw that pushes me to a Car PC...
Rock on
Randy V.
On 1/31/06, Roland M wrote:
>
>
> Hey I thought this might be of interest to list members.
>
> Dunno if anyone has heard of it before but it's a Russian head unit that
> has
> digital processing/time alignment/eq with six 7V pre-amp outs, MP3/WMA
> capable and firmware upgradeable.
>
> Seem elemental Designs has become the 1st distributor for North America.
> They are billing it as the "world's most advanced in-dash CD unit" though
> I
> can't really say I know enough about it to back that up.
>
> Doesn't look like it has much on a C90/4000X combo but as I said I didn't
> look into it that much...
>
> Here's the product link. MSRP is $700 US or some such, they're having a
> promotional sale for it for the first little while though...
>
> http://www.edesignaudio.com/ural.php
>
> There are pictures of the whole package and stuff on this thread at ICIX
> forums...
> http://www.icixsound.com/vb/showthread.php?t=3D21731
>
> Cool metal briefcase it comes in!
>
> To me it looks a little more hyped than it needs to be, but yeah I dunno
> much about this thing really.
>
> Anyway have a look if you want!
>
> Roland M.
>
>
--
Randy V.
Houston, TX
Audio-Dude/Musician/Crazy Guy
________________________________________________________________________________
| Subject: | Re: Sony DSC freezing up |
| From: | "IanH" <ian332isport(at)hotmail.co.uk> |
DJholl98(at)aol.com wrote:
> Hi
> I have just bought a new laptop to setup my 4000x it doesn't have a serial
> port so i bought a usb adaptor. every time i try to start up sony's dsc it
> freezes up. 4kcontrol seems to work ok. has any one else had this problem?
> should i try a diferent usb adaptor?
This is my first post, but been lurking for a while [Embarassed]
I initially had the same problem when I tried to connect my IBM T40 (running XP
Pro) to my 4000x using a USB to serial adaptor. I found the problem was that
the USB adaptor was showing up as COM5 but the DSC software only looks at COM
1,2,3 & 4.
If you go into the device manager you can force the USB adaptor onto one of the
other spare COM ports. As soon as I told it that it was COM2, everything started
to work fine.
Cheers,
Ian.
Read this topic online here:
http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=8843#8843
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | CSMCGRN <csmcgrn(at)sbcglobal.net> |
Hey 4K listers....
Does anyone on here have any experience with Canton speakers for Cars? im looking
at the QS 2.160 component set.
thanks
Mark
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | DJholl98(at)aol.com |
| Subject: | Re: Sony DSC freezing up |
HI
Thanks for the replies... i tried changing the com number and starting it in
win98 compatibility mode and also bought a different brand of adapter
(belkin) to make sure it wasn't that, and no luck so far. i'll try some other
stuff
this weekend.
Dave
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | bobbybraun(at)comcast.net |
| Subject: | Re: Sony DSC freezing up |
May sound like a dumb question, but are you sure you're using a null-modem serial
cable?
-------------- Original message --------------
From: DJholl98(at)aol.com
>
> HI
> Thanks for the replies... i tried changing the com number and starting it in
> win98 compatibility mode and also bought a different brand of adapter
> (belkin) to make sure it wasn't that, and no luck so far. i'll try some other
> stuff
> this weekend.
>
> Dave
>
>
May sound like a dumb question, but are you sure you're using a null-modem serial
cable?
-------------- Original message --------------
From: DJholl98(at)aol.com
-- XDP4000X-List message posted by: DJholl98(at)aol.com
HI
Thanks for the replies... i tried changing the com number and starting it in
win98 compatibility mode and also bought a different brand of adapter
(belkin) to make sure it wasn't that, and no luck so far. i'll try some other
stuff
this weekend.
Dave
ics.com/xdp4000x-list/subscribe
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Dick Brussee" <djpbruss(at)xs4all.nl> |
| Subject: | Re: Canton Speakers |
I used to have them.... I love them ! They are great !
Now I have the Harman Kardon system from my car manufacturer..... The Canton
speakers were better....
Good luck with your choice....
Dick Brussee
The Netherlands
----- Original Message -----
From: "CSMCGRN" <csmcgrn(at)sbcglobal.net>
Sent: Thursday, February 02, 2006 11:55 PM
Subject: XDP4000X-List: Canton Speakers
>
> Hey 4K listers....
>
> Does anyone on here have any experience with Canton speakers for Cars? im
> looking at the QS 2.160 component set.
>
> thanks
>
> Mark
>
>
>
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Roland M" <mdx400(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | Excessive noise on analog inputs to XDP-210EQ... |
I'm getting what seems to be excessive white noise on the analog inputs of
my XDP-210EQ :(
I'm wondering if anyone else has had such a problem? It seems strange but I
haven't had this noise before. The digital inputs (from a CDX-828 changer
and an MDX-400) are fine, there is no noise at all.
I'm not talking about the "volume over 75% standard 210EQ noise" thing
either. Just at low volumes, either using the HU (CDX-7850) or my analog
changer (CDX-T60) I'm getting a rather annoying amount of hiss at low
volumes.
I never used to get this noise before, however I remember getting some
amount of hiss on the analog inputs only (and I know this is going to sound
strange) when it was very cold outside. Now it is just all the time. There
have been two "changes" in my system since the summertime which may have
caused this but I'm not sure:
First of all I have moved the analog RCAs (Lightning Audio Storm TPX-500 for
the HU and TPX-400 for the analog changer, pretty much the same RCAs except
the plugs are different; twisted pair, both top-of-the-line LA/RF before the
TPX-1000). The move hasn't been anything big, just that I applied sound
damping material (Raamat) to the entire floor and so the cables I moved to
be more neat underneath the carpet since I had everything removed.
Second of all the tweeters (Focal TN45s from a Focal 165V Polyglass comp.
set) were previously behind factory tweeter door sail panels (behind the
factory tweeter grilles) and in the summer I drilled holes out in the sail
panels so the tweeters are mounted so they are directly facing out (with
their own grilles for protection) now.
I thought maybe the slight movement of the RCAs might have caused it but
then there are two sets, would it have happened on both? And perhaps since
the tweeters are now entirely unobstructed perhaps I wasn't hearing it
before? But it is really noticeable now whereas before I never noticed at
all (except in very cold weather as I mentioned).
I am going to try to troubleshoot with some temporarily connected RCAs but
other than that I can't really think of anything other than maybe there is
something wrong with my 210EQ or that it was always like that?
Any other suggestions are appreciated!
Thanks,
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Roland M" <mdx400(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | Re: URAL CDD Transport/Digital Processor/EQ... |
>
>Looks really cool, Roland! I'm researching the links you posted. They say
>they will have an ATAPI/HDD adaptor to allow direct connection of 2.5" HD's
>for use as a Music Server! Too cool.
>
>Do you know anything about the Crossover and EQ? Are they "Linear Phase"
>algorithms like the XDP, or just plain jane digital filters (like most
>crappy DSP)? Any word on the converters?
>
Unfortunately I know just about as much about the unit as you do. In fact I
didn't even realise that it could attach an HDD myself! LOL.
You'd probably be better off asking those questions over at the ICIX forum
where people who know more about it (including the guys at eD) would be able
to answer more questions about it.
>This is another option to my Car PC Quest - but I REALLY think I'll need
>GPS! That might be the straw that pushes me to a Car PC...
>
>Rock on
>
>Randy V.
Yeah Car PCs are cool. The nice thing about them is that you usually end up
with something truly unique in that your Car PC will tend to be unlike any
other one out there (unless you use some pre-fab solutions or outright copy
someone else's existing install); the bad thing about them is the same I
guess in that they usually require a bit of custom work and a lot of time to
think out and put together/install. In the end it should pay off, but be
prepared for a few headaches and a lot of head scratching on the way there!
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Scott Thibault <tbone7467(at)yahoo.com> |
| Subject: | Looking for parts |
Guys,
I am looking for parts to complete my installation here is what I am looking
for:
DVX-100
XA-118
XA-300
anyone know where I can get a really good deal on any of these?
--TBone
---------------------------------
________________________________________________________________________________
| Subject: | Re: Looking for parts |
| From: | jtholley03 <jtholley03(at)adelphia.net> |
XA-300 is available new from Crutchfield. I just got one there.
--
jtholley03
On 2/15/06 1:09 AM, "Scott Thibault" wrote:
>
> Guys,
>
> I am looking for parts to complete my installation here is what I am looking
> for:
>
> DVX-100
> XA-118
> XA-300
>
> anyone know where I can get a really good deal on any of these?
>
> --TBone
>
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Roland M" <mdx400(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | Looking for parts |
>
>Guys,
>
> I am looking for parts to complete my installation here is what I am
>looking for:
>
> DVX-100
> XA-118
> XA-300
>
> anyone know where I can get a really good deal on any of these?
>
> --TBone
>
The XA-118, is that the box that connects the DVX-100 to UniLink? If it is,
good luck finding one without paying the premium price direct from Sony...
The DVX-100 itself you can probably find on eBay I'd imagine.
The XA-300 you can find on eBay, often as low as $40-$50... Compared to
it's $100 retail, that isn't bad.
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "mrblackc2003(at)yahoo.com" <mrblackc2003(at)yahoo.com> |
| Subject: | New In Box C90... Wow! |
Just scored a NIB C90 off of Ebay last week!... well sorta. It came in the mail
today, the senders packaging looked and sounded scary, the box was loose on
the inside and things were bouncing all around...
Well, upon opening the box... what was now in front of me but a C90 that appeared
to be nearly brand new, only a few fingerprints on the thing. Upon closer
examination it appears to have been used (or tested) a couple times but it couldn't
have been installed, the chassis is in too beautiful of shape.
But here's the thing... The auction pretty much stated that everything that
a new C90 originally came with would be included. But yet there was no wireless
remote nor manuals included plus parts of the internal packaging was missing.
Now the question is, do I just swallow it and just be happy that I scored
a C90 in such perfect condition, or should I throw a fit because the auction stated
that everything would be included...
Honestly the manuals I can do without, as I already have a set plus they're easily
downloadable off the net, but the wireless remote... that little puppy is
expensive and let's be honest here, what good is a C90 without the wireless
remote?
I've already contacted the guy and asked him why these things weren't included
but I haven't gotten a response back yet... I guess we'll see what happens,
but either way I can't believe the good fortune. These things are becoming harder
and harder to come by in good shape. So what do you guys think I should
do?
---------------------------------
________________________________________________________________________________
| Subject: | Re: New In Box C90... Wow! |
| From: | jtholley03 <jtholley03(at)adelphia.net> |
Nice to get a hold of one I am sure. I would just drop him an email and
state that the remote is missing. Best you could hope for is he would find
it and mail it to you. Or stand your line and send it back (not).
> I've already contacted the guy and asked him why these things weren't included
> but I haven't gotten a response back yet... I guess we'll see what happens,
> but either way I can't believe the good fortune. These things are becoming
> harder and harder to come by in good shape. So what do you guys think I
> should do?
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Roland M" <mdx400(at)hotmail.com> |
| Subject: | New In Box C90... Wow! |
>
>
> I've already contacted the guy and asked him why these things weren't
>included but I haven't gotten a response back yet... I guess we'll see
>what happens, but either way I can't believe the good fortune. These
>things are becoming harder and harder to come by in good shape. So what do
>you guys think I should do?
>
>
Hmm,
I'd say to wait for his reply of course; but since you obviously want to
keep the C90 he sold you, perhaps you can come to some mutual agreement
about the discrepancy. Perhaps he just forgot to send the accessories,
which is easily remedied by him simply shipping them out. However if he
doesn't have them and it was stated or implied in the auction they were
included, perhaps you could negotiate some sort of partial refund that would
be reasonable to both of you?
Otherwise, depending on how much you paid for it you may choose to either
keep what you have at the price you paid or return it to him for a refund...
Just some ideas about resolving this issue (or any similar eBay issue like
this, really) anyway...
Roland M.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "mrblackc2003(at)yahoo.com" <mrblackc2003(at)yahoo.com> |
| Subject: | New In Box C90... Wow! |
I have since contacted the seller and he was unable to locate the remote, but has
refunded me the amount that it will cost to purchase a new one from Sony.
I couldn't have asked for more. Goes to show there still are some good sellers
out there on Ebay. Lucky me I guess!
>
>
> I've already contacted the guy and asked him why these things weren't
>included but I haven't gotten a response back yet... I guess we'll see
>what happens, but either way I can't believe the good fortune. These
>things are becoming harder and harder to come by in good shape. So what do
>you guys think I should do?
>
>
Hmm,
I'd say to wait for his reply of course; but since you obviously want to
keep the C90 he sold you, perhaps you can come to some mutual agreement
about the discrepancy. Perhaps he just forgot to send the accessories,
which is easily remedied by him simply shipping them out. However if he
doesn't have them and it was stated or implied in the auction they were
included, perhaps you could negotiate some sort of partial refund that would
be reasonable to both of you?
Otherwise, depending on how much you paid for it you may choose to either
keep what you have at the price you paid or return it to him for a refund...
Just some ideas about resolving this issue (or any similar eBay issue like
this, really) anyway...
Roland M.
---------------------------------
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "mrblackc2003(at)yahoo.com" <mrblackc2003(at)yahoo.com> |
| Subject: | XM-2000R Service Manual |
As the title suggests, anyone out there have a copy or access to a copy of the
service manual for the XM-2000R amplifier? You help would be greatly appreciated,
thanks!
---------------------------------
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | jtholley03(at)adelphia.net |
| Subject: | Re: XM-2000R Service Manual |
Cc: "mrblackc2003(at)yahoo.com"
I would like one too since I have 3 of these :)
jtholley03
---- "mrblackc2003(at)yahoo.com" wrote:
>
> As the title suggests, anyone out there have a copy or access to a copy of the
service manual for the XM-2000R amplifier? You help would be greatly appreciated,
thanks!
>
>
> ---------------------------------
>
>
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "mrblackc2003(at)yahoo.com" <mrblackc2003(at)yahoo.com> |
| Subject: | Re: XM-2000R Service Manual |
Wow, are you currently using all 3 in an install??!
I would like one too since I have 3 of these :)
jtholley03
---- "mrblackc2003(at)yahoo.com" wrote:
>
> As the title suggests, anyone out there have a copy or access to a copy of the
service manual for the XM-2000R amplifier? You help would be greatly appreciated,
thanks!
>
>
> ---------------------------------
>
>
---------------------------------
________________________________________________________________________________
| Subject: | Re: XM-2000R Service Manual |
| From: | jtholley03 <jtholley03(at)adelphia.net> |
Will be. Having had one for 5 years now I finally found some more so I can
go active. I do need an XDP 4000 if anyone knows of one for sale.
I am working on tweeter positioining on the dash right now.
Here is my work in progress:
Tweeters:
LCR 110 Ribbons
Mids:
Focal PolyKevlar 4"
Mid Bass:
Seas Excel Nextel 7"
Subs:
I am still deciding.
I have 2 - Focal Audio 12's
and 1 JL 8W7.
I can hide the 8W7 in the front center console of the Yukon XL. I can hide
it also in the center console and leave the front center console out. (the
one with the useless tape deck and cd holder).
I can also mount the Focal Audioms in a custom center console.
Whichever I do they are going up front and they will be infinite baffle.
As you can see I am one amp short with a 4 way system. So I either add
another XM2000R or find something else really clean.
I have seen these for sale:
Pioneer Optical Digital Reference (ODR) Pure Class A RS-A1 Amplifiers
But I am not a digital guy even tho these are class A.
I am thinking something for the Ribbon Tweeters. A XM2000R is a bit overkill
for those but I will not give up quality since I finally got ribbons in the
system.
Thanks for the manual, glad I didn't have to shell out $15 for something
someone pirated and scanned in.
I didn't think these amps could be bridged. I will have to read further in
the manual.
jtholley03
> Wow, are you currently using all 3 in an install??!
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Jeroen Bartels" <jbartels(at)zonnet.nl> |
| Subject: | XM-2000R Service Manual |
http://www.sonydigital-link.com/manuals/manuals.asp?l=nl&m=XM-2000R
-----Oorspronkelijk bericht-----
Van: owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com
[mailto:owner-xdp4000x-list-server(at)matronics.com] Namens
mrblackc2003(at)yahoo.com
Verzonden: donderdag 16 maart 2006 1:03
Aan: xdp4000x-list(at)matronics.com
Onderwerp: XDP4000X-List: XM-2000R Service Manual
-->
As the title suggests, anyone out there have a copy or access to a copy
of the service manual for the XM-2000R amplifier? You help would be
greatly appreciated, thanks!
---------------------------------
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | bobbybraun(at)comcast.net |
| Subject: | Wow, what an experience (Sony) |
First, I must apologize for the extremely long post, but I feel that for those
who may be interested, my experience should be shared. A little bit of background
first, I've owned my Sony ES system since late '98, and have been a happy
listener ever since. However as age sets in, I have become more and more worried
of my options in the event of a system breakdown.
I had been watching Ebay for decent ES equipment to solidify my ES experience for
as long as possible and last summer I picked up a C90 that was advertised as
'like new' but arrived quite short of that description. The volume dial had
been worn out, and no longer clicked, and the unit itself had seen far better
days. For the most part it was functional just not like new as I had hoped.
I looked into my options for repair and Sony Customer Service informed me that
they offered a replacement plan for the unit for ~$335. I was ecstatic and couldn't
get the unit to them fast enough for it to be replaced. I sent it in expecting
to be receiving a like new, refurbished model in the mail in a couple
weeks. But instead I received an email from the Laredo Service Center confirming
that they had received my unit, but that the estimated replacement charge
was going to come to $586.
I called up the Laredo center immediately to ask about the price discrepancy and
was questioned where I had been quoted a replacement price of $335. After explaining
that I was quoted the price over the phone and that it was also listed
on the internet, I was informed that there was no way that price quoted was
accurate and that amount wouldn't even cover the flat rate repair rate for my
particular unit. After becoming a bit frustrated with the CSR, he then informed
me that regardless of the price discrepancy, they would not be able to replace
the unit because it was too old and they did not have any replacements available
at the time. I was disheartened and aggravated, but decided to have them
go ahead and repair the unit. He still wanted me to pay over $300 to have
the repair completed but in the end after quoting the price from the internet
the person reluctantly offered to do the repair at the quoted cost, but not without
leaving me with the impression that I was luck
y and they were doing me a favor.
After about a month I had the C90 back in my possession, and upon opening the box
I had found one of the chassis screws loose in the bottom of the box. I consider
myself very lucky I noticed this, because before that I didn't even have
plans on hooking up the unit to test, since at that time I had every bit of
confidence that the authorized Sony center had finished the repair to the best
of their ability. Oh how wrong I was...
I hooked up the deck to my workbench and it powered up beautifully. Going through
the startup menus, everything worked properly, the volume dial felt firm and
clicked nicely, I was pleased. Then I grabbed a CD and opened the face. As
soon as the rollers grabbed at the CD to pull it in I heard a SNAP! The disc
started to spin up, and I could hear a not so good clicking sound, and could
instantly tell that the deck was not going to read the disc. The message 'disc
error' popped up on the screen along with a few beeps and the disc ejected.
I grabbed another disc of mine, ensuring this one had absolutely no fingerprints
or scratches anywhere on it. Same problem, after a few seconds of trying
to spin the disc I got an error.
I immediately called up Sony, frustrated at this point because I not only did not
get the new deck I was hoping for, I received mine back in worse shape than
it was in when I sent it in. So I had to send the deck back again, but they
assured me that they would handle it as a top priority, and as a good faith gesture
even refunded my $125 that I had paid initially for the first repair. The
deck was back in my possession after another month, which was fine as I was
in no hurry to use this in an install anyways. I hooked it up to test it out,
stuck in a CD and it worked and sounded great! This was confirmation enough
for me, so I packaged the unit up and stored it away for safe keeping.
Things would've been great had the story ended here, but fate made it so that I
had to pull the deck out one wintry day to test a 4000x I was planning on selling.
I had it all hooked up so I could test out the 4000x. I played around
with it for about 15 minutes, the C90 worked beautifully (as did the 4000x) and
I was about to take it all apart and package up the processor for shipment when
all of a sudden the music stopped and I heard that ever so familiar clicking
sound inside of my CD player. After another few seconds it beeped and I got
a disc error message once again... I grabbed another disc and popped it in,
same problem back from the dead!
Extremely frustrated at this point I called up Sony and informed them of my misfortune.
At this point I was in contact with a manager of customer service who
wanted to know exactly why I was trying to hook up a car CD player inside my
house and continued by accusing me of breaking the unit myself... I quickly explained
that I was using the very same equipment that their repair facility would
use to power car equipment, and asked her if she honestly thought that their
repair techs ran out to a vehicle parked in back of their building to test
units out to see if they worked after finishing a repair. Even though I thought
this as funny, she did not but followed through and set up yet another work
order for repair.
So off goes my C90 for a 3rd visit to the Laredo Service Center. After a long
wait and hearing no updates, I decided to check online and noticed that a new
message had appeared in regards to the current status of my repair. It read as
follows: "Please call one of the following numbers so we may provide you with
further information regarding your Sony product" I called immediately, but
the CSR knew nothing of the message or of my CD players status. I was told to
wait a bit longer and that the repair should be completed shortly.
Three days later is when I got that dreaded call from Sony. I heard from the tech
himself at the Laredo center who had a very hard time speaking my native language
and for my sake and his I hope they have those service manuals printed
in his own language... I recall the first thing he said to me... "I am sorry
sir, but your CD player is not repairable by us... we no longer have the parts
to do the repair." My jaw dropped, I got frustrated and argued a bit on the
phone saying that this problem hadn't arisen until after they got their hands
on my deck, but I didn't get anywhere so I call up management at customer service
once again. The lady was apologetic but not very helpful, she said that
what I had been told was correct, that they no longer had the parts to complete
the repair of my deck and that I only had a couple options. They offered to
swap it with another deck She also spoke of the possibility of a buy back which
I have not heard a mention of since, but I am not
really interested in either option and just want my C90 back and working properly.
I was urged to take a few days to think it over and call her back.
I waited over a weekend and then called her back and left a message after I found
out what they were offering to swap my C90 for was a discontinued and horridly
ugly Xplod model that in it's day retailed for under $400. In my message
I told her that I found it almost offensive that they offer me a used / refurbished
Xplod model that was approximately 1/3 of the original price of my deck.
I did not hear back from her for quite a few days, but instead the next day
UPS showed up on my doorstep with an oddly familiar box from Sony. It was my
C90. I opened it and pulled out an invoice, and it showed that it had in fact
been repaired! I was shocked to say the least, and continued by reaching to
pull the deck out of the box. I looked it over, and flipped it upside down to
see if everything was in place, and all of a sudden I hear a small 'tinkle tinkle
tinkle' coming from inside. I flip it back over, and again I hear something
loose rolling around inside the deck.
Ok, now at this point I'm furious, I pick up the phone, and instead of calling
the manager of customer service that had been working with me, I called the Laredo
center directly and got a compassionate but not so helpful lady on the other
end. I explained the situation. She apologized profusely and said that unfortunately
I'd have to send it back again, which was already obvious to me.
I also asked her why I was told the week before that the deck was not repairable,
and she said she didn't know but the techs had somehow found a way to fix
it. So off to Sony goes my C90 for a 4th visit...
It's now been over 6 months since this has all started, and last week I got a call
from another tech at the Laredo Center, and was given that same dreaded message
as before. "I'm sorry sir, but we cannot complete the repair on your CD
player." I didn't speak with him for very long, just got his name and badge
info, then immediately called the management of customer service at Sony. I left
a message expecting a callback within a day or so.
Later that afternoon I got a second call from a CSR at the Laredo Facility who
also informed me the deck was not able to be repaired. I brought up all the problems
that had gone on and demanded an explanation, but he didn't have much
to say. I also asked him what was rolling around loose inside my CD player when
I got it back last time and he pretended to know nothing about it, and when
I asked him if it was a screw they forgot to put back he denied, saying that
no sir it was not a loose screw. When asked again that if it wasn't a screw what
it was, he ended by saying that he did not have that information at this time.
I told him that I would be in touch with management and ended the call.
Fifteen minutes later I received yet another call, this time from a supervisor
from the Laredo Facility. She was compassionate, understanding, and ensured me
that they would be able to come to a conclusion to resolve this problem and
that she would soon be in touch.
I have yet to hear back from her, but I have since received my C90 back in the
mail, this time officially broken (as tested and stated by an enclosed invoice).
After looking it over, there are three external screws missing from the deck,
two on the face, and one on the back that holds the DC inverters wire in place.
The wire connected to the inverter is also taped together, which to me
shows signs of a very sloppy splice.
That same day I also received a callback from the manager at customer service for
Sony who I had been working with through all of this and was again told that
they would replace the deck with a more current model or possibly offer me a
warranty extension for a current Sony product I already own. I told her neither
of these options interested me and that I just wanted my C90 back in working
order. I reiterated that I was extremely distraught by the way that my CD
player had been handled over the past few months, and informed her of the newly
missing screws. She apologized and said with a rather unconcerned overtone
that she would note it in her files but the repair was not going to be possible
and told me to take a few days to think about what I want.
So here I am, completely astounded over the treatment Ive received by Sony, and
I am lost as to what to do next. In no way do I want to trade my broken C90
in for a crappy Xplod model. The faceplate alone is worth more than what theyre
offering in exchange if you ask me. Its quite apparent to me that Sony is
no longer there to support their customers to say the least
Again, I must apologize for the LONG post, but part of me hopes that the right
person will happen across this and have an idea. If not, at least be warned of
the type of service you may receive when dealing with repairs for your no longer
supported Sony Mobile ES equipment. So if anyone actually read this far
without hitting the delete button in their email, what do you think you would
do? Im all out of ideas.
First, I must apologize for the extremely long post, but I feel that for those
who may be interested, my experience should be shared. A little bit of background
first, I've owned my Sony ES system since late '98, and have been a happy
listener ever since. However as age sets in, I have become more and more worried
of my options in the event of a system breakdown.
I had been watching Ebay for decent ES equipment to solidify my ES experience for
as long as possible and last summer I picked up a C90 that was advertised as
'like new' but arrived quite short of that description. The volume dial had
been worn out, and no longer clicked, and the unit itself had seen far better
days. For the most part it was functional just not like new as I had hoped.
I looked into my options for repair and Sony Customer Service informed me that
theyoffered a replacement plan for the unit for ~$335. I was ecstatic and couldn't
get the unit to them fast enoughfor it to be replaced. I sentit in expecting
to be receiving a like new, refurbished model in the mail in a couple weeks.
But instead I received an email from the Laredo
ServiceCenterconfirming
that they had received my unit, but that the
estimated replacement charge was going to come to$586.
I called up the Laredo centerimmediatelyto
ask about the price discrepancy and was questioned where I had been quoted
a replacement price of $335. After explaining that I was quoted the price
over the phone and that it was also listed on the internet, I was informed that
there was no way that price quoted was accurate and that amount wouldn't even
cover the flat rate repair rate for my particular unit. After becoming a bit
frustrated with the CSR, he then informed me that regardless of the price discrepancy,
they would not be able to replace the unit because it was too old and
they did not have any replacements available at the time. I was disheartened
and aggravated, but decided to have them go ahead and repair the unit. He still
wanted me to pay over $300 to have the repair completed but in the end after
quoting the price from the internet the person reluctantly offered to do the
repair at th
e quoted cost, but not without leaving me with the impressionthat I was lucky
and they were doing me a favor.
After about a month I had the C90 back in my possession, and upon opening the box
I had found one of the chassis screws loose in the bottom of the box. I consider
myself very lucky I noticed this, because before that I didn't even have
plans on hooking up the unit to test, since at that time I had every bit of confidence
that the authorized Sony center had finished the repair to the best
of their ability. Oh how wrong I was...
I hooked up the deck to my workbench and it powered up beautifully. Going through
the startup menus, everything worked properly, the volume dial felt firm and
clicked nicely, I was pleased. Then I grabbed a CD and opened the face. As soon
as the rollers grabbed at the CD to pull it in I heard a SNAP! The disc started
to spin up, and I could hear a not so good clicking sound, and could instantly
tell that the deck was not going to read the disc. Themessage 'disc error'
popped up on the screen along with a fewbeeps and the disc ejected.Igrabbed
another disc of mine, ensuring this one had absolutelyno fingerprints or scratches
anywhere on it. Same problem, after a few seconds of trying to spin the
disc I got an error.
I immediately called up Sony, frustrated at this point because I not only did not
get the new deck I was hoping for, I received mine back in worse shape than
it was in when I sent it in. SoI had to send the deck back again, but they assured
me that they would handle it as a top priority, and as a good faith gesture
even refunded my $125 that I had paid initially for the first repair. The
deck was back in my possession after another month, which was fine as I was in
no hurry to use this in an install anyways. I hooked it up to test it out, stuck
in a CD and it worked and sounded great! This was confirmation enough for
me, so I packaged the unit up and stored it away for safe keeping.
Things would've been great had the story ended here, but fate made it so that I
had to pull the deck out one wintry day to test a 4000x I was planning on selling.
I had it all hooked up so I could test out the 4000x. I played around with
it for about 15 minutes, the C90 worked beautifully (as did the 4000x) and
I was about to take it all apart and package up the processor for shipment when
all of a sudden the music stopped and I heard that ever so familiar clicking
sound inside of my CD player. After another few seconds it beeped and I got a
disc error message once again... I grabbed another disc and popped it in, same
problem back from the dead!
Extremely frustrated at this point I called up Sony and informed them of my misfortune.
At this point I was in contact with a manager of customer service who
wanted to know exactly why I was trying to hook up a car CD player inside my
house and continued by accusing me of breaking the unit myself... I quickly explained
that I was using the very same equipment that their repair facility would
use to power car equipment, and asked her if she honestly thought that their
repair techs ran out to a vehicle parked in back of their building to test
units out to see if they worked after finishing a repair. Even though I thought
this as funny, she did not but followed through and set up yet another work
order for repair.
So off goes my C90 for a 3rd visit to the Laredo
Service Center.
After a long wait and hearing no updates, I decided to
check online and noticed that a new message had appeared in regards to the current
status of my repair. It read as follows: "Please call one of the following
numbers so we may provide you with further information regarding your Sony
product"I called immediately, but the CSR knew nothing of the message or of my
CD players status. I was told to wait a bit longer and that the repair should
be completed shortly.
Three days later is when I got that dreaded call from Sony. I heard from the tech
himself at the Laredo center who
had a very hard time speaking my native language and for my sake and his I hope
they have those service manuals printed in his own language... I recall the
first thing he said to me... "I am sorry sir, but your CD player is not repairable
by us... we no longer have the parts to do the repair." My jaw dropped,
I got frustrated and argued a bit on the phone saying that this problem hadn't
arisen until after they got their hands on my deck, but I didn't get anywhere
so I call up management at customer service once again. The lady was apologetic
but not very helpful, she said that what I had been told was correct, that
they no longer had the parts to complete the repair of my deck and that I only
had a couple options. They offered to swap it with anothe
r deck She also spoke of the possibility of a buy back which I havenot heard a
mention of since, but I am not really interested in either option and just want
my C90 back and working properly. I was urged to take a few days to think it
over and call her back.
I waited over a weekend and then called her back and left a message after I found
out what they were offering to swap my C90 for was a discontinued and horridly
ugly Xplod model that in it's day retailed for under $400. In my message I
told her that I found it almost offensive that they offer me a used / refurbished
Xplod model that was approximately 1/3 of the original price of my deck.
I did not hear back from her for quite a few days, but instead the next day UPS
showed up on my doorstep with an oddly familiar box from Sony. It was my C90.
I opened it and pulled out an invoice, and it showed that it had in fact been
repaired! I was shocked to say the least, and continued by reaching to pull
the deck out of the box. I looked it over, and flipped it upside down to see if
everything was in place, and all of a sudden I hear a small 'tinkle tinkle tinkle'
coming from inside. I flip it back over,
and again I hear something loose rolling around inside the deck.
Ok, now at this point I'm furious, I pick up the phone, and instead of calling
the manager of customer service that had been working with me, I called the Laredo
center directly and got a compassionate
but not so helpful lady on the other end. I explained the situation.
She apologized profusely and said that unfortunately I'd have to send it back
again, which was already obvious to me. I also asked her why I was told the
week before that the deck was not repairable, and she said she didn't know but
the techs had somehow found a way to fix it. So off to Sony goes my C90 for a
4th visit...
It's now been over 6 months since this has all started, and last week I got a call
from another tech at the Laredo
Center, and was given that same dreaded
message as before. "I'm sorry sir, but we cannot complete the repair on your
CD player." I didn't speak with him for very long, just got his name and badge
info, then immediately called the management of customer service at Sony.
I left a message expecting a callback within a day or so.
Later that afternoon I got a second call from a CSR at the Laredo Facility who
also informed me the deck was not able to be repaired. I brought up all the problems
that had gone on and demanded an explanation, but he didn't have much to
say. I also asked him what was rolling around loose inside my CD player when
I got it back last time and he pretended to know nothing about it, and when I
asked him if it wasa screw they forgot to put back he denied, saying that no
sir it was not a loose screw. When asked again that if it wasn't a screw what
it was, he ended by saying that he did not have that information at this time.
I told him that I would be in touch with management and ended the call.
Fifteen minutes later I received yet another call, this time from a supervisor
from the Laredo Facility. She was compassionate, understanding, and ensured me
that they would be able to come to a conclusion to resolve this problem and that
she would soon be in touch.
I have yet to hear back from her, but I have since received my C90 back in the
mail, this time officially broken (as tested and stated by an enclosed invoice).
After looking it over, there are three external screws missing from the deck,
two on the face, and one on the back that holds the DC inverters wire in place.
The wire connected to the inverter is also taped together, which to me shows
signs of a very sloppy splice.
That same day I also received a callback from the manager at customer service for
Sony who I had been working with through all of this and was again told that
they would replace the deck with a more current model or possibly offer me a
warranty extension for a current Sony product I already own. I told her neither
of these options interested me and that I just wanted my C90 back in working
order. I reiterated that I was extremely distraught by the way that my CD player
had been handled over the past few months, and informed her of the newly
missing screws. She apologized and said with a rather unconcerned overtone that
she would note it in her files but the repair was not going to be possible and
told me to take a few days to think about what I want.
So here I am, completely astounded over the treatment Ive received by Sony, and
I am lost as to what to do next. In no way do I want to trade my broken C90 in
for a crappy Xplod model. The faceplate alone is worth more than what theyre
offering in exchange if you ask me. Its quite apparent to me that Sony is no
longer there to support their customers to say the least
Again, I must apologize for the LONG post, but part of me hopes that the right
person will happen across this and have an idea. If not, at least be warned of
the type of service youmayreceive when dealing withrepairs for your no longer
supported Sony Mobile ES equipment. So if anyone actually read this far without
hitting the delete button in their email, what do you think you would do? Im
all out of ideas.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | jtholley03(at)adelphia.net |
| Subject: | Re: Wow, what an experience (Sony) |
Cc: bobbybraun(at)comcast.net
This is very disheartening. I am sorry to hear this since I have a C90, and 3 XM2000R's.
Do you still have your XDP4000?
I am looking to buy one and still will be doing so even tho this news saddens me
and lets me know I am forked if I need to repair something.
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | Scott Thibault <tbone7467(at)yahoo.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Wow, what an experience (Sony) |
Yeah they offered me the same crappy deck when I had my CDX-C90 repaired a few
months back. funny they dont have parts I think they are still selling this unit
in europe. I was offended by the offer of that crappy xplode deck myself. I
would have expected at least the dvd flip up screen for like $200 and the cdx-c90.
I got my deck back in great condition have yet to test it so not sure if
it is 100%.
First, I must apologize for the extremely long post, but I feel that for those
who may be interested, my experience should be shared. A little bit of background
first, I've owned my Sony ES system since late '98, and have been a happy
listener ever since. However as age sets in, I have become more and more worried
of my options in the event of a system breakdown.
I had been watching Ebay for decent ES equipment to solidify my ES experience for
as long as possible and last summer I picked up a C90 that was advertised as
'like new' but arrived quite short of that description. The volume dial had
been worn out, and no longer clicked, and the unit itself had seen far better
days. For the most part it was functional just not like new as I had hoped.
I looked into my options for repair and Sony Customer Service informed me that
they offered a replacement plan for the unit for ~$335. I was ecstatic and couldn't
get the unit to them fast enough for it to be replaced. I sent it in expecting
to be receiving a like new, refurbished model in the mail in a couple weeks.
But instead I received an email from the Laredo Service Center confirming
that they had received my unit, but that the estimated replacement charge was
going to come to $586.
I called up the Laredo center immediately to ask about the price discrepancy and
was questioned where I had been quoted a replacement price of $335. After explaining
that I was quoted the price over the phone and that it was also listed
on the internet, I was informed that there was no way that price quoted was
accurate and that amount wouldn't even cover the flat rate repair rate for my
particular unit. After becoming a bit frustrated with the CSR, he then informed
me that regardless of the price discrepancy, they would not be able to replace
the unit because it was too old and they did not have any replacements available
at the time. I was disheartened and aggravated, but decided to have them
go ahead and repair the unit. He still wanted me to pay over $300 to have the
repair completed but in the end after quoting the price from the internet the
person reluctantly offered to do the repair at the quoted cost, but not without
leaving me with the impression that I was luck
y and they were doing me a favor.
After about a month I had the C90 back in my possession, and upon opening the box
I had found one of the chassis screws loose in the bottom of the box. I consider
myself very lucky I noticed this, because before that I didn't even have
plans on hooking up the unit to test, since at that time I had every bit of confidence
that the authorized Sony center had finished the repair to the best
of their ability. Oh how wrong I was...
I hooked up the deck to my workbench and it powered up beautifully. Going through
the startup menus, everything worked properly, the volume dial felt firm and
clicked nicely, I was pleased. Then I grabbed a CD and opened the face. As soon
as the rollers grabbed at the CD to pull it in I heard a SNAP! The disc started
to spin up, and I could hear a not so good clicking sound, and could instantly
tell that the deck was not going to read the disc. The message 'disc error'
popped up on the screen along with a few beeps and the disc ejected. I grabbed
another disc of mine, ensuring this one had absolutely no fingerprints or
scratches anywhere on it. Same problem, after a few seconds of trying to spin
the disc I got an error.
I immediately called up Sony, frustrated at this point because I not only did not
get the new deck I was hoping for, I received mine back in worse shape than
it was in when I sent it in. So I had to send the deck back again, but they assured
me that they would handle it as a top priority, and as a good faith gesture
even refunded my $125 that I had paid initially for the first repair. The
deck was back in my possession after another month, which was fine as I was in
no hurry to use this in an install anyways. I hooked it up to test it out, stuck
in a CD and it worked and sounded great! This was confirmation enough for
me, so I packaged the unit up and stored it away for safe keeping.
Things would've been great had the story ended here, but fate made it so that I
had to pull the deck out one wintry day to test a 4000x I was planning on selling.
I had it all hooked up so I could test out the 4000x. I played around with
it for about 15 minutes, the C90 worked beautifully (as did the 4000x) and
I was about to take it all apart and package up the processor for shipment when
all of a sudden the music stopped and I heard that ever so familiar clicking
sound inside of my CD player. After another few seconds it beeped and I got a
disc error message once again... I grabbed another disc and popped it in, same
problem back from the dead!
Extremely frustrated at this point I called up Sony and informed them of my misfortune.
At this point I was in contact with a manager of customer service who
wanted to know exactly why I was trying to hook up a car CD player inside my
house and continued by accusing me of breaking the unit myself... I quickly explained
that I was using the very same equipment that their repair facility would
use to power car equipment, and asked her if she honestly thought that their
repair techs ran out to a vehicle parked in back of their building to test
units out to see if they worked after finishing a repair. Even though I thought
this as funny, she did not but followed through and set up yet another work
order for repair.
So off goes my C90 for a 3rd visit to the Laredo Service Center. After a long wait
and hearing no updates, I decided to check online and noticed that a new message
had appeared in regards to the current status of my repair. It read as
follows: "Please call one of the following numbers so we may provide you with
further information regarding your Sony product" I called immediately, but the
CSR knew nothing of the message or of my CD players status. I was told to wait
a bit longer and that the repair should be completed shortly.
Three days later is when I got that dreaded call from Sony. I heard from the tech
himself at the Laredo center who had a very hard time speaking my native language
and for my sake and his I hope they have those service manuals printed
in his own language... I recall the first thing he said to me... "I am sorry sir,
but your CD player is not repairable by us... we no longer have the parts
to do the repair." My jaw dropped, I got frustrated and argued a bit on the phone
saying that this problem hadn't arisen until after they got their hands on
my deck, but I didn't get anywhere so I call up management at customer service
once again. The lady was apologetic but not very helpful, she said that what
I had been told was correct, that they no longer had the parts to complete the
repair of my deck and that I only had a couple options. They offered to swap
it with another deck She also spoke of the possibility of a buy back which I
have not heard a mention of since, but I am not
really interested in either option and just want my C90 back and working properly.
I was urged to take a few days to think it over and call her back.
I waited over a weekend and then called her back and left a message after I found
out what they were offering to swap my C90 for was a discontinued and horridly
ugly Xplod model that in it's day retailed for under $400. In my message I
told her that I found it almost offensive that they offer me a used / refurbished
Xplod model that was approximately 1/3 of the original price of my deck.
I did not hear back from her for quite a few days, but instead the next day UPS
showed up on my doorstep with an oddly familiar box from Sony. It was my C90.
I opened it and pulled out an invoice, and it showed that it had in fact been
repaired! I was shocked to say the least, and continued by reaching to pull
the deck out of the box. I looked it over, and flipped it upside down to see if
everything was in place, and all of a sudden I hear a small 'tinkle tinkle tinkle'
coming from inside. I flip it back over, and again I hear something loose
rolling around inside the deck.
Ok, now at this point I'm furious, I pick up the phone, and instead of calling
the manager of customer service that had been working with me, I called the Laredo
center directly and got a compassionate but not so helpful lady on the other
end. I explained the situation. She apologized profusely and said that unfortunately
I'd have to send it back again, which was already obvious to me. I
also asked her why I was told the week before that the deck was not repairable,
and she said she didn't know but the techs had somehow found a way to fix it.
So off to Sony goes my C90 for a 4th visit...
It's now been over 6 months since this has all started, and last week I got a call
from another tech at the Laredo Center, and was given that same dreaded message
as before. "I'm sorry sir, but we cannot complete the repair on your CD
player." I didn't speak with him for very long, just got his name and badge info,
then immediately called the management of customer service at Sony. I left
a message expecting a callback within a day or so.
Later that afternoon I got a second call from a CSR at the Laredo Facility who
also informed me the deck was not able to be repaired. I brought up all the problems
that had gone on and demanded an explanation, but he didn't have much to
say. I also asked him what was rolling around loose inside my CD player when
I got it back last time and he pretended to know nothing about it, and when I
asked him if it was a screw they forgot to put back he denied, saying that no
sir it was not a loose screw. When asked again that if it wasn't a screw what
it was, he ended by saying that he did not have that information at this time.
I told him that I would be in touch with management and ended the call.
Fifteen minutes later I received yet another call, this time from a supervisor
from the Laredo Facility. She was compassionate, understanding, and ensured me
that they would be able to come to a conclusion to resolve this problem and that
she would soon be in touch.
I have yet to hear back from her, but I have since received my C90 back in the
mail, this time officially broken (as tested and stated by an enclosed invoice).
After looking it over, there are three external screws missing from the deck,
two on the face, and one on the back that holds the DC inverters wire in place.
The wire connected to the inverter is also taped together, which to me shows
signs of a very sloppy splice.
That same day I also received a callback from the manager at customer service for
Sony who I had been working with through all of this and was again told that
they would replace the deck with a more current model or possibly offer me a
warranty extension for a current Sony product I already own. I told her neither
of these options interested me and that I just wanted my C90 back in working
order. I reiterated that I was extremely distraught by the way that my CD player
had been handled over the past few months, and informed her of the newly
missing screws. She apologized and said with a rather unconcerned overtone that
she would note it in her files but the repair was not going to be possible and
told me to take a few days to think about what I want.
So here I am, completely astounded over the treatment Ive received by Sony, and
I am lost as to what to do next. In no way do I want to trade my broken C90 in
for a crappy Xplod model. The faceplate alone is worth more than what theyre
offering in exchange if you ask me. Its quite apparent to me that Sony is no
longer there to support their customers to say the least
Again, I must apologize for the LONG post, but part of me hopes that the right
person will happen across this and have an idea. If not, at least be warned of
the type of service you may receive when dealing with repairs for your no longer
supported Sony Mobile ES equipment. So if anyone actually read this far without
hitting the delete button in their email, what do you think you would do?
Im all out of ideas.
First, I must apologize for the extremely long post, but I feel that for those
who may be interested, my experience should be shared. A little bit of background
first, I've owned my Sony ES system since late '98, and have been a happy
listener ever since. However as age sets in, I have become more and more worried
of my options in the event of a system breakdown.
I had been watching Ebay for decent ES equipment to solidify my ES experience for
as long as possible and last summer I picked up a C90 that was advertised as
'like new' but arrived quite short of that description. The volume dial had
been worn out, and no longer clicked, and the unit itself had seen far better
days. For the most part it was functional just not like new as I had hoped.
I looked into my options for repair and Sony Customer Service informed me that
theyoffered a replacement plan for the unit for ~$335. I was ecstatic and couldn't
get the unit to them fast enoughfor it to be replaced. I sentit in expecting
to be receiving a like new, refurbished model in the mail in a couple weeks.
But instead I received an email from the Laredo ServiceCenterconfirming that
they had received my unit, but that the estimated replacement charge was going
to come to$586.
I called up the Laredo centerimmediatelyto ask about the price discrepancy and
was questioned where I had been quoted a replacement price of $335. After explaining
that I was quoted the price over the phone and that it was also listed
on the internet, I was informed that there was no way that price quoted was accurate
and that amount wouldn't even cover the flat rate repair rate for my particular
unit. After becoming a bit frustrated with the CSR, he then informed
me that regardless of the price discrepancy, they would not be able to replace
the unit because it was too old and they did not have any replacements available
at the time. I was disheartened and aggravated, but decided to have them go
ahead and repair the unit. He still wanted me to pay over $300 to have the repair
completed but in the end after quoting the price from the internet the person
reluctantly offered to do the repair at th
e quoted cost, but not without leaving me with the impressionthat I was lucky and
they were doing me a favor.
After about a month I had the C90 back in my possession, and upon opening the box
I had found one of the chassis screws loose in the bottom of the box. I consider
myself very lucky I noticed this, because before that I didn't even have
plans on hooking up the unit to test, since at that time I had every bit of confidence
that the authorized Sony center had finished the repair to the best
of their ability. Oh how wrong I was...
I hooked up the deck to my workbench and it powered up beautifully. Going through
the startup menus, everything worked properly, the volume dial felt firm and
clicked nicely, I was pleased. Then I grabbed a CD and opened the face. As soon
as the rollers grabbed at the CD to pull it in I heard a SNAP! The disc started
to spin up, and I could hear a not so good clicking sound, and could instantly
tell that the deck was not going to read the disc. Themessage 'disc error'
popped up on the screen along with a fewbeeps and the disc ejected.Igrabbed
another disc of mine, ensuring this one had absolutelyno fingerprints or scratches
anywhere on it. Same problem, after a few seconds of trying to spin the
disc I got an error.
I immediately called up Sony, frustrated at this point because I not only did not
get the new deck I was hoping for, I received mine back in worse shape than
it was in when I sent it in. SoI had to send the deck back again, but they assured
me that they would handle it as a top priority, and as a good faith gesture
even refunded my $125 that I had paid initially for the first repair. The
deck was back in my possession after another month, which was fine as I was in
no hurry to use this in an install anyways. I hooked it up to test it out, stuck
in a CD and it worked and sounded great! This was confirmation enough for
me, so I packaged the unit up and stored it away for safe keeping.
Things would've been great had the story ended here, but fate made it so that I
had to pull the deck out one wintry day to test a 4000x I was planning on selling.
I had it all hooked up so I could test out the 4000x. I played around with
it for about 15 minutes, the C90 worked beautifully (as did the 4000x) and
I was about to take it all apart and package up the processor for shipment when
all of a sudden the music stopped and I heard that ever so familiar clicking
sound inside of my CD player. After another few seconds it beeped and I got a
disc error message once again... I grabbed another disc and popped it in, same
problem back from the dead!
Extremely frustrated at this point I called up Sony and informed them of my misfortune.
At this point I was in contact with a manager of customer service who
wanted to know exactly why I was trying to hook up a car CD player inside my
house and continued by accusing me of breaking the unit myself... I quickly explained
that I was using the very same equipment that their repair facility would
use to power car equipment, and asked her if she honestly thought that their
repair techs ran out to a vehicle parked in back of their building to test
units out to see if they worked after finishing a repair. Even though I thought
this as funny, she did not but followed through and set up yet another work
order for repair.
So off goes my C90 for a 3rd visit to the Laredo Service Center. After a long wait
and hearing no updates, I decided to check online and noticed that a new message
had appeared in regards to the current status of my repair. It read as
follows: "Please call one of the following numbers so we may provide you with
further information regarding your Sony product"I called immediately, but the
CSR knew nothing of the message or of my CD players status. I was told to wait
a bit longer and that the repair should be completed shortly.
Three days later is when I got that dreaded call from Sony. I heard from the tech
himself at the Laredo center who had a very hard time speaking my native language
and for my sake and his I hope they have those service manuals printed
in his own language... I recall the first thing he said to me... "I am sorry sir,
but your CD player is not repairable by us... we no longer have the parts
to do the repair." My jaw dropped, I got frustrated and argued a bit on the phone
saying that this problem hadn't arisen until after they got their hands on
my deck, but I didn't get anywhere so I call up management at customer service
once again. The lady was apologetic but not very helpful, she said that what
I had been told was correct, that they no longer had the parts to complete the
repair of my deck and that I only had a couple options. They offered to swap
it with anothe
r deck She also spoke of the possibility of a buy back which I havenot heard a
mention of since, but I am not really interested in either option and just want
my C90 back and working properly. I was urged to take a few days to think it
over and call her back.
I waited over a weekend and then called her back and left a message after I found
out what they were offering to swap my C90 for was a discontinued and horridly
ugly Xplod model that in it's day retailed for under $400. In my message I
told her that I found it almost offensive that they offer me a used / refurbished
Xplod model that was approximately 1/3 of the original price of my deck.
I did not hear back from her for quite a few days, but instead the next day UPS
showed up on my doorstep with an oddly familiar box from Sony. It was my C90.
I opened it and pulled out an invoice, and it showed that it had in fact been
repaired! I was shocked to say the least, and continued by reaching to pull
the deck out of the box. I looked it over, and flipped it upside down to see if
everything was in place, and all of a sudden I hear a small 'tinkle tinkle tinkle'
coming from inside. I flip it back over,
and again I hear something loose rolling around inside the deck.
Ok, now at this point I'm furious, I pick up the phone, and instead of calling
the manager of customer service that had been working with me, I called the Laredo
center directly and got a compassionate but not so helpful lady on the other
end. I explained the situation. She apologized profusely and said that unfortunately
I'd have to send it back again, which was already obvious to me. I
also asked her why I was told the week before that the deck was not repairable,
and she said she didn't know but the techs had somehow found a way to fix it.
So off to Sony goes my C90 for a 4th visit...
It's now been over 6 months since this has all started, and last week I got a call
from another tech at the Laredo Center, and was given that same dreaded message
as before. "I'm sorry sir, but we cannot complete the repair on your CD
player." I didn't speak with him for very long, just got his name and badge info,
then immediately called the management of customer service at Sony. I left
a message expecting a callback within a day or so.
Later that afternoon I got a second call from a CSR at the Laredo Facility who
also informed me the deck was not able to be repaired. I brought up all the problems
that had gone on and demanded an explanation, but he didn't have much to
say. I also asked him what was rolling around loose inside my CD player when
I got it back last time and he pretended to know nothing about it, and when I
asked him if it wasa screw they forgot to put back he denied, saying that no
sir it was not a loose screw. When asked again that if it wasn't a screw what
it was, he ended by saying that he did not have that information at this time.
I told him that I would be in touch with management and ended the call.
Fifteen minutes later I received yet another call, this time from a supervisor
from the Laredo Facility. She was compassionate, understanding, and ensured me
that they would be able to come to a conclusion to resolve this problem and that
she would soon be in touch.
I have yet to hear back from her, but I have since received my C90 back in the
mail, this time officially broken (as tested and stated by an enclosed invoice).
After looking it over, there are three external screws missing from the deck,
two on the face, and one on the back that holds the DC inverters wire in place.
The wire connected to the inverter is also taped together, which to me shows
signs of a very sloppy splice.
That same day I also received a callback from the manager at customer service for
Sony who I had been working with through all of this and was again told that
they would replace the deck with a more current model or possibly offer me a
warranty extension for a current Sony product I already own. I told her neither
of these options interested me and that I just wanted my C90 back in working
order. I reiterated that I was extremely distraught by the way that my CD player
had been handled over the past few months, and informed her of the newly
missing screws. She apologized and said with a rather unconcerned overtone that
she would note it in her files but the repair was not going to be possible and
told me to take a few days to think about what I want.
So here I am, completely astounded over the treatment Ive received by Sony, and
I am lost as to what to do next. In no way do I want to trade my broken C90 in
for a crappy Xplod model. The faceplate alone is worth more than what theyre
offering in exchange if you ask me. Its quite apparent to me that Sony is no
longer there to support their customers to say the least
Again, I must apologize for the LONG post, but part of me hopes that the right
person will happen across this and have an idea. If not, at least be warned of
the type of service youmayreceive when dealing withrepairs for your no longer
supported Sony Mobile ES equipment. So if anyone actually read this far without
hitting the delete button in their email, what do you think you would do? Im
all out of ideas.
---------------------------------
________________________________________________________________________________
| From: | "Randy Visentine" <randyman(at)gmail.com> |
| Subject: | Re: Wow, what an experience (Sony) |
I had a simlar runaround from Sony Service Center. I sent my lovely
STR-DA777ES Reciever in for service. It was displaying "Protect" on the
display, and would not function at all. It has a 5 Year warranty. So I pay
the ~$50 shipping fee to have it serviced by the "Pros" at Sony. I get it
back a few weeks later, and all seems well (well, actually, the unit worked,
but they did not address the intermittent motorized volume knob issue I was
having - but I was just glad to get my baby back, and my HT back in action).
So, flash to about a year or 2 later. Unit is still under warranty. The
Motorized Volume Knob was REALLY acting up now, and part of the display was
intermittent as well. I go online, and see Sony has a "Platinum" service
center about 5 miles from my work. So I take it in (save $50 shipping).
The tech is a very nice and knowledgeable guy. I get a phone call the next
day. He informs me that SOMEONE had done VERY sloppy work on this reciever,
and the Protection Circuitry was actually BYPASSED! Well, as I mentioned
above, the Sony Service Center did the last "Repair" on my unit. I call
Sony - and they tell me I had an un-authorized repair center work on my
unit, and my warranty is now voided. I was PISSED!!! I could not find the
invoice from the previous repair - so I was screwed. It was their word
against mine regarding the previous repair. I finally find the invoice
(thank God), and they STILL claim I had un-authorized work done elsewhere.
February 04, 2005 - March 16, 2006
XDP4000X-Archive.digest.vol-al