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Those of you who have put aftermarket head units in your SC, what, if anything, did you do about the volume ****? Just left it inactive? Any ideas on anything it could be used for, or hooked up to? I just hate the thought of having something that doesn't work/do anything.
I just left mine disconnected. I don't think you would want to remove it, it would look pretty weird I think even if you could find something else to put in there (don't know what would fit).
If and when I replaced my factory Head unit, I was thinking about having the button removed and filled in to match the rest of the column so as if it was never there, I am of the same frame of mind as you Hi-psi, I don't want it there is it is not going to do anything LOL....
I don't think it would be terribly difficult to remove the **** and have the trim panel "filled in" and done to where it looked as if it never existed.
One option I've knocked around is using it for a power switch for maybe some remote input device for an LCD in the dash. (PS2, VCR, etc.)
Another option is using the volume **** to drive the new head unit's volume.
The input from the **** is sent to a microcontroller and converted to the proper IR signal for the head unit volume control.
The downside is that making it "universal" is tricky as every head unit brand uses different IR codes, but hey it is a 'just for fun' project Smoke test this weekend!
I realize this is a very, very old thread (going on 17 years since the the last post above!) but I thought I'd add this picture contribution since it's something I am planning to do with my SC300's now unused volume ****.
I don't know who's car this picture is from, sorry but I hope they will not mind it being reposted here.
Their idea was to use the space where the volume **** was to install a standard size marine-style USB charge port in that location (it seems their part uses an aux jack as well). There are so many port types that use this same form factor (USB charge ports, volt meters, etc.) that could be applied.
The only tricky part will be the modifying the dual **** assembly behind the trim panel to fit in whichever port type one desires in that location.
I'm sure it's been done by several owners even if there is no specific DIY for this. Hope this gives some additional ideas to anyone curious.
I have a JL Audio amp with a bass boost ****, so I rigged the inside of the Volume **** to work with the bass boost. Looks factory and still has a function.
@IN2LXUAL Hey buddy, don't mean to necro this thread but did you have any insight on how you wired the bass **** to the volume control? Does the push function do anything now or is it just for bass level control? Looking to do something with my volume like removing it and replacing with a round toggle switch or usb but your repurposing sounds like an awesome idea 👍.