Alpine ilx-207 in the Scosche trim

[chazyouwin]

Here we are, Alpine ilx-207 in the Scosche trim.

[chazyouwin]

If you can't tell from the pictures, then let me tell you that the Scosche is high quality and is just about a perfect fit for the Alpine screen.

[WESHOOT2]

Admirable install; very nice.

[johnhenrydale]

Is this install in conjunction with the Rockford Fosgate system ?

[johnhenrydale]

Also: does this install still allow you to use steering wheel controls for phone and stereo (vol, tuning, mode selection etc.) ?

[chazyouwin]

Okay, here are some details.

1. This install is basic using the stock Rockford Fosgate amp and stock premium speakers. The wiring harness adapter is the Scosche SI06B, which converts the speaker-level signals to the Rockford Fosgate amp rather than implementing line level RCA jacks (for that see the thread from user "Minority"). -- I cannot perceive any loss in signal and the sound including bass comes through richly and crisply (as a teen I played bass guitar for a band). The Alpine controls give a fine degree of control over tuning, including the subwoofer, much better than the stock RF head unit. The implemented sound through the Alpine/RF system is gorgeous, even with the translated inputs.

2. I spent a great deal of time installing the steering wheel control Metra ASWC-1 which supposedly detects our Kizashi automatically. The steering wheel controls for the radio and bluetooth do not yet work.

HOWEVER - with the big capacitative touch screen, icons, Siri control, and bluetooth over the installed microphone - I don't miss the steering wheel controls at all. The Alpine gives me a couple of buttons and can adjust volume and go to next song back song, etc., by leaning a bit to the right and glancing at the screen, touching an icon or button. The phone calling with voice and available screen icons is also a better implementation than the stock bluetooth steering control buttons. You don't need to look at the phone at all for anything - its all there on a big screen, available at a glance and not distracting.

3. I used the Metra 40-HD10 antenna adapter, connecting the blue wire to the blue wire. The connected power to the radio signal renders a fine signal excellent.

4. I installed the Alpine-provided microphone in the headliner, wrapping it down through the A -pillar and, along with the GPS assist which I installed under the registration tag, under the dash (disconnected bottom part of dash with screwdriver). The USB cord is currently routed to the glove compartment but I've ordered a device to attach it to the stock USB port.

Some more pics attached.

[chazyouwin]

Some more pics, better resolution.

[chazyouwin]

Update on the steering wheel control problem - called the Metra Electronics 1-800-253-TECH help line today. Tech almost immediately said that many Alpines will not work if the steering wheel control jack is plugged into the back of the radio when the ASWC-1 is looking for its programming. (It sees the connection as a type 7 open circuit, whatever that means). The solution, he said, is to pull the radio, pull the jack out of the back of the radio, push the reset button (paper clip needed as it is recessed), and let the ASWC-1 reprogram. Then re-insert the SWC jack and we should be ready to go. Won't try this for a while as I've got other things to do this weekend.

Also neglected to mention that I installed a parking brake bypass for Alpine ($15). Not sure its doing anything, but I see no problems relating to any potential need for car being stopped when inputting info or seeing it on the unit.

[chazyouwin]

So - pulling out the plug for programming per the Metra tech adviser did help; it got the volume and next item buttons working on the steering wheel. The other buttons (mode & mute, plus the phone) do not work on the steering wheel. Does not bother me, but if anyone has a solution for these features I'd like to know.

[FrankoLaMoya]

Wow nice job man!! Pretty neat. The only thing I feel I am missing in the Kizashi is a navigation system, but it is not a big deal for me...just more convenient! Good for you.