Sc811 Cd Changer Problem

[maiku]

i have an sc811

it works flawlessly with the radio and the tape deck

i recently obtained an alpine cd changer CHM-S601

i plugged the 8pin din converter into the back of the changer

then i go to push the "cd" button on my sc811

nothing happens

when i push the cd button, nothing happens to the screen

its like i didn't push a button at all

i whip out my old sc710 headunit and plug it into the changer

long behold it works flawlessly

so now i have a predicament

i even tested the cd changer port for any signal

seems like the changer and the headunit are communicating fine

what the hell is wrong with the sc811?

any owners out there care to share any solutions?

[Geevs]

Hi,

I have the same set-up SC-811 with Alpine CHM-S601 CD changer. You will need an interface adapter generically known as VOLALP. This adapter is made by various manufacturers such as PIE, Stinger, etc. and is obtainable at most car audio stores. The reason you need the adapter is because some of the signal wires in the DIN cable have been purposely mixed up by Volvo so owners will be inclined to buy the more $$$ Volvo-branded CD changer which is really a re-badged Alpine.

Anyway, do a Google on VOLALP to get an idea of what you need.

HTH,

Geevs

[matt1122]

Here's one: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-ERPTZDJJAqo/c....asp?i=541VOLIL

[Mesoam]

nothing like proprietary factory jargon ;)

[maiku]

so it really is just the cable right?

does the sc710 have an "inferior" design?

because that is what i am currently using, and it works perfectly (except for a screwed up LCD) but it doesn't have the special cable, just a 8 pin converter

and could i obtain this at the volvo dealership? or would that be $$$$

and how well does this cable work? i read a whole bunch of things about the connection being very erratic

[matt1122]

and how well does this cable work? i read a whole bunch of things about the connection  being very erratic

Since all it should be doing is rerouting wires to different pins it shouldn't be erratic at all - it should actually work absolutely perfectly! There is no reason why it should do otherwise.

[maiku]

it seems that the person who i got the changer from had the sc811 as well, except a 95model.

apparently only 96+ radio's have volvo's infamous "encryption"

i may be able to trade for that specific radio and save myself from spending 50+ dollars on a cable

thanks to all!

[Geevs]

Anitanium,

I suggest you check your local car audio store for the PIE VOLALP and see if they will allow you to test it in their shop. I recall when I bought my VOLALP I was also leery about the specs being for 93-95 models but my car is a 96 and it worked. Also if you do a Froogle on VOLALP (www.froogle.com) you will see the interface is selling for $20. Maybe you can print it out and ask the local store to price match.

HTH,

Geevs

[drlava]

The sc-811 doesn't have encryption on its communication protocol, but it doesn't have power out of it, so your changer probably isn't getting power. The VOLALP adapter has a red wire that you splice into a switched 12V supply that powers your changer. I have many VOLALPS from peripheral, and can sell you one for $16 + 3.85 S/H to USA.