how to convert volume "dial" to buttons

I don't think there is any simple solution.

In modern audio electronics, there's usually a microprocessor lurking somewhere in there. For a 2-button type volume control, pressing one button adds to the number in a memory location inside the micro, pressing the other subtracts from it. The resulting number is used within the electronics to set the volume level.

There may be ICs around these days that can do it (programmable pot with up/down counter & oscillator), or you could maybe do it with a single-chip microprocessor and the right program.

If you have a modern car audio system, the control knobs may be turning incremental encoders, which effectively produce the "count up" and "count down" signals. This could be simulated by some circuitry taking input from two buttons, but again, it's not trivial, and you'd probably need a circuit schematic of the audio system to do it.

Sorry .

One solution is to connect the volume knob or shaft to a dc motor. The buttons on your steering wheel will turn the motor clockwise or counter-clockwise and thus control your volume.

You'll need a slow turning motor. That might be difficult to procure so you'll need to use pulleys or gears to reduce the rotational speed.

There's another solution but that involves building a circuit but the one above is simpler and easier to make.

The cheapest way actually and legally is to go and buy a new radio with such a feature built in.....

I agree with AG. If your car radio is stock (came with the car) You'd be benefiting yourself to go out and buy a modern head unit. If you do have an aftermarket radio, there is probably an accessory port in the back (some of them look like PS/2 ports if i'm not mistaken) where you can buy a sort of wired remote control that attaches to your steering wheel, shift knob, etc. The last 2 radios i've bought have come with small IR remote controls, too, so that may be an option for you. I'd suggest duct taping it to something because I keep losing the darned thing!

Good advice and funny too!

Most modern audio systems have incorporated the encoder rotary controls upgradations for two button volume control as fine control over volume .........

Yours probably is resistive volume control , i don`t exactly remember , some years ago we had installed such controls in synthesizers , voice recorders , they were ready assemble kit 5 wire unit operated on 9V DC , two wires directly replaced with rotary volume knobs wire , this was big unit it cannot be arranged inside your audio system in your car , but if you want it on your steering wheel it can be done , i am not aware if this product is still in the market , it was long ago .but new audio amplification chips have digital kind of volume control , this is not simple , requires professional attandance for correct specification matching your original audio `s control , and hope not very economical too , i will advise going for new unit with remote control(radio control)

Best not to mess with the internal circuitry of your radio. In any event, it was constructed in a highly automated oriental assembly line, and definitely not with the after market tinkering folk in mind!

If you insist in going through with this, connect the circuitry (outside the box!) to the amplifier output of the unit, before the speakers.

There will be howls of protest regarding amplifier output distortion, output trannie loading, power wastage etc. But it will work.

Just don't do it on a particularly precious piece of kit ;-)

thanks for your suggestion guys! My car is a 2003 lexus rx300 if that helps. I really like the idea of making a motor actually turn the dial; this seems like the best way to begin without hurting my radio, if i make a mistake.

This weekend i will take the radio out of the car and play around with it. Maybe something will hit me? Keep the suggestions coming!

I think most of us are completely against the idea in reality, what you do is your own business, but I cannot believe that new radios with remote control are that expensive in the USA...

If, as you propose an external module to turn the volume up and down without changing anything in or on the radio:-

1) you will have great difficulty mounting this unit without making a real eyesore in your car.

2) if not really tiny, it may obscure part or most of the radio dial(s) controls from your position.

3) If ever you want to sell the car, you will need to be able to remove it completely and return your car to an original pristine condition, reckon with a loss of at least $1000 per small hole on dashboard, bigger holes more...

4) unless you are a real Ace in mechanical, electrical and probably electronics (I have not got this impression about you, sorry) you will probably never get it working properly anyway.

5) If not a true remote (Radio or UV contact or similar) but has wires, these could cost you an accident or three and when the police see this mechanism, you will automatically be seen as the problem, whether you are it or not!

I could go on but I feel that is more than enough......I hope you do not think badly of me in because I am totally against such changes unless perfectly executed to enhance the looks of the car (in this case!).....

By the way, are you sure that an optional extra for your car is NOT such a module?

Excellent post Andy. I actually own an RX300 myself. I believe there are 3 computer networks in the car - 1 low res for services (lighting, power doors etc), 1 high res for drive by wire (throttle etc) and 1 dedicated to the AV system (there is a TV screen in the dash). I hope I'm a competent engineer but wouldn't even dream about delving below the dashboard. Call me a whoose, but also call me an owner of a fully functional vehicle!

How about if you buy a new car with the buttons already installed

Remember K.I.S.S.