I have a Ford OEM RF Modulated CD Changer. I would like to control the changer via an aftermarket changer controller.

My questions are:

Is the RF changer the same as the changer that are controlled by the Ford OEM head unit, but with some sort of modulator addon?

If this is so, how can I determine the make of the changer? From other posts, I am guessing it is an Alpine, but there is some discussion that it might be Clarion. In any case, it uses different 6 disk cartridges than my Ford OEM changer (deck controlled, not RF modulated)in my 99 Escort.

Hopefully this is clear enough that someone can help me. The car stereo shop tells me (of course) that there's no way to make it work.

Thanks,

 

Doh,


The truck is a 98 F150 s/c, changer mounted under the driver's side rear seat.

Thanks again,
Nightfall

 

I have never seen a Ford rf changer. Are you sure it isn't an aftermarket unit? The cd changers are made by Clarion. The only ones I have installed are hardwired right into the radio. The only ones I have seen are hardwired right into the radio. If it is an RF modulated unit, (with the control panel separate from the radio controls) you should be able to use any radio with it. An RF modulated cd changer has the vehicles antenna plug into it, and the modulator plugs into the antenna port on the radio chassis. Therefore, it will work with any radio. The only thing you wire up for the changer is a constant 12v, a switched 12v and a ground.

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1997 F-150, 4.6, automatic, Dark Toreador Red, Supercab, Flareside, 4X4 Off-Road, Towing Package, Ford hvy dty rubber floor mats, Kenwood 10-disk cd changer, Ford bugshield, Chrome Grizzly Wrap Around Push Bar with 2 KC 100w Daylighters, Ventshades, Ford bedliner, cab and bed professionally undercoated, Code Alarm Sure Start RVS remote starter, Ford alarm, Realistic CB with Wilson Little Wil antenna and Astatic power mic, ported MAF sensor, and Lots of TLC!! (Besides being an F-150 nut, I am a Ford auto technician.)

 

I also agree, it is a Clarion unit if is stock. However, stock units should not be RF modulated, should be hard wired. The factory units are not compatible with aftermarket HU's. I've been told the reason is that Ford will not sell the codes for the changer so that a wiring harness can be made. Also the location of the factory changer in a S/C is next to the back seat on the drivers side, you probably have a cupholder there. I know all this because I changed my HU to a Kenwood and the changer will not work with it, so I took it out and it is definetly a Clarion.

With all that said if yours is RF modulated it is probably not factory and you should be able to use it with any HU.

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97 F-150 S/C 4x4 ORP XLT 4.6 K&N , Flowmaster w/dual tailpipes, Bosch+4 plugs,MSD 8.5 wires,Superchip.Patriot fiberglass toneau cover, Westin chrome step bars.
Kenwood 4011 stereo, Rockford 150a1 amp, Profile electronic crossover, and 2 10" JBL's.

 

I doubt that it is "Factory"

However, it is "Ford"

I can send/post a picture of the controller, complete with Ford Logo and separate from the stock HU It sticks to the area just below the driver's right vent.

It is RF modulated (I tune to 88.7 to hear the cd changer)

Not a big deal, as I will probably just buy an aftermarket job. I was just trying to save some bucks by connecting the changer to a new HU

The changer is definitely mounted under the driver's side rear seat. It's kind of a pain to get to, as I have to move the driver's seat forward every time I want to change CDs.

Thanks for all your help. I didn't think it would work, but I did hope <G>

Oh, BTW, I know it will work with any HU, but I don't like RF modulated changers. They don't sound very good.

 

I was just browsing some of the other threads and noticed them talking about www.radiosandmore.com, when I went there, they advertise OEM RF CD changers for $285. Maybe that's where it came from......

 

Hey there!

I happen to have one of those "Ford" branded RF changers.. It looked suspiciously like a Sony 10 CD changer, and since I had a Sony CDX 680 Head unit.. I thought I would try to get these two toys to talk without the RF stuff in the way.. And guess what? They do! So get a Sony head unit that is CD Changer-aware and you should be able to use that changer.

Enjoy!