Kenwood DNX8120 Installation Manual

The Kenwood DNX8120 is a premium in-dash navigation and multimedia receiver featuring a 6.95-inch touchscreen display, built-in GPS navigation, DVD/CD playback, Bluetooth connectivity, iPod/iPhone integration, USB input, HD Radio compatibility, and Garmin navigation technology. Below are key sections for installation, features, connections, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation Preparation 3. Wiring Connections 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Interface 6. Connecting External Devices 7. Navigation Setup 8. Audio Settings 9. Maintenance & Care 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 6.95-inch WVGA touchscreen display, Garmin navigation system, DVD/CD player, Bluetooth hands-free, USB port, iPod direct control, HD Radio tuner.

Feature	Description
Display	6.95-inch WVGA touchscreen with motorized faceplate
Navigation	Built-in Garmin GPS with preloaded maps
Audio Playback	DVD, CD, MP3, WMA playback
Bluetooth	Hands-free calling and audio streaming
USB Port	For USB storage devices and iPod connectivity
HD Radio	Digital radio reception with artist/song info
iPod Control	Direct control and charging for iPod/iPhone
Video Output	RCA composite video output for external monitors
Steering Wheel Control	Compatible with most steering wheel control interfaces
Power Output	50W x 4 channels (MOSFET power IC)

Installation Preparation

Gather all necessary tools and components before beginning installation.

Disconnect negative battery terminal for safety.
Remove factory radio using appropriate removal tools.
Prepare mounting kit for your vehicle's dashboard.
Test fit the unit before final installation.
Route all cables carefully avoiding sharp edges.

WARNING! Always disconnect vehicle battery before installation to prevent electrical shorts or damage. Professional installation recommended.

Wiring Connections

Connect all wiring harnesses according to vehicle and unit specifications.

Main power: Connect yellow wire to constant 12V, red wire to ignition-switched 12V.
Ground: Connect black wire to clean metal chassis ground.
Speakers: Connect speaker wires matching polarity (+, -).
Antenna: Connect vehicle antenna adapter.
Accessories: Connect parking brake wire, reverse trigger if applicable.
External devices: Connect USB, iPod, Bluetooth microphone cables.

CAUTION! Ensure all connections are secure and properly insulated. Test all functions before final assembly.

Specifications

Display: 6.95-inch motorized WVGA TFT touchscreen (800 x 480)
Navigation: Garmin navigation with preloaded North America maps
Audio Formats: MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV
Video Formats: DVD, DivX, MPEG
Power Output: 50W x 4 (MOSFET power IC)
Preamp Outputs: 3 pairs (Front, Rear, Subwoofer)
Connectivity: USB, iPod direct, Bluetooth, HD Radio, SiriusXM ready
Dimensions: DIN size (7" x 2")
Operating Voltage: 12V DC (negative ground)

Controls and Interface

Primary controls via touchscreen interface with physical buttons for essential functions.

Front Panel: POWER, SRC (source), VOLUME knob, EJECT, HOME button.

Touchscreen: Navigation icons, audio controls, phone functions, settings menu.

Audio Settings: EQ (7-band), loudness, subwoofer level, fader, balance. Navigation: Destination entry, points of interest, route options. Phone: Contacts, call history, dial pad. System: Display settings, Bluetooth pairing, language selection.

Connecting External Devices

Multiple input options for external audio/video sources and control interfaces.

iPod/iPhone: Connect via dedicated USB cable for control and charging.
USB devices: Connect flash drives or portable hard drives to USB port.
Bluetooth: Pair mobile phones for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Rear camera: Connect backup camera to video input.
Steering wheel controls: Connect compatible interface module.

Tip: Use genuine Kenwood cables for optimal performance and compatibility.

Navigation Setup

Garmin navigation system with comprehensive mapping and routing features.

Initial setup: Calibrate touchscreen and set preferences.
Destination entry: Use address search, points of interest, or recent destinations.
Route options: Choose fastest route, shortest distance, or avoid specific roads.
Map display: Adjust orientation (north up, track up), detail level, and color scheme.
Voice guidance: Set volume and language preferences.
Traffic: Subscribe to traffic service for real-time updates (optional).

NOTE: GPS antenna must have clear view of sky for optimal satellite reception.

Audio Settings

Comprehensive audio adjustment options for optimal sound quality.

Equalizer: 7-band EQ with preset curves (Flat, Powerful, Natural, Vocal)
Time alignment: Adjust speaker delay for optimal staging
Crossover: High-pass and low-pass filters with adjustable frequency
Loudness: Bass enhancement at low volume levels
Source level: Individual volume adjustment per input source
Subwoofer: Level control and phase adjustment

WARNING! Video playback functions disabled while vehicle is in motion for safety.

Maintenance & Care

Proper maintenance ensures long-term performance and reliability.

Use only soft, dry cloth for cleaning touchscreen. Avoid chemical cleaners. Keep unit dry and protect from extreme temperatures. Regularly update navigation maps when available.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive materials or solvents on display surface. Avoid excessive force when operating motorized faceplate.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device compliant. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Garmin is a registered trademark of Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. For technical support, contact Kenwood USA Corporation at 1-800-536-9663 or visit www.kenwood.com.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Fuse/wiring	Check fuse and power connections; verify proper ground.
No sound	Settings/speakers	Check mute, volume, speaker connections, and audio settings.
GPS not working	Antenna/position	Ensure GPS antenna connected and has clear sky view.
Bluetooth pairing fails	Device compatibility	Delete old pairings; ensure device is discoverable; restart both devices.
USB not recognized	Format/cable	Use FAT32 format; try different USB device; check cable connection.
Screen not responding	Calibration	Recalibrate touchscreen in system settings.

Reset: Press reset button with small pin if unit becomes unresponsive.

Service: 1-800-536-9663; www.kenwood.com