Kenwood DPX500BT Installation Manual

The Kenwood DPX500BT is a digital media receiver with built-in Bluetooth connectivity, USB port, front auxiliary input, and CD playback capability. Features include hands-free calling, audio streaming, variable color illumination, and compatibility with various audio formats. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Bluetooth Pairing 8. USB Playback 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Digital media receiver, Remote Control, Bluetooth connectivity, USB port, Front AUX input, CD player, Variable color illumination.

Feature	Description
Bluetooth	Wireless audio streaming and hands-free calling
USB Port	For USB flash drives and device charging
Front AUX Input	3.5mm auxiliary input for external devices
CD Player	Plays CD, CD-R, CD-RW discs
Variable Color	Adjustable display illumination (256 colors)
Power Output	50W x 4 channels (max)
Remote Control	Included for remote operation
Preset EQ	6-band equalizer with preset sound profiles
Steering Wheel Control	Compatible with steering wheel remote interfaces
Power Antenna Control	Automatic power antenna activation

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure proper mounting location.

Disconnect vehicle battery: Remove negative terminal for safety.
Remove existing radio: Use proper removal tools for your vehicle.
Connect wiring harness: Match colors and functions carefully.
Connect antenna: Attach vehicle antenna cable.
Mount receiver: Secure in dashboard using proper mounting kit.
Reconnect battery: Restore power connection.

WARNING! Disconnect battery before installation to prevent electrical shorts. Ensure all connections are secure.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initial setup procedure.

Set clock: Press SOURCE to turn on, access clock settings in menu.
Pair Bluetooth: Enter pairing mode, search from mobile device.
Adjust display: Set illumination color and brightness.
Configure audio: Set EQ, balance, fader to preference.
Store presets: Tune to favorite stations and store as presets.

CAUTION! Do not operate while driving. Park vehicle for initial setup.

Specifications

Power Output: 50W x 4 (Max), 22W x 4 (RMS)
Bluetooth Version: 3.0 + EDR
USB Support: MP3, WMA, AAC playback
CD Compatibility: CD, CD-R, CD-RW
Display: Dot matrix LCD with variable color
Audio Inputs: Front AUX, USB, Bluetooth
Preamp Outputs: Front, Rear, Subwoofer (2V)
Operating Voltage: 12V DC (negative ground)
Dimensions: DIN size (178mm x 50mm)

Controls and Settings

Access menu via FUNCTION button. Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME, SOURCE, BAND, TRACK/SEEK, FUNCTION.

Remote: POWER, Numeric buttons, SOURCE, VOLUME, MUTE, BAND, PRESET, TRACK/SEEK, FUNCTION.

Audio Settings: EQ (FLAT, POP, ROCK, JAZZ, CUSTOM), Bass, Treble, Balance, Fader. Display: DIMMER, COLOR (256 color options), CONTRAST. Bluetooth: PAIR, CALL, PHONE BOOK. System: CLOCK, BEEP, RESET.

Connecting Devices

USB: Front port for flash drives. AUX: 3.5mm front input. Bluetooth: Wireless connection.

Turn off vehicle before connecting devices.
USB: Insert flash drive directly into front port.
AUX: Connect 3.5mm cable from external device.
Select source via SOURCE button (USB, AUX, BT AUDIO).

Tip: Use high-quality USB drives formatted as FAT32 for best compatibility.

Bluetooth Pairing

Supports hands-free calling and audio streaming.

Enter pairing mode: Press SOURCE to BT AUDIO, hold PAIR for 3 seconds.
Search from device: Enable Bluetooth on mobile, search for "KENWOOD"
Connect: Select "KENWOOD" from available devices list.
Confirm pairing: Unit displays "PAIRED" when successful.
Phone book: Download contacts after pairing complete.
Audio streaming: Play audio from paired device automatically.

WARNING! Do not pair devices while driving. Complete pairing while parked.

USB Playback

Supports MP3, WMA, AAC audio files from USB drives.

Insert USB: Connect flash drive to front USB port.
Select source: Press SOURCE to USB mode.
Navigate: Use TRACK buttons to browse folders and files.
Play modes: REPEAT, RANDOM available in FUNCTION menu.
Fast forward: Hold TRACK buttons for seek function.
Folder skip: Press BAND to skip between folders.

Note: Maximum supported capacity 32GB. Format as FAT32.

Care & Maintenance

Use soft, dry cloth for cleaning. Avoid chemicals and abrasives.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents or spray cleaners. Keep liquids away from unit.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits. ICES-003: Complies with Canadian EMI regulations. Bluetooth: Qualified Bluetooth product. Copyright © Kenwood Corporation. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact authorized service centers.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/fuse	Check fuse, wiring connections, battery connection.
Bluetooth not pairing	Distance/previous pairing	Ensure within 3 feet; delete old pairing from phone.
USB not recognized	Format/capacity	Reformat as FAT32; ensure under 32GB capacity.
No sound	Mute/speaker connections	Check mute; verify speaker wires connected properly.
CD not playing	Disc type/damage	Use compatible discs; check for scratches or damage.

Reset: Hold FUNCTION + POWER for 5 seconds to factory reset.

Service: Contact authorized Kenwood service center for repairs.