Kenwood Excelon DNX6980 Manual

The Kenwood Excelon DNX6980 is a premium double-DIN multimedia receiver with built-in navigation, 6.95-inch WVGA touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming, HD Radio, SiriusXM readiness, dual USB ports, rear camera input, and advanced audio processing with 13-band EQ. Below are key sections for features, installation, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. Basic Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Navigation Features 8. Audio Settings 9. Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: 6.95-inch resistive touchscreen, built-in Garmin navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, dual USB inputs, rear camera input, 4V preamp outputs.

Feature	Description
Display	6.95-inch WVGA touchscreen (800x480)
Navigation	Built-in Garmin navigation with lifetime map updates
Smartphone Integration	Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible
Bluetooth	Hands-free calling and audio streaming
Audio Sources	AM/FM, HD Radio, SiriusXM, USB, Bluetooth
USB Ports	Dual USB inputs for charging and media
Camera Input	Rear camera input for backup assistance
Preamp Outputs	4V preamp outputs (Front, Rear, Subwoofer)
Audio Processing	13-band equalizer, time alignment, crossover
Power	MOSFET 50W x 4 amplifier

Installation

Professional installation recommended. Ensure vehicle is parked safely with ignition off.

Disconnect negative battery terminal before beginning installation.
Remove factory radio using appropriate removal tools.
Connect wiring harness following color-coded wiring diagram.
Connect antenna adapter and GPS antenna in clear location.
Mount unit securely in dashboard using supplied brackets.
Connect backup camera if applicable to rear camera input.
Reconnect battery and test all functions before final assembly.

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

Basic Operation

Power on unit; follow initial setup prompts.

Initial setup: Set language, time zone, and display preferences.
Bluetooth pairing: Access phone settings to pair your smartphone.
Source selection: Touch source icon to select between radio, media, navigation.
Volume control: Use volume knob or steering wheel controls.
Navigation: Touch NAV button to access built-in GPS navigation.

CAUTION! Do not operate navigation or complex functions while driving.

Specifications

Display: 6.95-inch WVGA TFT resistive touchscreen (800x480)
Navigation: Built-in Garmin navigation with lifetime maps
Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth 3.0+EDR, dual USB 2.0
Radio: AM/FM tuner with HD Radio, SiriusXM ready
Audio Output: MOSFET 50W x 4 (max), 22W x 4 (RMS)
Preamp Outputs: 4V (Front, Rear, Subwoofer)
Audio Processing: 13-band equalizer, time alignment, crossover
Video Input: Rear camera input (RCA)
Power Requirement: 12V DC negative ground
Operating Temperature: -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F)

Controls and Settings

Primary controls via touchscreen and physical buttons. Volume knob, Source button, Home button, physical navigation buttons.

Touchscreen Interface: Source selection, menu navigation, address entry, audio adjustments.

Settings Menu: Display (brightness, contrast, color), Audio (EQ, balance, fader), Bluetooth (pairing, contacts), System (language, units, reset), Navigation (route options, map display).

Connecting Devices

Smartphone: USB connection for CarPlay/Android Auto or Bluetooth wireless. USB devices: Connect to USB ports for media playback. Backup camera: Connect to rear camera input.

Ensure vehicle ignition is in accessory or on position.
For smartphone: Connect via USB for CarPlay/Android Auto or pair via Bluetooth.
For USB devices: Connect to either USB port for media playback.
For backup camera: Connect camera to rear camera input; video displays automatically in reverse.

Tip: Use high-quality USB cables for reliable smartphone connections.

Navigation Features

Built-in Garmin navigation with lifetime map updates.

Access navigation: Touch NAV button on home screen.
Enter destination: Use keyboard or voice command to enter address.
Route options: Select fastest, shortest, or eco route.
Points of interest: Search for nearby gas, food, hotels.
Traffic alerts: Real-time traffic updates with alternate routes.
Lane guidance: Visual lane assistance for complex intersections.
Speed limits: Display current road speed limits.
Map updates: Connect to Wi-Fi for lifetime map updates.

WARNING! Program navigation only when vehicle is safely parked.

Audio Settings

Advanced audio processing with 13-band equalizer, time alignment, and crossover settings.

Equalizer: 13-band graphic EQ with preset curves (Flat, Powerful, Natural, Vocal) and custom settings. Time Alignment: Adjust audio timing for each speaker position. Crossover: High-pass and low-pass filters with adjustable slopes. Sound Retriever: Audio restoration for compressed sources. Subwoofer Level: Independent subwoofer volume control.

Maintenance

Clean screen with soft, dry cloth only. Do not use chemicals or abrasive materials.

CAUTION! Do not use alcohol, solvents, or abrasive cleaners on touchscreen. Keep unit dry and avoid extreme temperatures.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device compliant. This device complies with part 15 of FCC rules. Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG. Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC. Garmin is a registered trademark of Garmin Ltd. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact 1-800-536-9663.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/ignition	Check power and ground connections; verify ignition wire connection.
Bluetooth not connecting	Pairing/visibility	Ensure phone Bluetooth is on and discoverable; delete old pairing and re-pair.
Touchscreen not responsive	Calibration/dirt	Clean screen; recalibrate touchscreen in system settings.
No GPS signal	Antenna location	Ensure GPS antenna has clear view of sky; check antenna connection.
CarPlay/Android Auto not working	Cable/phone	Try different USB cable; restart phone; check phone compatibility.

Reset: Hold reset button for 5 seconds or system reset in menu.

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