Kenwood KDC BT742U Manual

The Kenwood KDC BT742U is a single-DIN car stereo receiver featuring Bluetooth connectivity, USB input, auxiliary input, CD playback capability, AM/FM radio tuner, and 50W x 4 channel output. With built-in hands-free calling, audio streaming, and customizable sound settings, this unit provides versatile in-car entertainment. Below are key sections covering features, installation, operation, settings, 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. Audio Settings 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Main unit with display, Remote Control, Wiring harness, USB port, AUX input, Bluetooth antenna.

Feature	Description
Bluetooth connectivity	For hands-free calling and audio streaming
USB port	For USB flash drives and device charging
AUX input	3.5mm jack for external audio devices
CD playback	Supports CD, CD-R, CD-RW formats
AM/FM tuner	30 station presets (18 FM, 12 AM)
Power output	50W x 4 channels (max)
Display	Multi-color LCD with adjustable dimmer
EQ settings	Bass, Treble, Loudness, Balance, Fader
Source control	CD/USB/Bluetooth/AUX/FM/AM selection
Volume control	Rotary knob with push-button function

Installation

Disconnect vehicle battery before installation. Remove existing stereo if present.

Connect wiring harness: Match wire colors (red - ignition, yellow - battery, black - ground).
Connect speakers: Front/rear channels following vehicle wiring diagram.
Connect antenna: Plug in vehicle antenna cable.
Mount unit: Slide into DIN opening and secure with mounting sleeve.
Reconnect battery and test functions.

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

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; initialize settings.

Set clock: Press SOURCE to turn on, hold SETUP for clock setting.
Bluetooth pairing: Enter pairing mode and connect mobile device.
Radio presets: Tune to desired stations and store in memory.
Audio settings: Adjust bass, treble, balance, and fader to preference.
Display settings: Set dimmer and color options.

CAUTION! Ensure proper wiring connections to avoid electrical issues.

Specifications

Power Output: 50W x 4 (Max), 22W x 4 (RMS)
Bluetooth Version: 4.1 with A2DP/AVRCP/HFP
Supported Formats: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3, WMA
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 20kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >80dB
Inputs: USB, AUX, Bluetooth audio
Presets: 30 total (18 FM, 12 AM)
Power Requirement: 12V DC, negative ground
Dimensions: 178mm (W) x 50mm (H) x 153mm (D)

Controls and Settings

Front panel controls: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE button, BAND button, SEEK buttons, SETUP button.

Remote Control: POWER, VOLUME, SOURCE, MUTE, PRESET, SEEK, PLAY/PAUSE.

Audio Settings: Bass (-10 to +10), Treble (-10 to +10), Balance (L9 to R9), Fader (F9 to R9), Loudness (On/Off). System Settings: Clock setting, Display dimmer, Bluetooth settings, Beep tone, Reset function.

Connecting Devices

USB: Connect flash drive for music playback. AUX: 3.5mm cable from external device. Bluetooth: Wireless audio streaming.

USB connection: Insert USB drive, unit automatically detects and plays compatible files.
AUX connection: Plug 3.5mm cable, select AUX source.
Bluetooth: Pair mobile device for wireless audio.

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

Bluetooth Pairing

Hands-free calling and audio streaming capability.

Enable pairing: Press SOURCE to select BT mode, hold SETUP to enter pairing.
Device search: On mobile device, search for "KDC-BT742U" in Bluetooth settings.
Connect: Select unit from list, enter PIN "0000" if prompted.
Confirm connection: Unit displays "Connected" when paired successfully.
Call functions: Answer/end calls with phone button, reject with long press.

WARNING! Do not operate Bluetooth functions while driving. Park safely first.

Audio Settings

Customizable sound profiles and equalization.

Bass/Treble: Adjust from -10 to +10. Balance/Fader: Adjust speaker output distribution. Loudness: Boost low frequencies at low volumes. Source-specific settings: Separate settings remembered for each source.

Care & Maintenance

Use soft, dry cloth for cleaning. Avoid chemical cleaners. Keep unit dry and free from excessive heat.

CAUTION! Do not insert foreign objects into CD slot or USB port. Avoid liquid exposure.

Regulatory Information

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/fuse	Check battery and ignition connections; verify fuse condition.
Bluetooth not connecting	Pairing mode/distance	Ensure unit in pairing mode; check device compatibility; reduce distance.
CD not playing	Disc/dirty lens	Use compatible disc; clean lens with proper cleaner; check for scratches.
Poor radio reception	Antenna connection	Ensure antenna cable securely connected; check antenna condition.
USB not recognized	Format/capacity	Use FAT32 format; try smaller capacity drive; check file compatibility.

Reset: Hold SETUP for 5 seconds, select RESET option.

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