Kenwood KDC HD942U Manual

The Kenwood KDC HD942U is a high-performance car stereo receiver featuring HD Radio technology, USB connectivity, Bluetooth audio streaming, CD playback, and advanced audio controls. With 50W x 4 maximum power output, variable color illumination, and support for various audio formats, this unit delivers exceptional sound quality and versatile connectivity options. Below are key sections for features, installation, operation, settings, and troubleshooting.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: HD Radio tuner, CD player, USB port, Bluetooth module, Front panel controls, Remote control, Wiring harness.

Feature	Description
HD Radio	Digital radio reception with crystal-clear sound
USB Port	For connecting USB devices and charging
Bluetooth	Wireless audio streaming and hands-free calling
CD Player	Plays CD, CD-R, CD-RW formats
Power Output	50W x 4 channels maximum power
Illumination	Variable color display and button lighting
Audio Controls	Bass, treble, balance, fader adjustments
Preset Memory	18 FM/6 AM station presets
Remote Control	Included for convenient operation
AUX Input	3.5mm auxiliary input for external devices

Installation

Proper installation ensures optimal performance and safety.

Disconnect negative battery terminal before installation.
Connect wiring harness following color-coded wiring diagram.
Mount unit securely in dashboard using supplied mounting sleeve.
Connect antenna cable and all input/output cables.
Reconnect battery and test all functions.

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

Basic Operation

Power on unit; familiarize yourself with basic controls.

Source selection: Press SOURCE button to cycle through radio, CD, USB, Bluetooth.
Volume control: Turn VOLUME knob or use remote control.
Radio tuning: Use TUNE buttons or seek function for station selection.
CD operation: Insert disc for automatic playback; use transport controls.
USB playback: Connect USB device for music playback and charging.

CAUTION! Do not operate controls while driving; park vehicle for complex adjustments.

Specifications

Power Output: 50W x 4 (Max), 22W x 4 (RMS)
Tuner: FM/AM with HD Radio capability
CD Compatibility: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3/WMA CDs
USB: Supports MP3, WMA, AAC playback
Bluetooth: Version 2.1 + EDR, A2DP, AVRCP
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
Signal-to-Noise: 95dB (CD), 80dB (Radio)
Illumination: 13-color variable display
Power Requirement: 12V DC, negative ground

Controls and Settings

Front Panel: POWER/VOLUME knob, SOURCE, BAND, TUNE/TRACK, MENU/SET.

Remote: POWER, VOLUME, SOURCE, PRESET, MUTE, PLAY/PAUSE, TRACK SELECTION.

Audio Settings: BASS, TREBLE, BALANCE, FADER, LOUDNESS, SUBWOOFER control. Display: DIMMER, COLOR SELECTION (13 colors), CONTRAST. System: CLOCK SET, BEEP ON/OFF, BLUETOOTH PAIRING. Radio: PRESET MEMORY, AUTO STORE, LOCAL/DX SELECTION.

Connecting Devices

USB: Front panel port for flash drives. AUX: 3.5mm input for external audio. Bluetooth: Wireless connection for phones/audio players.

Ensure unit is powered off before connecting devices.
USB: Insert flash drive; unit will recognize and begin playback.
AUX: Connect 3.5mm cable from external device to AUX input.
Bluetooth: Enable pairing mode in settings menu.

Tip: Format USB devices to FAT32 for best compatibility.

Audio Playback

Supports CD, USB, Bluetooth, and auxiliary audio sources.

CD Playback: Insert disc; automatic play begins. Use << >> for track skip.
USB Playback: Navigate folders using TUNE knob; supports ID3 tags.
Radio: Store presets by holding preset button; HD Radio shows song info.
Audio Modes: REPEAT, RANDOM, SCAN functions available.
Sound Settings: Access equalizer and audio processing options.
Playback Info: Display shows track time, file format, bit rate.
Folder Navigation: Use << >> buttons to navigate USB folder structure.
MP3/WMA: Supports various bit rates and sampling frequencies.

WARNING! Do not insert damaged discs; keep USB connections clean and dry.

Bluetooth Functions

Wireless audio streaming and hands-free calling capability.

Pairing: Enter Bluetooth menu, select "Pairing", search from mobile device.
Audio Streaming: Play music from paired device automatically.
Hands-free: Answer/end calls with remote or unit controls.
Phonebook: Access contacts if supported by connected device.
Auto Connect: Previously paired devices connect automatically.

Maintenance

Keep unit clean and free from moisture. Use soft, dry cloth for cleaning.

CAUTION! Do not use chemical cleaners; avoid liquid contact with controls and displays.

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. HD Radio technology manufactured under license from iBiquity Digital Corporation. For support, visit www.kenwood.com or contact 1-800-536-9663.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/fuse	Check fuse and wiring connections; verify battery connection.
No sound	Settings/speakers	Check volume, mute setting; verify speaker connections.
Bluetooth not connecting	Pairing mode/distance	Ensure pairing mode active; move device closer to unit.
USB not recognized	Format/compatibility	Reformat to FAT32; check file format compatibility.
CD skipping	Disc/damage	Clean disc; check for scratches; use quality media.
Poor radio reception	Antenna/location	Ensure antenna fully extended; check antenna connection.

Reset: Press RESET button with small object if unit becomes unresponsive.

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