DOC....Need a Couple Questions Answered Please!!!

[domdada]

Doc, I have a couple questions for you.

1) Do I connect the Ant Cont Wire from the Kenwood Harness to anything?

2) Are there better and less confusing instructions to program the PAC.

I want to hook up my 8120 later today and just need a little bit of clairification.

Much AppreciatedDomonic

[AppleBonker]

1 - That is the power antenna wire. You will need to connect it to the blue wire on the antenna adapter. Hopefully you already have the adapter as there is no way to connect the antenna without it.

2 - This is to wire to a steering wheel remote. I believe this is only needed when running a Kenwood remote attached to the wheel. Obviously, you are using the factory buttons with the PAC interface, so leave this wire unconnected.

3 - Unfortunately no. The directions are pretty crappy, but if you read them multiple times as you go you can hopefully make sense of them. If only it were possible to demonstrate all the connections better online (I didn't take nearly enough pics when I installed mine).

Good luck.

[rjdmmfl1]

1 - That is the power antenna wire. You will need to connect it to the blue wire on the antenna adapter. Hopefully you already have the adapter as there is no way to connect the antenna without it.

2 - This is to wire to a steering wheel remote. I believe this is only needed when running a Kenwood remote attached to the wheel. Obviously, you are using the factory buttons with the PAC interface, so leave this wire unconnected.

3 - Unfortunately no. The directions are pretty crappy, but if you read them multiple times as you go you can hopefully make sense of them. If only it were possible to demonstrate all the connections better online (I didn't take nearly enough pics when I installed mine).

Good luck.

Thanks applebonker... hey guys, from now on, for questions, ask for either Applebonker or myself, I think he and I are seeing eye to eye regarding audio installs!

[LongBeachCoupe]

The doc's got some help with tech installs! FINALLY!

[domdada]

I read the Pac Instructions and there is a blue/yellow wire on the PAC and it tells me to connect this to the Remo Cont Wire on the kenwood harness.

The antnnen wire--I have the adapter already, I know that the aftermarket harness has a blue wire that I need to connect to the blue wire of the antenna harness. So from what you are saying, I need to hook up the antenna wire from the kenwood harness to that wire as well?
Modified by domdada at 11:25 AM 7/21/2008

[AppleBonker]

Thanks applebonker... hey guys, from now on, for questions, ask for either Applebonker or myself, I think he and I are seeing eye to eye regarding audio installs!

We will agree until I fail to explain myself well enough and it appears that I don't know my colors.

Either way, I'll help out anywhere I can. Also, I would have to imagine that there are definitely more people than just Doc and myself that can give advice/explanations where needed.

[rjdmmfl1]

I read the Pac Instructions and there is a blue/yellow wire on the PAC and it tells me to connect this to the Remo Cont Wire on the kenwood harness.

The antnnen wire--I have the adapter already, I know that the aftermarket harness has a blue wire that I need to connect to the blue wire of the antenna harness. So from what you are saying, I need to hook up that wire as well?

Ok , with some of the Pac units (like the PAC-SWI-PS) there is a plug that goes into the back of the pioneer unit for remote control. On the PAC-SWI JACK for the Kenwood, there is no such plug to connect.. so that's what the blue/yellow wire is for.

You should have a blue/yellow wire on the kenwood harness. connect that blue/yellow wire to the blue/yellow remote wire on the PAC!here, check this

http://inform3.kenwoodusa.com/...l.pdf

look on page 4 and it explains this! Good luck!

[LongBeachCoupe]

but will the help is another story...Apple, thanks for being a new CONTRIBUTING member!Free Promo cards for you!

[AppleBonker]

I read the Pac Instructions and there is a blue/yellow wire on the PAC and it tells me to connect this to the Remo Cont Wire on the kenwood harness.

The antnnen wire--I have the adapter already, I know that the aftermarket harness has a blue wire that I need to connect to the blue wire of the antenna harness. So from what you are saying, I need to hook up the antenna wire from the kenwood harness to that wire as well?

Ah, I installed my PAC adapter with an Alpine HU, so it may be different for the Kenwood. Is there anything else that plugs into the Kenwood HU from the PAC? If not, then you would be correct about the remote control wire.

There should only be two blue wires getting connected. One is on the Kenwood harness (not the Nissan harness but the harness that actually came with the HU) and the other is on the antenna adapter.

[AppleBonker]

Ok , with some of the Pac units (like the PAC-SWI-PS) there is a plug that goes into the back of the pioneer unit for remote control. On the PAC-SWI JACK for the Kenwood, there is no such plug to connect.. so that's what the blue/yellow wire is for.

You should have a blue/yellow wire on the kenwood harness. connect that blue/yellow wire to the blue/yellow remote wire on the PAC!

Beat me to it that time... That's what I get for not looking at the instructions before commenting. Unfortunately I haven't installed a Kenwood HU in quite a while (and the car was old enough to not have steering wheel controls).

[rjdmmfl1]

Beat me to it that time... That's what I get for not looking at the instructions before commenting. Unfortunately I haven't installed a Kenwood HU in quite a while (and the car was old enough to not have steering wheel controls).

Gimme this thread fool, its a full time jack move... yes I'm thread jacking, but only after I've helped with Domdad's problem..

Applebonker, have you gotten a chance to check out the DNX-8120 from Kenwood... it was nice enough to make me leave Pioneer ... I think its a better unit than anything else out right now, especially for the price... do a features comparison and you'll see this thing is pretty darn bada$$... just curious as to why you chose the Alpine over the DNX-8120...

[domdada]

So there are 3 total antenna wires that need to be hooked together. from the after market antenna adapter, the aftermarket wire harness and the Kenwood harness?

Ok now the ground wire on the PAC. Do I ground it to the chassis of the car or do I ground it to pin 15 of the factory harness. The instructions read as followed

"Connect pin 15 in the vehicle connector to Ground. The connector is the radio plug"

I'm sorry if i'm being a pain in the rear, I just wanna make sure I get this done right and not have to go back in redo anything.

[rjdmmfl1]

So there are 3 total antenna wires that need to be hooked together. from the after market antenna adapter, the aftermarket wire harness and the Kenwood harness?

Ok now the ground wire on the PAC. Do I ground it to the chassis of the car or do I ground it to pin 15 of the factory harness. The instructions read as followed

"Connect pin 15 in the vehicle connector to Ground. The connector is the radio plug"

I'm sorry if i'm being a pain in the rear, I just wanna make sure I get this done right and not have to go back in redo anything.

Take the wire connected to pin 15, connect it to a black ground wire, and ground that to the chasis! Don't worry about asking too many questions...

"its better to meaure 15 times and cut once, than to measure once and cut 15 times!"

[domdada]

So tap into that wire and Ground it.....Execellent. Thanks again Doc and AppleBonker. If I run into any problems, will you be online later in the evening for consultation? I think I'm good from here on but just in-case.

[rjdmmfl1]

So tap into that wire and Ground it.....Execellent. Thanks again Doc and AppleBonker. If I run into any problems, will you be online later in the evening for consultation? I think I'm good from here on but just in-case.

yes, I'll be popping my head in in-between experiments

[vballer22]

The doc's got some help with tech installs! FINALLY!

jk

[domdada]

Hey DOC, I think I was reading in the manual that I have to program the Navi in the Kenwood. Is this true or will the Navi pic up on it's own from the satellite?

[rjdmmfl1]

Hey DOC, I think I was reading in the manual that I have to program the Navi in the Kenwood. Is this true or will the Navi pic up on it's own from the satellite?

yeah, you have to setup a few things in the beginning, but they are all pretty simple!

[AppleBonker]

So there are 3 total antenna wires that need to be hooked together. from the after market antenna adapter, the aftermarket wire harness and the Kenwood harness?

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't believe the aftermarket wire harness needs to have anything connected to the power antenna wires. The kenwood harness will supply the voltage that is needed to power the antenna, so it needs to be connected to the antenna adapter. I don't believe that wire on the aftermarket wire harness is connected to anything once it reaches the factory wiring. I only connected the two wires I mentioned on mine (come to think of it I don't even think my aftermarket harness had a power antenna wire) and it worked fine (until I added the HD radio tuner - still working out the kinks on that one). Hopefully I'm not steering you in the wrong direction here though...

[AppleBonker]

Gimme this thread fool, its a full time jack move... yes I'm thread jacking, but only after I've helped with Domdad's problem..

Applebonker, have you gotten a chance to check out the DNX-8120 from Kenwood... it was nice enough to make me leave Pioneer ... I think its a better unit than anything else out right now, especially for the price... do a features comparison and you'll see this thing is pretty darn bada$$... just curious as to why you chose the Alpine over the DNX-8120...

Sorry about the continued thread jacking domdada...

I do like Kenwood products. I've installed a few for friends. My car was always Pioneer HUs until I made the switch to Alpine on my last install (IVA-D105 - a single DIN unit, not sure why I didn't go double on my civic but that's not the point). I've gotten used to the Alpine and I was very pleased with the abilities that HU gave me in combination with the H701 audio processor. In terms of MSRP, the Alpine is definitely more expensive (900 for the HU - before the W505 came out, 500 for the blackbird navigation - nice because I can remove it from the car and use it in rentals like a Tom Tom or other suction cup-type navi and 400 for the audio processor). As far as I can tell with the Kenwood, I wouldn't be able to run active crossovers for my interior speakers. The H701 has 4 sets of 4V preamp outputs on it (Front R/L Tweeter, Front R/L midbass, Rear R/L, subwoofer/center or stereo subwoofer). I didn't want to run component speakers and be forced into a set crossover point from the tweets to the midbass (nor did I want to have to manufacture my own passive crossovers to choose my preferred crossover frequency). The H701 also allows me to have much more control over equalizers to tune the system more precisely (I'd have to look to see exactly, but the H701 has much more than a 13-band EQ). Those are the basic features that made me choose the Alpine over any other brand. If it weren't for the H701, I probably would've gone with something else. Also, I don't think the Kenwood supports HD radio (although I haven't got mine working yet, it will be a nice touch once I get around to finishing troubleshooting). Sorry for the long post.

[LongBeachCoupe]

jk

Not to be a nay-sayer... but i dont think the way you snaked your power inside is safe!

[rjdmmfl1]

Sorry about the continued thread jacking domdada...

I do like Kenwood products. I've installed a few for friends. My car was always Pioneer HUs until I made the switch to Alpine on my last install (IVA-D105 - a single DIN unit, not sure why I didn't go double on my civic but that's not the point). I've gotten used to the Alpine and I was very pleased with the abilities that HU gave me in combination with the H701 audio processor. In terms of MSRP, the Alpine is definitely more expensive (900 for the HU - before the W505 came out, 500 for the blackbird navigation - nice because I can remove it from the car and use it in rentals like a Tom Tom or other suction cup-type navi and 400 for the audio processor). As far as I can tell with the Kenwood, I wouldn't be able to run active crossovers for my interior speakers. The H701 has 4 sets of 4V preamp outputs on it (Front R/L Tweeter, Front R/L midbass, Rear R/L, subwoofer/center or stereo subwoofer). I didn't want to run component speakers and be forced into a set crossover point from the tweets to the midbass (nor did I want to have to manufacture my own passive crossovers to choose my preferred crossover frequency). The H701 also allows me to have much more control over equalizers to tune the system more precisely (I'd have to look to see exactly, but the H701 has much more than a 13-band EQ). Those are the basic features that made me choose the Alpine over any other brand. If it weren't for the H701, I probably would've gone with something else. Also, I don't think the Kenwood supports HD radio (although I haven't got mine working yet, it will be a nice touch once I get around to finishing troubleshooting). Sorry for the long post.

Gotcha, however, regarding preouts, the DNX-8120 trumps the alpine with 5 volts for front, rear, subwoofer, and center channel . Regarding HD radio, the DNX-8120 is HD radio ready, but I'm not sold at all on the technology... it only sounds good on the very best stations, the rest of the still sound the same... it was a good idea in theory, but in reality, it still needs some work. also, the relay controls on the Kenwood are a blast...

many folks are diehard Alpine fanataics... and if you've already had the system, no need to get something new... however for an all in one unit, no other company has anything like the dnx-8120... Pioneer has backtacked since the days of the AVH-P7500dvd, with its built in multi channel sound processor... for a fine tuning audiophile, then yes, you would need something like the H701 or the rockford 3sixty.2, but for the average listener, they would be much better off just getting the DNX-8120 and callin it a day!

[AppleBonker]

Gotcha, however, regarding preouts, the DNX-8120 trumps the alpine with 5 volts for front, rear, subwoofer, and center channel . Regarding HD radio, the DNX-8120 is HD radio ready, but I'm not sold at all on the technology... it only sounds good on the very best stations, the rest of the still sound the same... it was a good idea in theory, but in reality, it still needs some work. also, the relay controls on the Kenwood are a blast...

many folks are diehard Alpine fanataics... and if you've already had the system, no need to get something new... however for an all in one unit, no other company has anything like the dnx-8120... Pioneer has backtacked since the days of the AVH-P7500dvd, with its built in multi channel sound processor... for a fine tuning audiophile, then yes, you would need something like the H701 or the rockford 3sixty.2, but for the average listener, they would be much better off just getting the DNX-8120 and callin it a day!

I wish the Alpine was more than 4V preamp outs, but I can't live without the ability to adjust the x-overs on the fly from the HU. Not sure I'm familiar with the relay controls you are referring to. I'd probably have to browse through the user's manual to figure that one out.

I absolutely agree on the all-in-one features of the Kenwood. I stopped following Pioneer when I made the switch to Alpine. My last Pioneer units were some of the first with the OEL displays (to give you an idea of how long it's been since I've messed with them). Also, we have probably established that I wouldn't qualify as the "average listener". If for some reason I ever drive my car out that way (not too likely as that is a long flippin' drive from the Chicagoland area) I'll have to let you check the car out just so you can see what I have access to from the HU (although it is certainly possible that you have access to someone that has a similar setup somewhere out that way). The important thing is that there is competition in this market, so all the manufacturers are trying to improve on their units to one-up their competitors. Plenty of excellent mobile audio/video stuff on the market!

[Barknard]

I love reading ya'lls conversation! It's not only extremely fun to read, it's educational! What a great forum!

[rjdmmfl1]

I wish the Alpine was more than 4V preamp outs, but I can't live without the ability to adjust the x-overs on the fly from the HU. Not sure I'm familiar with the relay controls you are referring to. I'd probably have to browse through the user's manual to figure that one out.

I absolutely agree on the all-in-one features of the Kenwood. I stopped following Pioneer when I made the switch to Alpine. My last Pioneer units were some of the first with the OEL displays (to give you an idea of how long it's been since I've messed with them). Also, we have probably established that I wouldn't qualify as the "average listener". If for some reason I ever drive my car out that way (not too likely as that is a long flippin' drive from the Chicagoland area) I'll have to let you check the car out just so you can see what I have access to from the HU (although it is certainly possible that you have access to someone that has a similar setup somewhere out that way). The important thing is that there is competition in this market, so all the manufacturers are trying to improve on their units to one-up their competitors. Plenty of excellent mobile audio/video stuff on the market!

Yes, that's the beauty of the Alpine H701, you have the ability to control it right from your HU... the rockford 3sixty, as nice as it is, requires a seperate palm device or computer to do all of the tuning... is more of a ... spoend hours tuning it once and be done with it type setup...

The Pioneer unit I spoke of was an absolutely amazing unit, the controls on it were phenomenal.. still not as good as a t3sixty.2 or H701, but very good EQ and crossover abilities... I doubt I will be in your area any time soon, but I know what a $10,000 setup sounds like, but really, only audiophiles can fully appreciate the subtle differences in a good setup vs great setup, vs perfect setup...

I will eventually purchase a demo car just dedicated to audio... it will most likely have about 15K - 20K of top notch audio equipment, and although I'm a brand whore, it most likely won't have any Rockford Fosgate stuff in it... I like Rockford, but that's bcause JL, Rockford, and Boston Acoustic are where my current spendling limits allow me to go.. in a few years, when the restaints are taken off, I'm gonna go aboslutely insane... Heath Ledger-Joker style

[vballer22]

Not to be a nay-sayer... but i dont think the way you snaked your power inside is safe!

yeah I know it looks that way, but theres a sort of pocket it fits well into, plus its very expensive cable with strong surround, but again, its only temporary. Its been gone for a couple months now, with my new setup and equipment being installed, I drilled and now it goes behind the glove box.

[domdada]

Ok Guys here's a quick update to the install. I have everything working in great condition except for one thing. The DAMN PAC. I cannot for the life of me get this damn thing to power on. I don't know what I am doing wrong. I will tell you exactly what I connected to what and tell me if I'm wrong.

--I connected the resistors to the white wire on the PAC. --The one resistor was connected to the 4th pin on the top row--The second resistor was connected to the 1st pin on the bottom row--I tapped into the second pin on the bottom and grounded that--I wired up the power from the PAC to the Power wire going to the 12v Outlet in the cd holder cubby.--I wired up the ground wire to a ground behind the navi unit.--I connected the blue/yellow wire to the blue/yellow on the Kenwood Harness. --switched the car to the on position......but the led light on the PAC didn't come on.

What did I do wrong or what am I not doing?

[AppleBonker]

Ok Guys here's a quick update to the install. I have everything working in great condition except for one thing. The DAMN PAC. I cannot for the life of me get this damn thing to power on. I don't know what I am doing wrong. I will tell you exactly what I connected to what and tell me if I'm wrong.

--I connected the resistors to the white wire on the PAC. --The one resistor was connected to the 4th pin on the top row--The second resistor was connected to the 1st pin on the bottom row--I tapped into the second pin on the bottom and grounded that--I wired up the power from the PAC to the Power wire going to the 12v Outlet in the cd holder cubby.--I wired up the ground wire to a ground behind the navi unit.--I connected the blue/yellow wire to the blue/yellow on the Kenwood Harness. --switched the car to the on position......but the led light on the PAC didn't come on.

What did I do wrong or what am I not doing?

I'm going to have to look up the instructions in a sec. How did you connect the resistors? I soldered mine to 18 or 20 AWG cable and then wrapped them in heat shrink. It was then easy to connect the cable they are soldered to to the vehicle wiring (using wire taps etc.). Also, you're sure you used the correct resistors? Not trying to ask dumb questions, just thinking of all the things I nearly messed up when I installed mine...

[AppleBonker]

--I connected the resistors to the white wire on the PAC. This is definitely the correct wire--The one resistor was connected to the 4th pin on the top rowConnect a 150 ohm resistor to pin 16--The second resistor was connected to the 1st pin on the bottom rowConnect a 47 ohm resistor to pin 6--I tapped into the second pin on the bottom and grounded thatPin 15 should be grounded--I wired up the power from the PAC to the Power wire going to the 12v Outlet in the cd holder cubby.I believe this power cable is always live. You can just as easily tap into the red wire on your aftermarket/kenwood harness (should be red on both). This is only live when the car is in ACC on position--I wired up the ground wire to a ground behind the navi unit.Good to always ensure ground to chassis. Did you check continuity with a multimeter?--I connected the blue/yellow wire to the blue/yellow on the Kenwood Harness. Should be good here--switched the car to the on position......but the led light on the PAC didn't come on.

What did I do wrong or what am I not doing?

My responses in italics.

[AppleBonker]

http://www.pac-audio.com/swixp...D=112

Here are the instructions for our vehicles. These should eliminate all the other worthless crap on the paper instructions you have.