Kenwood DNX6140 GPS/DVD install

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wareagle said:
A couple of questions. Does the overhead DVD panel match the interior? Also, was the audio improved? I'm looking to do something similar for mine.
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The panel is a generic "beige" so it doesn't match exactly, but is less obviously aftermarket than a black unit (which the majority of aftermarket units are).

the sound is subjectively better. Or maybe I just want it to be after spending all that time on it... :p
 
re_guderian said:
The panel is a generic "beige" so it doesn't match exactly, but is less obviously aftermarket than a black unit (which the majority of aftermarket units are).

the sound is subjectively better. Or maybe I just want it to be after spending all that time on it... :p
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OK, Thanks. I know what you mean about subjective...I think I am in same boat after upgrading all 4 door speakers to 6.5" Polk Audio :p
 
Just took this on a 3K mile roadtrip. It rocks! GPS is very user-friendly and has tons of useful features. The ability for 2-zone audio control was nice too. Kids watched movies in the back on headphones while we listened to the iPod up front. So far, so good!!!
 
Re- Can you give an update on the pros/cons of your Kenwood? I'm looking at a 6160 that's been offered at a steal. Just want your thoughts after a year w/ your system installed. Skol.
 
Love it! I like the compromise of a smaller screen to have the knob for the volume (v teeny, tiny buttons). Navi rocks, DVD rocks, reverse camera rocks, phone bluetooth rocks, XM - eh, I don't pay for it any more. We listen almost exclusively to the iPod when in the truck. That could have saved some install time and money. Overall, VERY satisfied.
 
I love my kenwood unit to. Had it almost 2 years and still very happy.
 
Does that Kenwood unit work with Garmin's Topo maps? i have a double din in my 99 now with the works all wired up. It would probably be an easy job just to swap the head units.
 
The unit comes with an adapter for the stock harness. There was one or two wire splices to make in addition to that, but nothing big at all (like the backlighting wire and one or two others.) The only wire you have to "run" is for any of the stereo accessories you choose to install like the Bluetooth mic, rear-view camera, GPS antenna (easy) ,and iPod cable. Those are simply running the cable/wire under body panels and the dash or wherever you choose to mount them. Not real difficult, just require time and patience to remove interior pieces to make for a clean install.

edit -> the above is true if you are not a total audiophile (I am not). Many argue that the stock amp and speakers are one of the weakest links in the 100 series system - and they're correct. However, I found the sound suitable, so I left the stock amp in place as well as the crappy speakers. Just having options over FM is way better. And frankly, we listen to the iPod almost 100% of the time anyway. All that effort to run the XM antenna up to the rear roof for nothing... :frown:
 
City Cruzer said:
Does that Kenwood unit work with Garmin's Topo maps? i have a double din in my 99 now with the works all wired up. It would probably be an easy job just to swap the head units.
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Why, yes, yes it does... :grinpimp::grinpimp::grinpimp::cool:

Sorry for the night shot, but it's the only time I get to work on the cruiser after the kids go to bed and it has cooled down to...oh, what does the temp say? 102°???? :eek:

Anyway, I followed directions that were around on the web, but the best ones are on the gpsdepot website.

GPSFileDepot - Custom Maps, Ximage hosting, tutorials, articles and more for your GPSr

My handheld is a DeLorme, so getting used to the Mapsource software took a bit of getting used to. There are complete tutorials on how to get mapsource (for free!), how to download the maps, and transfer to the Kenwood. To transfer, I really thought about trying to burn a CD, but finally broke down and pulled the HU out. The Kenwood "Traffic" receiver (which I don't have), plugs into a mini-USB port in the back of the HU. I plugged in a mini-USB to USB cable and fished it through to the glove box where my XM unit is, then buttoned it back up. Plug into laptop with mapsource and go to town!

The only glitch I ran into is that all of my computers are Win 7 64 bit OS. When you try and install any of the map files onto the latest version of either Base Camp or Mapsource, they don't work. You need to load a map set that uses a 32-bit installer first, then all the other maps you load will become visible in the "View->Switch to Product" option. I loaded one recommended on the site called "My Trails", then promptly ignored it, and got onto downloading the AZ topos. The entire AZ topo (30 ft. contours) took a little over 200MB. I still have some free room left, but not much. There is no SD card slot on the 6140, so you have to use internal memory.

Will go try it out this weekend. I'm not an expert on tracking and waypoints, but we'll see what I can hack up. I'm just glad to be showing where I am instead of "Driving North" in a sea of yellow...:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

:popcorn:
Kenwood-topo.webp
 
Oh, I activated the XM for this summer's 8,400 mile roadtrip. Good move. I think that when I move up to a 5-speed, '03+ cruiser, I'm really going to miss the flexibility and features of an aftermarket HU....
 
So here's a 5+ year update. The Kenwood XM unit crapped out a few months ago. Not possible to retrofit any new receivers to the HU since it's a pre-merger unit, and replacements are crazy expensive. Bleh. Now the Nav unit is stuck in perpetual reboot mode, so my navi HU has no navi. I really wanted to like this, but when your 15 year old, 230K cruiser outlasts your aftermarket HU, that sucks. I liked the ability to load topos on the Garmin, and the functionality when it worked, but now it's just a really expensive backup camera and phone-music-player since my kids have outgrown DVD's. Wish the quality was better...

:meh:
 
I would not feel too bad. it lasted a while... i bought a Sony HU and that lasted a year! Really nice setup you did tho. :)
 
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