Kenwood DNX5120 and Backup Camera Install w/pics

zukiman · #1 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 02:05 PM

Hey all!

I installed a Kenwood DNX5120 the other day and wanted to post some pics.

I finally decided on the Kenwood after looking at the Alpine, Pioneer and Eclipse. I liked the Kenwood because it utilizes Garmin Navigation that you can update via the web. I will be adding Sirius and Bluetooth in the future and it is all plug and play.

Want to thank PS Rage for some helpful insight and emails and others on the Forum that reviewed their radio and experience installing, couldn't have done it without you!

My truck... 2007 Tundra 5.7L 4x4 Double Cab 100% debadged

Yes it is an Autobot

It has tinted windows, ventvisors, rear cover and TRD wheels and tires...

Another view...

Kenwood DNX5120 installed with Metra 99-8220HG dash kit and wiring harness...

I used the factory AUX input for the USB input on the Kenwood... I still need to make it pretty.

Another picture of the Kenwood

I installed a factory backup camera and wired it into the connection in the overhead console (thanks again to PS Rage and others for their informative posts)

I ended up finding a 7806 voltage regulator that I wired and used to take the 12V in and reduce it down to 6V. I couldn't figure out the resistors so I went the easy way out.

I am planning on upgrading the speakers soon and adding DVD headrest monitors.

I also have an onboard air system and tank I need to install and will post pics on that as I go...

tpgn00 · #2 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 02:26 PM

Looks good!

cirrus65 · #3 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 02:36 PM

Looks nice!

I just got my DNX5120 so I'll be doing this soon, but with a Kenwood camera in the factory handle. So I'm wondering, if I have the Crutchfield supplied wiring adapter will I be able to avoid the whole tie in to the reverse wire by the kick panel and camera wiring in the overhead?

Also does anyone have any recommendations for an adhesive to attach the camera into the handle? (I thought I'd have a better chance with glue etc., than with wiring!)

zukiman · #4 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 02:44 PM

The only reason you would need to tie into the overhead is if you were going to use the factory backup camera. I have either the reverse on or always on for the camera, so it turns on when I shift into reverse or I can just hold down the NAV button and it displays the rear camera anytime.

I would imagine that you would need to tie into the reverse sensor wire as that was included in the Kenwood Wiring harness. A nice feature of the Kenwood is that it allows you to bypass the "no NAV functions while driving" and DVD playback while driving is also possible. I do not watch it but my son often rides up front so he really likes it.

Jumbo Jet · #5 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zukiman

The only reason you would need to tie into the overhead is if you were going to use the factory backup camera. I have either the reverse on or always on for the camera, so it turns on when I shift into reverse or I can just hold down the NAV button and it displays the rear camera anytime.

I would imagine that you would need to tie into the reverse sensor wire as that was included in the Kenwood Wiring harness. A nice feature of the Kenwood is that it allows you to bypass the "no NAV functions while driving" and DVD playback while driving is also possible. I do not watch it but my son often rides up front so he really likes it.

Thats exactly what I was gonna ask you..... the by-pass. Did you have to ground anything or do they allow you to set it in the settings?

I just ordered an 8120 so ours will look similar, and I have to say that the Metra kit looks like a perfect fit. I bought a Scosche kit but I hate the gap on the bottom where it meets the climate controls. Looks like I 'm gonna switch to the Metra kit. Where did you find it? I've looked online but I can only find the matte finish kit.

Thanks, and nice looking set-up.

Oh yeah, give us a quick review of the 5120 please. Like to hear how you like the new UI.

Only Toyota for me · #6 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 05:08 PM

How is the FM reception compared to before? JBL reception sucks.

Did you have the JBL before?

Do you like the sound quality better? Night & day difference?

Can i use my factory steering controls & BT with this unit? I have the JBL.

How much did you pay?

No more questions. Sorry so many.

Looks good.

zukiman · #7 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 05:35 PM

There is a parking sensor wire that I grounded, but if you wanted to hook it up correctly then there is a setting that allows you to use the NAV in motion.

I found the Metra on ebay... just do a search for 99-8220HG and it will pull it up. The kit was $34.95, wiring harness was $4.99 and shipping cost me $9.00. It is a perfect match.

As for a review, so far I like it, I haven't messed with it too much but so far so good. The only issue I have had so far is that the unit kept freezing up when I had a 2 gig USB drive in it. I switched to a 256mb drive and it worked flawlessly. It may be an issue with so many other files and stuff on the USB but I am still checking...

The NAV is Garmin so it is good to go. I am going to try and update POIs and the map this weekend and will post how that works out. The unit is new this year so there isn't very much on the net to help out yet.

There is a 7120 (i think) that is the full 7" touchscreen but the price is considerably more. I couldn't justify the price for a minimal increase.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jumbo Jet

Thats exactly what I was gonna ask you..... the by-pass. Did you have to ground anything or do they allow you to set it in the settings?

Looks like I 'm gonna switch to the Metra kit. Where did you find it? I've looked online but I can only find the matte finish kit.

Thanks, and nice looking set-up.

Oh yeah, give us a quick review of the 5120 please. Like to hear how you like the new UI.

zukiman · #8 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Only Toyota for me

How is the FM reception compared to before? JBL reception sucks.

Reception seems to be a whole lot better, as I was scanning for favorite stations there seemed to be a ton of stations that I had never heard before.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Only Toyota for me

Did you have the JBL before?

I had the cheapo system, I used to install stereos YEARS ago (before they got complicated) and never pay for a upgraded radio system because you can put such a better system in for half of what the dealerships want.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Only Toyota for me

Do you like the sound quality better? Night & day difference?

Sound quality is much better, even with the factory speakers. I am upgrading the speakers in the very near future (have to be after we get back from Disney, all the money is getting set aside for that trip!). I am probably going with the "S" series Alpine 6.5" in the rear and the 6.5" with tweeter in the front. May also eventually put a small sub in but we'll see...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Only Toyota for me

Can i use my factory steering controls & BT with this unit? I have the JBL.

I know they have Bluetooth for it which runs around $150, I believe they have an adapter for the steering wheel controls as well... Best thing to do is to either go to the Kenwood site (not very helpful) or Crutchfield to findout part numbers and what you need then find it elsewhere as Crutchfield is a bit high.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Only Toyota for me

How much did you pay?

I paid $674 shipped for the Kenwood, which seemed like a good price.

zukiman · #9 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tpgn00

Looks good!

Thank you!!!

Jumbo Jet · #10 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Only Toyota for me

How is the FM reception compared to before? JBL reception sucks.

Did you have the JBL before?

Do you like the sound quality better? Night & day difference?

Can i use my factory steering controls & BT with this unit? I have the JBL.

How much did you pay?

No more questions. Sorry so many.

Looks good.

To keep your factory steering wheel controls with that unit you'll need an adapter. Its a PAC module and its model is PAC SWI-JACK, that will work for Kenwood's. I just picked one up on ebay for $34. Its a simple 3 wire hook-up.

Jumbo Jet · #11 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zukiman

There is a parking sensor wire that I grounded, but if you wanted to hook it up correctly then there is a setting that allows you to use the NAV in motion.

I found the Metra on ebay... just do a search for 99-8220HG and it will pull it up. The kit was $34.95, wiring harness was $4.99 and shipping cost me $9.00. It is a perfect match.

As for a review, so far I like it, I haven't messed with it too much but so far so good. The only issue I have had so far is that the unit kept freezing up when I had a 2 gig USB drive in it. I switched to a 256mb drive and it worked flawlessly. It may be an issue with so many other files and stuff on the USB but I am still checking...

The NAV is Garmin so it is good to go. I am going to try and update POIs and the map this weekend and will post how that works out. The unit is new this year so there isn't very much on the net to help out yet.

There is a 7120 (i think) that is the full 7" touchscreen but the price is considerably more. I couldn't justify the price for a minimal increase.

Great, thanks alot! I wonder if the freeze up was the software glitch. My 8120 got recalled the other day for a software update to fix something, but Kenwood was pretty vague about what the exact problem was. Should have it in a week or two. Glad to hear your happy with it, since they are so new there are hardly any user reviews out there.

Thanks again.

kwhite1124 · #12 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 08:12 PM

I have the DDX 512 that I got from Best Buy. Mine doesn't have the nav....yet. I do have the Blue Tooth on the way. Just released this week. I'll have way more in mine than you for the same thing. My nav will be an add on but should be about the same thing. I have the Scoshe kit and my look for the MetrA. I have the gap, but it doesn't bother me anymore. Nobody notices it but me.

PS-RagE · #13 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 09:27 PM

Nice job! Love the AutoBot!

How did you do that?

zukiman · #14 (**permalink**) 04-04-2008, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PS-RagE

Nice job! Love the AutoBot!

How did you do that?

Thanks!! Got the Autobot badge on ebay (about $10) and cut out the "T" in the emblem... turned out it fit perfectly.

benito_suave · #15 (**permalink**) 04-05-2008, 05:09 AM

looks good zuki! i've been wondering if we'd be able to buy the factory camera and install it with an aftermarket HU...guess we can! where did u buy the camera and for how much? Did you have to buy the whole tailgate handle or did you use your existing and just cut out a hole for it?