Installing a Kenwood DNX9960 - help advice for DIYer

[rlwanbe]

Hi Guys,
I am researching on what is the best aftermarket head unit I can install into my soon to be RL since the original Navi doesn't have the same capabilities in these aftermarket units.
I am a DIYer (intermediate level) and you like your advice on a good value for money unit. I like the DNX 9960 because it can use the steering controls. My questions:

- Go for the DNX 9960 ? ( money is not the issue as I am going to keep the truck for a long time) Or better consider something else
- Do not attempt to install on my own and spend the money on professional installation? This part I don’t like as I don’t know even with professionals what corners they will cut and I would like to save the money on installation and use it towards buying the unit itself.
- I will be adding the backup camera wireless as per the posts I found on ROC I am guessing there will be no problems with this HU.
- I know there are very talented people here with electronics from what I have read/seen on posts, can I count on some help from the experts – please; pictures, steps, where to buy stuff, etc. Mainly help via email when I get to do the project, any volunteers?

Thanks.

[paynea]

If you do choose the 9960, consider the Kenwood CMOS-300 backup cam. Definitely pricier than the plain ebay cameras, but has integration features with the 9960 such that you can display overlays (side lines and backup lines to aid in parking) and switch camera angles on the fly by tapping on the screen (normal, super wide angle view, a "straight down view" perfect for hitching trailers or just backing as close as possible to a car or wall, corner views that split the screen into divergent views off to the sides of the truck, and a split view with straight back and straight down views shown simultaneously. Well worth the expense in my opinion. And the camera can be fitted into the 2009+ tailgate handle with camera hole with a bit of ingenuity (in this case, a bit of strapping and hot glue--looks factory from the outside). I too considered DIY, but found a trustworthy installer in my area that takes things as seriously as I do and really went the extra mile. If you're in eastern Massachusetts by chance I recommend him without reservation: audiomaxonline.com. Went off on a business trip, returned to a even cooler RL.

I was surprised at the sound of this head unit with decent, efficient speakers. With some 6.5" coaxial speakers in the doors (with some dynamat) and some imaging tweeters in the dash, it drives cleanly louder than I'd care to listen, and so far has no separate amp. Still waiting on the eD SQ-10 and sub box that's on back order (which will require an amp of course).

There was a defect on the camera's power supply unit which I'll have to get replaced shortly under warranty, but otherwise I'm extremely pleased with the head unit and cam. I just leveled with myself that this was not the time to learn-by-doing, since there is a lot of domain expertise in the mobile electronics field that I just don't have, and I'd rather spend the time with my family. It was hard to resist the lure of DIY though, especially with the wealth of info on this forum from those who've gone that way.

In terms of vehicle integration, here are the decisions I made for your consideration: ipod adapter into the Not An Ashtray, voice activation button on the side of the steering column by the turn signal stalk, usb and mini-usb from back of the head unit into the glove box (for firmware updates, playing music off a USB stick, and hacking the unit with alternate startup images, etc), bluetooth mic at the top of the pillar next to the windshield, and GPS antenna under the plastic trim of the dash (get full signal, stealthy install too). I considered drilling the USB into some of the blank plates on the dash but decided I would not use it enough and wanted everything behind doors anyway. And as silly as it sounds, I got a dummy faceplate to obscure the unit when I park: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...%3DI%26otn%3D1

There's another one that some folks on this forum have with a suction cup built in, but I was worried about scratches on the screen from that. This one just hangs, or you can put a shim and velcro for greater stability.

I got a lot of great info about the 9960 on the kenwood forums: http://kenwoodforums.com/viewforum.p...0255272f8b6566

Nothing is perfect, but it does seem like the state of the art at the moment. I also grabbed a 3d ridgeline model for the Garmin nav software (which I'd already put in the Garmin module in my smartphone) to increase the geek factor.

[RidgeyMon]

Hey did you end up putting in the CMOS 300? I've got one coming in the mail and trying to figure out how to form a water tight seal around the '09 handle and the camera lens...

[laserguy]

If you buy it from Crutchfield they include intructions, and all harnesses, antenna adaptors, mounting kit etc free of charge and you get free tech support and a year warranty on the HU. It is a plug and play with the right items, and the dash is very easy to take apart.
Good luck!

[rollinhonda]

I agree if you are a real pro going for the lowest price might be worthwhile, but Crutchfield generally has sales, and even if the bottom line price is not the lowest, the customer service is hard to beat.
I may want to put a similar unit in mine some day, I think the Kenwood navi integration is one of the best, and I think Garmin provides lifetime updates for that model, maybe panyea knows (welcome to the forum!). Great info BTW!

[RidgeyMon]

I had bought the parts off of ebay.

1. Double-Din Kit, w/ Stereo Harness & antennae Harness including shipping - $34.99

2. New Kenwood DNX-7160 including shipping - $779.00. I would have gotten the lesser model but I wanted the live traffic updates.

3. I went to the local auto shop and picked up some butt-end connectors, wire taps and electircal tape.

The instructions were easy to follow, just plug and play. I tapped the parking brake line with the help of some posts on this forum. Twice I installed the kit and twice the stereo fell out then I realized I had to push the stereo out far enough to put pressure on the side tabs that hold the stereo up. I have to admit the kit looks pretty sharp. My non-techy passengers think its factory. However, using plastic to hold up the weight of that deck is a bit silly, but I'll wait til it breaks to mod the metal plates from the factory deck.

I'm really looking forward to the much needed backup camera, I'm just worried about what I'm reading in the manual of the CMOS-300 - it says "do not expose the unit to rain"... but then it says to "mount above the license plate"... Thanks Kenwood...

It comes with a power supply unit that needs to be tapped to the ACC, wondering if I can tap the one I'm using for the stereo?

P.S. For maps - You get 1 free update within the first 3 months of activation (like all Garmin units) but, you still gotta pay for map updates like everyone else .
The traffic subscription is lifetime!!!

[ROBSRTL]

I have been looking to install tweeters. Found a thread which showed a few different tweeters and ways to install them. can't find it again to save my life, Can anybody help??

[laserguy]

There is a thread on page 2 of this mobile elecs section that got 5 stars and has over 6000 views, maybe that is the one you are talking about.

[ROBSRTL]

Originally Posted by laserguy

There is a thread on page 2 of this mobile elecs section that got 5 stars and has over 6000 views, maybe that is the one you are talking about.

Lazerguy, Thanks , You are right that was the thread.